References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Getting travel insurance when you’re living with HIV used to be difficult and expensive. That has changed significantly. Several UK insurers now offer comprehensive travel cover to people with HIV, often at reasonable prices. You do need to declare your HIV status, but doing so correctly means you’ll be covered if something goes wrong while travelling.
Here’s how to find the right cover.
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Do I Need to Declare HIV?
Yes. Travel insurance policies require you to declare all pre-existing medical conditions, and HIV is one. If you don’t declare it and need to make a claim related to HIV (or even unrelated, in some cases), your claim may be refused.
What Happens When I Declare?
Most insurers will ask screening questions about your HIV:
- When were you diagnosed?
- Are you on treatment?
- Is your viral load undetectable?
- What is your most recent CD4 count?
- Do you have any other medical conditions?
People on stable treatment with an undetectable viral load typically get the best rates.
Where to Find Cover
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Specialist medical travel insurers | Companies like AllClear, Staysure, InsuranceMedical.co.uk |
| HIV charity recommendations | Terrence Higgins Trust and NAM aidsmap list recommended insurers |
| Comparison sites with medical screening | Some mainstream comparison sites include medical condition screening |
| Annual multi-trip policies | Often better value for frequent travellers |
Tips for Getting Good Cover
- Declare everything honestly — non-disclosure can void your policy entirely
- Shop around — prices vary significantly between providers
- Check the excess and exclusions carefully
- Make sure the policy covers emergency medical treatment, repatriation and trip cancellation
- Consider annual policies if you travel more than once a year
- Check cover for the specific countries you’re visiting
Travelling with HIV Medication
- Carry medication in your hand luggage in case checked bags are delayed
- Bring enough for your trip plus extra in case of delays
- Keep medication in its original packaging
- Carry a letter from your HIV clinic (some countries require proof of prescription)
- Check entry restrictions — a small number of countries still restrict entry for people with HIV
Read more: HIV and the Equality Act | Disclosing your HIV status | What is HIV?
Frequently Asked Questions
Premiums have come down significantly. People on stable treatment may pay only a modest increase compared to someone without HIV. It depends on the insurer and your overall health.
What if I need medical treatment abroad?
Your policy should cover emergency treatment. If you need HIV-specific care, contact your insurer’s emergency helpline. Carrying your clinic’s contact details helps too.
Are there countries I can’t visit with HIV?
A small number of countries have HIV-related entry restrictions. Check the UNAIDS travel restrictions database or ask Terrence Higgins Trust before booking.
Related reading
- Do You Have to Disclose Your HIV Status to an Employer?
- Disclosing Your HIV Status: Who, When and How
- Health Insurance for People with HIV in the UK
- Healthy Eating for People Living with HIV
- HIV Criminalisation Laws Around the World
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
