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Can I Get Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions?

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Table of Contents

What is considered a pre-existing condition?

How to qualify for a pre-existing medical conditions waiver, where to find coverage for pre-existing conditions, travel insurance for pre-existing conditions, recapped.

Although trip delay and baggage loss insurance are good to have, purchasing a medical insurance policy before hitting the road can be the difference between an expensive vacation and a really expensive vacation. Those with pre-existing conditions may be wondering if they can still get travel insurance. Luckily, the answer is yes.

Here’s where to look for and how to get travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

A pre-existing condition is an illness, injury or medical concern that has included exams, treatments or a change in prescribed medication within 60 to 180 days of purchasing a travel insurance policy. The condition doesn’t have to be diagnosed formally to be considered a pre-existing condition.

For example, say you go on a bike tour of Amsterdam and suffer a mild heart attack. If a doctor had diagnosed hypertension (high blood pressure) a few weeks before your trip, this is considered a pre-existing condition.

So, what does a pre-existing medical condition mean for travel insurance? The good news is that having a pre-existing condition doesn’t preclude you from traveling or being eligible for medical coverage. Many comprehensive plans cover pre-existing conditions and can help you recoup your money if you require medical treatment during your trip or have to cancel a trip altogether because of a medical issue.

To avoid being on the hook for medical bills abroad or losing a deposit before you even pack your bags, look for a policy that includes a pre-existing condition waiver. Read the fine print on the insurance provider’s website; there shouldn’t be an age limit on most plans, and the premium shouldn’t cost more than it would for people without pre-existing medical conditions.

As long as you’re medically fit to travel, you can qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver if you meet the following criteria and apply within the eligible timeframe:

A pre-existing condition must be stable.

You must buy coverage at the time of your first trip deposit or shortly thereafter (time frame varies by company).

Amount of coverage must be equal to all pre-paid, non-refundable costs.

For example, if you put down a 50% deposit on a safari in South Africa, you must buy travel insurance within the time specified by the insurance provider to be eligible for a pre-existing medical conditions waiver. If you wait too long to purchase coverage, you'll have missed the coverage purchasing window and the waiver won’t be applicable to your trip.

We recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy as soon as you make the first deposit on a trip.

If you don’t qualify for a waiver, then a travel insurance company has a right to look back at the traveler’s medical records for the last 60 to 180 days (varies by plan), which is called a look-back period. This is done to determine whether you’re filing a claim for an incident related to a pre-existing condition, which then determines whether it’s going to be covered or not.

The pre-existing medical conditions waiver may also provide coverage in the case of a non-traveling family member having a medical problem mid-trip. This varies by plan.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies

With so many providers to choose from, it’s hard to make the right choice. So, which travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions is best?

You can turn to travel insurance companies such as Allianz , Travel Guard by AIG or RoamRight to locate the right plan for your trip.

Instead of getting quotes from every travel insurance company under the sun, we recommend InsureMyTrip, which is a free comparison site that allows you to get quotes from multiple providers at once.

To start a quote, you must:

Select your travel destination.

Provide travel dates.

Disclose your citizenship and the state where you live.

Select the number of travelers and their ages.

The website will ask you additional questions, such as:

Whether you’re taking a flight, going on a cruise or renting a vacation home.

The total cost of nonrefundable expenses, such as flight costs, hotel bookings and tours.

The date you made the first payment toward the trip and viewed your coverage options.

You can sort and filter your results in multiple ways. Compare the plans offered and make a selection based on price, insurance provider reviews or the included coverage.

Keep in mind that it’s not possible to find annual travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions. Comprehensive plans that include coverage for pre-existing conditions can only be purchased for every trip separately.

Yes, it is possible to find travel insurance coverage suitable for trip takers with qualifying pre-existing conditions.

The best travel insurance options for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions include Travel Guard by AIG and Allianz .

Unless you purchase a plan with explicit coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, you can generally expect that costs related to these conditions pre- or mid-trip are excluded from a travel insurance policy. For plans with the option to cover pre-existing medical conditions, qualified travelers can select a Waiver of Pre-Existing Medical Conditions.

Example eligible conditions include illnesses, injuries or medical concerns that have included exams, treatments or a change in prescribed medication within 2-6 months of purchasing a travel insurance policy (depending on the provider).

The best travel insurance options for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions include

Travel Guard by AIG

Optional travel insurance certainly can protect you from the unexpected. To obtain coverage for a pre-existing condition, make sure to follow all the rules of the policy you’re about to purchase. Buy a policy within the specified time frame and declare all nonrefundable expenses accurately.

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Understanding pre-existing conditions and travel insurance

Choosing the right insurance policy for pre-existing conditions, purchasing travel insurance with pre-existing conditions, pre-existing conditions and travel insurance faq, how to get travel insurance with pre-existing condition coverage.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

• Most travel insurance companies offer waivers for pre-existing stable medical conditions.
• To qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver, you must buy insurance within a certain timeframe.
• Keep in mind that not all policies cover pre-existing conditions, so always double-check your policy.
• Compare travel insurance coverage options and rates with SquareMouth . 

Medical travel insurance is a great way to protect your health and finances when traveling. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you might assume you can't get coverage. Luckily, many travel insurance companies offer pre-existing condition coverage in the form of a pre-existing condition waiver.

Here's everything you need to know about pre-existing conditions and travel insurance, including how to find coverage options if you have a pre-existing condition.

Even many of the best travel insurance companies define pre-existing conditions as a change in your medical record that includes tests, examinations, treatment, or changes in medication. The changes in your medical record usually result in a diagnosis, which becomes a pre-existing condition. But you do not have to receive a formal diagnosis for it to be considered a pre-existing condition.

Travel insurance companies consider medical conditions within a specified look-back period, or length of time. The medical condition must be stable to qualify for a claim. Conditions are stable if you do not need additional treatment, medication, or diagnoses.

But even if your medical condition is stable, you likely need a pre-existing condition waiver to get coverage if it suddenly worsens while you're traveling. 

Travel insurance look-back periods for pre-existing conditions

If you file a claim, the insurance company has a right to review your medical record and ensure that you did not have a condition related to the claim. This process is known as a "look-back" period since the insurance looks back through your records. 

The look-back period usually includes 60 to 180 days before you buy the policy. Before approving your claim, the insurance company wants to determine if the condition already existed.

The insurance company may approve or deny your claim based on what it discovers. To avoid dealing with the risk of denial, you can qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver instead. 

Many travel insurance companies offer coverage for travelers with pre-existing conditions. For example, Tin Leg Travel insurance , listed in our guide on the best travel insurance for best pre-existing conditions coverage, offers pre-existing condition waivers for all its plans except Tin Leg Economy. 

While there are many options for pre-existing condition coverage, the challenge is finding the right one for you. 

Comparing policy terms and benefits

When comparing insurance policies, you should pay attention to the coverage limits for emergency medical and acute onset of a pre-existing condition. You should also assess the time window in which you must purchase insurance to receive coverage for pre-existing conditions. If you've already waited a week before purchasing, you may already be ineligible for a waiver with certain companies. 

You can contact individual companies for quotes or work with a travel insurance comparison site like TravelInsurance.com, SquareMouth, or InsureMyTrip . Comparison sites allow you to review multiple quotes at once. You can usually filter results based on companies that offer pre-existing medical condition waivers. 

Regardless of which company you choose, it's important to understand the policies regarding pre-existing conditions and adhere to the requirements.

With a pre-existing medical condition waiver, you disclose your medical conditions to your insurance provider and ensure that the condition does not impact your ability to file a claim. If you have a waiver, you can even bypass the look-back period.

The waivers are set up through the travel insurance company and should not impact the cost of your policy.

