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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.

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• 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.

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How To Get Pre-Existing Conditions Covered By Travel Insurance

Updated: Oct 4, 2023, 7:04am

Table of Contents

What is a pre-existing condition for travel insurance, how to get coverage for a pre-existing condition, which travel insurance companies offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, pre-existing conditions not eligible for a coverage.

You’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Europe with your parents to celebrate their 40th anniversary. You know that travel insurance is important in case of a medical emergency, but you’re worried about getting coverage for your father because of his diabetes. You’ve been told that most standard travel insurance policies won’t offer coverage for this and other pre-existing medical conditions unless he meets certain requirements.

While your father’s diabetes is controlled, you know it’s risky to purchase a policy knowing his diabetes might not be covered if he requires treatment while travelling and you need to file a claim.

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Rest assured, there are options for travellers with pre-existing conditions to ensure they are eligible for reimbursement if they encounter health issues during your trip.

In general, a pre-existing condition is defined as any sickness, injury or medical condition that existed before the start of your coverage, whether or not diagnosed by a physician, that you showed signs or symptoms of or received medical attention for.

Each insurance company will have its own requirements, typically of seven, 30, 80, 180 or 365 days, that your condition must remain “stable” or unchanged before your coverage takes effect. This is either the day you leave on your trip (for emergency medical or trip interruption) or the day your policy takes effect (for travel coverage, such as trip cancellation).

While each insurer has its own definition, essentially a medical condition or injury is considered “stable” when all of the following are true:

• There has been no deterioration of the medical condition.
• There have been no new symptoms or more frequent symptoms.
• There has been no change in treatment or alteration of medication.
• There has been no treatment received, prescribed or recommended by a physician or other registered medical practitioner.
• There is no pending lab results or diagnostics.
• There has been no hospitalization or referral to a specialist.

Travel insurance companies normally exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage, which ranks among the most frequent reasons for denial of travel insurance claims. What’s more, you don’t need an official diagnosis from a health care professional to have something designated a pre-existing condition for travel insurance purposes. If your medical record reveals you reported symptoms of a condition that was later diagnosed, that is enough to have that condition deemed ineligible for coverage.

To determine what qualifies as a pre-existing condition, a travel insurance company can review your medical records for the stipulated number of days before the day the policy was purchased. If you had any changes in your medical status during that period, such as a new diagnosis, a decline in health or the addition of new prescription medication, the condition will be considered pre-existing.

For example, say you were diagnosed with and prescribed medication for high blood pressure on January 15 and you plan to take a trip to Mexico on March 19, or 63 days later. Based on your age, your travel insurance provider requires a 30-day stability period before you leave on your trip for your condition to be covered for emergency medical insurance. As long as your symptoms and treatment of your high blood pressure do not change during that time, it should be covered by your medical insurance.

However, if, for example,  you receive a change of dosage of medication, either an increase or decrease, during those 30 days, your condition is now not considered stable and will be ineligible for reimbursement without additional coverage. Keep in mind that you are still eligible for medical treatment if something else happens on your trip even with a medical exclusion. For example, if you fall down some stairs and break your wrist, those medical expenses are covered.

Without pre-existing condition coverage, a travel insurance company won’t pay for medical bills or claims related to your recent medical history if you require emergency treatment due to that condition.

But don’t panic. If you’re looking for travel insurance that offers comprehensive coverage regardless of your medical history, there are several coverage options for travellers with a pre-existing conditions. Keep in mind that not all insurers offer these options.

Pre-existing medical condition waiver : If you purchase your policy within a set timeframe, you insure the full nonrefundable costs of the trip and you’re able to travel on the date of purchase, this waives any pre-existing condition exclusions. There is typically no extra cost for the waiver.

Individual underwriting: Some insurance companies offer a separate and personalized individual underwriting application option where you complete a more detailed medical questionnaire and then the medical underwriter reviews your responses and, if approved, you are provided with  customized travel insurance coverage.

Reduction of stability period: Typically sold as an add-on (also known as an endorsement or rider), this option reduces the amount of time that your pre-existing condition needs to be considered stable before being eligible for coverage. There is typically a maximum benefit amount that is lower than the emergency medical benefit payout. For example, AMA Travel Insurance offers $5 million in emergency medical, but a maximum of $200,000 in coverage for the pre-existing conditions rider.

Pre-existing condition exclusion: A pre-existing condition can push up the price of your insurance significantly. In addition to a reduction of stability period option, Tour+Med offers an innovative Optional Exclusion option where you can  exclude an organ or complete system that’s affected by the pre-existing condition in return for a lower premium. For example, if you have asthma that does not meet the “stable and controlled” conditions, you can choose to have your asthma excluded, which would also exclude the entire respiratory system. So if you were to get sick with bronchitis, that also would not be covered.

Personalized pre-existing conditions packages : Some insurers feature customized packages for travellers (often over a certain age) with coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. Rather than purchase this as an add-on to an existing insurance policy, this is a separate policy, such as Manulife’s TravelEase insurance coverage or RBC Insurance’s TravelCare package.

