Travel Insurance for Cellulitis

What is cellulitis?

Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of the skin and the tissue underneath. Bacteria get in through a break in the skin, such as a cut, a bite, cracked heels or a patch of eczema, and the area becomes red or darker than usual, hot, swollen and painful. It most often affects the legs. It’s one of the infectious conditions covered on our site.

Most cases clear up with a course of antibiotic tablets, though more severe infections are treated in hospital with antibiotics through a drip. Some people get it repeatedly, especially if they have swelling from lymphoedema or poor circulation. The NHS cellulitis page explains the signs to look for.

Why do I need to declare cellulitis for travel insurance?

Cellulitis that is current, recent or keeps coming back counts as a pre-existing medical condition. We ask about it because it often returns in the same limb, and long flights, insect bites, sunburn and small cuts on holiday can set it off. A flare away from home may need antibiotics or even a drip in hospital.

If it isn’t declared, a claim for treating it abroad, or for cancelling because of it, may 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 if I’ve had cellulitis?

Generally, yes. Whether cover is offered depends on your screening result. An infection that has fully cleared is usually straightforward, while frequent episodes or long-term preventive antibiotics may affect the outcome. Related conditions such as diabetes or lymphoedema are taken into account as well.

What we’ll ask about your cellulitis

Our online medical screening is quick and straightforward. You’ll answer a handful of questions about your cellulitis, covering how recently you had it and whether it keeps coming back. Once this condition is done, carry on and declare any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions.

When the medical declaration is complete, you’ll move on to the quote page. Where your cellulitis and any other conditions are coverable, a list of quotes appears, with the cost of covering your medical already built into the premium. If cover isn’t possible, you’ll find out before you proceed.

If your health changes before travelling

Skin infections can return unexpectedly. If, before your trip, the infection comes back, you’re admitted to hospital, your medicines change, or you’re referred to a specialist, you must let us know. We may need to review your cover or refer your medical situation to the underwriters, and occasionally we may not be able to proceed with cover. Any change in your medical you don’t tell us about could mean a future claim is affected or denied.

What can cellulitis travel insurance cover?

Once cellulitis is accepted, emergency treatment for it abroad can be covered. Suppose a scratch on your shin turns into a hot, spreading infection in Cyprus and you’re admitted for intravenous antibiotics. Hospital costs can be covered, and repatriation can be too if medically necessary, subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If a bout of cellulitis before you leave means a doctor advises against travelling, you may be able to claim for prepaid costs through cancellation cover.

The policy won’t cover treatment arranged in advance abroad, or claims linked to conditions that weren’t declared.

Will cellulitis affect the cost of travel insurance?

Cellulitis may be reflected in the price. Rather than a set charge, it comes down to your screening outcome. When you go through online medical screening, there may be questions about how your cellulitis is treated and how well it is controlled. Your age and travel plans, such as where you’re going and for how long, count too. You’ll see what it costs before you buy.

Single trip or annual cover with cellulitis

If you’re taking one trip, single trip travel insurance is the simplest choice. For several trips a year, annual travel insurance can be more convenient, depending on what the screening shows.

Travelling with cellulitis: practical tips

This is general advice, separate from your insurance cover.

Look after your skin. Most cellulitis starts with a small break, so moisturise dry or cracked skin, treat athlete’s foot before you go, and clean cuts and grazes straight away. Pack antiseptic, plasters and insect repellent, since bites that get scratched are a common way in.

Avoid walking barefoot on beaches and around pools. Water shoes protect your feet from shells, rocks and hot sand.

Long flights and hot weather can make legs swell, which raises the risk if you’re prone to cellulitis. Move around the cabin, keep your legs raised when you can, and wear compression stockings if they’ve been recommended for you.

If you’ve had cellulitis several times, ask your GP whether it makes sense to carry a standby course of antibiotics in case it starts while you’re away. Some people with recurring cellulitis are given this. Take a photo of the affected area on day one if it flares, so you can see whether redness is spreading.

Spreading redness, a fever, feeling sick or shivery, or feeling confused should be seen by a doctor urgently. Cellulitis can occasionally lead to sepsis.

How to get a quote

Give us your trip details, answer the questions about cellulitis and any other conditions, then choose your cover. You’ll see what it costs before you pay.

Get a Quote

Other Useful Infectious Pages

• Abscesses Travel Insurance
• Brain Abscess Travel Insurance
• Breast Abscess Travel Insurance
• Cellulitis Travel Insurance
• Chickenpox Travel Insurance
• Glandular Fever Travel Insurance
• HIV Travel Insurance
• Influenza Travel Insurance
• Lyme Disease Travel Insurance
• Meningitis Travel Insurance
• Norovirus Travel Insurance
• Sepsis Travel Insurance
• Tuberculosis 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.