Planning treatment abroad? This page helps UK residents find specialist cover that protects your health and finances during a planned procedure. Standard travel insurance often excludes elective medical work, so a tailored policy matters.
Specialist providers like Pulse Globetrotter and Medical Travel Shield offer high medical limits, cancellation protection linked to your procedure and repatriation if complications arise. Cover can include companion support and extended-stay costs while you recover.
UK residents aged 18–75 can apply, and claims support is available in trip via NGS on +44 (0)207 183 8910. Policies are arranged by FCA-authorised brokers such as Sure Insurance Services Limited and underwritten at Lloyd’s for financial strength.
Read policy wording for full details and confirm eligibility for specific procedures and destinations. When you get a quote, have your treatment and travel details ready to secure the right coverage for your medical journey.
Key Takeaways
- Specialist travel policies protect planned elective procedures better than leisure cover.
- Pulses like Pulse Globetrotter and Medical Travel Shield provide high limits and repatriation cover.
- UK residents 18–75 can add a companion and access 24/7 trip helpline support.
- Policies are administered by FCA-authorised brokers and underwritten at Lloyd’s for security.
- Check policy wording and get a personalised quote with your procedure and travel details ready.
Specialist cover for planned cosmetic procedures abroad, built for peace of mind
Tailored cover for planned treatment abroad brings clear protections for each stage of your trip. These policies pair travel protection with medical benefits that reflect the realities of elective care overseas. They are purpose-built to combine comprehensive coverage for travel risks with protections specific to the procedure and recovery.
What this means for you: generous emergency medical limits, hospital benefits and cancellation cover that match your treatment timetable. Companion cover is commonly available so a partner or family member can travel and be insured on the same policy.
Standard leisure travel insurance often excludes trips taken to obtain planned treatment abroad. Specialist medical travel plans close that gap and support the whole medical journey—from departure and clinic admission to discharge, recovery and your flight home.
Policies are flexible across many procedures and destinations, with individually assessed quotes to reflect your needs and risk profile. Most plans are single-trip policies up to 31 days, aligned to expected recovery windows.
Gather your treatment, dates and destination details when you request a quote. Review each policy’s full terms and exclusions before you buy to avoid gaps. Trusted partners such as Pulse Globetrotter and Medical Travel Shield offer experience and clear claims support for peace of mind.
| Feature | Pulse Globetrotter | Medical Travel Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency medical limits | High limits for overseas treatment | Generous limits plus life‑threatening complication cover |
| Cancellation/curtailment | Aligned to treatment dates | Includes extended‑stay costs if needed |
| Companion cover | Available on same policy | Companion and repatriation options |
| Policy term | Single‑trip up to 31 days | Single‑trip up to 31 days |
cosmetic surgery insurance: what it is and why standard travel insurance isn’t enough
Planned treatment abroad needs a policy built for the specific risks of medical travel. A specialist plan — often called medical travel insurance — is designed for people whose primary reason for travel is a procedure. It fills gaps left by leisure travel policies, which commonly exclude trips taken to obtain treatment overseas.
How specialist medical travel insurance differs from leisure travel policies
Key differences include:
- Cancellation cover aligned to your procedure and clinic dates rather than generic trip cancellation.
- Cover for life‑threatening complications and medical repatriation that leisure cover usually omits.
- Underwriting that considers the procedure, destination and clinic standards when setting terms and limits.
Who should consider this cover
Anyone travelling overseas for planned surgery, dental work, fertility care or aesthetic treatment should get a tailored policy. Family members or companions organising travel for a patient also benefit from appropriate cover.
To obtain an accurate quote you will need confirmed appointment details, procedure dates and the clinic name. Check the terms and conditions and declare any pre-existing medical conditions where asked — some partners do not cover unrelated pre-existing issues. Remember: emergency cover usually applies to events first arising during the trip, and treatment must be in a regulated hospital or clinic to keep the policy valid.
What’s covered: comprehensive coverage for your medical journey
When you travel for a planned procedure, your cover should protect both your trip and the treatment risks. Specialist policies combine generous emergency limits with tailored benefits for recovery and return.