While pre-existing conditions are an exclusion for all standard travel insurance policies, these travel insurance companies offer the following coverage options:

• AMA Travel Insurance : Pre-Existing Condition Rider that offers up to $200,000 in emergency medical coverage and reduces the stability period to seven days.
• BCAA Travel Insurance : Optional Pre-Existing Condition coverage that offers up to $300,00 in emergency medical coverage and reduces the stability period to seven days.
• Pacific Blue Cross : Optional Pre-Existing Condition Benefit offers coverage for pre-existing conditions and reduces the stability period to seven days.
• CAA Travel Insurance: Pre-Existing Condition Rider that offers up to $200,000 in emergency medical coverage and reduces the stability period to seven days.
• Desjardins Travel Insurance : Stable for 3 Months add-on reduces your stability period from 182 days to 90 days.
• Goose Travel Insurance : Unstable Pre-Existing Medical Condition endorsement shortens your stability period to seven days.
• Manulife Financial: TravelEase insurance package covers many fully disclosed pre-existing medical conditions with up to $5 million in benefits.
• Medipac Travel Insurance : Individual Underwritten Application for travellers who do not otherwise qualify for standard coverage.
• RBC Travel Insurance : For travellers over age 75, the TravelCare package may cover pre-existing conditions, depending on your answers to a medical questionnaire.
• Scotiabank Travel Insurance : Individual Medical Underwriting Plan for travellers of any age who would like their pre-existing medical conditions covered with no stability requirements.
• Tour+Med : For travellers under 86 years old, a Reduced Stability Period option reduces the stability period from three months to 30 days before departure (for travellers under age 69) and from six months to 30 days (for travellers 70 to 85 years old). There’s also an Optional Exclusion option to remove an organ or complete system from coverage.
• Travel Guard : Pre-existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver that waives any pre-existing medical condition exclusion if the policy is purchased within 15 days of the initial trip payment, any additional payments are insured within 15 days of purchase and you are medically able to travel when you pay your premium.
• TravelSafe : Pre-existing Medical Condition Exclusion waiver that waives any pre-existing medical condition exclusion if the policy is purchased within 21 days of the initial trip payment, all prepaid costs are insured and any additional payments are insured within 21 days of purchase and you are medically able to travel when you pay your premium.
• TuGo : Unstable Pre-Existing Medical Condition add-on that can be purchased in addition to the emergency medical insurance plan that provides coverage for a pre-existing medical condition that was not stable up to seven days before your departure date.

The terms and conditions vary by company, so be sure to read your policy carefully. Most insurers offer a minimum 10-day right to examine period where you can review your policy to ensure it meets your needs and cancel for a full refund if you’re not completely happy.

Even with a waiver or optional endorsement, some conditions likely won’t be covered by travel insurance, such as:

• Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
• Anxiety, depression or other mental health disorders
• Complication-free pregnancy or childbirth
• Illness or injury related to alcohol or drug abuse
• Heart conditions treated with nitroglycerin
• Lung conditions treated with prednisone or prednisolone

In addition, some insurance companies have a list of medical conditions that make you ineligible for coverage, especially over a certain age. For example, travellers over age 55 hoping to get Blue Cross Travel Insurance are ineligible for coverage if they:

• Have received medical advice not to travel
• Suffer from a medical condition in a terminal stage
• Suffer from kidney failure treated with dialysis
• Have been diagnosed with or treated for metastatic cancer in the last five years
• Have been prescribed or treated with home oxygen in the past 12 months

The Bottom Line

Be sure to carefully read the fine print of your travel insurance policy (especially the exclusions section) to see what’s covered and what’s not when it comes to pre-existing conditions, or ask your travel insurance agent or broker for help. Also, be aware of the policy’s limits for travel medical insurance and medical evacuation coverage, to avoid any surprises.

Also, even if you’re worried about not being offered coverage due to a pre-existing condition, be sure to answer the medical or health questionnaire completely, honestly and accurately. Most travel insurance companies reserve the right to deny or limit your coverage reimbursement if you are found to have lied or omitted information on your questionnaire.

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Fiona Campbell is a Staff Writer for Forbes Advisor Canada. She started her career on Bay Street, but followed her love for research, writing and a good story into journalism. She is the former editor of Bankrate Canada, and has over 20 years of experience writing for various publications, including the Globe and Mail, Financial Post Business, Advisor’s Edge, Mydoh.ca and more.

Aaron Broverman is the lead editor of Forbes Advisor Canada. He has over a decade of experience writing in the personal finance space for outlets such as Creditcards.com, creditcardGenius.ca, Yahoo Finance Canada, Nerd Wallet Canada and Greedyrates.ca. He lives in Waterloo, Ontario with his wife and son.

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Travel Insurance 101: Covered Illnesses

The best approach to take when selecting a policy that can cover a pre-existing medical condition is to read all the fine print and to   contact us   if you have any questions.

What's Not Covered by Travel Insurance?

Not all illnesses and conditions can be covered by travel insurance. Before you travel, read your plan documents so you understand what kinds of things are excluded. These include, but are not limited to:

• A mental or nervous health disorder, as recognized by the American Psychiatric Association, including but not limited to Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, dementia, depression, neurosis, psychosis, or any related physical symptoms. (This exclusion applies only to trip cancellation coverage and trip interruption coverage)
• An epidemic
• Any illness and injury caused by the use or abuse of alcohol or drugs, or any related physical symptoms.

Is Pregnancy Covered?

Normal pregnancy or childbirth is   not   covered by travel insurance from Allianz Global Assistance, except as a covered reason for trip cancellation (if you find out you are pregnant after purchasing your policy, or you need to attend the birth of a family member’s child.)

“Normal pregnancy” means one free of complications. So, for example, if you receive routine medical care for your normal pregnancy while traveling, or you have a normal childbirth while traveling, these medical expenses would not be covered. Travel insurance from Allianz Global Assistance   can cover   losses resulting from unforeseen pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes. So if you’re traveling, and you require emergency medical care for a pregnancy complication, you may qualify for trip cancellation and interruption benefits, as well as emergency medical benefits.

As with all covered illnesses, in order for such conditions to be considered covered, you’ll need a physician’s sign-off. And if a doctor simply advises an expectant mother to rest and avoid flying without a specific medical diagnosis, this would not be considered a covered illness.

