Having a mental health condition doesn't necessarily mean you can't get travel insurance. Find out how mental health conditions may affect your cover, what you may need to disclose, and how different insurers assess applications.
Quick summary for busy readers:
Mental health conditions can be covered: Having a mental health condition doesn't necessarily prevent you from getting travel insurance or cover for your condition.
You may need to declare your condition: Depending on the insurer and your circumstances, you may need to complete a medical assessment when purchasing your policy. An additional premium may apply for cover.
Cover varies between insurers: How mental health conditions are assessed and covered differs between travel insurers, so it's important to compare policies and understand any exclusions or conditions that apply.
Get help if you become unwell overseas: If you experience an unexpected mental health-related medical emergency while travelling, contact your insurer's emergency assistance team as soon as possible for guidance on your cover and next steps.
So who covers what?
The following table highlights which insurers consider cover for mental illness by application and/or whether a first time mental illness episode would be covered.
| Provider | Mental Illness cover on application | First time mental illness episode covered | Action | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 1Cover | Yes No general exclusions listed for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answers the insurer will decide whether to cover and what premiums may apply. | Yes | Quote | |
 FastCover | Yes No general exclusions listed for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answers the insurer will decide whether to cover and what premiums may apply. | Yes | Quote | |
 Insure n Go | Yes | Yes | Quote | |
 Tick Travel Insurance | Yes No general exclusions listed for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answers the insurer will decide whether to cover and what premiums may apply. There is no cover for amendment or trip cancellation costs due to mental illness including anxiety, depression or stress, by you, a relative, or travelling companion, unless diagnosed by a registered psychiatrist as a new medical condition. | Yes | Quote | |
 Travel Insurance Saver | Yes | Yes | Quote | |
 Zoom | Yes No general exclusions listed for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answers the insurer will decide whether to cover and what premiums may apply. | Yes | Quote | |
 Medibank | Yes No general exclusions listed for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answers the insurer will decide whether to cover and what premiums may apply. There is no cover for amendment or trip cancellation costs due to mental illness including anxiety, depression or stress, by you, a relative, or travelling companion, unless diagnosed by a registered psychiatrist as a new medical condition. | Yes | ||
 All Clear | Yes No general exclusions listed for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answers the insurer will decide whether to cover and what premiums may apply. | Yes | ||
 Australian Seniors | Yes No general exclusions listed for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answers the insurer will decide whether to cover and what premiums may apply. | Yes | ||
 Boomers | Yes | Yes | ||
 Budget Direct | Yes No general exclusions listed for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answers the insurer will decide whether to cover and what premiums may apply. There is no cover for amendment or trip cancellation costs due to mental illness including anxiety, depression or stress, by you, a relative, or travelling companion, unless diagnosed by a registered psychiatrist as a new medical condition. | Yes | ||
 Cover more | Yes No general exclusions listed for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answers the insurer will decide whether to cover and what premiums may apply. There is no cover for amendment or trip cancellation costs due to mental illness including anxiety, depression or stress, by you, a relative, or travelling companion, unless diagnosed by a registered psychiatrist as a new medical condition. | Yes | ||
 Easy Travel Insurance | Yes No general exclusions listed for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answers the insurer will decide whether to cover and what premiums may apply. There is no cover for amendment or trip cancellation costs due to mental illness including anxiety, depression or stress, by you, a relative, or travelling companion, unless diagnosed by a registered psychiatrist as a new medical condition. | Yes | ||
 Freely | Yes Existing Medical Conditions We automatically include: Anxiety and Depression | Yes | ||
 Go Insurance | Yes No general exclusions listed for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answers the insurer will decide whether to cover and what premiums may apply. There is no cover for amendment or trip cancellation costs due to mental illness including anxiety, depression or stress, by you, a relative, or travelling companion, unless diagnosed by a registered psychiatrist as a new medical condition. | Yes | ||
 Insure 4 Less | Yes | Yes | ||
 PassportCard | Yes No general exclusions listed for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answers the insurer will decide whether to cover and what premiums may apply. | Yes | ||
 Southern Cross | Yes | Yes | ||
 Ski Insurance | Yes No general exclusions listed for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answers the insurer will decide whether to cover and what premiums may apply. | Yes | ||
 Travel Insurance Direct | No no pathway to have a pre-existing mental health condition assessed/added for cover. | Yes | ||
 Travel Insuranz | Yes | Yes | ||
 Webjet | Yes Claims which in any way relate to, or are exacerbated by, an Existing Medical Condition or related new infections are specifically excluded from this policy unless Your Existing Medical Condition is approved by Us. | Yes | ||
 World Nomads | No no medical-screening/application pathway to have a pre-existing mental health condition assessed and added to the policy. | Yes | ||
 WorldCare | Yes No general exclusions listed for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answers the insurer will decide whether to cover and what premiums may apply. | Yes | ||
 World 2 Cover | Yes | Yes | ||
 AHM | Yes Value | Yes |
General Advice Warning: The contents of this article were accurate at the time of writing. Insurers change their policies from time to time, so some information may have changed. You should always read the Product Disclosure Statement of your chosen insurer to understand what is covered and what isn't. The information provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account any personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your personal circumstances.
I can't find cover for my mental illness. What are my options?
If you're unable to obtain cover for your mental health condition, you can usually still purchase travel insurance. While claims related to your pre-existing condition may not be covered, your policy may still provide cover for a range of other insured events, depending on its terms and conditions.While claims arising from, related to or exacerbated by your mental health condition are generally not covered unless your insurer has agreed to provide cover, your policy may still provide protection for a range of other insured events.
