Quick summary for busy readers:
Having a mental health condition doesn't automatically prevent you from getting travel insurance: Many insurers will consider cover for mental health conditions, although eligibility and cover vary depending on your individual circumstances.
You may need to declare your condition: Some insurers require you to disclose pre-existing mental health conditions or complete a medical assessment before deciding whether cover can be provided. An additional premium may apply.
Cover varies between insurers: Some insurers may automatically cover certain mental health conditions if they meet specific criteria, while others may exclude them altogether. Always compare policies and read the PDS carefully.
Plan ahead before you travel: Speak to your doctor, take enough medication for your trip, and make sure you understand what your policy covers before you leave.
Does travel insurance cover mental illness?
Whether your mental health condition is covered depends on your insurer, your diagnosis, your medical history and the terms of your policy.
Some insurers may automatically cover certain mental health conditions if they meet specific eligibility criteria. Others may require you to complete a medical assessment before deciding whether cover can be provided. Depending on the insurer and your individual circumstances, an additional premium may apply.
If your mental health condition isn't covered, you may still be able to purchase travel insurance. However, claims arising from, related to or exacerbated by your mental health condition are generally not covered unless your insurer has agreed to provide cover.
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. Please note that pre-existing mental health conditions are subject to medical assessment and approval and may be subject to additional premiums, exclusions, limits or other conditions.
**Click the ticks and crosses for more details on each.**
| Provider | Mental illness cover on application | First time mental illness episode covered | Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 1Cover | Yes no general exclusions for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answer the insurance company will decide | Yes | Quote | ||
 TINZ | Yes no general exclusions for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answer the insurance company will decide | Yes | Quote | ||
 Zoom | Yes no general exclusions for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answer the insurance company will decide | Yes | Quote | ||
 Southern Cross | Yes no general exclusions for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answer the insurance company will decide | Yes | |||
 State Insurance | Yes no general exclusions for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answer the insurance company will decide | Yes | |||
 AA Travel | Yes no general exclusions for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answer the insurance company will decide | Yes | |||
 Cover-More | Yes no general exclusions for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answer the insurance company will decide | Yes | |||
 Tower Insurance | Yes no general exclusions for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answer the insurance company will decide | Yes | |||
 World Nomads | No no general exclusions for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answer the insurance company will decide | Yes | |||
 AMI Insurance | Yes no general exclusions for mental illness. You must disclose your condition and depending on your answer the insurance company will decide | 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!