Read more:   Travel During Pregnancy: What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Filing a Claim for a Covered Illness

In order to be reimbursed for losses caused by a covered illness, you’ll need to file a claim within 90 days of your loss. We make it as simple as possible to file a claim: You can do it online or even on your phone, with   the free Allyz ®  TravelSmart app . Submit all the requested documentation, which may include a Physician Statement Form, statements and records from treating doctors, documentation of refunds received from travel suppliers and more. Here’s a full list of Allianz Global Assistance’s  required documentation  by coverage reason.) Don’t get overwhelmed — if you need help filing a claim, we’re happy to assist you! Contact us anytime, online or by phone.

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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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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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Written by Kyle Kroeger

Traveling with a pre-existing health condition can be challenging, but you can always reduce the risk with the best travel insurance. This article will provide you with more details.

Imagine that you’re a diabetic traveling in a foreign country . You fall sick and must cut your trip short and pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for treatment while abroad.

No one wants such a horrible experience, but it can happen if you don’t have travel insurance for a pre-existing medical condition. You must have travel insurance for certain trips that cover pre-existing medical conditions.

For instance, traveling for a long time or to a country with a costly healthcare system. Even short, low-risk, low-risk trips shouldn’t be made without travel insurance, including pre-existing condition coverage.

Insurance is extremely important for someone with an underlying chronic condition. You shouldn’t ignore the decision to purchase travel insurance, assuming your pre-existing condition isn’t covered. Many insurance providers cover existing conditions.

Summary of Top Plans

Best travel insurance options for pre-existing conditions.

So, who is the best travel insurance provider to cover pre-existing conditions? Well, many such providers are available in the US and other countries.

The best way to find travel insurance is to visit marketplaces like VisitorsCoverage or TravelInsurance.com . Their extensive database with dozens of providers can help you compare plans, coverage, and prices.

When looking for trip insurance, it’s important to ensure you provide coverage for any medical conditions you already have. To make things easier, we have compiled the best travel insurance options covering pre-existing medical conditions.

See Related : Ways to Book the Cheapest First-Class Flights

Travelex Insurance Services

Travelex Insurance Services is another best travel insurance option for people with pre-existing medical conditions. Their Travel America and Travel Select Plans can cover some already existing medical conditions.

The terms and conditions may vary, but you’ll get all the information when you get a quote. Another benefit is getting a quick quote and all the details of whether your conditions are covered. That way, you can compare with other plans and insurance providers on this list or elsewhere.

Travel America plans to cover domestic travel within the US. You may think you don’t need insurance to travel locally, but anything can happen.

The US is a big country, and your existing healthcare insurance may not cover medical expenditures regarding your pre-existing conditions in every state, especially if the insurance network is limited.

The Travel Select plan has a 15-day exclusion waiver for pre-existing conditions. Moreover, this plan also covers children 17 or under at no extra cost. The coverage for emergency medical expenses is $50,000.

You can also get customized upgrades to meet your specific needs. This customization is very important if you have special circumstances or you’re going to a very risky destination.

Furthermore, you can also get an Adventure Sports to upgrade to cover any risky activities you’ll take part in while you’re abroad. They also offer a basic insurance plan, Travel Basic, which is cheaper but doesn’t cover children or pre-existing conditions.

Like what you are hearing? Read our full Travelex review to learn more.

Atlas Travel Insurance by WorldTrips

Atlas Travel Insurance provides customizable travel medical insurance for international travelers. It is available if you’re concerned about a pre-existing condition or the financial risks of international travel.

With Atlas, you can choose your deductible, coverage length, and maximum coverage for a unique policy. Atlas Travel is specifically designed for travelers seeking:

• Medical coverage, including COVID-19-related expenses and people with a pre-existing condition
• Emergency medical evacuation benefits
• Supplemental travel benefits including trip cancellation coverage, trip interruption coverage, travel delays, and lost luggage

Travel medical and trip cancellation insurance is available through WorldTrips to suit the needs of individuals, groups, and organizations worldwide. For over 23 years, WorldTrips has been on a mission to make unexpected travel mishaps and emergencies less stressful for travelers.

Their travel insurance plans can provide financial compensation for trip costs and payments, access to quality healthcare and insurance services, and 24/7 emergency global assistance.

Atlas is an excellent option for those with pre-existing conditions, as it specializes in both travel and medical insurance coverage.

AXA Travel Insurance

AXA Travel Insurance is a leader in coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. AXA Assistance USA offers three comprehensive plans that will help protect you on your next trip . Whether traveling domestically or internationally, you can find a pre-existing coverage plan for the unexpected.

Their insurance plans include many benefits, including trip cancellation, trip costs, emergency medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and baggage delay to give peace of mind before and during your trip. Add-on benefits are also available if you need additional pre-existing condition coverage for your trip.

What is considered pre-existing by AXA? AXA defines coverage for pre-existing conditions as an illness, disease, or other condition that you, your traveling companion, business partner, or family member scheduled to travel with you. You have either:

• received or received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment for a medical condition that first manifested itself, worsened or became acute or had symptoms that would have prompted a reasonable person to seek diagnosis, care, or treatment; or
• took or received a prescription for drugs or medicine.

AXA will cover pre-existing conditions if you meet the above requirements. Depending on the situation, you may need to provide recent medical records and medical history. They provide full global assistance throughout your trip if you need anything.

Allianz is a global insurance company that specializes in a variety of plans. This German-based company also provides travel insurance in the US and covers certain pre-existing conditions.

