Travel Insurance for Acne

What is acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that causes spots, oily skin, and sometimes skin that feels hot or painful to touch. It mostly appears on the face, back, and chest. It’s one of the most familiar skin conditions, especially in teenagers, but plenty of adults have it too.

It happens when hair follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin cells. Mild acne is often treated with creams or gels from a pharmacy. More severe acne may need antibiotics or a medicine called isotretinoin, which is prescribed by a dermatologist. The NHS acne page explains the different treatments.

Why do I need to declare acne for travel insurance?

Acne might not seem like something that affects travel cover, but if you’re under a dermatologist or on prescribed tablets it can count as a pre-existing medical condition. Some acne medicines, isotretinoin in particular, make skin burn easily in the sun and need regular monitoring, so a reaction or side effect abroad isn’t out of the question.

If acne should have been declared and wasn’t, a related claim could be refused or reduced.

You won’t need to declare every medical condition you’ve ever had or been diagnosed with, only those that fall into the initial set of medical questions.

Can I get travel insurance with acne?

Yes. Mild acne treated with over-the-counter products is unlikely to cause problems for your cover. Whether it comes into play usually depends on the treatment you’re on and whether you’re being seen by a specialist. Other conditions sometimes connected with acne, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, are declared separately.

What we’ll ask about your acne

The medical screening is online and simple to complete. For your acne, it asks about the treatment you use and whether you’re taking isotretinoin. When you’ve finished with this condition, carry on declaring any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions.

With the medical declaration complete, you’ll go through to the quote page. A list of quotes is shown if your acne and any other conditions are coverable, and the premium quoted includes the cost of covering your medical. If we can’t offer cover, you’ll find that out before going any further.

If your health changes before travelling

Acne treatment often changes along the way. If you start isotretinoin or another new treatment, you’re admitted to hospital, you’re referred for tests, or you’re diagnosed with something new before you travel, you must let us know. Your cover may need reviewing, we may need to refer your medical situation to the underwriters, and in some cases we may not be able to proceed with cover. If you don’t let us know of any changes in your medical, a future claim can be affected or denied.

What can travel insurance for acne cover?

Most people with acne never need to claim for it. Where it is declared and accepted, emergency treatment abroad for a related problem can be covered. An example might be a severe reaction to your medication on a holiday in Greece that needs a doctor or hospital visit. Repatriation can also be covered if it’s medically necessary. All of this is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If a medical problem means a doctor advises you not to travel, cancellation cover may help with non-refundable costs.

Planned treatment abroad, including cosmetic procedures, isn’t covered. Nor is anything linked to a condition you didn’t declare.

Will acne affect the cost of travel insurance?

In many cases acne makes little difference to the price, but it can. Answering the questions in our online medical screening gives a result that decides whether it does. Expect to be asked how your skin is being treated and how well the acne is controlled. The quote will also reflect general details such as your age and where and how long you’re travelling.

Single trip or annual cover with acne

Single trip cover works for one holiday, while annual multi-trip cover may suit you if you travel often. Annual cover depends on your screening result.

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Travelling with Acne: Practical Tips

These tips are general and are not part of your insurance.

Several acne treatments make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. These include isotretinoin, some antibiotics such as doxycycline, and creams containing retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. Use a high-factor, non-greasy sunscreen labelled non-comedogenic, wear a hat and avoid the strongest midday sun. Ask your pharmacist if you’re not sure whether your treatment affects you.

Heat and humidity can make some people break out more. Light, breathable clothing, washing after sweaty activities and avoiding heavy makeup in hot weather can help.

Isotretinoin dries the skin, lips and eyes. Lip balm, moisturiser, and eye drops are worth packing, as air conditioning and plane cabins are very drying.

Take enough of your treatment for the whole trip in your hand luggage. Some products are sold under different names or need a prescription abroad.

How to get a quote

Put in your trip details, answer the screening questions if you need to declare acne, then choose your cover. You’ll see the price before you pay.

Get a Quote

Other Useful Skin Pages

• Acne Travel Insurance
• Eczema or Dermatitis Travel Insurance
• Impetigo Travel Insurance
• Psoriasis Travel Insurance
• Rosacea Travel Insurance
• Shingles Travel Insurance
• Skin Cyst Travel Insurance
• Varicose Eczema Travel Insurance

Don't worry if your condition is not listed above - we cover plenty more medical conditions.
* Please note that cover will vary depending on individual medical screenings.