Arthritis Travel Insurance
Travel insurance with arthritis: a wide range covered, no upper age limit, 24/7 emergency support
Arthritis can make planning a trip feel like more effort than it should. It shouldn't stop you going. Here at Total Travel Protection, we provide arthritis travel insurance for people with all types of arthritis, from well-managed osteoarthritis to rheumatoid arthritis on biologic medication treatment. We also have no upper age limit, so a policy won't be refused because you've had another birthday.
- 24-hour emergency medical assistance
- Cover for mobility aids and prescription medication
- No upper age limit
- Holiday insurance with arthritis, including cruises and long-haul trips
Written by: Sarah Findlay Travel Insurance Expert
Reviewed by: Dr Ellen Welch NHS GP and resident medical expert
Last updated: 26 October, 2026
Read time: 13 minutes
Can you get travel insurance with arthritis?
In most cases you can. Arthritis is one of the most common conditions we cover, and we deal with it every day.
Here's what to know before you ask for a quote:
- We cover all types of arthritis. That includes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, psoriatic, inflammatory, septic and juvenile arthritis.
- You need to be fit to travel. That means not travelling against your doctor's advice.
- Mobility aids don't rule you out. We simply ask about them during screening.
- Declaring arthritis doesn't mean a big price jump. Your quote reflects your own condition and treatment, not a flat rate for everyone with arthritis.
If you've been refused cover elsewhere, or quoted a price that felt out of reach, please try us. We've been doing this since 2010.
Types of arthritis we cover
Osteoarthritis travel insurance. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It tends to affect the knees, hips and hands, and it usually builds slowly. We can cover osteoarthritis whether it's mild or has needed treatment such as joint injections. If you've had a joint replaced or resurfaced, we'll ask about that too.
Rheumatoid arthritis travel insurance. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition. It causes pain, swelling and stiffness, most often in the hands, wrists and feet. Many people take disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including biologic treatments, to control their symptoms and prevent joint damage. Taking these medications doesn't automatically prevent you from obtaining travel insurance. We'll ask about your treatment, symptoms and how well your condition is controlled so we can assess the cover available for your individual circumstances.
Septic arthritis travel insurance. Septic arthritis is a serious infection within a joint that requires urgent medical treatment, usually in hospital. If you've previously had septic arthritis and recovered, you may be able to obtain travel insurance. Your insurer will need to know when the infection occurred, what treatment you received and whether you have any ongoing complications. If you have an active infection or are still undergoing treatment, discuss your travel plans with your treating specialist before booking or travelling.
Psoriatic arthritis travel insurance. Psoriatic arthritis is a type a type of inflammatory arthritis associated with the skin condition psoriasis. (although not everyone has obvious skin symptoms) It can cause pain, swelling and stiffness in joints throughout the body, including the fingers, toes and spine. Symptoms can fluctuate, with periods of flare-ups and remission. We'll ask about your symptoms, treatment and how well your condition is controlled to help us assess the cover available.
Inflammatory arthritis travel insurance. Inflammatory arthritis describes a group of conditions in which inflammation causes joint pain, swelling and stiffness. These include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions. We can consider applications from people with different types of inflammatory arthritis and will ask about your specific diagnosis, symptoms and treatment when assessing your cover.
Juvenile arthritis travel insurance. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a group of inflammatory joint conditions that begin before the age of 16. Symptoms and severity vary, and many children respond well to treatment, although some experience ongoing joint problems. If you're arranging travel insurance for a child with juvenile arthritis, we'll ask about their symptoms, treatment and any effects on mobility to help us assess the cover available.
Ankylosing spondylitis travel insurance. Ankylosing spondylitis travel insurance. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing back pain and stiffness. It is a form of axial spondyloarthritis, which can also affect other joints and sometimes the eyes. Symptoms vary, and some people take anti-inflammatory medication or biologic treatments to manage their condition. We'll ask about your symptoms, treatment and any effects on your mobility to help us assess the travel insurance cover available to you.
For general information and support, Arthritis UK is a helpful place to start.