Before purchasing a policy, it's worth comparing different insurers, as eligibility criteria and underwriting approaches vary. If you're unsure whether your condition is covered, contact the insurer directly before you buy so you understand exactly what is and isn't included.
You may still be covered for other insured events
Even if your mental health condition isn't covered, travel insurance may still provide cover for other insured events, depending on your policy. These may include:
Lost or stolen luggage: Travel insurance may provide cover if your luggage or personal belongings are lost, stolen or accidentally damaged during your trip, subject to your policy's terms, conditions and benefit limits.
Cancellations and emergencies: Depending on your policy, you may be covered for eligible trip cancellations, delays or interruptions caused by unforeseen events that are unrelated to your mental health condition. Purchasing travel insurance soon after booking your trip may also provide cancellation benefits before you depart.
Rental car excess: If you're hiring a car during your trip, many comprehensive travel insurance policies include cover for rental vehicle excess, subject to the terms, conditions and limits of your policy.
Personal liability: Many comprehensive policies include personal liability cover if you accidentally cause injury to another person or damage to their property while travelling. Cover limits, exclusions and conditions vary between insurers, so always check your PDS.
Tips for travelling with a mental illness:
Travelling with a mental health condition may require some extra planning, but with the right preparation you can help reduce stress and enjoy your trip with greater confidence. Here are some practical tips to help you prepare before you travel.
- Consult with your doctor: Before you leave, talk to your doctor or mental health professional about your travel plans. Make sure you have enough medication for your entire trip and carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor if needed.
- Plan ahead: Research your destination before you travel, including local healthcare services, pharmacies and any restrictions on bringing medication into the country. If you're crossing time zones, ask your doctor for advice on adjusting your medication schedule.
- Consider wellbeing travel practices: Travel can be exciting, but it can also be stressful. Think about what helps you manage your mental health at home, whether it's mindfulness, exercise, journalling or staying connected with family and friends. Consider how you can continue these routines while you're away
- Look after your health. Try to maintain healthy habits while travelling, including getting enough sleep, eating regular meals, staying hydrated and limiting alcohol where appropriate. Looking after your physical health can also support your mental wellbeing.
- Practise moderation when on the road. It can be easy to go overboard while travelling and overindulge in poor food choices, alcohol and too little sleep. Ensure you are maintaining some healthy habits and taking care of your mind and body.
- Keep important information with you. Carry a list of your medications, emergency contact details and any relevant medical information. Having this information readily available can be helpful if you need medical assistance while overseas.
What's Next?
Remember to always check the fine print before you purchase a policy. Don't simply assume that you're automatically covered by travel insurance.
Before purchasing a policy, compare travel insurance policies, and read the PDS to understand what cover is available for your mental health condition. If you're unsure whether your condition needs to be declared, contact your insurer before you buy.
*Please note: the contents of this article were accurate at the time of writing. Insurer's change their policies from time to time, so some information may have changed. You should always read the product disclosure statement of your chosen insurer to understand what is covered and what isn't.
Don't let your illness get in the way of your adventure!
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
What affects mental health cover with travel insurance?
Travel insurance can cover mental health conditions, but what is covered depends on the insurer and your circumstances. Some insurers don't cover pre-existing mental health conditions, while others may cover them if you complete a medical assessment and the condition is accepted. You may be asked about things such as previous hospitalisations, medication, treatment from a psychologist or psychiatrist, or whether you've previously cancelled a trip because of your mental health. Check the insurer's PDS and any medical assessment carefully to understand what you're covered for.
What if I can't get travel insurance cover for my mental health condition?
If an insurer won't cover your pre-existing mental health condition, you may still be able to buy travel insurance that covers other unexpected events and medical conditions. However, you generally won't be able to claim for costs arising from the excluded condition. It's worth comparing insurers, as their approach to pre-existing mental health conditions can vary significantly. If you can't find suitable cover, consider speaking with an insurance provider directly about your options before you travel.
What should I do if I suffer a panic attack while on holidays?
If you experience a panic attack while travelling, prioritise your immediate wellbeing and seek medical help if you need it. Your travel insurance may cover medical treatment overseas, but whether a claim is covered can depend on whether the panic attack is related to a pre-existing mental health condition and the terms of your policy. If you're unsure, contact your insurer's 24-hour emergency assistance team as soon as possible.
Does travel insurance cover someone travelling with me who has a mental health condition?
It depends on the circumstances and the policy. If the person you're travelling with has a pre-existing mental health condition, they may need to disclose it and complete a medical assessment before travelling. If they aren't covered for that condition, you may not be able to claim for expenses arising from it. It's also important to check whether your policy provides cover if your travelling companion becomes unwell and you need to change or cancel your plans as a result.
What happens if I don't tell my insurer about my mental health condition?
It's important to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions when you buy your travel insurance and answer the insurer's medical questions honestly. If you don't disclose a condition that you're required to tell the insurer about, you may not be covered for claims related to it. Depending on the policy and circumstances, failing to disclose relevant information could also affect other aspects of your cover. If you're unsure whether something needs to be disclosed, check with the insurer before you travel.
Why do I need travel insurance for a pre-existing mental health condition?
A pre-existing mental health condition can affect your travel plans just like any other medical condition. You could need medical treatment overseas, require additional accommodation or have to change your travel arrangements if your condition unexpectedly affects your trip. Travel insurance can help with eligible costs, but only if your condition is covered under your policy. If you have a pre-existing condition, check whether your insurer covers it and whether you need to complete a medical assessment before you travel.
