British travellers are facing a significant warning regarding the implications of not declaring the use of weight-loss medications, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, on their travel insurance policies. This issue, highlighted by Niraj Mamtora, director at Forum Insurance, underscores the complexities surrounding medical disclosures and insurance contracts.

As weight management drugs gain popularity, more individuals are incorporating them into their health regimens, often underestimating the impact their use may have during travels. Mamtora asserts that failing to declare these medications when applying for travel insurance can constitute a breach of contract. He emphasises, “If you’re using these drugs, you must declare both the medication and the condition it’s prescribed for.” The risk of non-disclosure is profound; claims could be denied and policies could be cancelled if travellers do not fully disclose their medical history. This could leave them financially vulnerable in the event of a mishap abroad, facing bills that could amount to thousands of pounds.

The growing trend of utilising weight-loss jabs may complicate the insurance landscape further. As more people begin using these medications, the likelihood of encountering issues with insurance claims is on the rise. Mamtora warns, “Many travellers only discover too late that their travel insurance claims are rejected, leaving them without support and facing potentially huge bills.” Such a scenario is increasingly plausible, particularly as the number of individuals opting for these treatments continues to grow.

In light of these concerns, Mamtora advises travellers to carry a copy of their prescriptions or a letter from their doctor, especially when travelling with medications. He also urges individuals to familiarize themselves with the regulations governing the importation of prescription drugs in their destination countries. The potential for insurance claims related to undeclared conditions or medications to be refused stretches beyond immediate health concerns, as Mamtora explains, “Even if the issue seems unrelated, you could find your claim rejected.”

This mounting concern serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for thoroughness when it comes to travel insurance. As weight-loss medications become more mainstream, the potential consequences of neglecting to disclose their use could leave British travellers facing unfavourable circumstances should they need to make a claim while abroad.

The responsibility lies firmly with the traveller to ensure that all relevant medical information is declared to avoid what could be a costly oversight.

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Source: Noah Wire Services