Britons using weight-loss drugs such as Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic could face insurance complications if they fail to disclose their use when taking out travel or health policies, according to new research.
A survey by Consumer Intelligence found widespread confusion over whether the increasingly popular drugs count as medication for a pre-existing medical condition. More than a quarter of 1,000 UK adults polled said they did not know the treatments needed to be declared when buying insurance, The Independent reported.
Confusion over classification
When asked how they would describe weight-loss jabs, 11% of respondents classed them as cosmetic treatments, 10% saw them as lifestyle aids, while 24% considered them medical treatments. Insurers, however, generally treat GLP-1 agonists, the category that includes the weight-loss drugs, as prescribed medication, which must be disclosed.
Ian Hughes, chief executive of Consumer Intelligence, warned that the lack of clarity could leave many exposed.
"“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."
Rising complaints linked to medical disclosure
The Financial Ombudsman Service reported a 19% rise in travel insurance complaints in 2024, with 4,466 cases. Disputes over non-disclosure of medical conditions were among the leading causes. Hughes said the way insurers phrase questions can add to the problem:
Around 1.5 million people in the UK use GLP-1 drugs, most commonly to manage diabetes and obesity. The drugs regulate blood sugar levels and reduce food cravings, which can result in rapid weight loss. They are available through the NHS for certain patients or privately for those meeting BMI criteria.
Insurance costs and industry response
While disclosure is required, it can push up the cost of cover. According to Go Compare, the average cost of single-trip travel insurance for customers with pre-existing conditions is £5 a day, compared with £3 for those without. In some cases, insurers may refuse cover altogether.
Some insurers, such as Admiral, already provide specific guidance online about declaring weight-loss jab usage. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) also warns that withholding such information risks invalidating a policy.
“You should disclose any pre-existing medical conditions, as well as any prescribed medication or treatment," the ABI said. "The industry continues to stress the importance of disclosing pre-existing medical conditions and if you’re unsure of what to declare, you should contact your insurer directly to check.”