Emergency medical expenses and hospital benefits
Emergency medical expenses are covered up to provider limits — for example Pulse Globetrotter offers up to £5,000,000 and Medical Travel Shield up to £2,000,000 for treatment and repatriation. Hospital in‑patient benefits help with daily costs while you recover abroad.
Cancellation and curtailment linked to treatment dates
Cover for cancellation and curtailment aligns with your booked treatment. This helps recover pre-paid trip expenses if an insured event forces you to cancel or cut short your trip.
Life‑threatening complications and repatriation
Policies include stabilisation and onward care for life‑threatening complications. Repatriation and medical transport back to the UK are coordinated by the assistance provider when clinically necessary.
Extended stay and companion cover
Extended‑stay costs contribute to accommodation and daily living expenses when a clinician advises you to remain abroad beyond the expected recovery period.
Companions, including children, can be added so the whole party has appropriate cover during the medical journey.
| Benefit | Pulse Globetrotter | Medical Travel Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency medical limits | Up to £5,000,000 | Up to £2,000,000 (incl. repatriation) |
| Cancellation / Curtailment | Up to £5,000 aligned to treatment dates | Cover for extended‑stay and return travel if complication confirmed |
| Hospital in‑patient benefit | £1,500 | Provider‑specific daily benefits |
| Companion & return travel | Companion cover available; single trips up to 31 days | Companion options; return within 12 months if related complication |
Benefits and limits vary by provider. Call the 24/7 helpline while abroad: NGS +44 (0)207 183 8910. Keep receipts for any out‑of‑pocket claims to email claims@medicaltravelshield.com once home. Match cover levels to your procedure, destination and personal risk tolerance for well‑rounded travel cover.
Key exclusions, terms and conditions you need to know
Not all trips and clinics qualify for specialist travel protection — check exclusions early.
Pre-existing medical conditions: what is and isn’t covered
Many policies exclude unrelated pre-existing medical conditions. Emergencies that first occur during the trip and life‑threatening complications directly linked to the planned procedure are usually covered.
If your pre-existing medical condition relates to the treatment sought, some providers may offer cover — declare it when you apply.
Country restrictions and FCDO travel advisories
Cover is void for destinations under FCDO “all” or “all but essential” advisories. Sanctioned or dangerous areas (for example Russia, Iran, North Korea) are also excluded.
Treatment settings and trips within the UK
Claims require treatment in a properly regulated hospital or clinic. Unregulated settings are not accepted.
Medical travel policies generally exclude trips within the UK; these products are built for overseas travel.
| Exclusion | Effect on cover | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Travelling against medical advice | Claim denied | Postpone trip and get written confirmation from clinician |
| Unregulated clinic | No cover for treatment costs | Keep proof of the clinic’s regulator status before you travel |
| Sanctioned / FCDO banned country | Policy invalid | Contact provider for alternatives or cancel |
Always read the terms and conditions of your policy and call your provider if unsure about a country or clinic. Keep regulatory documents for your trip in case you need to claim.
Procedures we can consider for cover
Below is an at-a-glance guide to the types of procedures commonly considered for medical travel cover.
Cosmetic options
Examples: breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, facelift, liposuction, Brazilian butt lift and hair transplant. Providers also assess abdominoplasty, breast reduction and facial feminisation.
Elective operations
Common elective procedures include bariatric work, cataract extraction, orthopaedic interventions and hip or knee replacement. These are underwritten by procedure risk and destination standards.
Dental treatments
Implants, veneers, crowns, root canal and dentures are popular for cost savings abroad. Implants and prosthetic devices often affect underwriting decisions.
Fertility and assisted conception
IVF, ICSI and FET are considered, though some destinations have specific rules. Declare full fertility details when you request a quote.
Non-surgical treatments
Botox, dermal fillers, laser therapies, peels and microdermabrasion are usually assessed differently to invasive procedures. Coverage depends on setting and practitioner qualifications.