Application process and documentation

You must meet the following criteria to qualify for a pre-existing medical condition waiver:

• Stable medical condition: Conditions are stable if you do not need additional treatment, medication, or diagnoses. You also need a letter from your doctor to confirm that you are medically fit to travel on the day of your trip.
• Get coverage within a certain timeframe: You typically need to establish coverage shortly after you make your first payment towards the trip, but timelines vary by provider. 
• Coverage must equal nonrefundable costs: If there are nonrefundable parts of your trip, your travel insurance coverage must equal or exceed that amount. 

For example, if you were diagnosed with high blood pressure a few years ago, but the condition has been stable since — your medication manages the symptoms, and you have not needed additional medical support — then you likely qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver. 

Some companies do not provide coverage if you have certain health conditions, such as depression, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease, but it varies based on the provider. The coverage details of your policy depend on the plan you select. But comprehensive travel insurance usually covers baggage delays, trip cancellations, and emergency medical care. 

No, many of the best travel insurance companies offer pre-existing condition waivers, so you can get coverage with a pre-existing condition as long as you buy ahead of time. 

A company can deny your travel insurance claim based on what it discovers in the look-back period if you do not have a pre-existing condition waiver.

Obtaining travel insurance for a pre-existing condition at the last minute is unlikely, as most insurers require purchasing the policy within a set time frame from your initial trip deposit.

Disclose your pre-existing condition during the application process by providing detailed and accurate medical information as required by the insurer.

• Main content

Does Travel Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions? (2024)

If you have certain types of pre-existing medical conditions and need travel insurance, you may still be able to get coverage. but first, you’ll have to qualify for a waiver..

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Updated September 20, 2023

Table of contents

• What’s covered
• Eligibility for waiver
• Insurance companies
• How to buy insurance

If you’re planning to take a trip, you need to plan for every eventuality, especially because your health insurance likely won’t cover illness, injury, or emergency medical transport when you’re abroad. [1]

Fortunately, purchasing travel medical and medical evacuation insurance policies can help you (and your traveling companions) get the care you need if you get sick or hurt or experience other types of medical emergencies while traveling.

However, it’s important to note that if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you could be denied coverage unless you qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver. Here’s what you need to know about travel insurance with pre-existing conditions.

Does travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people with pre-existing health conditions get travel medical insurance if they plan to travel abroad, live overseas for more than six months, or participate in dangerous activities, like scuba diving. [2]

However, getting travel medical insurance with a pre-existing medical condition can be tricky. Insurance companies may be more reluctant to offer you coverage since your risk of getting sick or having a flare-up overseas may be higher.

If you have a pre-existing condition and need travel insurance, it’s important to understand what types of coverage may be available and what special terms, if any, may apply. While some plans make exceptions for certain types of pre-existing conditions, you may have to first qualify for a special waiver.

Pre-existing conditions explained

When it comes to travel medical insurance, a pre-existing condition may be defined as an existing health issue or diagnosis, which can include a recent injury or illness or a long-term disease for which you’re receiving medical treatment. [3] It may also be defined as a long-term condition, such as high blood pressure, dementia, or even pregnancy.

In the U.S., under the Affordable Care Act, people with pre-existing conditions can’t be excluded from most types of standard health coverage. However, these same rules don’t apply to travel insurance. [4]

Factors that determine your eligibility for a pre-existing condition waiver

If you have a pre-existing condition, you can benefit from travel medical insurance in the event of an emergency, but you must obtain a pre-existing conditions medical waiver in advance. Without a waiver in place, any claim you file for medical coverage could be denied. This would put you on the hook for costly medical care, treatments, and expenses.

To get a waiver for a pre-existing condition, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility requirements, including:

Being medically cleared to travel

Most travel insurers that offer exclusion waivers require you to be physically able to travel, with no changes to your medical condition for a set amount of time (usually 60 to 180 days). Some travel insurance policies may require medical records, copies of your medical history, or a sign-off by a physician.

Buying your policy within a specific time frame

You must purchase a pre-existing condition waiver within a certain window (typically 14 to 21 days after you’ve made an initial trip deposit or first payment on your trip). Most waivers are good only for the first — and only for one — booking, meaning you can’t reschedule the trip.

Insuring the full cost of your trip

You’ll also likely need to purchase an amount of coverage that’s equivalent to 100% of the non-refundable cost of your trip, including airfare, hotels, and other travel arrangements.

Covered pre-existing conditions

Travel insurance doesn’t typically cover medical treatment for pre-existing conditions without a waiver. But if you qualify for a waiver, any illnesses or injuries that occur during your trip will likely be covered. However, since policies can vary on a case-by-case basis and between travel insurance companies, it’s a good idea to check the fine print of your plan before your trip.

Pre-existing conditions that aren’t typically covered

While many types of pre-existing conditions are eligible for a waiver, most travel insurance companies won’t cover certain medical conditions, including:

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

Anxiety and depression

Normal pregnancy and childbirth

Conditions related to alcohol and drug abuse

In addition, other circumstances may not be covered, even if they’re medical in nature. For example, a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver may not cover a situation such as an accident or illness caused by risky activities, like extreme sports. You also may not be able to get a pre-existing exclusion waiver for trips that are deemed expensive.

Waivers are also only typically available as single-trip policies — meaning you can’t purchase annual travel insurance coverage or multi-trip plans. Your coverage may also have limits. When in doubt, be sure to check with your travel insurance company and review your trip insurance policy’s fine print.

Travel insurance companies that offer pre-existing medical condition waivers

If you have a pre-existing medical condition and need travel insurance, you may be able to qualify for a pre-existing waiver. When comparing options, check the fine print about each travel insurance plan’s waiver requirements, as they can vary widely between companies.

While not all travel insurance companies offer pre-existing medical condition waivers, here are a few to consider:

Seven Corners

Travel Guard by AIG

How to buy travel insurance with a pre-existing condition

If you have a pre-existing condition, here’s how to buy travel insurance:

Gather your options. Shopping around is important. You can check insurance companies’ websites directly or consider using an insurance comparison site to make searching easier.

Review your policy options. Compare each policy’s requirements for waiver eligibility information to find the best travel insurance plan for your needs.

Compare costs from top insurers. Costs can vary between travel insurance plans, so carefully consider the best plan for your budget.

Buy your coverage. Once you find a travel insurance policy that’s a good fit for your pre-existing condition, budget, and travel plans, you’ll need to buy your policy. Most waivers require plans to be purchased within a specific time frame to ensure coverage, so be sure to read the fine print.

Travel insurance pre-existing conditions FAQS

If you have a pre-existing condition, getting travel insurance is still possible. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions that can help guide you in your search for the best travel policy when you have a pre-existing medical condition.

Can you get travel insurance with pre-existing conditions?

Yes. You can get travel insurance with pre-existing conditions. But you may be required to get a special waiver, and some exclusions and special conditions may apply. That’s why it’s important to check the fine print before purchasing a travel policy to ensure coverage.

What is a pre-existing look-back period for travel insurance?

Pre-existing look-back periods are the length of time a travel insurance company may require you to have your pre-existing condition treated or controlled before your travel medical insurance plan’s effective date. Look-back periods are typically about 60 to 180 days, depending on the travel insurance plan.

Does it cost more to purchase travel insurance with pre-existing coverage?

No. Generally, purchasing travel insurance with pre-existing coverage has no extra cost. But to get a pre-existing medical condition waiver, you may have to purchase insurance that covers 100% of your trip.

How do travel insurance companies determine what qualifies as a pre-existing condition?

Travel insurance companies may have different criteria for determining what qualifies as a pre-existing condition, and it’s generally tied to how long you’ve been sick or injured with a condition. But some conditions are generally never exempt, even with a waiver, such as depression or complication-free pregnancies.