Their timeframe as a look-back period for considering a pre-existing medical condition or injury considered as pre-existing is 120 days. Suppose you’ve been diagnosed or treated by a doctor for a condition 120 days before, including the day of your insurance purchase.

This also includes prescriptions if you were prescribed medication during that period. Other pre-existing conditions exclusions include purchasing the plan within 14 days of making the first purchase for the trip, such as a ticket or hotel booking. You should also be medically able to travel despite your pre-existing condition or medication needs.

While written approval from a doctor isn’t necessary, it’s recommended if you’ve had recent surgery or cancer treatment. You may need to submit medical records or provide recent medical history.

Their travel insurance plans with coverage for pre-existing medical conditions are available to US residents. Certain conditions, such as mental health conditions and normal pregnancy, are not covered and are counted as pre-existing condition exclusions.

The cost of the trip cannot exceed $50,000. As for the coverage, their OneTrip Prime Plan covers children under the age of 17 with parents or grandparents for free. It can cover medical expenses such as additional medical treatment and emergency medical care for up to $25,000 and medical transportation for up to $500,000.

There aren’t any age limitations for buying OneTrip Prime or OneTrip Premium plans. Annual trip interruption insurance plans often have the same cost regardless of age.

You’ll get to speak directly with a licensed travel insurance agent if you have any questions. Given how large of an insurance company Allianz is, you’ll have global assistance before and during your trip.

If you’re a UK citizen or resident looking for travel insurance coverage that also covers a pre-existing condition, Avanti is a great option. They provide a variety of travel insurance plans for many destinations worldwide , including those for which you must have insurance.

Like any other major insurance provider, Avanti is essential for people with pre-existing conditions . For those who have serious pre-existing medical conditions and are old, Avanti offers special Medical Travel Insurance. This travel insurance plan has no upper age restrictions, so it’s ideal for people over 65 who are often not covered by many healthcare providers.

You also have the option to go for annual travel insurance plans, which are ideal for individuals and families taking long trips or frequently traveling throughout the year. This is an excellent option for those looking for trip cancellation and potential medical treatment coverage.

You can get a quote online or call their toll-free contact number, which is active 24/7. What distinguishes Avanti from some of the travel insurers in the US is that they provide unlimited medical expense coverage. This means there isn’t a limit to their coverage in case of a medical emergency or medical claim.

Avanti also covers cruise trips, which some travel insurers may not include in the plans. Nevertheless, make sure to read the policy terms and conditions thoroughly. You may need to submit medical records. So, see what kind of travel and activities the plan covers.

See Related:  Best Sites for Booking Tours

How Do Travel Insurance Companies Define Pre-Existing Conditions?

If you’ve ever bought insurance, you know that the policy’s language matters greatly. You have to pay attention to how the insurer defines any pre-existing condition, as that will determine whether or not your particular condition will be covered.

Most travel insurers consider any illness, injury, or pre-existing condition that requires the person to seek medical help before buying the insurance . They don’t even mention chronic illnesses. By this definition, the pain in your back that you saw a doctor for could be considered pre-existing.

While many travel insurance plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions, some do. These insurers can cover certain medical conditions that existed 60 to 180 days before the purchase date of the insurance.

Unless otherwise stated, the plan covers any chronic conditions you’ve had for years or acquired recently. The good news is that you might not need an official diagnosis to prove you have a pre-existing condition.

See Related: Best Travel Insurance Options for Seniors

What to Know When Purchasing Travel Insurance With a Pre-Existing Condition

Can you get a pre-existing condition waiver after buying insurance.

You might be able to ask for a pre-existing condition waiver two to three weeks after booking the trip and get insurance for the full trip expense.

For instance, if you booked a trip, bought insurance, and were diagnosed with a disease, you may ask your insurance provider for a pre-existing condition waiver. This means they’ll include coverage for the newly diagnosed condition in your insurance.

Your insurer might charge more, but that’s typically not the case. This is applicable as long as you’re still medically stable enough to travel.

This depends on the insurance company, as it’s at their discretion whether they give you a pre-existing condition waiver after buying the plan.

Are All Pre-Existing Conditions Covered?

While the pre-existing clause in your insurance would ideally cover many common chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes, it might not cover all pre-existing conditions.

There are certain mental conditions many travel insurers don’t cover. This may include dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, or drug addictions.

Pregnancy isn’t exactly a pre-existing condition, but some insurance companies may not cover normal child delivery.

International travel insurance for a pre-existing medical condition doesn’t just depend on your conditions and the entire cost of your trip . If you’re insuring for trip costs exceeding $50,000 per person, your insurer might not cover your already existing medical conditions.

It’s important to note that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) doesn’t implement the pre-existing coverage requirement for travel insurers.

So, while your private health insurance provider might be legally bound to cover your pre-existing medical condition, the travel insurer isn’t.

See Related : Best Travel Insurance for Diabetics

Is It Important to Buy Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is very important if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. Even if you think your pre-existing condition is in control, have existing insurance, or believe you are medically stable, you don’t want to take any unnecessary risk.

Getting sick in another country with inadequate insurance while having an existing medical condition or pre-existing condition can be a nightmare that can even prove fatal or, at the very least, cost you thousands of dollars.

Make sure to buy trip insurance as soon as you’ve booked your trip. Many plans only cover existing conditions if you buy the itinerary soon after booking it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do travel insurance companies check for pre-existing conditions.

Travel insurers are thorough in their investigations of your current state of health. In fact, before providing an initial policy or renewing coverage at renewal time, travel insurance providers may even demand a more detailed description of your regular medical history.

Reputable travel insurers use SMPRA – Simple Medicines Procedure Profiles and Access Records. The SMPRA checks your medical records for several years to see if you have any health problems.

