Thousands of weight-loss jab users in the UK could be at risk of invalidating their travel and health insurance by failing to declare the medication as a pre-existing condition.
A new survey by Consumer Intelligence found that more than a quarter of 1,000 UK adults were unsure whether drugs such as Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic should be listed when buying insurance.
The poll revealed widespread confusion: 11% of respondents described weight-loss jabs as a cosmetic treatment, 10% considered them a lifestyle tool, and 24% classified them as medical treatments. In most cases, insurers require policyholders to disclose all pre-existing medical conditions. Failure to do so can void a policy, leaving customers without cover.
Ian Hughes, chief executive of Consumer Intelligence, warned the lack of clarity could have serious consequences. “This confusion isn’t academic; it has real consequences for millions of Britons purchasing travel and health insurance,” he said.
“When a quarter of the population doesn’t know whether their medication counts as a pre-existing condition, we’re seeing a perfect storm for claim disputes and coverage gaps,” Hughes added.
The Financial Ombudsman Service reported a 19% rise in travel insurance complaints in 2024, handling 4,466 cases. Disputes over medical disclosure were among the leading causes.
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