British travellers using popular weight-loss medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro are being urged to check their travel insurance policies carefully, as failure to disclose their use could invalidate cover—even if a claim is unrelated to the treatment.
Industry experts warn that up to 500,000 people may be at risk this summer, as demand for these NHS-approved injections continues to rise. Many users—particularly those accessing the drugs via private prescriptions or online pharmacies—may not realise that insurers classify them as prescribed medication, requiring full disclosure at the time of purchase.
According to MoneySuperMarket’s Kara Gammell, travellers must declare both the medication and the underlying condition it’s prescribed for, such as obesity or diabetes. “Insurers don’t distinguish between NHS and private prescriptions,” she said. “If you’re taking it, they need to know.”
Leading insurers including Aviva, Staysure and Admiral confirm that failure to disclose relevant health conditions or prescribed treatments could result in claims being denied. Even travellers who obtained the medication without a GP prescription are not exempt from disclosure requirements.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) adds that taking prescription medication without medical oversight could void cover entirely. Meanwhile, the Post Office and Co-op advise customers to declare any condition requiring treatment and to seek written confirmation that their policy includes the medication.
Travellers are also advised to carry a copy of their prescription or a doctor’s letter, and to keep medication in its original packaging to avoid issues at customs or when replacing lost or stolen items abroad.
With single-trip European cover starting from just £16, according to Go Compare, the financial risk of invalidated insurance far outweighs the cost of proper disclosure—especially as claims can reach tens of thousands of pounds in serious cases.