Heathrow urges passengers to declare medical conditions before flying
Airport and government warn uninsured travellers could face bills over £25,000 for emergency care abroad
News London evidence indexOpen analysis ▾
Only an official Heathrow X post and a Gov.uk figure are cited; no named individuals or multiple outlets.
Higher is stronger
Provides clear advice and figures but lacks quotes and next‑step details, feeling like a republished alert.
Higher is stronger
Headline is mildly sensational but the article remains a straightforward advisory.
Lower is better
Passengers flying from Heathrow this summer have been told to check their travel insurance covers any existing medical conditions. The airport issued the warning after officials said uninsured travellers could face bills of more than £25,000 for emergency treatment abroad.
Heathrow’s official X account posted a message on 12 June 2025 advising passengers to declare conditions to their insurer. The post said: "Check you've declared any existing medical conditions with your insurer, to ensure you don't invalidate your insurance, leading to a big medical bill."
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Government warns of £25,000 costs
The UK Government’s Travel Aware website reinforces the advice. It states travellers should obtain insurance covering medical care, activities and cancellations. The site adds that a broken leg treated in Spain could cost over £25,000, including hospital treatment and repatriation.
Gov.uk says travellers should buy insurance as soon as they book a trip. It warns that policies may exclude pre-existing conditions if they are not declared. The site advises reading the small print to understand exclusion clauses.
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What passengers need to do
Heathrow and the Government say passengers should check their insurance covers both physical and mental health conditions. This includes conditions currently under investigation. Travellers should also ensure their policy covers any planned activities, such as sports or excursions.
The Travel Aware website advises taking a copy of the insurance policy when travelling. It says failing to declare a medical condition could invalidate the policy, leaving travellers liable for emergency costs.
What happens next
Heathrow has not said how long the alert will remain in place. The airport’s advice follows standard government guidance for all international travellers. Passengers are advised to check their insurance before every trip, as policies may change or expire.
Questions this report answers
+Why is Heathrow telling passengers to check their travel insurance?
Heathrow Airport issued an alert advising passengers to declare existing medical conditions to insurers. Officials warn failing to do so could invalidate policies, leaving travellers liable for emergency medical costs abroad, which can exceed £25,000.
+How much could a medical emergency abroad cost without insurance?
The UK Government states treating a broken leg abroad could cost over £25,000. This includes hospital treatment and repatriation. Travellers without insurance may have to pay these costs themselves.
+When should I buy travel insurance?
The Government’s Travel Aware website advises buying insurance as soon as you book a trip. This ensures coverage for cancellations and medical emergencies. Policies may exclude pre-existing conditions if not declared early.
+What medical conditions do I need to declare to my insurer?
Heathrow and the Government say travellers should declare all existing physical and mental health conditions. This includes conditions currently under investigation. Failing to declare them could invalidate your insurance.
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