Wherever you are with arthritis, we can help
Arthritis doesn't behave the same way for everyone, or on every day. Here's how we approach travel insurance with arthritis in three common situations.
When your arthritis is stable and well-managed
If your symptoms are under control with your usual treatment, this is usually the most straightforward position. You'll still declare your arthritis and your medication. Most people find screening quick and the price reasonable. [Get a quote]
When you're having a flare-up
Flare-ups can be unpredictable. If you've had one recently, tell us when it happened and how it was managed. That helps us price your policy properly instead of guessing. If a flare-up happens while you're away, your policy can cover emergency treatment. Gold and Platinum policies also cover cancellation and curtailment. [Get a quote]
When you're on biologics or immunosuppressants
Biologics, DMARDs and other targeted treatments are common for rheumatoid, psoriatic and inflammatory arthritis. Taking them doesn't rule you out. We'll ask which treatment you're on and how it's monitored. Some of these drugs can make infections more likely, so it's worth talking to your specialist before you travel.
What does our arthritis travel insurance cover?
Every valid policy includes emergency medical expenses and repatriation up to £10 million per person. You also get 24-hour access to our emergency medical assistance team by phone, wherever you are.
- Emergency medical expenses. Treatment abroad, up to £10 million (Platinum).
- Repatriation. We cover the cost of getting you home if you need to go.
- 24-hour emergency assistance. Our team is on the end of the phone.
- Mobility aids. Wheelchairs, walking sticks, frames and scooters are covered if lost, stolen, damaged or delayed, up to £2,500.
- Prescription medication. Up to £300 if it's lost or stolen.
- Cancellation and curtailment. If your arthritis gets worse and you can't travel, or need to cut a trip short (Gold and Platinum).
- Personal possessions, personal liability and legal expenses. Depending on your cover level.
Compare our cover levels
Swipe the table left/right to compare cover levels
Silver
| Gold
| Platinum
| |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Emergency medical and repatriation expenses
(not private medical insurance) | £5 million | £7.5 million | £10 million |
| Cancellation and curtailment | £3,000 | £6,000 | |
|
Personal possessions
(not gadgets) | £2,000 | £3,000 | |
| Missed departure | £500 | £1,000 | |
| Loss of medication | £300 | £300 | £300 |
| Mobility aids | £2,500 | £2,500 | £2,500 |
| Personal liability | £2 million | £2 million | |
| Legal expenses | £25,000 | £25,000 | |
|
Excess
(the amount you will have to pay towards the cost of a claim) |
£100 |
£75 |
Arthritis Travel Insurance
Travelling with arthritis requires a policy that understands mobility challenges. We ensure our customers are protected not just for medical care, but for the essential mobility aids.
What isn't covered
We'd rather be upfront. Your policy won't cover:
- Arthritis, or a complication from it, if you didn't declare it before you travelled
- Problems linked to a condition your doctor advised you not to travel with
- Anything excluded in your policy wording, or above the limits shown
Your policy documents list every exclusion. If you're unsure about a specific situation, please call us before you buy.
Does my GHIC cover arthritis treatment abroad?
A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) can help with state-provided care in some countries. It has real limits, though:
- It doesn't pay for repatriation to the UK.
- It doesn't cover private treatment.
- It won't replace a lost or damaged mobility aid.
- It doesn't cover cancellation if a flare-up stops you travelling.
- It isn't valid in many destinations outside Europe.
- You may still be asked to pay part of the cost of care.
Carry your GHIC if you're eligible. Just don't treat it as a substitute for arthritis travel insurance.
What could it cost if you travel uninsured?
Medical bills abroad can be much higher than people expect.
- In the USA, a hospital stay can reach six figures in pounds.
- In Spain and other popular European destinations, a serious hospital admission can still run to tens of thousands of pounds.
- In Thailand, private hospital care is often the only realistic option, and costs climb fast.
Cover for Mobility aids and prescription medication
If you use a wheelchair, mobility scooter, walking stick or frame, we can cover it. Policies include cover for loss, theft and damage to your own mobility aids up to £2,500. Please remember to declare that you use one.
