Travel insurers warn: declare Ozempic and other GLP-1 weight‑loss medications before holiday

Travel insurers in the United Kingdom are emphasizing that Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonists must be disclosed when purchasing travel coverage. The guidance, echoed by industry representatives and insurers, notes that weight‑loss medications are prescription drugs and that failing to declare them can put a claim at risk if something goes wrong abroad. With medical costs abroad frequently exceeding a few thousand pounds, the message is increasingly relevant for millions of holidaymakers who use these therapies.

More than 1.5 million people are believed to be on GLP‑1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Saxenda. The drugs are widely used for weight management and, in some cases, for related conditions. The guidance stresses that it does not matter whether the medication is taken with a doctor’s oversight or via self‑prescription; the key point is disclosure when buying insurance. When a prescription is in fact in place, insurers may still require notification to determine coverage terms, as failing to declare could void a policy in the event of a claim. The average medical claim abroad is reported to exceed £1,700, underscoring the financial risk for travelers who omit this information.

Industry officials stress that policyholders should err on the side of disclosure. The Association of British Insurers says that taking prescription medicines without medical approval could undermine cover and create complications if a claim is needed. If travelers are unsure about what to declare, they are advised to contact their insurer for guidance. While some fear that revealing medication details might raise premiums, insurers say the cost impact of declaring weight‑loss injections tends to be modest. For example, Aviva’s pricing demonstrates only a small uptick: annual worldwide multi‑trip cover for a 50‑year‑old not on Ozempic starts around £146.77, versus about £149.71 for the same traveler on Ozempic. In Europe, the difference is similarly modest—roughly £72.01 for a non‑Ozempic traveler compared with £73.45 for someone on the drug.

Travelers are also urged to carry a copy of their prescription whenever they travel, including weight‑loss medications, to avoid any issues at borders or with foreign pharmacies. In addition, travelers should verify the destination country’s rules on what medicines are permitted, using official travel advisories such as gov.uk. Niraj Mamtora, a director at Forum Insurance, describes failing to declare weight‑loss medications as a serious breach of a travel insurance contract.

Separately, readers who plan cruises and want to understand how EU coverage rules apply to long itineraries can seek guidance on how days in the EU are counted for 90 days in 180. Cruise Lines International Association notes that on a Southampton‑to‑Southampton round trip, days spent aboard the ship are counted toward the EU total only if passengers disembark in a Schengen Area port and have their passports checked by border officials before returning to the vessel. Each qualifying disembarkation adds a day to the traveler’s EU day allowance.

The Holiday Guru column encourages readers with questions to reach out via email for further clarification on travel insurance and medication disclosures. In sum, while the prospect of higher premiums may be a consideration, the prevailing guidance is clear: declare Ozempic and other GLP‑1 medications to ensure your travel insurance remains valid should you need medical help abroad. Travelers are advised to consult their insurer, verify country‑specific drug import rules, and keep a current prescription handy to avoid any unexpected complications on holiday.