A fresh warning has been issued by experts for the approximately half a million individuals using weight loss injections in the UK, who could risk invalidating their travel insurance this summer. Medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, used to combat diabetes and obesity, have seen a surge in demand following NHS approval.
Private prescriptions for these drugs are also on the rise, with around 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 a holiday this summer. According to the Daily Mail, it’s mandatory for travellers to disclose any pre-existing conditions and medication when obtaining insurance.
Yet, many individuals using weight-loss injections might not view it as medication or may neglect to declare it when purchasing cover.
Experts have clarified that these drugs are categorised as treatment, even if bought online without a GP’s prescription. They caution 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, reports Bristol Live.
Kara Gammell, from comparison website Money Supermarket, has advised: “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.”
She added: “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.” Gammell emphasised the need for complete honesty, particularly for those who have obtained medication privately. Even people taking these medicines without a prescription are not exempt.
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 has also told ITV News that it’s always sensible to consult the FCDO travel guidance to check for any restrictions when bringing medications into your destination country. Not every nation has approved the same weight-loss treatments as the UK, and airport officials may question any medicines they find, especially if they’re not authorised in their country.
The ABI discovered that the typical insurance claim for people aged 36 to 40 stands at £518, rising dramatically to £1,830 for those between 71 and 75. In the most serious cases, insurance payouts can reach tens of thousands of pounds. However, obtaining single-trip cover for Europe can be remarkably affordable, with prices beginning at just £16, according to Go Compare.
ITV’s specialists recommended: “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 also warned: “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.”
Staysure advises customers to disclose their use of weight loss injections, treating them like any other prescribed medication. Failure to do so could invalidate your insurance for any medical claims ‘directly or indirectly linked to the medication’. The insurer added: “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.”
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