How does travel insurance for pre-existing conditions work?

When traveling outside your medical insurance plan’s coverage area, travel insurance for pre-existing conditions covers the expenses of medical visits associated with sickness or injury resulting from a condition you had within a certain timeframe of your trip.

Travel medical insurance varies by provider and level of coverage and typically exceeds $300 per day (beyond typical emergency medical care) depending on the type and duration of emergency service.

Do I need travel medical insurance when I have a pre-existing condition?

You may need travel health insurance if you travel regularly (i.e., more than once a year, to multiple countries), to an underdeveloped or developing country, or outside the country for over one month at a time, regardless of destination.

Do all travel insurers cover pre-existing conditions?

Most travel insurance plans do not cover pre-existing conditions when traveling abroad. Travel insurers usually provide a pre-existing condition exemption, which may result in a 10% or more premium on coverage.

WorldNomads is one travel insurance policy that generally provides travel coverage to anyone who asks for it, regardless of any pre-existing health conditions.

Related Reviews

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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 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.

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

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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

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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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Travel Insurance Blog

Why understanding your travel medical insurance matters: avoid common pitfalls.

Posted on September 17th, 2024 by Medipac

Avoid Travel Insurance Pitfalls: Medipac’s Consistent Coverage Advantage

In today’s complex world of travel medical insurance, understanding what your policy actually covers is more important than ever. Recent years have seen a troubling trend: travel insurance policies are becoming increasingly restrictive, making it vital to know exactly what you’re purchasing. Many travelers may think they are fully protected, only to find out later that their policy has numerous limitations that were not immediately clear.

The Increasing Restrictions in Travel Medical Insurance Policies

As discussed in the last issue of CSANews , one of the biggest pitfalls in buying travel medical insurance is the growing number of restrictions and exclusions hidden in the fine print. Insurers continue to modify their policies, often adding new rules that can leave travelers without coverage when they need it most.

In fact, after reviewing some of the newly updated plans for this year, we discovered that a major competitor had made 22 changes to their underwriting rules—all of which made the policies more restrictive. These changes weren’t limited to minor tweaks; they involved substantial alterations in medical coverage that were difficult to decipher, and unsurprisingly, their rates had also increased.

It’s alarming to think that what you paid for last year may not be what you are getting this year, and not knowing these changes could leave you vulnerable to unexpected medical expenses. This is why we cannot stress enough the importance of reading and fully understanding your travel insurance policy before making a purchase.

Why You Must Read and Understand Your Policy Before Buying

Imagine spending 20 minutes jumping through online forms and insurance hoops, only to discover that the policy you were about to purchase covered little more than trip cancellation. Unfortunately, scenarios like this are becoming more common as insurers make it harder for consumers to understand what they are buying.

This confusion is not just frustrating—it can also be costly. Many travelers assume their medical needs will be covered, only to find exclusions buried deep within the policy details. The key takeaway? Always read your policy thoroughly and ask questions if anything is unclear. A few minutes spent reviewing could save you from a financial disaster down the road.

Tips for Avoiding Common Insurance Pitfalls:

• Review Policy Changes Annually: Even if you’ve purchased a policy before, it’s critical to review it again each year, as terms can change without your notice.
• Understand Medical Coverage: Pay close attention to the medical benefits and exclusions . Are pre-existing conditions covered? What are the emergency medical limits?
• Ask Questions: If any part of the policy is unclear, reach out to the insurer. A reputable company will be transparent and willing to explain the details of their coverage.

Medipac’s Consistent and Reliable Coverage: A Cut Above the Rest

While many insurers continually change their policies, Medipac has maintained a steady, reliable approach to travel medical insurance for more than 20 years. Our core product remains the same—offering the essential snowbird travel medical insurance package that our clients have come to trust. Unlike many competitors, Medipac does not surprise clients with sudden, restrictive changes. Instead, we focus on providing clear, consistent, and comprehensive coverage that meets the needs of our policyholders year after year.

Why Medipac Stands Out:

• Stable Policy Terms: Unlike competitors making drastic changes, Medipac’s travel insurance policy has remained largely unchanged, with only minor adjustments to add new benefits and clarify existing ones.
• Transparent Coverage: Medipac prides itself on transparency. We ensure our clients understand exactly what is covered so there are no surprises when it comes to claims.
• Proven Trustworthiness: With a loyal base of over 50,000 snowbirds, Medipac continues to be the go-to choice for travelers who value consistent and reliable insurance.

One of our clients once told us that Medipac’s policy and assistance stand well above the crowd of competitors, and it’s a sentiment echoed by many. Our “boring but brilliant” benefits provide the essential coverage snowbirds need without the complications and hidden pitfalls found in other plans.

Maximizing Your Savings with Medipac’s Discounts and Offers

Not only does Medipac offer stable and reliable coverage, but we also provide a range of discounts that make our insurance even more affordable. Many new clients are unaware that our published rates are often much higher than what they actually end up paying, thanks to our robust discount programs.

Medipac’s Discounts Include:

• Claim-Free Discount: Enjoy lower rates when you have a claim-free history, rewarding you for maintaining good health during your travels. Available for new clients, too!
• Loyalty Discount: Our loyal clients benefit from ongoing savings as a thank you for choosing Medipac year after year.
• Early Bird Discount: Plan ahead and save! Our Early Bird offer allows you to lock in savings of up to 5% off our basic rates when you purchase your policy early.
• Higher Deductible Savings: Choosing a higher deductible can further reduce your premium, offering potential savings of up to 25%.

When combined, these discounts can lead to significant savings, making Medipac not only a reliable choice but also a cost-effective one. We encourage you to complete a Medipac application to see the discounts you qualify for and how much you can save.

