The Travel Insurance Rule That Could Leave Women on HRT Uncovered
The story of Elle Dennis, who faced a €34,000 (£28,000) medical bill
after suffering a seizure on holiday, has shone a harsh light on a troubling issue:
some travel insurers still treat Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
as a condition that needs to be declared,
even though menopause is a natural stage of life.
Elle’s claim was denied solely because she had not declared her HRT prescription when renewing her travel insurance — even though doctors confirmed her medical emergency had nothing to do with HRT. Now, while battling a grade three brain tumour, she is also battling debt collectors chasing her for a hospital bill that should have been covered.
Menopause is Not a Disease — So Why Is HRT Treated Like One?
Every woman who reaches midlife will go through menopause — it is not an illness or a pre-existing medical condition.
HRT is simply a form of hormone balance, much like taking insulin for diabetes or thyroid medication for hypothyroidism.
It helps manage symptoms like hot flashes, joint pain, and insomnia so that women can continue to live full, healthy lives.
This loophole means insurers can
deny payouts based on a minor omission
—even if the medication in question
is completely unrelated to the claim.
The Real Cost of This Policy
Elle’s case is not just about one woman — it highlights a wider issue affecting millions.
Over two million women in the UK take HRT, and many are unaware
that their travel insurance could be invalidated over something as routine as hormone therapy.
The financial and emotional toll is staggering:
Women on HRT might pay for travel insurance that offers no real protection if they fail to disclose it.
Many won’t think to declare HRT because they don’t consider menopause a medical condition
— because it isn’t!
Those who do may face higher premiums or have to switch to a different (often less flexible) policy.
Meanwhile, insurers continue to profit while leaving women vulnerable in times of crisis.
What Needs to Change?
Insurance Companies Must Update Their Policies
1- Menopause should not be treated as a pre-existing condition.
2- HRT should not require separate disclosure unless there is a clear medical reason.
Insurers must explain upfront what needs to be declared—without hidden loopholes buried in fine print.
More Public Awareness1- Women must be informed that failing to declare HRT could invalidate their travel insurance.
2- Travel agents, insurers, and medical professionals should work together to ensure this information is widely available.
What Can You Do?
Check your travel insurance policy carefully. If you’re on HRT, call your insurer and ask whether it needs to be declared.
Don’t assume menopause is excluded from medical declarations. If in doubt, declare it — it may prevent issues later.
Speak out. Women need to demand fair treatment from insurers. Share your experiences and raise awareness.
Time for Change
Menopause is not a disease, and women should not have to fear being left stranded with
crippling medical bills just because they take HRT. This case is a wake-up call for insurers to update their outdated policies and stop penalizing women for managing their health.
It’s time for fairer, more transparent policies—because no woman should have to face what Elle Dennis is going through.
Have you experienced similar issues with travel insurance and HRT? Share your story in the comments.
Let’s make our voices heard!
With love,
The story of Elle Dennis, who faced a €34,000 (£28,000) medical bill
after suffering a seizure on holiday, has shone a harsh light on a troubling issue:
some travel insurers still treat Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
as a condition that needs to be declared,
even though menopause is a natural stage of life.
Elle’s claim was denied solely because she had not declared her HRT prescription when renewing her travel insurance — even though doctors confirmed her medical emergency had nothing to do with HRT. Now, while battling a grade three brain tumour, she is also battling debt collectors chasing her for a hospital bill that should have been covered.
Menopause is Not a Disease — So Why Is HRT Treated Like One?
Every woman who reaches midlife will go through menopause — it is not an illness or a pre-existing medical condition.
HRT is simply a form of hormone balance, much like taking insulin for diabetes or thyroid medication for hypothyroidism.
It helps manage symptoms like hot flashes, joint pain, and insomnia so that women can continue to live full, healthy lives.
This loophole means insurers can
deny payouts based on a minor omission
—even if the medication in question
is completely unrelated to the claim.
The Real Cost of This Policy
Elle’s case is not just about one woman — it highlights a wider issue affecting millions.
Over two million women in the UK take HRT, and many are unaware
that their travel insurance could be invalidated over something as routine as hormone therapy.
The financial and emotional toll is staggering:
Women on HRT might pay for travel insurance that offers no real protection if they fail to disclose it.
Many won’t think to declare HRT because they don’t consider menopause a medical condition
— because it isn’t!
Those who do may face higher premiums or have to switch to a different (often less flexible) policy.
Meanwhile, insurers continue to profit while leaving women vulnerable in times of crisis.
What Needs to Change?
Insurance Companies Must Update Their Policies
1- Menopause should not be treated as a pre-existing condition.
2- HRT should not require separate disclosure unless there is a clear medical reason.
Insurers must explain upfront what needs to be declared—without hidden loopholes buried in fine print.
More Public Awareness1- Women must be informed that failing to declare HRT could invalidate their travel insurance.
2- Travel agents, insurers, and medical professionals should work together to ensure this information is widely available.
What Can You Do?
Check your travel insurance policy carefully.
If you’re on HRT, call your insurer and ask whether it needs to be declared.
Don’t assume menopause is excluded from medical declarations. If in doubt, declare it — it may prevent issues later.
Speak out. Women need to demand fair treatment from insurers. Share your experiences and raise awareness.
Time For Change
Menopause is not a disease, and women should not have to fear being left stranded withcrippling medical bills just because they take HRT.
This case is a wake-up call for insurers to update their outdated policies and stop penalizing women for managing their health.
It’s time for fairer, more transparent policies—because no woman should have to face what Elle Dennis is going through.
Have you experienced similar issues with travel insurance and HRT? Share your story in the comments.
Let’s make our voices heard!
With love,
