Travel Insurance for Chronic Pain Syndrome

What is chronic pain syndrome?

Pain is described as chronic when it carries on for more than three months, past the point where an injury or illness would normally have healed. Chronic pain syndrome is the term often used when that long-term pain starts to affect sleep, mood, energy, and day-to-day life as well. We list it under other medical conditions, although it often sits alongside something else.

It can follow an injury or operation, or come with conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, back and neck pain, or nerve damage. Sometimes no single cause is found. Treatment is usually a combination of medicines, physiotherapy, psychological support, and help from a pain clinic, aimed at managing the pain rather than curing it.

Why do I need to declare chronic pain syndrome for travel insurance?

Chronic pain syndrome counts as a pre-existing medical condition, and so does whatever lies behind it. We need to know about it because long-term pain can flare without much warning, and a bad spell away from home might mean seeing a doctor, needing stronger pain relief, or cutting a trip short. Strong painkillers can also bring side effects such as drowsiness or falls. If you don’t declare it and later make a claim linked to your pain, that claim could be refused or the amount paid 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 chronic pain syndrome?

Many people can. Chronic pain syndrome on its own doesn’t usually rule out a policy, though the condition behind it, if there is one, is looked at as well. Cover is more likely to be offered when your pain is being managed and your treatment hasn’t changed much lately. Recent procedures, unplanned admissions or an outstanding referral may make it harder for this condition to be included.

What we’ll ask about your chronic pain syndrome

The medical screening is online and simple to complete. For your chronic pain syndrome, you may be asked a few questions about hospital admissions or treatment. 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 chronic pain syndrome 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

Chronic pain can change over time. If your medication becomes different or stronger, you’re admitted to hospital, you’re referred for further investigation, or you receive a new diagnosis before you travel, 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 chronic pain syndrome travel insurance cover?

When the condition is on your policy and accepted, an unexpected medical problem connected to it while abroad can be covered. For example, if your pain becomes unmanageable during a holiday in Florida and you need emergency hospital treatment, those costs may be paid, along with getting you home with medical help if doctors say it’s needed. Cover is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If a bad flare before departure means a doctor advises you not to travel, cancellation cover may help with costs you can’t get back.

Insurance won’t pay for treatment you planned to have abroad, routine top-ups of medicine, or anything connected to a condition you didn’t declare.

Will chronic pain syndrome affect the cost of travel insurance?

It can do. Chronic pain syndrome may raise the price of a policy, and the amount depends on what comes out of our online medical screening. The screening may ask how your pain is treated and how well it’s being controlled at the moment, so have your medication details handy. Your age, where you’re heading and how long you’ll be away also shape the quote, and you’ll see the full price before you buy.

Single trip or annual cover with chronic pain syndrome

Single trip insurance covers one journey from start to finish. If you take a few breaks a year, annual travel insurance may suit you better, subject to your screening result.

Travelling with chronic pain syndrome: practical tips

Below are a few general ideas to make the trip easier. They are not part of your cover.

Check your medicines first. Some common pain treatments, including codeine, tramadol, morphine, pregabalin and gabapentin, are controlled drugs and may be restricted in certain countries. Look up the rules for your destination on GOV.UK and carry a letter from your GP listing what you take. Our guide to travelling abroad with medication goes into more detail.

Airports and long journeys are often the hardest part. Most UK airports and airlines offer free assistance if you book it ahead, which can mean a wheelchair or buggy through the terminal and help boarding. An aisle seat lets you stand and stretch, and wheeled luggage saves lifting.

Plan the days with pacing in mind. Mixing busier days with quieter ones, and avoiding long tours on the first day after a flight, tends to work better than packing everything in. Some people find warm climates ease their pain while others find heat makes them tired, so think about the season you travel in.

1. pack heat packs, supports, a cushion or anything else you rely on at home
2. if you use a TENS machine, check the airline’s rules before flying
3. ask your pharmacist how to time doses if you’re crossing time zones
4. bring enough medication for the whole trip, plus a few spare days

How to get a quote

Fill in your trip details, answer the questions on chronic pain syndrome and any related conditions, then pick your cover. You can check the price before you commit.

Get a Quote

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• Chronic Pain Syndrome Travel Insurance
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• Fibroids Travel Insurance
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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.