Half a million people using weight-loss jabs are at risk of invalidating their travel insurance this summer, experts warn.
Drugs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy have soared in popularity since their approval by the NHS to help tackle diabetes and obesity.
Demand for private prescriptions is also rising, and around 3.4 million people are likely to be eligible for treatment on the NHS alone over the next 12 years.
Now those using weight-loss injections are being warned if they plan to go on holiday this summer they’re at risk of invalidating all-important travel cover.
Any traveller who takes out insurance must declare pre-existing conditions and medication. However, it is likely that many who are on weight-loss jabs may not consider it as medication or forget to declare it when buying cover.
The drugs are classified as treatment, even if you buy them online and are not prescribed them by your GP.
Experts say failing to declare weight-loss jab usage and any associated health conditions may mean your insurer refuses to pay out if you make a claim.
Kara Gammell, of comparison website Money Supermarket, says: ‘If you’re prescribed these drugs for obesity, diabetes or any other condition, it’s essential to declare both the medication and the underlying health issue when buying your policy.
Fat jabs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro are classified as treatment, even if you buy them online and are not prescribed them by your GP (picture posed by model)
‘Failing to do so could invalidate your cover – even if your claim has nothing to do with the treatment.’
Gammell warns people who are receiving a private prescription must still declare their medication. ‘It’s especially important if you’ve bought the medication privately, which many people do,’ she adds.
‘Insurers don’t distinguish between NHS and private prescriptions – if you’re taking it, they need to know. The fact that it wasn’t prescribed through your GP doesn’t exempt you from disclosure.’
Users are not exempt even if they are taking these drugs without a prescription. A black market of illegal online sellers offer semaglutide, the active ingredient in some of the medications, without a prescription.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) says: ‘If any prescription medicine is taken without approval from a doctor, especially if it may have side effects that could lead to complications, this could void your cover and cause issues should you need to make a claim.’
Declaring you’re on the jabs will bump up the cost of cover slightly, says Gammell, but this extra outlay is crucial if a traveller needs to claim. The average claim value for those aged 36-40 is £518, rising to £1,830 for travellers aged 71-75, according to the ABI. In more serious cases, insurance payouts can reach five figures. But single-trip cover can cost as little as £16 for Europe, according to Go Compare.
The Mail on Sunday asked leading insurers about their policy for weight-loss drug users – and it’s a lottery, depending on the company.
Aviva states that it requires customers to inform it of any diagnosed illness, disease or injury for which they have been prescribed medication. It adds: ‘This includes anyone who has been prescribed weight-loss medication for obesity. If a customer fails to disclose a medical condition for which they’ve been prescribed medication, we will not cover any claims relating to this under the terms of the policy.’
Kara Gammell, of comparison website Money Supermarket, says it’s essential to declare these drugs when purchasing insurance
Staysure also says customers would need to declare weight-loss jab use, just as you would with any other medication. If it’s not declared, it could invalidate your insurance for any medical claims ‘directly or indirectly linked to the medication’.
It adds: ‘We can provide cover if the jab is prescribed by your GP or through a registered pharmacy, it’s part of a proper weight-loss plan, is on your medical records and your doctor confirms you are fit to fly.
‘You’ll also need to make sure the jab doesn’t clash with any other medicines you’re taking, which will be assessed by the medical professional.’
Admiral Group says customers need to disclose medical conditions such as obesity and diabetes, but not the medication itself. However, a spokesman says: ‘Failing to disclose the underlying condition it’s prescribed for – typically obesity or diabetes – could invalidate the policy.’
Co-op also says not declaring medication would not ‘automatically’ invalidate cover, but if the jabs relate to a medical condition it should be disclosed during the medical screening.
The Post Office says it always advises customers to declare any medical condition for which they are receiving prescription drugs.
It’s recommended you speak to your insurer directly and get written confirmation that your policy covers the treatment.
It’s wise to bring a copy of your prescription or a doctor’s letter when you travel and keep your medication in its original packaging, says Gammell. ‘This helps avoid issues at customs and makes it easier to replace lost or stolen medication abroad,’ she says.
Have you had your travel insurance invalidated due to weight-loss jabs? Email money@mailonsunday.co.uk
