Travelling abroad with Anorexia

What is anorexia?

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder and a serious mental health condition. People with anorexia try to keep their weight as low as possible, usually by eating very little, often in combination with excessive exercise. Underneath it there is often an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted view of their own body (body dysmorphia).

It can affect anyone, at any age, although it most often starts in teenage years. Over time it can affect the heart, bones, hormones and other organs, which is why treatment usually combines talking therapy with physical health checks. Recovery is possible, but it can take a long time. The NHS anorexia page covers the signs and the support available.

Why do I need to declare anorexia for travel insurance?

Anorexia is a pre-existing medical condition, whether you’re in treatment or in recovery. It can affect the heart, bones and other organs, so there’s a real chance of needing medical help abroad, and a relapse could lead to a trip being cancelled.

We need to know so it can be assessed properly. Physical effects such as osteoporosis or a heart rhythm problem should be declared too. If they aren’t, a related claim may be refused or paid at a reduced amount.

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 anorexia?

Many people can, whether they’re in treatment or in recovery. Whether cover is available tends to depend on how recently you’ve been treated, any hospital or inpatient stays, whether you are under a specialist eating disorder team, and whether the illness has affected your physical health.

What we’ll ask about your anorexia

The online medical screening is short and easy to get through. It asks a few things about your anorexia, the treatment and support you receive and whether you’ve needed a hospital stay. When you’re done declaring this condition, carry on declaring any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions.

After the declaration, you’ll be taken to the quote page. You’ll be shown a list of quotes if your anorexia and your other conditions are coverable, and each premium includes the cost of cover for your medical. If we’re unable to offer cover, you’ll be told before you proceed.

If your health changes before travelling

Recovery from an eating disorder can have setbacks. If you’re admitted to hospital, you start new medication, you’re referred for further assessment, or you receive a new diagnosis 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 anorexia travel insurance cover?

Once anorexia is accepted, emergency medical treatment abroad can be covered. If you collapsed and were found to be severely dehydrated during a trip to Italy, the hospital care can be included, and so can repatriation if you need to come home with medical support. This is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If your health deteriorates before departure and your doctor advises you not to go, cancellation cover may help with non-refundable costs.

The policy won’t cover planned treatment abroad, or claims linked to a condition you didn’t declare. Some policies have exclusions around self-harm, so read the wording carefully.

Will anorexia affect the cost of travel insurance?

Anorexia can have an effect on cost, and the result of your online medical screening is what determines it. Some questions may ask about how you’re being treated and how well the condition is controlled right now. Your age, destination and how long you’re travelling for are part of every quote, so those count as well. Seeing the price comes before buying, which leaves the choice with you.

Single trip or annual cover with anorexia

Single trip cover is a good fit if you have one holiday in mind. For several trips in a year, annual travel insurance may be available depending on your screening result.

Travelling with anorexia: practical tips

These ideas are general and may or may not suit you. They aren’t part of the insurance.

Talk to your treatment team before you book. They know where you are in recovery and can help you plan for the parts of a trip that may feel hardest, from unfamiliar food to eating in front of other people.

Plan meals the same way you would plan the rest of the trip. Look at menus in advance, check what the accommodation offers, and pack some foods you feel comfortable with for the journey. Self-catering can give you more control than an all-inclusive hotel, but everyone is different.

Heat and long journeys can affect your body more if your weight is low. Keep drinking, rest when you need to, and don’t push yourself into long days of walking. If you feel faint, dizzy or your heart feels unusual, get medical help.

If you take any regular medicines or supplements, pack enough for the whole trip and keep them in your hand luggage, along with a short note of your diagnosis and your team’s contact details in case you need to see a doctor abroad.

Travel with someone who knows what you’re dealing with if you can, and agree how you’ll keep in touch with your support team while you’re away. Our page on eating disorders travel insurance covers bulimia and binge eating disorder too.

How to get a quote

Add your travel plans, answer the questions about anorexia and anything else you need to declare, and choose your cover. The cost is shown before you pay.

Get a Quote

Other Useful Mental Health Pages

• Anorexia Travel Insurance
• Anxiety Travel Insurance
• Aviophobia Travel Insurance
• Bipolar Travel Insurance
• Claustrophobia Travel Insurance
• Depression Travel Insurance
• Eating Disorders Travel Insurance
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Travel Insurance
• Panic Disorder Travel Insurance
• Personality Disorders Travel Insurance
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder 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.