Experts have issued a warning that half a million individuals utilising weight loss injections could risk invalidating their travel insurance this summer. Drugs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, which are used to combat diabetes and obesity, have seen a surge in demand following their approval by the NHS.
Private prescriptions for these drugs are also on the rise, with an estimated 3.4 million people expected to be eligible for treatment on the NHS alone over the next 12 years.
However, those using these weight-loss jabs are now being cautioned that they could jeopardise their crucial travel cover if they plan to holiday this summer. It is mandatory for travellers to disclose any pre-existing conditions and medication when taking out insurance, the Daily Mail reported.
Yet, many people using weight-loss injections may not view it as medication or may forget to declare it when purchasing cover.
Experts said these drugs are categorised as treatment, even if purchased online without a GP’s prescription. Experts warn that failure to disclose usage of weight-loss injections and any related health conditions could result in insurers refusing to pay out in the event of a claim.
Kara Gammell, from comparison website Money Supermarket, said: “If you’re prescribed these drugs for obesity, diabetes or any other condition, it’s essential to declare both the medication and the underlying health issue when buying your policy. Failing to do so could invalidate your cover – even if your claim has nothing to do with the treatment.
Ms Gammell further warned that those receiving private prescriptions must still declare their medication. She said: “Insurers don’t distinguish between NHS and private prescriptions – if you’re taking it, they need to know. The fact that it wasn’t prescribed through your GP doesn’t exempt you from disclosure.”
She emphasised the importance of disclosure, particularly for those who have purchased medication privately. Even those consuming these drugs without a prescription are not exempted.
A black market exists where illegal online sellers offer semaglutide, an active ingredient in some medications, without a prescription.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) warns: ‘If any prescription medicine is taken without approval from a doctor, especially if it may have side effects that could lead to complications, this could void your cover and cause issues should you need to make a claim. ‘.
The Association of British Travel Agents told ITV News it is also always advisable to check with the FCDO travel advice to see if there are any restrictions in place when taking medications into the country you are visiting.
Not every country in the world has approved the same weight-loss drugs as the UK has, and airport officials may have questions about any medication they find, especially if it is not approved in their country.
According to ABI, the average claim value for individuals aged 36-40 is £518, which escalates to £1,830 for travellers aged 71-75.
In severe cases, insurance payouts can reach into five figures. However, single-trip coverage for Europe can be as affordable as £16, as per Go Compare.
ITV experts said: “First of all, you need to declare a pre-existing condition to your travel insurance provider anyway. This will likely result in a higher premium, but if you do not and the provider finds out, they may cancel your cover.
“They will also likely refuse to pay out if you fall ill due to the condition while on holiday. If one of the jabs has been prescribed for the preexisting condition they it is unlikely you will need to also reveal the medication you are taking for it.”
Leading insurers have given significantly different responses on the issue depending on the company. Aviva requires customers to disclose any diagnosed illness, disease or injury for which they have been prescribed medication, stating: “This includes anyone who has been prescribed weight loss medication for obesity. If a customer fails to disclose a medical condition for which they’ve been prescribed medication, we will not cover any claims relating to this under the terms of the policy.”
Staysure also advises customers to declare the use of weight loss jabs, just as they would with any other medication. Failure to do so could invalidate your insurance for any medical claims ‘directly or indirectly linked to the medication’.
The company further clarifies: “We can provide cover if the jab is prescribed by your GP or through a registered pharmacy, it’s part of a proper weight-loss plan, is on your medical records and your doctor confirms you are fit to fly. You’ll also need to make sure the jab doesn’t clash with any other medicines you’re taking, which will be assessed by the medical professional.”
Admiral Group states that customers need to disclose medical conditions such as obesity and diabetes, but not the medication itself. However, a spokesman adds: “Failing to disclose the underlying condition it’s prescribed for – typically obesity or diabetes – could invalidate the policy.”
Co-op also mentions that not declaring medication would not ‘automatically’ invalidate cover, but if the jabs relate to a medical condition it should be disclosed during the medical screening.
The Post Office always advises customers to declare any medical condition for which they are receiving prescription drugs. It’s recommended you speak to your insurer.
It’s prudent to obtain written confirmation that your policy covers the treatment. Ms Gammell advises travellers to carry a copy of their prescription or a doctor’s letter and keep their medication in its original packaging.
‘This helps avoid issues at customs and makes it easier to replace lost or stolen medication abroad,’ she says.