Conclusion:

In a travel insurance market that’s becoming increasingly complex and restrictive, Medipac continues to stand out by offering consistent, transparent, and reliable coverage. By understanding your policy, reviewing the details, and taking advantage of Medipac’s comprehensive discount programs, you can travel with peace of mind knowing you are well-protected.

As snowbirds gear up for another season of travel, make sure you choose an insurer you can trust. Medipac’s commitment to maintaining stable policy terms and providing exceptional service ensures that you are covered when it matters most. Don’t forget to review our Early Bird Program, and secure your savings today!

Key Takeaways:

• Travel medical insurance policies are becoming more restrictive; always read and understand your policy before buying.
• Medipac offers consistent and reliable coverage without frequent, restrictive changes seen in competitors’ plans.
• Take advantage of Medipac’s discounts to save significantly on your travel insurance.
• Medipac’s stability, transparency, and dedication to service excellence make it the ideal choice for snowbird travelers.

This article should effectively communicate the importance of choosing the right travel insurance while positioning Medipac as a trusted and dependable provider in the market.

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Visiting UAE? Travel insurance policies don’t cover pre-existing medical conditions

Tourists could seek specialised insurance in home country that includes coverage for their specific health issues, say industry experts.

Waheed Abbas

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Travel insurance policies do not cover pre-existing medical conditions of tourists arriving in the UAE, industry executives have reiterated. They, therefore, advise tourists to go for specialised health insurance policy with coverage for their specific health issues.

“Pre-existing conditions are not included under travel insurance policies. Tourists will need to have those conditions covered under their health insurance, which can only be purchased in their home country at this time,” said Faisal Abbas, vice president of employee benefit (EB) and general insurance at Continental Group.

He said travel insurance policies here only cover emergency medical expenses, usually starting from Dh200,000.

“Pre-existing conditions are universally excluded from coverage in all standard inbound travel insurance policies. This blanket exclusion means that any medical issues known prior to the issuance of the travel insurance policy will not be covered,” said Avinash Babur, CEO of Insurancemarket.ae.

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Millions of tourists from different parts of the world visit the UAE every year, spending billions of dollars. The UAE has risen from 13th to 6th globally on the list of top earners from international tourism, registering $51.9 billion in international tourism receipts, according to UN Tourism’s May 2024 World Tourism Barometer.

Specialised policies

Babur added that tourists with pre-existing conditions have limited options since standard travel insurance policies do not cover these conditions. “They may need to seek specialised health insurance that includes coverage for their specific health issues. Such policies typically must be arranged either through international health insurance providers or specialised plans from their home country that include international coverage,” he added.

The cost for these specialised policies can be significantly higher, varying widely based on the severity and nature of the pre-existing condition, as well as the overall coverage limits of the policy. Tourists should consult with insurance providers in their home country to ensure that the coverage meets their specific needs.

Faisal Abbas suggested that the best option is to ensure that their health insurance from their home country covers pre-existing conditions. “It's important to check in advance that the policy extends to elective treatments and pre-existing conditions in the UAE. This information is generally found under the ‘area of cover’ and ‘pre-existing’ clauses in the health insurance policy.”

Minimum cost

For inbound UAE tourists, travel insurance premiums vary based on the duration of their stay. According to Insurancemarket, premiums start at Dh45 and can go up to Dh200 for trips up to a month. For longer stays, exceeding a month, the premiums start at Dh80 and can reach up to Dh300. These rates reflect a range of coverage options, from basic to more comprehensive plans.

As per Continental Group, basic travel insurance starts as low as Dh50 for single-entry and 30-day coverage for inbound tourists. For multiple entries over 180 days, the cost typically ranges between Dh150 and Dh200, depending on the coverage level and insurer.

According to Unitrust Insurance, generally, it falls in the range of Dh48 for 30 days and Dh100 for 90 days. The cost of travel insurance is 3 to 4 times higher if the tourist is aged above 70 years.

Growing demand

Avinash Babur said demand for inbound travel insurance is indeed growing with a 10 per cent increase observed between the first and second quarters of 2024. “This rise is partly attributable to the seasonal influx of tourists during the UAE’s summer months, reflecting both the region’s appeal as a travel destination and the increasing awareness among tourists of the importance of travel insurance,” he added.

Faisal Abbas said demand for inbound travel insurance has been quite steady. We’ve noticed only a slight increase, primarily because many insurers still focus more on outbound travel insurance. Additionally, it's summer here in the UAE, which typically isn't the peak season for inbound travel. The real uptick usually happens between September and March when the cooler weather draws in a large influx of tourists,” he added.

Moin ur Rehman, executive director of Unitrust Insurance Broker, said nowadays, awareness about travel insurance is higher which increases the demand for it.

Moin said hospitalisation costs in the UAE are very high, which could land any individual in financial trouble. Hence, it is advisable to have a comprehensive travel insurance for tourists.

Avinash Babur asked tourists planning to visit the UAE to purchase travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, accidents, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen circumstances. “Given the exclusion of pre-existing conditions in standard policies, those with existing health issues should consider securing a specialised policy that addresses their specific medical needs. Furthermore, given the variable cost of insurance based on trip length, tourists should carefully assess their needs to choose the right coverage duration.”

Faisal Abbas said visitors should have comprehensive health insurance from their home countries that includes elective treatments and pre-existing conditions.

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Travel insurance claims denials up 33%: Here are 5 reasons why you may not get reimbursed

Travel insurance can help mitigate some unforeseen financial losses when a trip goes awry, from having to book an airport hotel following a flight cancellation or seeking medical care abroad.

