How Does Pre-existing Coverage Work With Travel Insurance?

Pre-existing medical conditions can be covered by travel insurance depending on your policy, but you must first find out whether your policy includes them or not. Some policies exclude them, whereas some provide coverage for them under certain circumstances. It is important to find out what qualifies as a pre-existing condition.

 

Travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions is quite different from other forms of travel insurance. Being ill does not necessarily mean that you will be insured against medical expenses when visiting another country. It all depends on the company providing the insurance and many other factors, such as the stability of your medical condition.

If you are going to travel with a pre-existing medical condition, make sure that you understand the cover you are purchasing. Above all, be honest about your condition so that you understand the level of protection you will have while travelling.

What is a Pre-existing Medical Condition?

A pre-existing medical condition generally refers to an illness, disease, injury or medical condition that existed before the travel insurance policy began.

The exact definition varies between insurers. Diseases like diabetes, asthma, hypertension, heart disease, or prior surgeries could be part of the definition, based on the policy. Your disease may have been under control for some time, but you might still have to disclose it.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Pre-existing Conditions?

There is no universal answer. Some insurers provide travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions, while others exclude them completely. Some may offer an extension or additional cover for eligible conditions after assessing your medical history.

If you specifically need travel health insurance that covers pre-existing conditions, look for a policy that explicitly mentions this benefit. Do not assume that a standard travel policy will cover an existing illness.

There is no universal list of conditions that every insurer covers. Depending on the policy, eligible conditions may include:

• Diabetes

• Asthma

• High blood pressure

• Thyroid conditions

• Heart conditions

• Chronic respiratory conditions

• Previous medical conditions requiring ongoing treatment

The insurer may ask medical questions before agreeing to provide cover. It may also charge an additional premium or apply specific limits.

Why is Medical Disclosure Important?

It can be tempting to leave out a condition that has been stable for years. However, this could create difficulties if you later make a claim related to that condition.

When purchasing your policy, provide the medical information requested by the insurer accurately. In case you are unsure about the need to disclose any information, contact your insurer rather than assuming anything.

It will provide you with more insight about what you are actually purchasing.

What Exactly Does Coverage of a Pre-existing Condition Include?

Where an insurer agrees to cover an existing condition, eligible benefits could include emergency:

• Hospitalisation

• Medical treatment

• Doctor consultations

• Prescribed medication

• Medical evacuation

• Repatriation

However, these benefits are subject to the policy's terms, exclusions, limits and excesses. Common exclusions may include:

• Routine or planned treatment

• Medication you were already taking

• Medical procedures that could have been anticipated

• Undisclosed conditions

• Conditions specifically excluded by the policy

• Treatment beyond the policy's geographical or financial limits

The exact exclusions differ between insurers, so read the policy wording carefully.

Travel insurance is generally designed for unexpected medical emergencies rather than planned treatment or routine care overseas.

Does a Stable Condition Still Count?

It can. You might feel that an illness is no longer relevant because it has been stable for several years. However, an insurer may still consider it pre-existing according to its definition.

Some policies consider whether a condition has been stable for a specified period. Others may assess recent consultations, medication changes or treatment history.

This is particularly important when searching for holiday insurance cover for pre-existing medical conditions.

How should You Compare Different Policies?

If you have an existing medical condition, do not choose a policy based solely on its premium. Check:

Definition And Eligibility

Understand exactly what the insurer considers a pre-existing condition and whether your condition qualifies.

Coverage Limits

Find out whether treatment related to your condition has a separate financial limit.

Additional Premium

Some insurers may charge extra for extending cover to eligible conditions.

Exclusions

Read the exclusions relating specifically to your condition.

Medical Assessment

Check whether you need to complete a medical questionnaire or provide medical documents.

Emergency Assistance

Look at whether the insurer provides 24-hour assistance while you are abroad.

Should You Travel Without Covering Your Pre-existing Condition?

It might be possible for you to find an insurance policy that excludes your condition, depending on the insurance company.

However, this means that there is a likelihood that, if you find yourself in a health emergency situation due to the existing condition, then the costs of that specific situation will not be covered.

For the travellers that have to undergo medical care regularly, it is especially important to find travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions.

What Should you do Before Travelling?

Before departure, keep your policy details and emergency assistance number easily accessible. It can also help to carry relevant prescriptions, medical records and details of your regular medication.

Check your destination's rules for carrying medication, particularly if you take prescription medicines. Most importantly, confirm what your travel insurance covers before you leave.

Also Read : How Pre-Existing Conditions Impact International Travel Insurance

Wrapping Up

Just because you have an existing illness doesn’t automatically rule out travelling and getting insurance coverage for yourself. Nevertheless, travel insurance for people with pre-existing medical conditions should be checked carefully as compared to regular travel insurance.

For travel health insurance for people with pre-existing illnesses, forget about the medical cover that is being promised and start looking into the details instead. Niva Bupa offers international travel insurance plans that offer affordable protection along with peace of mind.

Similarly, when looking for holiday insurance cover for pre-existing medical conditions, remember that the cheapest policy is not necessarily the most suitable one. What matters is whether it provides meaningful protection for the risks you are most likely to face.

A little preparation before your journey can give you something invaluable while travelling: clarity about what your insurance will actually do if you need it.

FAQs

Can I purchase travel insurance when I have a pre-existing health issue?

Yes, it is possible to acquire travel insurance regardless of whether you have an existing medical issue or not. It will depend on the insurance company, the type of illness, and the travel insurance policy itself.

Is pre-existing health conditions coverage provided automatically by travel insurance?

No, because most general policies do not cover them. If you want such kind of coverage, make sure that the policy includes it.

Is diabetes covered under travel insurance?

This would depend on the insurer and the particular policy. Some insurers might provide coverage for diabetes based on certain conditions, while other policies would exclude this condition.

Would my claim be compromised if I did not declare a medical condition?

Yes, depending on whether the medical condition relates to the claim filed and is one that was supposed to be declared during the purchasing of the policy.

What should I check when buying travel insurance?

Check the definition of pre-existing conditions, eligibility, exclusions, coverage limits, additional premiums, medical assessment requirements and the claims process.