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Sarah Archambault enjoys helping people figure out how to manage their finances and credit. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans.  Her work has been featured on Credit Karma, Experian, LendingClub, Sound Dollar and USA Today Blueprint. She also writes for national insurers, banks and financial institutions like  Aetna, MassMutual, Stripe, and UnitedHealthcare. 

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What is a Pre-existing medical condition

A  pre-existing medical condition  is a health condition that existed before the effective date of your travel insurance policy. This can include any medical conditions for which you have received medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment, including chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries. When purchasing travel insurance, it's important to review your travel insurance policy carefully and understand any pre-existing medical condition exclusions or limitations before you purchase the policy to ensure that you have the coverage you need while traveling. Some insurance companies may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, while others may offer limited coverage or require additional fees or medical evaluations. Additionally, some insurance companies may require you to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions that you have. Planning an exciting trip? Get your AXA Travel Protection plan today and ease your mind, knowing that you have coverage in case of an eligible unexpected and unforeseen events that could occur during your trip. Planning an exciting trip? Get an AXA Travel Protection plan today and get peace of mind from unexpected and unforeseen events that could ruin the trip. Receive a free quote within minutes Or call us at  855-327-1441 to speak with our licensed Travel Insurance Advisors. Monday-Saturday, 8AM-7PM Central Time Also see :  Plan Comparision Table  |  Silver Plan  |  Gold Plan  |  Platinum Plan

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How to Buy Travel Insurance When You Have a Pre-Existing Condition

A nationally recognized reporter, writer, and consumer advocate, Ed Perkins focuses on how travelers can find the best deals and avoid scams.

He is the author of "Online Travel" (2000) and "Business Travel: When It's Your Money" (2004), the first step-by-step guide specifically written for small business and self-employed professional travelers. He was also the co-author of the annual "Best Travel Deals" series from Consumers Union.

Perkins' advice for business travelers is featured on MyBusinessTravel.com , a website devoted to helping small business and self-employed professional travelers find the best value for their travel dollars.

Perkins was founding editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, one of the country's most influential travel publications, from which he retired in 1998. He has also written for Business Traveller magazine (London).

Perkins' travel expertise has led to frequent television appearances, including ABC's "Good Morning America" and "This Week with David Brinkley," "The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather," CNN, and numerous local TV and radio stations.

Before editing Consumer Reports Travel Letter, Perkins spent 25 years in travel research and consulting with assignments ranging from national tourism development strategies to the design of computer-based tourism models.

Born in Evanston, Illinois, Perkins lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife.

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Whether—and how—travel insurance covers pre-existing medical conditions remains a source of uncertainty among many travelers. This question I once received from a reader is a case in point:

“My husband and I will fly to Venice on October 6, where we will stay two weeks. I bought our airline tickets last February. My husband is diabetic, managing it with medication, and he just had surgery, after which he is doing well. Can we still purchase trip-cancellation insurance including medical evacuation?”

The short answer: You can buy TCI and medical evacuation (medevac) insurance that will cover cancellation or an evacuation required by your husband’s diabetes—as long as you can show it was totally controlled up to the time of departure. But probably not for potential complications following the surgery. It would cover both of you for any other health problems that arise during your trip.

Sound confusing? The jargon around travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions is. Here are the pertinent details that travelers with one should know about buying travel health insurance, up to and including medevac insurance.

What Is a “Pre-Existing Condition”?

Most travel insurance, including medical evacuation and trip cancellation, excludes pre-existing medical conditions as a “covered reason” for paying on a claim. Here’s how one insurance company defines that exclusion:

“‘Pre-existing condition’ means any injury, sickness or condition for which medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment was recommended or received within the 180-day period ending on your date of departure. Conditions are not considered pre-existing if the condition for which prescribed drugs or medicine is taken remains controlled without any change in the required prescription.”

Another company says it this way:

“An illness or injury that you, a traveling companion or family member were seeking or receiving treatment for or had symptoms of on the day you purchased your plan, or at any time in the 120 days before you purchased it. You, a traveling companion or family member are considered to have an existing medical condition if you, a traveling companion or family member:

• Saw or were advised to see a doctor
• Had symptoms that would cause a prudent person to see a doctor
• Were taking prescribed medication for the condition or the symptoms, unless the condition or symptoms are effectively controlled by the prescription, and the prescription hasn’t changed.”

Some policies do not even include the allowance for conditions controlled by medication, but many do. The typical exclusion period ranges from 90 days to 180 days. In my reader’s case, as I noted, a typical policy would cover her husband’s controlled diabetes but not complications from his recent surgery.

Insurance companies are serious about the definition of the “medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment” limitation. If you so much as called a doctor about a possible problem, the insurance bean counters could deny a claim.

Waiving Pre-Existing Conditions

The good news about exceptions for pre-existing conditions is that many travel insurance companies waive that exception if you buy the insurance shortly after making your initial travel arrangements. Here’s how one company puts it:

“If your plan includes this coverage, you, a traveling companion or family member can have an existing medical condition and you will still be eligible for all coverage and assistance services, as long as:

• You purchased your plan within 14 days of making your first trip payment or first trip deposit
• You purchased trip cancellation coverage that covers the full cost of all your nonrefundable trip arrangements
• You were a U.S. resident and medically able to travel on the day you purchased the plan, and
• The total cost of your trip is $20,000 per person or less.”

Depending on the company, the purchase deadline for buying the insurance ranges from seven to 14 days. As far as I can tell, you don’t have to pay anything extra to get pre-existing conditions waived: Just buy the insurance on time.

Health Problems Must Be Unforeseen

Even when they waive the exception for pre-existing medical conditions, almost all policies limit coverage to “unforeseen” medical problems. If you can foresee a problem at the time of buying, insurance is void. As a corollary, you must be fully capable of traveling at the time you buy the insurance.

Buyer’s Guide

Pre-existing conditions are apparently the biggest source of problems between insurance companies and travelers. Given how easy it is to have the whole problem waived, it seems to me to be a no-brainer that anyone interested in medevac or trip-cancellation insurance should buy the insurance within the specified seven- or 14-day period after making the first trip payment.

Beyond that, I continue to recommend that travelers check one or more of these travel insurance agencies’ comparison sites, enter their trip details and coverage requirements, and select the least expensive policy that meets their needs:

• SquareMouth
• Global Travel Insurance
• QuoteWright
• InsureMyTrip.com
• TravelersMed.com

These independent agencies sell policies written by all the major insurance underwriters. Price comparison and policy selection is a snap: The site displays a long list of policies and their detailed terms.

More from SmarterTravel:

• How Annual Travel Insurance Could Save You Money
• The 8 Worst Travel Decisions You Can Make on Vacation
• Cruise Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

Consumer advocate Ed Perkins has been writing about travel for more than three decades. The founding editor of the Consumer Reports Travel Letter, he continues to inform travelers and fight consumer abuse every day at SmarterTravel.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2009. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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• Pre-Existing Condition

What is Pre-Existing Condition Travel Insurance?

Traveling with a pre-existing medical condition can be a costly and stressful endeavor. Pre-Existing Condition travel insurance is a type of coverage designed to provide protection to individuals traveling with a medical condition that existed before purchasing a policy.

Common examples of pre-existing medical conditions could include chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, or asthma, as well as previous injuries or surgeries.

Most standard travel insurance plans typically exclude pre-existing injuries and illnesses from coverage. However, many travel insurance companies offer plans that include a Pre-Existing Condition waiver that extends valuable medical coverage benefits for the duration of a traveler’s trip.

Pre-Existing Condition coverage is time-sensitive, meaning it is typically only available for 14-21 days after a traveler makes their initial trip deposit. Pricing, exclusions, lookback periods, and eligibility requirements can vary from one travel insurance provider to the next.

