Everyone knows that travel insurance is a crucial part of trip planning, but it’s even more so if you have a pre-existing medical condition. When it comes to travel insurance claims, having a pre-existing condition can either make or break your claim. It’s important to know which companies will offer travel insurance with pre-existing conditions, what counts as a pre-existing condition and what to expect in the event you need to file a claim.
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Here are some things you should know about travel insurance with pre-existing conditions:
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Why it’s important:
For travelers with medical conditions, whether mild or severe, it’s important to make sure your trip is insured. Depending on you or your family member’s condition, you could fall ill before a trip, which could cause you to cancel your trip. In the event that this happens, without a proper insurance package, your claim could be denied due to your pre-existing condition.
Travel insurance with pre-existing condition coverage also comes in handy in the event that you need emergency medical assistance or medication while abroad. In this case, you don’t have to worry about paying outrageous medical bills or the confusion of a rejected claim.
What counts as a pre-existing condition?
A pre-existing condition may not be exactly what you think. In order to not get caught in a difficult situation where your claim gets rejected, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the complex issues of pre-existing conditions.
A pre-existing condition is defined by travel insurance companies as an injury, illness, disease or other medical condition that happens before the travel plan’s date and for which you had symptoms for and sought diagnosis, medical treatment and/or new prescription medications or a change in your current prescription. Usually this is within a maximum of 90 days before the trip.
Basically, this applies to any condition that you or a family member has had prior to your trip. Conditions usually covered are:
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Heart conditions
Be sure to check with the insurance provider for the specific conditions they cover, as it can vary.
What do I do if I have a pre-existing condition?
If you fall under the umbrella of pre-existing conditions, then you should make getting a pre-existing condition waiver a priority. Most travel insurance coverage has a clause that excludes all claims if you have a pre-existing condition. Fortunately, there is a way around it. If you or a family member is suffering from an illness or is on medication for an illness before your trip date, then a waiver or a travel insurance plan that specializes in this coverage is crucial.
Most travel insurance policies have either a waiver or options to upgrade your plan in the case of a serious illness. Again, it’s important to familiarize yourself with your individual company’s plans regarding these policies, as they can vary from provider to provider.
Insurance plans that cover pre-existing conditions:
If you need travel insurance with pre-existing condition coverage, then it’s important to do your research when shopping around. Many companies do not offer pre-existing condition coverage, but there are a few reliable companies who do.
- Allianz Travel offers some of the best packages for people with existing medical conditions. Plans like the OneTrip Premier Plan have complete coverage so you can feel secure while traveling abroad. In the event that you have to cancel a trip for a reason related to your illness, or if you need medical care during your trip, the OneTrip Premier Plan covers up to $500,000.
- Travelex Insurance offers the Travel Basic and Travel Select Plans, which offer a pre-existing exclusion waiver included in the package deal.
- Seven Corners offers several packages with pre-existing condition waivers.
It’s always better to be protected in the event that you fall ill before, during or after a trip. What is your experience with travel insurance? Have you ever used travel insurance with pre-existing conditions?