With the growing popularity of GLP‑1 or related medications like Mounjaro (Tirzepatide), Wegovy, Ozempic, and others for weight management, a common concern is whether taking one of these drugs means you need to declare it when buying travel insurance.
The short answer is: it depends — and the more cautious (and safer) approach is to check with your insurer. Below is a breakdown of how this typically works and how to stay covered.
Medications like Mounjaro are prescribed to support weight loss or manage metabolic health. Because they are medical treatments, rather than cosmetic or ‘lifestyle’ aids, insurers may view them as part of a pre‑existing condition or ongoing therapy — particularly if there is a diagnosed condition behind their prescription (for example obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome).
If you fail to tell an insurer about relevant medications (or the conditions they treat), your policy may be considered under declared, which could lead to a refusal of claims or voiding of the policy. Many insurers explicitly require disclosure of medications and the conditions requiring them as part of the medical screening process.
The approach of some UK insurers is that you do not need to declare Mounjaro or similar weight‑loss medications unless they have been prescribed by your NHS GP or medical professional and are clearly part of your medical record.
That said:
• Some insurers may have stricter rules. Others might insist you declare any medication, whether NHS or private.
• How questions are framed matters. Insurers often ask about underlying medical conditions (e.g. ‘Do you have obesity, diabetes, or other metabolic conditions?’) rather than asking specifically about ‘weight‑loss drugs.’
• Private or online prescriptions may complicate things. If Mounjaro is prescribed privately (or via online providers) rather than via your GP, some insurers may view this differently.
If you are taking this type of medication, prescribed by your NHS GP, you will need to declare the condition in which you take it for as you would with any other medication. (i.e Diabetes)
Similarly, if you have experienced and side effects that have caused medical conditions, such as Pancreatitis, regardless of where it has been prescribed, you will need to declare the condition.
Each insurer’s medical screening process may differ, so even if one provider doesn’t require disclosure, another might.
Top Tips to minimise risk and ensure your travel insurance policy remains valid:
This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute financial or medical advice. Always check your individual policy terms or speak to your insurer for guidance.