Under most travel insurance policies, pre-existing medical conditions are often excluded from coverage. However, qualifying travelers can opt for a plan that includes a Pre-Existing Condition Waiver which removes this exclusion from their policy.

With a Pre-Existing Condition Waiver, travelers with existing health conditions may be protected in the following ways:

• Medical Coverage: This includes coverage for medical treatment, hospital stays, and medication related to pre-existing conditions during the trip.
• Trip Cancellation : If the pre-existing condition worsens unexpectedly before a trip and results in a cancellation, this coverage can provide reimbursement for non-refundable trip costs.
• Trip Interruption : If a traveler experiences a flare up or medical emergency relating to their pre-existing medical condition during a trip, this coverage can provide reimbursement for any unused non-refundable costs.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation : If necessary, the policy may cover medical expenses relating to an emergency evacuation due to a pre-existing condition exacerbation if deemed necessary by an attending physician.

Not all travelers with a pre-existing medical condition qualify for travel insurance coverage. While eligibility requirements can vary from plan to the next, most travel insurance companies will consider the following:

Time of Purchase

If you want to buy travel insurance that covers a pre-existing medical condition, it’s best to act sooner rather than later. Pre-Existing Condition coverage is time-sensitive, and most plans require you to purchase a plan within 14-21 days after your initial trip deposit date .

For most travelers, their first trip deposit is typically airfare, a hotel reservation, or cruise booking. Waiting too long to purchase a policy could impact your eligibility.

Medical History

In order to qualify for a Pre-Existing Condition Waiver, your health must be stable at the time of your policy’s effective date . Your travel insurance provider may require a note from your doctor or other healthcare professional that indicates you clear to travel.

Many travel insurance providers also impose a lookback period, which is a time-frame that they can look back through your medical records to ensure your condition hasn’t worsened. This period can range between 60-180 days, depending on the policy.

In order to be eligible for Pre-Existing Condition coverage, you must insure 100% of your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs . This includes airfare, accommodations, tours, excursions, rental cars, and other bookings you may have made.

Before you purchase travel medical insurance, it’s important to note that a Pre-Existing Condition Waiver does not cover all pre-existing medical conditions. Even if you meet a policy’s eligibility requirements, most providers won’t offer coverage if you file a travel insurance claim for the following medical issues:

• Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions
• Alcohol or drug-related medical conditions

For specific exclusions, we recommend contacting your travel insurance provider directly or reading the fine print in your travel insurance policy’s Certificate of Insurance .

Please be aware that coverage and eligibility requirements for this benefit differ by policy. The tables below show the providers that offer Pre-Existing Condition coverage.

Looking for a policy with Pre-Existing Condition coverage?

Enter your trip information on our custom quote form . Once you receive your results, select the Pre-Existing Condition filter to find the best policy for your trip with the coverage that you need.

Pre-Existing Condition by Provider

• Travel Delay
• Hurricane & Weather
• Missed Connection
• Cancel For Any Reason
• Cancel for Covid-19 Sickness
• Trip Cancellation
• Trip Interruption
• Financial Default
• Employment Layoff
• Cancel For Medical Reasons
• Cancel For Work Reasons
• Interruption For Any Reason
• Medical Coverage for Covid-19
• Emergency Medical
• Co-Insurance
• Medical Deductible
• Home Country Coverage
• Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
• Non-Medical Evacuation
• Extension Of Coverage
• Baggage Delay
• Baggage & Personal Items Loss
• 24 Hour AD&D
• Flight Only AD&D
• Common Carrier AD&D
• Sports & Activities
• Sports Equipment Loss
• Sports Equipment Delay
• Sports Weather Loss
• Search & Rescue
• Sports Fees
• Rental Car Damage
• Money Back Guarantee
• 24 Hour Assistance Service
• Identity Theft
• Renewable Policy
• Maximum Trip Length
• Maximum Number of Trips
• Additional Benefits

Additional Information

• AM Best Ratings

• Join CHOICE

Travel insurance for a pre-existing medical condition

How to secure cover for your next trip if you're dealing with existing medical conditions..

Fact-checked

Checked for accuracy by our qualified fact-checkers and verifiers. Find out more about fact-checking at CHOICE .

Need to know

• You must declare a pre-existing medical condition if you want it covered by insurance
• Insurance cover for pre-existing medical conditions varies widely
• You may have to pay more to get cover for your pre-existing medical condition

Travel insurance is essential in the case of illness or injury while travelling. Overseas medical costs can be extortionate, and if you have an existing medical condition, it increases the chance you may need medical attention on your trip – that's why insurers charge you extra. 

So if you can get cover for your pre-existing medical condition, it'll take a bit of worry out of your trip. But even if you're willing to pay extra, getting cover for an existing condition isn't always easy.

On this page:

What is a pre-existing medical condition?

What's covered, and what's not, comprehensive policies that may cover your pre-existing medical condition, travel insurance for seniors with pre-existing medical conditions, pregnancy and travel insurance, credit card travel insurance and pre-existing medical conditions,  what to do if you can't get cover for a pre-existing medical condition.

A pre-existing medical condition is a medical condition that you had before you bought your travel insurance.

Different travel insurers will have their own specific definitions, but it's usually a diagnosed medical condition that you've had or received any form of medical advice, treatment or medication for, in a specified time period before you bought your policy.

Most insurers would cover a condition if it hadn't led to treatment in the one to two years before you booked your trip, but others may specify five years or longer

The 'specified time period' wording is worth paying attention to. If, for example, your condition last showed symptoms 18 months ago, but the time period specified by the insurer is 12 months, then you'll be covered subject to the other conditions of the policy.

The insurance contract regulations set the time period as six months by default. Unfortunately, insurers can get around this six-month rule and exempt themselves simply by burying an exclusion or limitation in the product disclosure statement (PDS).

Insurers' definitions vary as to what the specified time period is. Most insurers would cover a condition if it hadn't led to treatment in the one to two years before you booked your trip, but others may specify five years or longer.

There are often a lot of hoops to jump through to get cover for pre-existing conditions. 

Insurers can:

• exclude pre-existing medical conditions altogether
• include a list of accepted pre-existing medical conditions (specified in the PDS)
• restrict cover for generally accepted conditions depending on other conditions you might have, or only cover some symptoms (for example, allergies may be covered, but not anaphylaxis)
• subject you to an assessment for cover of your medical condition and charge a fee to complete this assessment (whether you get cover or not)
• deny you cover for a medical condition on application.

Even if you survive that minefield, you may then have to fork out several thousand dollars for the privilege of getting cover for your condition.

Below is a list of conditions that might usually be covered, with specific restrictions. 

• Allergies 
• Blindness and low vision
• Corneal graft
• Coeliac disease
• Ear grommets
• Gastric reflux
• Hiatus hernia
• High cholesterol/hypercholesterolaemia
• High blood pressure/hypertension
• Hip replacement
• Knee replacement
• Macular degeneration
• Underactive thyroid/overactive thyroid
• Chronic lung conditions
• Cardiovascular disease
• Reduced immunity
• Cancer (some policies automatically cover skin cancer but not melanoma)
• Heart-related medical conditions
• Medical conditions you're travelling to seek medical treatment or review for
• Conditions involving drug or alcohol dependency
• Conditions for which you're awaiting surgery, treatment, investigation or procedures
• Conditions with a terminal prognosis

This also includes any travel booked or undertaken against the advice of a medical practitioner.

Check the insurer's PDS for a specific list of conditions. If a condition is not listed as automatically covered, then you may be able to apply to the insurer to cover your condition.

For the specified time period, the lower the number, the better. Read on below the table for more information.

* The time period before booking your trip that a medical condition, that isn't specifically excluded, would be covered if it has not given rise to symptoms or required medication or treatment. 

If your medical condition is on the insurer's 'Covered Conditions' list, then the time period might be longer than what's specified above. 

