When it comes to travel insurance, pre-existing medical conditions can significantly impact your coverage. Many travelers with pre-existing conditions wonder if they can still get travel insurance and whether their condition will be covered in case of an emergency. Here’s a breakdown of how pre-existing conditions affect travel insurance, what options are available, and how to ensure you’re adequately covered.
What is a Pre-Existing Condition?
A pre-existing condition is any health condition or illness that you have before purchasing travel insurance or before you start your trip. This includes chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease), injuries, or diseases you’ve been diagnosed with in the past or are currently managing (e.g., asthma, high blood pressure).
How Pre-Existing Conditions Can Impact Travel Insurance Coverage
- Exclusions for Pre-Existing Conditions
Many standard travel insurance policies exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, meaning that if you have a health emergency related to your condition while traveling, you may not be covered. For instance, if you have a heart condition and experience a heart attack while abroad, the insurance provider may refuse to pay for the treatment if they consider the condition “pre-existing.” - Limited Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions
Some policies may offer limited coverage for pre-existing conditions, but they might impose certain restrictions. For example, the insurer might cover emergencies related to your pre-existing condition, but only if the condition was stable for a certain period (e.g., 6 months) before purchasing the insurance. If your condition is unstable, or if you’ve had recent hospitalizations or treatments, coverage may be limited or excluded entirely. - Declining Coverage for Specific Pre-Existing Conditions
Some insurance providers may outright decline to cover specific pre-existing conditions depending on the severity or risk involved. For example, someone with advanced heart disease may find it difficult to obtain comprehensive coverage for related medical emergencies.
How to Get Travel Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions
If you have a pre-existing condition, there are a few steps you can take to ensure you get the coverage you need:
- Look for a “Pre-Existing Condition Waiver”
Some travel insurance policies offer a Pre-Existing Condition Waiver, which essentially waives the exclusion for pre-existing conditions under certain conditions. To qualify for this waiver:- Purchase the insurance soon after booking your trip (usually within 14-21 days of the first trip payment).
- You must be medically stable at the time of purchasing the insurance (meaning you haven’t had any significant changes in your condition or treatment within a specific period, like 6 months). The waiver ensures that your pre-existing condition will be covered in case of a medical emergency while traveling, provided the condition hasn’t worsened.
- Choose Specialized Insurance Plans
Some insurance providers offer specialized policies that cater specifically to travelers with pre-existing conditions. These plans may include coverage for medical emergencies or treatment related to pre-existing conditions, often with higher premiums or additional requirements. Providers like Allianz Travel Insurance and Travel Guard often have options designed for travelers with chronic health issues or ongoing medical conditions. - Disclose Your Condition
Always be upfront about your medical history when purchasing travel insurance. If you fail to disclose a pre-existing condition, the insurer may deny any claims related to that condition, even if it was unrelated to the emergency. Transparency helps you avoid disputes later and ensures that your policy is valid if you need to make a claim.
What Does “Stable” Mean for Pre-Existing Conditions?
Many insurance providers require that your pre-existing condition be considered stable before they’ll cover it. “Stable” generally means that there have been no significant changes to your condition, and you have not:
- Had any new symptoms.
- Required changes in treatment or medication.
- Been hospitalized or experienced complications within a certain period (usually 6 months to 1 year). Stability is often a key factor in determining whether you qualify for a waiver or additional coverage for a pre-existing condition.
What Is Typically Covered for Pre-Existing Conditions?
Once you’ve secured insurance that accommodates pre-existing conditions, here are some potential benefits that may be included:
- Emergency Medical Treatment: If you experience a medical emergency related to your pre-existing condition, your policy may cover the cost of emergency medical care, treatment, or hospitalization.
- Medical Evacuation: If you’re in a remote area and need to be evacuated to a medical facility due to your pre-existing condition, some policies will cover this expensive process.
- Trip Cancellation: If your condition worsens before your trip or while you’re away, you might be able to cancel your trip and recover non-refundable expenses (e.g., flights, accommodation).
Things to Keep in Mind When Buying Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions
- Policy Specifics: Not all insurance policies are the same. Read the fine print carefully to understand the exact terms and conditions surrounding pre-existing conditions.
- Medical Screening: Some insurers may require you to undergo a medical screening to assess your condition before providing coverage. This is especially common for high-risk conditions like heart disease or cancer.
- Pre-Existing Condition Definitions: Definitions of pre-existing conditions vary between providers. Always ensure you fully understand what the insurer considers a pre-existing condition.
- Exclusion of Coverage: Even with a waiver, certain conditions may still be excluded from coverage. For example, mental health conditions or specific serious illnesses may not be covered, even if they are stable.
- Cost of Insurance: Expect higher premiums if you have a pre-existing condition. Insurers may adjust the price of your coverage based on the level of risk involved in covering your condition.