Arthritis often means carrying medication. Replacing it abroad can be costly and stressful. Our policies cover loss of medication up to £300 per person.
Why choose Total Travel Protection for arthritis travel insurance?
We created Total Travel Protection to fix a gap in the market. Older travellers and people with medical conditions were being turned away, or priced out. Brought to you by Ancile Insurance Group, we have specialised in medical and older traveller cover since 2010.
- Medical conditions are not a problem. We cover all types of arthritis, and other conditions alongside it.
- No upper age limit. You won't be refused because of your age.
- 14-day money back guarantee.
- Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
- iba Medical Money Helper Travel Insurance Directory member.
- No comparison sites. We do our medical screening directly, so the price reflects you.
Arthritis Medical screening, step by step
Medical screening is where many people get nervous. It's quicker than you'd think, and you can do it online or by phone.
- Tell us about your trip. Where you're going, when, and who's travelling.
- Tell us about your arthritis. The type you have, how it's treated, and whether you use mobility aids or have had any joints replaced. We use short multiple-choice questions.
- Get your personalised quote.
Screening takes around five minutes. We use your answers to personalise your price, and we don't apply blanket pricing for arthritis.
How much does arthritis travel insurance cost?
There isn't one price, because every policy is personal. The main things that affect your quote are:
- Your type of arthritis and how severe it is
- Your current treatment or medication
- Where you're going and for how long
- Your age
- Your cover level: Silver, Gold or Platinum
- Any other medical conditions you declare
If you're hunting for affordable travel insurance for arthritis, the quickest way to find out is to get a quote. It takes under five minutes, and you're under no obligation to buy.
Tips for travelling with arthritis
A bit of planning goes a long way. These tips help.
- Check you're fit to fly, whether you need a fit-to-fly letter, and how to store your medication.
- Pack more medication than you need, in your hand luggage, with a copy of your prescription in English.
- Choose lightweight luggage. Spinner-style suitcases take far less effort to move.
- Take heat and cold packs if airline allows. Reusable ones soothe joints after a long day.
- Plan rest days. Mix busy days with quiet ones by the pool or in a café.
- Ask for a ground-floor room, or one close to the lift.
- Stretch gently on flights and long drives to ease stiffness.
What they say About us
Arthritis Travel Insurance FAQ
Yes, in most cases. We can cover all types of arthritis, up to a high level of severity, as long as you declare it and you're fit to travel.
We cover osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, psoriatic, inflammatory, septic and juvenile arthritis. Every application is looked at on its own merits.
Yes. If you don't declare it and something related happens abroad, your claim could be declined or only partly paid. Declaring it makes sure your cover works when you need it.
You'll be asked during medical screening, online or by phone. You tell us the type you have, then answer a few multiple-choice questions, such as whether you've had a joint replaced or use a mobility aid. It takes a few minutes.
Yes. We need your full medical history to quote accurately. A condition left out could lead to a claim being declined or not paid in full.
In most cases, yes. We'll ask which treatment you take and how it's monitored. It doesn't automatically rule you out.
Only partly, and not everywhere. It doesn't cover repatriation, private care, mobility aid replacement or cancellation. Travel insurance fills those gaps.
Yes, up to £2,500 for loss, theft or damage, as long as you've declared them.
Most people can, provided their condition is stable. Speak to your doctor, take enough medication, and ask your airline about assistance if you use mobility aids.
Yes. It needs declaring during medical screening, along with any related treatment. Once declared, your policy can include emergency medical expenses, cancellation and repatriation.
It depends on your type of arthritis, your treatment, your age, where you're going, how long for and your cover level. There's no fixed rate, so the best way to find out is to get a quote.
Arthritis can count as a disability if it has a substantial, long-term effect on daily life. For travel insurance, it's treated as a medical condition that must be declared.
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Ready for a quote?
Whether you'd like to buy online or talk it through, we're here to help. Call us on 0330 053 3747 (Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm, weekends and bank holidays 9am to 5.30pm). Price and cover are the same either way.