For example, Go Insurance's specified time period is 90 days (3 months), but if your condition is on their 'Covered Conditions' list, and you've been hospitalised for that condition within 24 months of booking the trip, then it may not be automatically covered. You'll need to fill out a form to apply for cover.

CHOICE tip: Filling out assessment forms for your medical condition can be time-consuming and frustrating, but try at least three different insurers because premiums and cover vary widely.

How you're assessed for a pre-existing medical condition

Many Australian insurers use a 'black box' risk rating system to assess your condition, such as that provided by insurance technology firm Verisk.

The systems may contain a list of health conditions, each of which is assigned a risk factor. Depending on how high this risk factor is, the insurer can choose to rule out cover, or offer cover for an extra premium.

Older and wiser travellers with pre-existing medical conditions can still get travel insurance for their international travel. The drawback is that you'll have fewer policies to choose from, and you'll pay more for it. 

Many travel insurance policies have age limits, over which they either don't offer cover, or they may offer restricted cover with lower benefit limits or a higher excess. 

Cost of travel insurance for seniors

Our analysis of premiums across age groups shows that an older single traveller going to Bali for around 11 days to two weeks will on average pay more for their cover as they age, with premiums generally increasing more noticeably from age 50. 

Travellers aged over 70 could pay up to 3.5 times more for their travel insurance than people in their 60s

In particular, travellers aged over 70 could pay up to 3.5 times more for their travel insurance than people in their 60s, prior to further underwriting and premium adjustments by insurers for coverage of pre-existing medical conditions.

Visit our travel insurance comparison and use the filter to find travel insurance policy options for people across a range of ages up to 100 or even unlimited.

Pregnancy cover will protect you in circumstances such as if you need to cancel your trip due to doctor's advice, or if you're on holiday and incur medical costs that are a result of unexpected complications (something that you weren't already being treated for or had no history of).

Note that travel insurance won't usually cover you for childbirth or for medical costs relating to your newborn if you give birth while on holiday.

Different policies will cover you up to different stages of your pregnancy, so which provider you go with will depend on when you plan to travel (and return home). Not all policies will cover IVF or similar medically assisted pregnancies.

CHOICE tip: Check with your airline before you travel – many airlines will only let you fly up to a certain stage in your pregnancy, and may require medical certificates or other documentation.

Some credit cards come with travel insurance policies that may cover pre-existing medical conditions. 

However, policies that come with credit cards vary just as much as standalone travel insurance policies, so you need to read the terms and conditions carefully to understand whether you're automatically covered, whether you need to apply for cover, or if there's no cover at all for pre-existing medical conditions.

Bear in mind that some credit card travel insurance policies require you to activate your insurance before you leave. Some people may find this a bit of a pain, but with pre-existing medical conditions it may actually be an advantage, since it will prompt you to check your cover.

If you're denied cover for your pre-existing medical condition, or if you can't afford the extra premium, you may still be able to buy a travel insurance policy. 

You'll need to declare your condition to your insurer. They may then offer you travel insurance cover, but will issue a certificate that says you won't be covered for any claim that arises because of your pre-existing medical condition.

Stock images:  Getty, unless otherwise stated.

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To share your thoughts or ask a question, visit the CHOICE Community forum.

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Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Travel Insurance: 5 Things Most People Get Wrong

Travel insurance that covers pre-existing medical conditions is one of the most sought-after components of a travel protection plan – and one of the most misunderstood.

It’s sought-after because many travel protection buyers have something in their medical history that might flare up or recur before or during their trip, forcing them to cancel or interrupt their travels.

It’s misunderstood because the devil’s in the details – in this case, the provider’s definition of a pre-existing condition and the requirements they place on getting coverage for medical conditions that a person had prior to traveling.

Let’s clear up some of the myths surrounding travel insurance with coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, and help you make the most of this valuable benefit.

Generali Global Assistance’s Premium Plan is able to cover your pre-existing condition! Learn more.

Things people get wrong about pre-existing conditions

All travel insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions.

Actually, some travel protection plans don’t even have medical or trip cancellation coverage, much less coverage for pre-existing conditions. For instance, many of the travel protection plans offered through credit cards lack medical coverage (see Why You Shouldn't Rely on Credit Card Travel Insurance ) . 

Beyond that, it’s not unusual to find a less expensive plan with medical coverage that lacks pre-existing condition coverage. (Generali Global Assistance has two – the  Standard   and  Preferred  Plans.)

Also read: Why You Might Need to Buy Medical Coverage Before You Travel

A condition that occurred at any time in the past can be defined as pre-existing

Most plans that cover pre-existing medical conditions have a “look-back” period. That means the plan looks back at your medical history for a time period that usually ranges from three to six months, but could be as long as 18 months.

For Generali, the look-back period is 180 days.* That means any medical condition you were treated for in that 180-day period will be considered pre-existing, and won’t be covered if it flares up while you’re traveling. This does not apply to a condition that is treated or controlled solely through the taking of prescription drugs or medicine and remains treated or controlled without any adjustment or change in the required prescription throughout the 180-day period.

See Generali’s definition of a Pre-existing Condition

If a travel-insurance plan covers pre-existing conditions, I can buy it any time before my trip and be covered

Almost all plans that cover pre-existing conditions require you to buy your travel insurance within a specific window after putting down your initial trip deposit or making your final trip payment.

Generali Global Assistance’s timeframe  is prior to or within 24 hours of your final trip payment. Other rules for securing coverage for pre-existing conditions are; you are medically able to travel at the time the plan is purchased, and all prepaid trip costs that are subject to cancellation penalties or restrictions have been insured.

Also read:  When to Buy Travel Insurance, Timing is Everything

Coverage for pre-existing conditions costs extra

Not so. In most cases, coverage for pre-existing conditions comes at no extra cost, as part of the overall travel protection package.

As mentioned earlier, travel protection companies often put restrictions around qualifying for pre-existing coverage or make it available only if a plan is purchased within a specified window, but it usually doesn’t cost extra.

With that said, coverage for pre-existing conditions is most often found on top-of-the-line plans, like Generali Global Assistance’s  Premium Plan , which has a wide range of upgraded and added coverages in addition to coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Also read:  How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

Recurrence of a pre-existing condition is a covered reason

It can be – but it depends on the condition and the situation. You may have a pre-existing condition that recurs when you’re traveling, and while it’s severe enough to require medical treatment, it’s not severe enough to warrant you ending your trip early.

On the other hand, there may be many circumstances where a flare-up would be enough to cause you to cancel your trip.

This is a long way of saying that the fact that a medical condition is pre-existing doesn’t automatically mean it’s severe, or severe enough to cause a traveler to cancel their trip. It’s completely dependent on the severity of the recurrence.

Also read:  10 Tips for Traveling With Medication

Does your travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

The best way to understand how pre-existing conditions are covered is to read your travel protection plan documents –  you can read all the fine print for our Premium plan , which is able to cover your pre-existing medical condition. Otherwise, you can  read a summary about how pre-existing conditions are covered.

The good news is that even if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you can get travel protection for your trip – and for the millions of travelers who fall into that category, that’s some very good news.

Travel Resources

*The pre-existing condition look-back period can vary, dependent upon your state of residence. B005542309

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Travel Insurance Guide For Pre-Existing Condition Medical Coverage (2024)

with our partner, Faye

Sarah Horvath is a finance writer and researcher based in New York City. She specializes in writing about home warranties, insurance and home financial protection.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best travel insurance companies

Traveling with a pre-existing medical condition can add stress to the trip-planning process, especially if you suffer from a chronic condition that affects your daily life or have symptoms that can influence your plans. While most travel insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions from medical expenses and evacuation coverage, you may be able to obtain coverage with a pre-existing conditions waiver.

