Travel Insurance for Knee Pain

What causes knee pain?

Knee pain is a symptom rather than one condition, and it has lots of possible causes. In older adults the most common is osteoarthritis, where the cartilage cushioning the joint wears down. Other causes include torn cartilage (a meniscus tear), ligament injuries, tendon problems, bursitis, a Baker’s cyst behind the knee, and gout. Knee problems are among the most common musculoskeletal conditions GPs see.

Some knee pain clears up within a few weeks with rest, ice, and painkillers. Longer-lasting problems may need physiotherapy, injections or surgery, such as keyhole surgery or a knee replacement. The NHS knee pain page describes the common causes.

Why do I need to declare knee pain for travel insurance?

Knee pain that has been seen by a doctor or treated is normally a pre-existing medical condition, declared under its underlying cause, such as osteoarthritis or a cartilage tear. We ask because a weak or painful knee raises the chance of a fall or twist on holiday, and a sudden flare could need treatment abroad or stop you travelling. After knee surgery there is also a higher risk of blood clots on long journeys.

Without a declaration, a claim connected to the knee could 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 with knee pain?

Yes, in most cases. Whether knee pain can be included depends on your medical screening, and you will need a confirmed diagnosis. What matters most with pain is the underlying cause, any recent injections or surgery, and whether you’re waiting for an operation such as a knee replacement.

What we’ll ask about your knee pain

Declaring your knee pain online doesn’t take long. The screening asks about the condition behind your knee pain and whether surgery has been suggested. After that, carry on declaring any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions you have.

Once you’ve finished the medical declaration, you’ll go through to the quote page. If your knee pain and your other conditions can be covered, you’ll see a list of quotes, and the premium shown includes the cost of cover for your medical. If we can’t provide cover, you’ll know before going any further.

If your health changes before travelling

Knee problems don’t always stay the same. If your medication changes, you’re admitted to hospital, you’re given a date for surgery, or you receive a new diagnosis between now and departure, 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 knee pain travel insurance cover?

Once your knee condition is accepted, emergency treatment abroad that’s connected to it can be covered. Say your knee locks or gives way on a cobbled street in Lisbon and you need an X-ray and treatment. Those emergency costs can be met, and repatriation too if you need medical help to get home. All cover is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If your knee gets worse before your trip and your doctor advises you not to go, non-refundable costs may be claimable under cancellation cover.

Planned physiotherapy, injections or surgery abroad are not covered, and nor are claims linked to conditions you didn’t declare.

Will knee pain affect the cost of travel insurance?

It’s possible knee pain will affect your premium. What decides it is the result of online screening, where you could be asked about the treatment you’ve had and how well the pain is controlled. General points also count, among them your age, where you’re headed and how long you’ll stay. Check the price at the end before buying anything.

Single trip or annual cover with knee pain

A single trip policy covers one holiday. If you’re away several times a year, annual cover can save buying a policy each time, as long as the screening allows it.

Travelling with knee pain: practical tips

These are general tips to help you stay comfortable. They don’t form part of your cover.

Sitting with your knees bent for hours on a plane or coach often leaves them stiff. Pay for an aisle seat or extra legroom if you can, straighten your legs regularly and get up for a walk when it’s safe. After a knee replacement, ask your surgeon how long to wait before a long-haul flight, since recent leg surgery raises the risk of blood clots.

Airports involve a lot of walking and standing. Assistance is free if you book it through your airline beforehand, and you can ask for help with steps onto the aircraft too. If you use a stick or crutches, take them even if you only need them on bad days.

Choose accommodation with care. Hilly resorts, villas with steep steps and old towns with uneven cobbles can be hard work on painful knees. Check whether there’s a lift, how far the beach is, and whether a ground floor room is available.

Going downhill and down stairs is usually tougher on the knee than going up. Walking poles help on uneven paths. Swimming and gentle cycling are often kinder than long hikes, and it makes sense to avoid sports with sudden twisting, such as skiing, if your knee is unstable.

1. pack any knee support, ice pack or painkillers you use at home
2. carry any metal implant card if you’ve had a replacement
3. build rest days into a walking holiday

How to get a quote

Start with your trip details, then declare your knee condition and anything else in the medical questions. You’ll see the cover options and price before paying.

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.