Travel Insurance for a Baker's Cyst

What is a Baker’s cyst?

A Baker’s cyst is a swelling filled with fluid that forms at the back of the knee. It’s one of the more common musculoskeletal conditions affecting the knee, and it usually develops when an underlying problem, such as osteoarthritis or a cartilage tear, makes the joint produce extra fluid. Some people notice a soft lump and a feeling of tightness, especially when bending or straightening the leg. Others don’t feel it at all.

Many cysts settle without treatment, particularly once the knee problem behind them is managed. Occasionally a cyst bursts, and fluid leaking into the calf can cause pain and swelling that look very like a blood clot. The NHS Baker’s cyst page explains the symptoms and treatment options.

Why do I need to declare a Baker’s cyst for travel insurance?

Once a Baker’s cyst has been diagnosed or treated, it counts as a pre-existing medical condition. It may seem minor, but a cyst can burst and cause sudden swelling and pain in the calf that looks a lot like a blood clot, so you could end up needing urgent checks abroad. It is also often linked to another knee problem.

If you don’t declare it, a claim connected to the cyst or that knee could be turned down 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 a Baker’s cyst?

Usually, yes. Whether a Baker’s cyst can be included depends on your medical screening. A cyst that’s small and causing few symptoms is viewed differently from one that has recently burst, needed draining, or is linked to knee surgery you’re waiting for. Underlying arthritis should be declared too.

What we’ll ask about your Baker’s cyst

Our online screening is easy to follow. It asks a few questions about your Baker’s cyst, including which knee is affected and whether you’ve been referred for a scan or procedure. When you’ve declared this condition, carry on with any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions.

Finishing the medical declaration takes you through to the quote page. Provided your Baker’s cyst and your other declared conditions can be covered, you’ll be presented with a list of quotes. The premium you see already includes cover for your medical, and if we cannot provide cover, you’ll know before going ahead.

If your health changes before travelling

A Baker’s cyst can flare up or need treatment. If you start a different medicine, you visit hospital, you’re referred for a scan or procedure, or you receive a new diagnosis between now and departure, you must let us know. We may have to review your cover and refer your medical details to the underwriters, and sometimes we may not be able to proceed with cover. If changes in your medical go unreported, a future claim can be affected or denied.

What can Baker’s cyst travel insurance cover?

Once the cyst is accepted, emergency treatment for it abroad can be covered. If it bursts while you’re walking in the hills in Mallorca and you need to be checked in hospital, that emergency care can be included, and so can getting you home with medical help if a doctor decides it’s necessary. Cover is always subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If your knee becomes too painful to travel and a doctor advises against the trip, cancellation cover may help you reclaim non-refundable costs.

Draining the cyst or any other planned procedure abroad wouldn’t be covered. Claims tied to undeclared conditions aren’t covered either.

Will a Baker’s cyst affect the cost of travel insurance?

A Baker’s cyst may affect your premium, with the result of our online medical screening deciding the amount. During the screening you may get questions about any treatment for the cyst and how well controlled your symptoms are. Your age, the place you’re visiting and the number of days you’re away are also taken into account. Once you finish, the price is shown, and you’re under no obligation to buy.

Single trip or annual cover with a Baker’s cyst

A single trip policy suits a single holiday. Regular travellers can look at annual multi-trip cover, subject to the screening result.

Travelling with a Baker’s cyst: practical tips

The following is general advice only and isn’t part of what your policy covers.

Know the warning signs of a burst cyst. Sudden pain, swelling and redness in the calf need checking quickly, because they can also be signs of a deep vein thrombosis, and long flights already raise the risk of clots. Don’t assume it’s just the cyst. Get medical help.

On the plane, keep your legs moving. Flex your ankles, stand up when you can and drink plenty of water. An aisle seat gives you room to stretch the affected leg. Your GP or pharmacist can tell you whether flight socks are suitable for you.

Pace the walking. Cobbled streets, long beach walks and steep steps can all make the knee swell, so build rest into each day. If ice helps at home, ask your hotel for some, or pack a reusable cold pack.

Choosing where to stay can help. A ground floor room, or a hotel with a lift, saves a lot of stairs, and somewhere close to the beach or the old town means shorter walks at the end of the day.

Bring any knee support you normally use, and a supply of the painkillers that work for you. If kneeling or squatting brings on pain, a hotel with a proper shower rather than a low bath can make a difference.

How to get a quote

Fill in where and when you’re going, declare the Baker’s cyst and anything else in the medical section, then choose your cover. You’ll see the price before you commit.

Get a Quote

Other Useful Musculoskeletal Pages

• Arthritis Travel Insurance
• Back and Neck Pain Travel Insurance
• Baker's Cyst Travel Insurance
• Broken Bones Travel Insurance
• Bunions Travel Insurance
• Bursitis Travel Insurance
• Fibromyalgia Travel Insurance
• Frozen Shoulder Travel Insurance
• Gout Travel Insurance
• Knee Pain Travel Insurance
• Osteophyte Travel Insurance
• Osteoporosis Travel Insurance
• Plantar Fasciitis Travel Insurance
• Repetitive Strain Injury Travel Insurance
• Sciatica Travel Insurance
• Slipped Disc Travel Insurance
• Tendonitis 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.