A pre-existing conditions waiver extends your travel medical insurance to include conditions and illnesses present when you enrolled in coverage. This type of coverage is a bit more expensive but can provide you with peace of mind when traveling. Read on to learn more about pre-existing medical conditions travel insurance and which top providers offer coverage.

What Is a Pre-Existing Condition for Travel Insurance?

Although each travel insurance company has its own definition, a pre-existing condition refers to a medical condition you have before leaving for a trip. Your malady may not have to be formally diagnosed to qualify as pre-existing. You may have a pre-existing condition if you’ve sought treatment, had symptoms or taken medication within a few months before your trip for an injury, illness or medical situation.

For example, say you see your doctor for an annual physical two months before your trip to Spain . At your appointment, the doctor checks your blood pressure and diagnoses you with hypertension. Your doctor prescribes medication to lower your blood pressure. Most travel medical insurance companies consider high blood pressure a pre-existing condition.

Other common pre-existing conditions include:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Chronic illnesses, such as lupus

Medical travel insurance can be an important protection if you or a loved one plan to travel with one of these conditions — or some other pre-existing medical condition. A pre-existing condition could put you at higher risk of other medical issues. For example, if you have an autoimmune disorder, you’re likely at higher risk of contracting diseases while traveling.

How To Get a Waiver for Pre-Existing Conditions

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it’s important to purchase travel insurance shortly after making your initial trip payment. Based on our quote collection process, we found that you usually need to be within 10 to 21 days of your first trip payment to qualify for a pre-existing conditions waiver. If you buy your travel insurance after this point, you usually will not qualify for pre-existing conditions coverage.

Depending on the insurance provider, you may need to meet additional conditions beyond your purchase date for pre-existing medical conditions coverage. Additional stipulations you may need to meet include:

• Trip coverage: In most cases, you’ll need to insure 100% of your trip cost and add medical coverage to your policy to receive a pre-existing condition waiver. This means that policies that offer pre-existing conditions waivers are usually more expensive. However, these policies also include more extensive coverage, which can be helpful in the event of an emergency.
• Health status: While most travel insurance companies do not require you to undergo a medical exam before buying coverage like with life insurance, your health condition can still play a role in your ability to qualify for a waiver. You might need to answer a health questionnaire before purchasing coverage, or you may need to list any medical diagnoses within the previous 60 to 90 days. If you have a major medical condition with active symptoms, like cancer or Alzheimer’s disease, you may be denied coverage.

If you qualify for coverage, your insurance provider will include the waiver with your coverage at no additional cost. Be sure to review the details of your coverage after you’re approved so you fully understand the terms and conditions.

How To Qualify for a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver

To qualify to get a pre-existing conditions waiver, you’ll need to meet a few conditions related to the policy-buying process and determine the right coverage for your health.

You cannot purchase travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions at any time — most policy providers require you to be within 14 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit to qualify. For this reason, we suggest you consider travel insurance as you’re comparing other travel bookings like hotels, airfare and event tickets. This will allow you to purchase insurance shortly after booking, giving you access to more policies with coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Choose the Right Plan

Next, compare the coverages included with each policy offered by your preferred travel insurance provider and identify those that include pre-existing conditions waivers. Most travel insurance companies limit waivers to policies with more inclusive coverage terms and 100% cancellation insurance. If a provider does not offer pre-existing conditions coverage, request quotes from a different company.

Review Coverage Limitations

If you qualify for a pre-existing conditions waiver, your insurance provider will include it under your coverage terms. Review your coverage and any excluded conditions. Contact a representative from the insurance company if you have questions about coverages and limitations.

Documentation Needed for a Pre-Existing Conditions Waiver

Depending on your coverage provider, you may need to submit a letter from your doctor confirming you’re medically fit to travel. This is especially true if you need coverage for a chronic condition under control by medication or if you’ve recently had corrective surgery. Documentation requirements vary by provider, so be sure to review your specific coverage terms to learn more.

Travel Insurance Companies That Cover Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Not every travel insurance provider offers pre-existing conditions waivers and those that do have varying policies regarding the timeline for enrollment in order to qualify. The following are a few of our recommended travel insurance providers covering pre-existing conditions and how you can qualify for coverage.

• Nationwide: Nationwide offers customers an option to qualify for pre-existing conditions coverage across multiple plans. While many insurance providers limit pre-existing conditions waivers to only the most expensive policy, Nationwide allows you to qualify for pre-existing conditions coverage 10 days from your initial purchase with the Essential Policy. You may also qualify up to 21 days after your initial trip payment with the Prime Plan. Read our full review of Nationwide travel insurance .
• Trawick: Trawick offers six unique policies with the option to include coverage for pre-existing conditions, which is more than most other providers. This range of options can make Trawick a strong choice for customers looking to customize their coverage. You must add coverage no more than 14 to 21 days after your initial trip payment, depending on your selected plan. Read our full review of Trawick travel insurance. 
• Seven Corners: To qualify for pre-existing coverage with Seven Corners, you’ll need to opt for the Trip Protection Choice, which includes benefits like 150% trip interruption coverag e and up to $2,000 in trip delay benefits. You must buy this coverage no less than 20 days after your initial trip payment. Read our full review of Seven Corners travel insurance .
• Generali Travel Insurance: While Generali does not offer the longest purchase period for pre-existing conditions, travelers looking for concierge-level benefits may want to consider the company. To qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver, you must be within 24 hours of your initial trip payment, which means most shoppers will need to consider insurance as they’re actively planning a vacation to qualify. Read our full review of Generali travel insurance .

Types of Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

There are four main types of travel insurance:

• Trip cancellation
• Baggage coverage
• Medical travel insurance
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance is a type of travel insurance that helps cover nonrefundable costs if your trip gets canceled due to an unexpected or uncontrollable event. For example, a trip cancellation policy might cover nonrefundable costs if you find out right before your trip you’ve been summoned for jury duty. Or, say you have to cancel a trip due to an unexpected storm that interrupts your flight. Travel insurance will reimburse you for the flight and any corresponding lodging costs.

Trip cancellation insurance usually does not cover changes in pre-existing medical conditions. If your arthritic knees cause pain that makes you cancel your trip two weeks out, the insurance company may deny your claim. However, you may qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver to use for trip cancellation coverage.

Baggage Coverage

Baggage insurance generally covers the loss, theft, delay, or damage to baggage and personal belongings while traveling. For instance, your luggage is stolen from your hotel room while you’re at dinner. Depending on your policy, your baggage insurance could help pay to replace necessary items, like clothing and shoes. Other policies will ensure the full value of items in your bags, with certain restrictions.

Baggage insurance can offer peace of mind that you can replace your belongings if they’re lost, stolen, or damaged. Pre-existing conditions don’t affect baggage insurance coverage.

Medical Travel Insurance

Medical travel insurance is one of the most common types of travel insurance. A medical travel policy helps pay for emergency medical care when traveling. Say you fall ill with a fever and need to go to the emergency room while abroad. Your medical travel insurance generally covers the cost of treatment up to your plan’s limits.

If you’re considering travel health insurance plans and have a pre-existing condition, you’ll want to carefully read the fine print of your policy. In most cases, you’ll need to obtain a pre-existing conditions waiver before traveling. Without a waiver, your policy may not cover medical expenses you incur while traveling.

Cancel for Any Reason Insurance (CFAR) Coverage

With a few exceptions, CFAR travel insurance lets you cancel a trip for a partial refund of prepaid, nonrefundable expenses outside the reasons listed in your policy. Common reasons to use a CFAR policy include a family member getting sick, fear of illness at your destination or your new passport doesn’t arrive in time to travel. Unlike regular trip cancellation or medical travel insurance, CFAR coverage does not require a pre-existing conditions waiver for coverage. That means if your chronic condition flares up before your trip and you decide to cancel within the effective date of coverage, you could get a partial refund (typically between 50%-75%) of your nonrefundable trip expenses.