Important: each procedure and country is individually underwritten. Policies require treatment in a regulated hospital or clinic. Share full procedure and travel details when you get a quote so your cover matches the planned treatment and recovery period.
Destinations and travel insights for medical treatment abroad
Choosing where to travel for a planned medical treatment shapes both your care and the cover you need.
Turkey spotlight
Why Turkey? It is a top choice for UK medical travel thanks to competitive pricing, specialist clinics and a strong tourist infrastructure.
Because Turkey is not an EU member, regulatory standards and aftercare pathways differ. Always confirm that your chosen clinic meets the regulator standards required by your policy before paying any deposit.
Standards outside the EU
Regulation varies by country. Pick regulated facilities and check surgeon credentials, accreditation and local aftercare arrangements to keep your policy valid.
USA and Canada: fertility considerations
Some providers, including Pulse, offer cover to the USA, Canada and selected territories only for fertility treatments. Confirm country‑specific limits when you request a quote.
Worldwide availability and exclusions
Cover is available worldwide subject to treatment type and destination risk. Policies exclude sanctioned or dangerous areas and any country under an FCDO advisory.
| Destination | Typical cover notes | Action before booking |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | Commonly covered; check non‑EU regulatory differences | Verify clinic accreditation and policy wording |
| USA / Canada | Often limited to fertility treatments under some policies | Confirm coverage and limits for fertility before deposit |
| Sanctioned / FCDO‑advised countries | Cover invalid where travel is advised against | Contact insurer for alternatives or cancel |
Who can apply and trip parameters
Start by confirming age limits, companion options and the maximum single‑trip period for your planned treatment.
UK applicants and companions
Eligibility: UK residents aged 18–75 are typically accepted. Policies may vary, so check if age limits differ for specific providers.
Companions can usually be added to the same policy when travelling with the patient. Adding a companion helps with aftercare, logistics and peace of mind while abroad.
Trip length and timing
Cover is normally single‑trip only and aligned to treatment dates. Most policies allow up to 31 days, matching expected recovery windows.
Secure cover once you have a confirmed appointment to benefit from any cancellation protection included by the provider.
Getting a quote and required documents
Quotes are personalised and underwritten. Providers assess the procedure type, destination and itinerary before issuing a policy.
- Have treatment confirmation, clinic details and travel dates ready.
- Declare any relevant medical history when asked — underwriting decisions depend on declared facts.
- Plan enough time for safe recovery before flying home, following clinical advice and your policy terms.
| Parameter | Typical detail | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant age | 18–75 (standard) | Check provider limits for exceptions |
| Trip type | Single‑trip up to 31 days | Align dates to treatment and recovery |
| Quote basis | Individually assessed | Provide procedure, clinic and travel details |
Note: Policy issuance depends on underwriting acceptance for the declared procedure and destination. Always read the policy schedule to confirm exact trip parameters and cover levels.
How it works: from getting a quote to making a claim
Begin by sharing basic personal details and your confirmed clinic appointment to shape a tailored quote. Use the partner website to enter your name, travel dates, clinic and the planned medical procedure. This quick step lets underwriters assess risk and offer cover that matches your needs.
Start your quote
Provide precise details. You will be asked for appointment confirmation, procedure type and travel itinerary. Upload clinic paperwork if requested to speed up acceptance and any cancellation protection.
Partnered quote journey
Specialist providers such as Pulse Globetrotter handle these referrals. Policies are administered by Pulse Insurance Limited or Sure Insurance Services Limited (FCA‑authorised). Each quote is individually assessed, so benefits and limits vary by procedure and destination.
During‑trip assistance
For urgent medical assistance call the 24/7 helpline: NGS +44 (0)207 183 8910. Do not use this number for travel disruption. Contact the assistance team before any major decisions to confirm cost authorisation under your policy.
