Travel Insurance for HIV

What is HIV?

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a long-term viral infection that damages the immune system, specifically a white blood cell called a CD4 cell. It is one of the infectious conditions that people now live with for decades. Without treatment, the immune system gradually weakens and the body finds it harder to fight off other infections.

Treatment has changed the outlook completely. Daily antiretroviral medicine keeps the virus under control, and people on effective treatment can expect a normal or near-normal life expectancy. Once the virus is undetectable in the blood, it can’t be passed on through sex. AIDS describes the late stage of untreated HIV and is now rare in the UK. The NHS page on HIV and AIDS covers treatment and support.

Why do I need to declare HIV for travel insurance?

HIV is a long-term condition and counts as pre-existing, even when your viral load has been undetectable for years. Your policy needs to reflect it because a weakened immune system can make some infections more serious, and running short of medication or picking up an illness abroad could lead to treatment or an early return home.

If it’s left off your policy, a claim connected with it could 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 HIV?

Yes, many people with HIV can get travel insurance. Whether you’re offered cover, and on what terms, depends on your screening result. Stable HIV on the same treatment is generally seen differently from a recent diagnosis, a low CD4 count, or an AIDS-defining illness.

What we’ll ask about your HIV

It only takes a few minutes to get through the online medical screening. The questions about your HIV focus on your viral load, CD4 count, and how well your HIV is controlled. Once that’s done, carry on declaring any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions.

Once everything is declared, you’ll reach the quote page. If cover is available for your HIV and your other conditions, you’ll see a choice of quotes, each with the cost of your medical cover included in the premium. Should we be unable to cover you, you’ll know before proceeding.

If your health changes before travelling

Treatment can change between clinic appointments. If, before your trip, you switch treatment, you’re admitted to hospital, you’re referred for tests, or you receive a new diagnosis, 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 HIV travel insurance cover?

Once HIV is accepted, a medical emergency connected to it is handled like any other. If you developed a serious chest infection while visiting family in South Africa and needed hospital treatment, emergency medical costs can be covered, along with repatriation if you need to come home with medical help. Cover is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If you fall ill shortly before the trip and your doctor advises against travel, you may be able to claim for non-refundable costs through cancellation cover.

A travel policy isn’t a way to pay for routine care. It won’t pay for your regular antiretroviral medication, planned treatment abroad, or anything linked to a condition you didn’t declare.

Will HIV affect the cost of travel insurance?

HIV can affect the price, and your screening result is what determines the amount. As part of online medical screening, you may be asked some detailed questions about your HIV. The cost also depends on general things like your age, where you plan to travel and for how long. Take a look at the quote first, as there’s no need to buy until you’re happy with it.

Single trip or annual cover with HIV

You can buy single trip travel insurance for one holiday, or annual travel insurance if you go away a few times a year. Annual policies depend on your screening result, and HIV only needs declaring once for the year.

Travelling with HIV: practical tips

This is general guidance for travelling well. It isn’t part of your insurance cover.

Check entry rules early. A small number of countries still have restrictions on visitors with HIV, or ask about it on visa forms, particularly for long stays, work, or study. The GOV.UK foreign travel advice for your destination is a good place to start, and your HIV clinic will have seen these questions before.

Treatment works best when it is taken consistently, so plan around time zones. Your HIV clinic or pharmacist can help you shift your dose time gradually on a long-haul trip. Carry enough medication for the whole trip plus extra in case of delays, split between your hand luggage and a companion’s bag if you can, with a copy of your prescription. Our guide to travelling abroad with medication has more on this.

Vaccines need some thought. Most travel vaccines are fine for people with HIV, but live vaccines such as yellow fever may not be suitable, depending on your CD4 count. Speak to your HIV clinic or a travel clinic at least six weeks before you go, and look up your destination on TravelHealthPro.

Food and water hygiene matters more if your immune system is weakened. In places where tap water isn’t safe, stick to bottled or boiled water and well-cooked food. If you’re also living with hepatitis, include that in your screening too.

How to get a quote

Start with your trip details, then work through the medical screening for HIV and any other conditions. Choose your cover and check the price before buying.

Get a Quote

Other Useful Infectious Pages

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• 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.