Although CFAR coverage is a good way to secure pre-existing medical insurance for travel cancellation or interruption, it’s not usually offered as a stand-alone policy. You typically have to add CFAR coverage to your standard travel insurance policy for an extra cost.

How Much Does Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions Cost?

Generally, adding pre-existing conditions coverage will not increase your policy cost if you qualify for a waiver. Based on our research, a travel insurance policy costs between $160 to $300 , depending on your chosen coverage and provider. In our review, we found that the average couple will pay about $221 for a travel insurance policy from one of our recommended travel insurance providers.

How To File a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Travel Insurance Claim

If you have to file a travel insurance claim for a pre-existing condition that your policy covers, you can improve your chances for reimbursement with strong documentation. Whether you must cancel your trip at the last minute or you need coverage for an emergency room visit while on vacation, the process of filing a travel insurance claim is generally the same. The claims process typically looks like this:

• File your claims form, which will commonly ask for your name, policy number, the reason for the claim and other important details.
• Submit your claims form with all necessary documentation, such as a doctor’s note, flight delay or baggage notices, police reports, and any other related documents.
• Your travel insurance company reviews your claim and supporting documentation. The insurance company may request more details or documents supporting your claim.
• If the company approves your claim, you’ll receive reimbursement, up to your policy limits.

The claims process is straightforward, but missing documents or lack of evidence could lead to the insurer denying your claim. Having the right documentation is more important if you’re filing a medical claim and have a pre-existing condition. The insurance company will want to confirm you have a pre-existing condition waiver on file before approving a claim. The company likely will ask for specific written documentation relating to your claim from a doctor.

For example, say you have a respiratory disorder managed by daily medication and receive a pre-existing condition waiver for a trip. While traveling, you get into an accident requiring emergency medical care. When you file a claim for medical travel insurance, you’ll want to make sure you have the right documents, including:

• Proof of your trip and insurance
• Written documentation from your attending physician
• Copies of your medical file and bill from the emergency care

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

Can you get travel insurance with pre-existing conditions.

Yes, you can get travel insurance with pre-existing conditions. The key to getting travel insurance coverage with a pre-existing condition is to apply for a pre-existing conditions waiver or exclusion waiver. This waiver includes notice from your doctor that you’re fit to travel and prevents the travel insurance company from using your pre-existing condition to exclude you from coverage.

What is a waiver of lookback in travel insurance?

A waiver of lookback is another name for a pre-existing conditions waiver for travel insurance. The lookback period of a travel insurance policy refers to the time before the trip in which the insurance company might look back at your medical history if you file a claim.

For example, say you have an unexpected medical condition that forces you to cancel your trip. You file a claim for trip cancellation insurance and your insurance company can review your past medical records (usually up to 60 to 180 days, depending on the policy). If the company finds a record of your pre-existing condition, such as a doctor’s visit to change medications, it could deny your claim. A waiver of lookback prevents the insurance company from doing this.

What counts as a pre-existing condition?

Every travel insurance company defines pre-existing conditions differently, but there are a few common factors. A pre-existing condition for travel insurance usually refers to any medical condition, illness or injury that you have before your trip. You may not have to be diagnosed for the condition for it to be considered pre-existing. But if you seek treatment for a condition, take medications or suffer symptoms, then it’s usually considered pre-existing.

What is the difference between a pre-existing condition and a chronic condition?

Pre-existing conditions are any injury, illness, or medical condition that existed before you sought insurance. A chronic condition is different. Chronic conditions are ongoing health conditions or illnesses that are long-term. Doctors manage chronic conditions with medication or regular treatments, but these conditions aren’t curable. For travel insurance, almost all chronic conditions are considered pre-existing conditions.

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Have pre-existing conditions? What you need to know before purchasing travel insurance

What is a pre-existing medical condition.

• Hospitalization   
• Medical procedures or interventions   
• Changes in prescribed medication   
• Adjustments to medical treatments   
• New or more frequent symptoms   
• Investigations into complications or new symptoms (excluding routine check-ups)  

Are there travel insurance options if I have a pre-existing condition?

What is an example of a stable versus unstable condition.

• Stable: You’re told you are doing well    
• Unstable: Medical tests were ordered  
• Stable: Is the same dose  
• Unstable: You have a brand-new prescription or a dose change (even if it’s a decrease)  
• Stable: Your insulin keeps it under control  
• Unstable: Your insulin treatment or dose has changed  

Don’t allow pre-existing medical conditions to keep you from travelling

• All pre-existing medical conditions must be stable within 7 days prior to departure. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. 

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Everything You Need to Know about Travel Insurance and Pre-existing Medical Condition Stability

If you’ve got travel plans this fall or winter, now’s the perfect time to plan for your travel insurance purchase—particularly if you’re a mature traveller with a complex medical history.  

Here’s why… when it comes to travel insurance, stability for pre-existing medical conditions can be a tricky topic to grasp. Today’s blog post will outline everything you need to know about what it means for a pre-existing condition to be stable in relation to TuGo ® Travel Insurance, along with a few key definitions and short examples to help you understand how coverage applies in different scenarios. Let’s get started!

Why is understanding stability important?  

Determining if a pre-existing medical condition is stable is important for travellers of all ages, but especially for seniors. It’s one of the three factors that can impact whether or not you’ll have travel insurance coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. (Age and trip length being the other two factors.) 

What is a pre-existing condition stability requirement for travel insurance?

The policy’s stability requirement is important to adequate travel insurance coverage. As defined in  TuGo’s Traveller Emergency Medical plan, a “medical condition” is considered “stable” when: 

• There has been no deterioration of the medical condition as determined by a physician or other registered medical practitioner, and
• There have been no new symptoms or findings or more frequent or severe symptoms or findings, and
• There has been no change in treatment by a physician or other registered medical practitioner or any alteration in any medication related to the medical condition, and
• There has been no new treatment received, prescribed or recommended by a physician or other registered medical practitioner

Read more about “ How Unstable Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Impact Claims ”.  

What other definitions and terms are important to understand stability?

There are three other key terms we define in our Traveller policy wording that are important to understand: 

• “Medical Condition” : Any disease, illness or injury (including symptoms of undiagnosed conditions) 
• “Treatment, treat, treated” : A procedure prescribed, performed or recommended by a physician for a medical condition. This includes but is not limited to medication, investigative testing and surgery. 
• “Alteration” : The medication usage, dosage or type has been increased, decreased or stopped and/or a new medication has been prescribed.  

Alteration doesn’t include any of the following:  

• Changes in brand to an equivalent name brand or to an equivalent generic brand of the same or equivalent usage or dosage  
• Routine dosage adjustments within prescribed parameters for insulin or oral diabetes medication to ensure correct blood levels are maintained; blood sugar levels must be checked regularly and the medical condition must remain unchanged 
• Routine dosage adjustments within prescribed parameters for blood thinner medication to ensure correct blood levels are maintained; blood levels must be checked regularly and the medical condition must remain unchanged  
• A temporary stoppage of blood thinner medication up to a maximum of 24 hours if the stoppage is required for a surgery or a procedure  
• Usage changes due to the combination of several medications into one; the medical condition must remain unchanged. 

What is a stability period for travel insurance?

A stability period is the period of time your pre-existing medical condition needs to be stable for before your departure date.  

Traveller Emergency Medical Stability Period Requirements

Note: There isn’t a stability requirement for pre-existing medical conditions for the Travel Within Canada Emergency Medical plan. 

What exclusions should you review?

As with all insurance policies, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. You should always review the policy and address any questions or concerns you may have before purchasing any travel insurance policy. 