With air travel at its busiest, an increasing number of travelers are turning to travel insurance before heading out on their trips – and putting it to good use. Travel insurance claim submissions have risen by 22% compared to last year, according to data from Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison platform. And after a global tech outage that left thousands of air travelers stranded this summer, having travel insurance seems like a wise decision.

However, not all travel insurance claims are equal – or even accepted. Just having travel insurance is not a guarantee you'll get your money back for every travel mishap. "A lot of people go in with the understanding that everything bad that happened is covered by your travel insurance, but it’s not a catch-all," Jenna Hummer, public relations director at Squaremouth , told USA TODAY.

Not only have travel insurance claims increased, but so have the rates of denial. This year, travel insurance claim denials are up 33% over last year, according to Squaremouth data.

Having your claim accepted depends on a variety of factors, such as your coverage policy and having adequate proof of purchases, like all your receipts and notes from doctors. Hummer advises everyone to "know your policy" and be clear about what is covered.

Here are the top five reasons your travel insurance claim could be denied:

Do I need travel insurance for a cruise? Here's how one cruise passenger got her $5,500 infirmary bill covered

Learn more:   Best travel insurance

1. You're inconvenienced but not interrupted

While it would be great if travel insurance covered everything negative on your trip, that's not how it typically works.

"Things like not having a good time or having it rain the whole week on your beach vacation that you spent a lot of money on, those things are typically not covered," Hummer said.

2. You don't have a paper trail

If something that's under the policy does happen – like you get the flu and need to cancel your upcoming trip using travel medical coverage – make sure you keep that doctor's note and receipt for the visit for speedy processing. Claims often won't be reimbursed if you can't prove the expenses you incurred and authenticate your claim.

It's also worthwhile to keep your travel expenses well-organized. "It becomes a huge hassle later on when they're wading through all these receipts trying to get it together," Hummer said. (If you really can't find a receipt, bank or credit card statements usually work.)

3. Your disruption is actually not covered by the policy you purchased

Flight delays are almost always a headache, and unfortunately, your eight-hour delay might not be covered by your travel insurance policy.

"It has to be listed on your policy to be covered," Hummer said. Some policies have a travel delay benefit that only includes missed connections or if your flight is delayed by a certain number of hours. Read the fine print or even call insurance providers to make sure you have a full understanding of what's covered before purchasing.

When a disruption does occur, call your insurance immediately. "Don’t wait, don’t call the airline, call the insurance provider ... and they'll give you everything you need to do in order to get the claim processed," she said.

While there is such a coverage option known as Cancel for Any Reason that lets you cancel up to a day before your trip, Hummer doesn't typically recommend this. "It is a very expensive add-on," she said. If someone has "something in their mind that they may need to cancel their trip," such as mental health-related or a fear of flying, then it could make sense.

4. You bought travel insurance too late

A comprehensive travel insurance policy will cover anything due to inclement weather, like if your hotel loses power in a storm. However, once severe weather, like a hurricane, is publicized, it's too late to purchase travel insurance.

If inclement weather is already underway, there's definitely no possibility of coverage. "Once it's occurred, it's considered foreseen," Hummer said.

A good rule of thumb: buy your insurance as soon as you book your trip for the most coverage possible.

5. A preexisting medical condition makes you ineligible for your policy

Unfortunately, some travelers with preexisting medical conditions or illnesses may learn they're ineligible for the policy they purchased after the fact – they're also the ones who often need this type of coverage the most.

Many travel medical insurance policies don't provide coverage if you have a chronic condition or illness like heart disease or previous injuries, are pregnant, or are traveling abroad for an opt-in medical procedure like a facelift. "That’s one of the biggest misconceptions that we’re constantly trying to educate travelers about," Hummer said. Even just visiting the doctor for a bad knee without an official diagnosis of a condition could render a preexisting medical condition by your provider.

Many providers will cover individuals with preexisting medical conditions, provided there haven't been symptoms, doctor visits, or worsening of the condition during the "look-back period," which generally ranges from 60 to 180 days but varies based on your provider. "You really have to make sure you have the coverage that you need," Hummer said. "The best way to do that is call the travel insurance provider and have them walk through your coverage."

It's also important to do this quickly once you book your trip since preexisting medical condition waivers are time-sensitive.

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Czech PM confirms Ukraine received first batch of shells under Prague-led initiative

European court of human rights finds russia guilty of violating human rights in occupied crimea, ukraine brings back 90 pows from russian captivity, ukraine's military intelligence says it set fire to ammunition depot in russia's voronezh oblast.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on June 25 that it has issued arrest warrants for two Russian security officials leading the country's war effort.

Sergei Shoigu, head of Russia's Security Council, and Valery Gerasimov, chief of the General Staff of the Russian army, are charged with war crimes, particularly "directing attacks at civilian objects," and "causing excessive incidental harm to civilians or damage to civilian objects."

Shoigu and Gerasimov are accused of the "crime against humanity." The charges relate to Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure between October 2022 and March 2023, the ICC said.

Shoigu served as Russia's defense minister at the time of the alleged crimes.

The court found that "there are reasonable grounds to believe that the alleged strikes were directed against civilian objects."

While the energy infrastructure "may have qualified as military objectives at the relevant time," the ICC said that "the expected incidental civilian harm and damage would have been clearly excessive to the anticipated military advantage."

"Every criminal involved in the planning and execution of these strikes must know that justice will be served. And we do hope to see them behind bars," President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted on X.

The ICC's decision "clearly demonstrates that no military rank or cabinet door can shield Russian criminals from accountability," Zelensky said.

The charges against Shoigu and Gerasimov follow similar arrest warrants issued against two lower-ranking Russian commanders deemed allegedly responsible for carrying out strikes on Ukraine's electrical infrastructure during the same time period.