Returning home and claims
Keep receipts for all out‑of‑pocket expenses. Submit claims by email to claims@medicaltravelshield.com with receipts, clinic notes and travel tickets. Read your policy schedule so you know notification times and required documents.
| Stage | Action | Contact / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Get quote | Enter personal, clinic and travel details on partner website | Allow underwriting review; add companions if needed |
| Before travel | Upload appointment confirmation and clinic accreditation | Start early to secure cancellation cover |
| While abroad | Call NGS for medical emergencies and approval of major treatment | +44 (0)207 183 8910 — not for travel disruption |
| After return | Submit receipts and medical records for reimbursement | Email claims@medicaltravelshield.com; keep copies of all documents |
Trusted partners and regulatory assurance
Trustworthy firms combine high limits with clear assistance pathways for peace of mind.
Medical Travel Shield: tailored elective benefits
Medical Travel Shield offers tailored cover for elective and cosmetic treatment, including extended‑stay costs when recovery takes longer than planned.
Its policies include up to £2,000,000 for medical and additional expenses, repatriation for life‑threatening complications and return travel within 12 months if a UK clinician confirms a related complication.
Pulse Globetrotter: specialist medical tourism cover
Pulse Globetrotter provides broad travel cover for a wide range of procedures. Limits include up to £5,000,000 emergency medical expenses, £5,000 cancellation, £1,000,000 liability and hospital benefits.
Single trips up to 31 days and companion cover are available, with online quotes via the partner website for a quick result.
Underwriting and regulation
Policies are introduced and administered by FCA‑authorised intermediaries such as Sure Insurance Services Limited and underwritten by certain underwriters at Lloyd’s.
Claims handling is managed by Sure while medical assistance is provided by Northcott Global Solutions (NGS). For urgent help call the NGS helpline and email claims to the provider address given in your policy documents.
| Area | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Country availability | Confirm cover for your destination | Some countries and procedures are restricted |
| Treatment details | Declare procedures and implants | Underwriting depends on clinical facts |
| Policy limits | Check emergency, repatriation and expenses | Match limits to personal risk and budget |
Tip: Compare benefits between partners, read the full policy wording on the official website and buy via partner channels to secure accurate terms and a safe transaction.
What affects your quote and tailoring your policy
How much you pay to protect a planned medical procedure depends on the treatment type, destination standards and your personal health profile.
Procedure type and risk profile
Higher‑risk procedures and implants raise premiums. Complex treatments and hospital‑based interventions usually need higher emergency limits and stricter underwriting.
Destination, country exclusions and local standards
Policies factor in destination risk. Travel to countries with limited regulation or FCDO advisories can be restricted or excluded.
Trip length, recovery period and companion cover
Longer stays and extended recovery periods increase premium and may need extended‑stay benefits.
Adding a companion may raise the price but gives practical support during recovery and can be included on the same policy.
Choosing the right limits for emergency, cancellation and repatriation
Match limits to your procedure and destination. Typical limits include up to £5,000,000 emergency medical expenses and up to £5,000 cancellation with some providers.
- Declare full medical procedure details to avoid gaps.
- Check how cover pre-existing applies — some policies exclude unrelated medical conditions.
- Get a quote early once dates are set to activate cancellation benefits and secure availability.
| Factor | Effect on policy cover | What to provide |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure risk | Higher premiums, higher limits | Clinical notes, implants info |
| Destination | Country exclusions, premium loading | Clinic accreditation, travel dates |
| Recovery period | Need for extended‑stay and companion | Surgeon’s recovery advice |
Conclusion
strong, A tailored policy protects your trip and treatment from booking through recovery.
Peace of mind comes from comprehensive cover: high emergency medical limits, clear cancellation protection and repatriation for serious complications. Choose policies that match your procedure, destination and likely recovery period.
Read terms carefully and confirm clinic regulation and country rules to avoid exclusions. Providers assess procedures — from dental and fertility to cosmetic and orthopaedic — on a case‑by‑case basis.
Use trusted, FCA‑authorised partners and call NGS on +44 (0)207 183 8910 for help while abroad. Act early: visit the partner website, share your dates and get a quote to activate cancellation benefits and set suitable cover levels.
Medical travel insurance tailored to your needs lets you focus on recovery while your cover protects expenses, implants and return travel if needed.