Traveller Emergency Medical Insurance Exclusions

The same goes for purchasing our Traveller Emergency Medical Insurance; you should review all exclusions; but for the purposes of today’s topic, there are a few specific exclusions we think are worth pointing out. That way, if you aren’t sure if or how they might apply to your own medical situation, you can follow up with your insurance professional and/or provider. 

Exclusion 1. Any complications that develop after departure, related to a pre-existing medical condition that was not stable on or before the date of departure. 

Exclusion 9. Medical conditions or any related medical conditions for which, on or before departure, tests to follow up on the effectiveness or response to a procedure, surgery or hospitalization were scheduled to take place or were recommended. This includes tests that were scheduled or were recommended on or before departure, but had not yet taken place at the time of departure. 

Exclusion 10. Medical conditions or any related medical conditions for which before departure, medical procedures, surgeries and/or referrals to a specialist were scheduled to take place or were recommended but had not yet taken place at the time of departure. 

Exclusion 14. Any medical condition for which you are registered on a waiting list in Canada for treatment or diagnosis. 

Pre-existing medical conditions — How TuGo covered $80,000 for a senior snowbird  

Sophia is a 90-year-old snowbird who resides in Arizona for the winter months. Upon arriving in Arizona, she began developing a persistent cough accompanied by increasing shortness of breath. She wasted no time in going to the hospital for evaluation. At the hospital, doctors admitted Sophia for an exacerbation of her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They required that she stay for ten days in the hospital and gave her oxygen to help with her breathing.    

A year before she left for Arizona, Sophia had experienced some health challenges related to her COPD and high blood pressure, where she had to be admitted twice in the hospital due to flare-ups. She also saw her doctor just one month prior to leaving for a routine visit.  

Because Sophia’s original complications happened more than 365 days before she departed on her trip, her pre-existing medical condition was considered stable.  Her routine doctor’s visit did not affect the stability of her pre-existing medical condition because there was no change in treatment (or alterations to her medication), no new treatment prescribed, no new or more frequent symptoms discovered and no deterioration of her medical condition. As Sophia had also disclosed her history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at the time she applied for her policy, her claim was covered. This saved her $80,000 in medical expenses. 

It’s important to understand your travel insurance policy before you leave on your trip. If the information within this blog post created more questions for you, we highly recommend that you reach out to your trusted insurance professional and/or TuGo’s Customer Service . 

Happy travels, Melissa

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in August 2022 and has been updated for freshness and/or accuracy.

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June 1, 2020

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Existing Medical Condition Benefit

Definition:  You, a family member or a traveling companion have a pre-existing medical condition, which is defined as an illness or injury that you (or a family member or traveling companion) were seeking or receiving treatment for or had symptoms of on the day you purchased your plan, or at any time in the 120 days before you purchased it. The Pre-Existing Condition exclusion may be waived, making you eligible for benefits and assistance services. Each plan has requirements that need to be met in order to qualify, which may include you being medically able to travel on the day you bought your plan, your trip costs does not exceed the stated amount, you are a U.S. resident, etc. Be sure to read through your plan to find the specific requirements that need to be met.

Example:  Your best friend from high school is getting hitched in a destination wedding in the Big Island of Hawaii. While you have Type 2 Diabetes, which you’ve successfully managed for years through medication and lifestyle tweaks, it can still impact your ability to qualify for travel insurance. Consequently, right after booking and paying for airfare, hotel, surfing lessons and an eco-tour, you purchase a travel insurance policy featuring the Existing Medical Condition Benefit. You opt for a policy that covers the full trip cost and includes trip cancellation benefit. And because your trip is less than the maximum amount on your plan and you are a U.S. resident, you’ve done everything you need to qualify for insurance according to the benefit conditions. Now you have the peace of mind you wanted — and you can practically feel those fresh Hawaiian leis around your neck.

Available in :   OneTrip Cancellation Plus Plan ,  OneTrip Basic Plan ,   OneTrip Prime Plan ,   OneTrip Premier Plan ,   OneTrip Emergency Medical Plan ,  AllTrips Prime ,   AllTrips Executive , and   AllTrips Premier

Further Reading

• Travel Insurance 101: Covered Illnesses
• When Does Travel Insurance Cover Existing Medical Conditions?

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Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

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Tips For Choosing The Right International Travel Insurance Plan

T ravelling abroad is always exciting, whether you're exploring new places, trying new foods, or meeting new people. But before you pack your bags and head to the airport, there's one crucial thing you shouldn't overlook: travel insurance. This coverage can save you from a lot of trouble and expense in case things don't go as planned. This guide will walk you through some key tips for choosing the right international travel insurance plan. 

Why Travel Insurance Is Important

Travel insurance plays a crucial role in protecting you from unexpected issues during your trip. It covers a range of scenarios, from medical emergencies and lost luggage to trip cancellations and interruptions. Without travel insurance, you could face significant financial consequences if things go wrong. Medical bills, replacement costs for lost items, and penalties for trip cancellations can add up quickly. A good travel insurance plan can help you avoid these financial burdens and travel with greater peace of mind.

Understand Your Travel Needs

The first step in choosing international travel insurance is to understand your travel needs. Ask yourself these questions:

How long is your trip?

Where are you going?

What activities will you do?

Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions?

Answering these questions will help you determine the type and level of coverage you need. For example, if you're going on a beach holiday, you might not need the same coverage as someone going on a mountain climbing adventure.

Medical Coverage

Medical coverage is a significant part of travel insurance, especially when travelling internationally. Healthcare costs can vary widely from country to country, and a simple visit to a doctor can turn into a hefty bill. Make sure your international travel insurance includes comprehensive medical coverage that covers hospitalisation, emergency treatment, and medical evacuation.

Also, coverage for pre-existing medical conditions should be considered. Some policies exclude these conditions, while others offer additional riders or premiums to cover them. Make sure you understand what is and isn't covered.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Another essential aspect of travel insurance is coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions. If you need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen events like illness, injury, or a natural disaster, this coverage can save you from losing a lot of money. Check the terms and conditions to understand what reasons are covered and what the reimbursement limits are.

Baggage and Personal Belongings

Travelling with luggage always comes with a risk of loss, theft, or damage. Make sure your travel insurance covers your checked-in baggage and personal belongings. Look at the coverage limits and check for any specific exclusions. 

Travel Delays

Travel delays can be frustrating, especially if they cause you to miss connecting flights or require unexpected overnight stays. Find a travel insurance plan that offers reimbursement for travel delays. This coverage can help cover the costs of meals, lodging, and transportation when delays are out of your control.

Emergency Assistance Services

Good travel insurance should come with 24/7 emergency assistance services. This includes access to an emergency helpline, assistance in finding medical facilities, and even coordination of emergency evacuations if needed. This service is invaluable when you're in a foreign country and don't know where to turn for help.

Evacuation and Repatriation

In extreme cases, you might need emergency medical evacuation or repatriation to your home country. Make sure your travel insurance covers these scenarios. This coverage is crucial for serious injuries or illnesses that require specialised care back home.

Read and Understand the Policy

Before you buy any travel insurance, read the policy thoroughly. Look for coverage restrictions, exclusions, claim procedures, and documentation requirements. If anything is unclear, don't hesitate to contact the insurance provider for clarification.

Keep Copies of Important Documents

Make copies of your travel insurance policy, the insurance provider's contact details, and other relevant documents like medical records or prescriptions. Keep both physical and electronic copies with you during your trip.

Travel insurance is crucial when you're travelling internationally, as it protects you from unexpected setbacks like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. To get the right insurance, consider your travel plans, travel insurance costs, and other specific needs, then select a policy that aligns with them. Look for comprehensive coverage, clear terms, and a reliable insurer like Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company with good customer support. With the right travel insurance, you can handle unforeseen events with confidence. Use these tips to find the best plan for your journey. Enjoy your travels!

* Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.