Lieutenant General Sergei Kobylash and Admiral Viktor Sokolov "are each allegedly responsible" for a number of war crimes, including "directing attacks at civilian objects," the ICC said in March 2024.

Only the 2023 winter strikes had caused an estimated $10 billion in damages across Ukraine and left 12 million people with no or limited access to power, according to the United Nations Development Program.

The ICC also issued arrest warrants in March 2023 for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, the presidential commissioner for children's rights, for the forcible transfer of children from Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine.

Russia withdrew from the ICC in 2016 following the court's criticism of Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea .

Read also: Who are the 5 Russian propagandists accused of hate crimes against Ukraine?

Ukraine has received the first batch of artillery shells under the Czech-led initiative, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on June 25.

Czech President Petr Pavel said in February that Prague had identified 500,000 155 mm shells and 300,000 122 mm shells outside Europe that could be bought and sent to Ukraine after the necessary funds were allocated to the initiative.

Several countries , including the Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Portugal, Canada, and the Netherlands, have since contributed funds to the Czech initiative, which may result in the delivery of 1.5 million rounds to Kyiv, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said in late March.

More than 1.6 billion euros ($1.7 million) have been allocated for the effort, according to the prime minister.

"The first shipment of ammunition from our initiative arrived in Ukraine some time ago. We are doing what it takes," Fiala said .

Lipavsky said in mid-June that the first shells purchased under the initiative were arriving in Ukraine "these days."

Czech officials did not specify the amount of incoming ammunition.

Pavel launched the initiative against the backdrop of Ukraine losing the key front-line city of Avdiivka in February amid a severe ammunition shortage .

Russia has since intensified aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities and launched a new offensive in Kharkiv Oblast , which has reportedly been halted by the first line of defense.

Moscow is still outpacing the West in securing artillery supplies on international markets, the Czech government said, fearing that delayed payments to arms companies could result in millions of munitions being shipped to Moscow rather than Kyiv, the Financial Times reported in late May.

Read also: EU Commissioner: EU will match Russia’s ammunition production in 2025

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) found Russia guilty on June 25 of committing a "pattern or system of violations" of human rights in occupied Crimea since the peninsula was illegally annexed in 2014.

The decision stems from several complaints Ukraine brought to the court in the years following Russia's occupation of Crimea.

Ukraine argued that Russia had engaged in a "campaign of repression," which included "disappearances; ill-treatment; unlawful detention; impossibility to opt out of Russian citizenship; suppression of Ukrainian media and of the Ukrainian language in schools; pre-trial detention in overcrowded conditions; prosecution and conviction on fabricated charges without a fair trial in reprisal for any pro-Ukrainian stance; and, transfers from Crimea to prisons in Russia."

The court unanimously ruled that Russia was guilty of violating 11 different articles of the European Convention of Human Rights:

the right to life

the prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment

the right to liberty and security

the right to a fair trial

no punishment without law

the right to respect for private and family life

freedom of religion

freedom of expression

freedom of assembly

prohibition of discrimination

limitation on (the) use of restrictions on rights

The court also found that Russia had violated three protocols of the European Convention: the protection of property, the right to education, and the freedom of movement.

Lastly, the ECHR ruled that Russia had failed in its obligations to "furnish necessary facilities for the examination of the case" and that Russia "had to take measures as soon as possible" to bring back prisoners illegally transferred from occupied Crimea to Russia.

While the court's ruling did not address the legality of Russia's unlawful annexation, it said that Russia had a duty "to respect the laws already in force on occupied territory, which in this case would have been the pre-existing Ukrainian law."

Read also: Top Trump advisors prepare plan for US to halt military aid to Ukraine unless it agrees to peace talks

Ukraine has brought back 90 people from Russian captivity on June 25 as part of a prisoner exchange, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

The released captives include 32 personnel of the National Guard, including those who defended the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, 18 border guards, 17 personnel of the Navy, 15 soldiers of the Armed Forces as well as eight of the territorial defense, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported.

Ukraine brought back 59 defenders of the city of Mariupol , including 52 soldiers who left its stronghold — the Azovstal steel plant, according to the headquarters.

The former captives were exchanged for 90 Russian soldiers, the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported, citing the country's Defense Ministry.

"We remember all our people in Russian captivity. We continue to work for the release of everyone. We are looking for the truth about everyone who may be held by the enemy," Zelensky said .

This is the 53rd prisoner exchange since the outbreak of the full-scale war. As of May 31, 3,300 Ukrainian soldiers have been freed from Russian captivity, Ukraine's Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said.

The headquarters thanked the United Arab Emirates for their role in facilitating the latest exchange.

The previous prisoner exchange occurred on May 31, with 75 Ukrainians freed from Russian captivity.

Before that, on Jan. 3, 230 prisoners were exchanged in the largest prisoner exchange since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.

Kyiv aims to conduct an all-for-all prisoner exchange , which was one of the subjects at Ukraine's peace summit in Switzerland in mid-June.

Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) set an ammunition depot ablaze in Russia's Voronezh Oblast on June 25, the agency's press service said.

The depot is located some 70 kilometers (43 miles) from the border with Ukraine's Luhansk Oblast.

The agency shared a video that showed a large plume of smoke in the distance, which it said came from the ammunition depot.

Ukrainian forces regularly conduct drone strikes and sabotage acts on Russian territory, targeting military assets, oil refineries , and industrial facilities.

The Kyiv Independent couldn't independently verify the military intelligence claim.

Read also: The Counteroffensive: Crossing the ‘gray zone’ from Russia into Ukraine

We’ve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent .

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