Neurodivergent travellers warned as insurance disclosures surge

Neurodivergent travellers are being urged to scrutinise their holiday cover after new UK data showed declarations for conditions such as ADHD and autism more than doubling, amid growing concern that non-disclosure or misunderstood questions on medical forms could invalidate travel insurance claims.

Declarations for ADHD and autism rise sharply

Recent industry figures indicate a marked jump in the number of UK travel insurance customers disclosing neurodivergent conditions. Coverage in specialist insurance publications reports that one major over-50s insurer, Staysure, recorded 4,676 declarations of ADHD and autism between January and July 2026, compared with 2,613 across the whole of 2025. The data, drawn from customers over 50, point to rising transparency among older travellers who have received late diagnoses or are more aware of disclosure requirements.

Reports also highlight that this increase in declarations has coincided with wider growth in adult ADHD and autism diagnoses in the UK, along with longer National Health Service waiting lists for assessments. Consumer coverage notes that some policyholders only discover at the point of claim that waiting for an assessment, using stimulant medication, or having a recent mental health referral may all need to be declared when buying travel insurance.

Insurance commentators suggest that the figures do not necessarily prove UK insurers are tightening rules specifically for neurodivergent people. Instead, the rise in disclosures appears to reflect more people recognising ADHD and autism as “medical conditions” within the meaning used by insurers, and becoming more cautious about the risk of a claim being rejected for non-disclosure.

Confusion over what neurodivergent travellers must declare

Consumer advocacy outlets in the UK report widespread uncertainty among holidaymakers about what must be declared when arranging travel insurance. Guidance from comparison sites and financial information services explains that insurers typically require disclosure of any diagnosed medical condition, along with pending tests, referrals or investigations. That broad definition can capture people on waiting lists for ADHD or autism assessments, even if they do not yet have a confirmed diagnosis.

Recent analysis by consumer group Which? highlighted that UK adults frequently misunderstand these obligations. The group reported that millions of travellers did not realise that failing to mention specialist referrals or ongoing investigations could invalidate their policy, even where a later claim relates to an apparently unrelated incident such as a broken bone or stolen baggage. This has prompted warnings that neurodivergent travellers awaiting assessment may unknowingly buy cover that would not pay out.

Published coverage of online discussions among autistic and ADHD communities shows that many individuals assume they do not need to disclose conditions they do not consider “illnesses” or “disabilities.” Others report difficulty answering broad medical-screening questions, such as whether they have “any undiagnosed condition or symptoms under investigation,” when they are on a waiting list but have no formal label. These grey areas can leave travellers unsure whether to over-disclose and face higher premiums, or under-disclose and risk a claim rejection.

Higher premiums and limits on standard policies

Evidence gathered from UK comparison sites and financial guidance services indicates that travellers declaring medical conditions, including long-term mental health issues, often pay significantly more for cover. Earlier analysis using price-comparison data found that customers who disclosed at least one medical condition were paying more than double, on average, for single-trip policies compared with those declaring none. Those with multiple or more complex conditions were frequently signposted away from mainstream brands to specialist providers.

Publicly available information from charities and financial guidance bodies notes that some standard policies either exclude claims linked to pre-existing medical conditions or decline to quote when certain conditions are disclosed. In these cases, customers may be directed to specialist medical travel insurance providers who assess risks in more detail but can charge substantially higher premiums. For neurodivergent travellers, additional costs can arise where ADHD or autism is accompanied by co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression or epilepsy.

Reports also indicate that limits may apply even where cover is offered. Policies may apply higher excesses, exclude certain types of treatment, or restrict cover for mental health crises abroad. Some providers treat stable, well-managed conditions differently from recent diagnoses or changes in medication. This patchwork of rules makes it hard for neurodivergent travellers to compare policies on price alone, increasing the importance of carefully reading medical sections of policy documents and keeping records of all disclosures.

Regulators emphasise fair access for people with medical conditions

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has introduced measures intended to improve access to travel insurance for consumers with pre-existing medical conditions. The regulator’s signposting rules require firms to direct customers they cannot easily cover to a directory of specialist providers that may be better equipped to assess complex medical risks. A multi-firm review of these rules, published in 2024 and updated in 2025, found that signposting was being used but that many consumers still struggled to find suitable cover at an affordable price.

The FCA’s work on fair value and vulnerable customers has prompted travel insurers to review how they treat people with long-term health conditions and disabilities. Neurodivergent people are not listed separately in these rules, but government publications on neurodiversity emphasise that conditions such as autism, ADHD and learning disabilities can interact with mental health, communication and decision-making. This means neurodivergent travellers may fall squarely within regulatory definitions of vulnerability, particularly when navigating complex, time-limited online application forms.

Accessibility advocates argue that online medical questionnaires can be challenging for neurodivergent users, both in terms of the language used and the volume of information presented. While some insurers offer telephone-based assessments or specialist teams to discuss medical histories, this is not consistent across the market. Published commentary suggests that clearer signposting, simplified language and more flexible communication channels would help reduce the risk of misunderstandings that later lead to claim disputes.

Practical steps for neurodivergent holidaymakers

Government travel advice for UK residents stresses the importance of arranging comprehensive travel insurance whenever going abroad and of disclosing all relevant medical information truthfully. Official guidance explains that the UK Global Health Insurance Card can provide access to state healthcare in parts of Europe but does not replace private travel insurance, which remains essential for covering emergency treatment, medical repatriation and non-medical risks such as cancellation or lost baggage.

Financial information services recommend that travellers with existing or suspected neurodivergent conditions gather key details before applying for cover, including current diagnoses, medications, recent hospital visits and any upcoming tests or referrals. They advise answering medical screening questions carefully and contacting the insurer directly if uncertain how to respond. Keeping a written record of conversations and disclosures is also suggested, in case of later disputes.

Disability and consumer charities further advise buying insurance as soon as a trip is booked, so that cancellation is covered if a medical or mental health issue means travel is no longer possible. For neurodivergent travellers, this can be particularly relevant where sensory challenges, changes to routine or co-occurring conditions increase the risk of last-minute changes. Where mainstream insurers cannot provide cover, signposted specialist providers may offer tailored policies, albeit often at higher cost.

Travel advisers note that, although premiums may rise when ADHD, autism or associated conditions are declared, full disclosure provides clearer protection if something goes wrong overseas. With declarations now increasing and awareness growing, observers suggest the current moment is an opportunity for insurers, regulators and advocacy groups to collaborate on clearer guidance that reduces uncertainty for neurodivergent holidaymakers planning trips abroad.