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Finding travel insurance for pre-existing conditions is important for travelers who currently suffer from medical conditions. While pre-existing conditions aren’t typically covered by travel insurance, there are options available which can help alleviate the stress that those traveling with medical conditions may have.
If you are a US citizen or resident looking for pre-existing coverage for your own travels, see how pre-existing condition coverage works for you
A pre-existing condition is defined as an injury, illness, sickness, disease, or other physical, medical, mental, or nervous condition, disorder or ailment (whether known or unknown) that, with reasonable medical certainty, existed prior to or at the time of applying for travel medical insurance.
Insurance companies typically define pre-existing conditions as health issues that:
Common examples include diabetes, heart conditions, cancer, respiratory issues like asthma, and chronic conditions like arthritis or high blood pressure.
Yes, travelers with pre-existing medical conditions can obtain travel insurance. Standard travel insurance policies typically exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, but specialized plans are available that can offer coverage for pre-existing conditions while traveling, specifically to the US.
For travelers with chronic health conditions, especially elderly visitors to the US, this specialized coverage provides:
Without this coverage, travelers might face full out-of-pocket expenses for medical care related to their existing conditions, which can quickly reach tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially in countries with expensive healthcare systems like the United States.
Pre-existing condition coverage is a benefit of certain travel medical insurance plans that's ideal for people with health conditions that existed prior to the policy effective dates. Travel insurance plans that offer pre-existing condition coverage can offer benefits for emergency medical care associated with prior health conditions.
Deductibles and policy maximums vary by plan so it's important to research the plans and read the policy documents to understand the benefits and limitations of each plan.
Travel insurance plans that offer some form of coverage for pre-existing conditions can have the following benefits:
Learn more about Emergency medical evacuation coverage and PPO networks in travel insurance and how they can save you thousands of dollars.
The specific benefits and coverage limits vary by plan, making it important to carefully review policy details before purchasing.
Even for travel insurance plans that do offer pre-existing conditions insurance, certain exclusions and limitations will apply. It is advised to read through a plan’s description of coverage to understand what is and isn’t covered for pre-existing conditions under a plan.
Pre-existing condition travel insurance works by extending emergency medical coverage to include health issues you had before purchasing the policy. Unlike standard plans that exclude these conditions, these specialized policies provide financial protection if you need medical care related to your existing health condition while traveling.
When purchasing this type of insurance, you'll generally need to:
These plans don't cover routine care or scheduled treatments but focus on unexpected emergencies related to your condition that occur during travel.
The cost of travel insurance with pre-existing condition coverage varies based on several factors:
While these plans often cost more than standard travel insurance, they provide critical protection that makes them worth considering for anyone with health concerns.
Best Travel Insurance for Elderly Parents with Pre-Existing Conditions: INF Elite X
Best Travel Insurance Overall for Pre-Existing Conditions: Visitors Protect
Best Affordable Travel Insurance with Basic Pre-Existing Condition Coverage: INF Premier X
Most Affordable Plan with Some Pre-Existing Condition Coverage: Choice America
We offer both comprehensive and limited travel insurance plans that provide coverage for pre-existing conditions. Our strong comprehensive plan options: Visitors Protect and INF Elite X offer robust coverage in case of medical emergencies. These plans are ideal for travelers of all ages visiting the U.S., Canada, or Mexico. The INF Elite X plan is connected to the United Healthcare PPO network, which spans all 50 states of America and offers guaranteed direct billing for added convenience.
Our limited coverage options, including Choice America and INF Premier X, which provide pre-set benefit limits for pre-existing conditions. These plans come with some age restrictions but are generally more affordable than comprehensive options. Please read the plan wording carefully before making the final decision.
Compare and contrast the best pre-existing condition travel insurance plans in minutes to find the best one for you.
Yes, seniors with chronic health conditions can get travel insurance. While some plans have age limits or higher premiums for older travelers, specialized policies like INF Elite X and Visitors Protect offer coverage options specifically designed for senior travelers with pre-existing conditions.
Yes, travelers with diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart conditions can get travel insurance with pre-existing condition coverage. Plans like INF Elite X and Visitors Protect are the best for pre-existing condition coverage, specifically for diabetes, high blood pressure, and/or heart conditions. Make sure their conditions have been stable for the required period (usually 3-6 months) to qualify for full benefits.
If you have a medical emergency related to your pre-existing condition while traveling with appropriate insurance coverage, contact your insurance company's emergency assistance line immediately. They'll direct you to approved medical facilities, arrange payments when possible, and guide you through the treatment and claims process.
A lookback period is the time before your policy purchase date during which the insurer checks for medical conditions or treatment. If you received care during this period (typically 60-180 days), your condition is considered pre-existing. Shorter lookback periods are generally more favorable for travelers with health conditions.
Recently diagnosed conditions can be covered, but options may be limited. Look for plans with shorter stability requirements or look through plan detail documents for those specifically stating coverage for new diagnoses. Be completely upfront about your diagnosis timing when applying for insurance to ensure valid coverage.
Most pre-existing condition travel insurance plans cover emergency prescription medication needs, including replacements for lost or stolen medications. However, they typically don't cover routine refills, so always travel with adequate supplies of your regular medications.
When traveling with a pre-existing condition, carry a doctor's letter describing your condition and medications, copies of prescriptions, your complete insurance policy documents, emergency contact information, and medical alert identification if applicable.
VisitorsCoverage let me get it done very painlessly and immediately sent all the documents including IDs by email. It was so great!
Website was easy to navigate, and contained a lot of information so I could make an informed decision. Also I thought the rates were very reasonable considering the peace of mind the policy will give me.
Very straightforward process, website navigation was excellent as well and can’t beat the price. Thanks!!
Very easy to compare between options and choose from. Was able to complete the purchase in 10 minutes.
Pre-existing conditions are any conditions whether known or unknown that were present prior to the effective date of the travel insurance policy. Most standard travel medical insurance policies will exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Pre-existing conditions will be covered up to the stated amount listed in the respective policy documents. Please review your plan documents for limits and exclusions.
Pre-Existing conditions are conditions a policyholder had prior to the effective date of coverage, whether known or unknown. They are typically lifelong and chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
An acute onset of a pre-existing condition is a sudden occurrence or manifestation of the prior condition. The acute onset is a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence of a prior condition which occurs spontaneously and without advance warning either in the form of physician recommendations or symptoms. Treatment must be obtained within 24 hours of the sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence.
To learn more about the difference between a pre-existing condition and an acute onset of a pre-existing condition, click here.
Unless the specific plan purchased has coverage for pre-existing conditions and the condition worsened where new medication was prescribed, medications for pre-existing conditions are typically not covered under the plans.
If your plan includes pre-existing conditions coverage, the policy can provide coverage for worsening pre-existing conditions and emergency services. Ongoing routine care and prescription medication refills are typically excluded from the coverage.
The worsening of a pre-existing condition is the deterioration of the policyholder’s medical condition, symptoms, or diagnosis that may lead to further complications.
At VisitorsCoverage, you can easily compare Pre-Existing Condition Insurance plans and buy them online, quickly and without excessive paperwork. Pre-Existing Condition Insurance plans can help protect you from unforeseen circumstances and let you travel with peace of mind.
Disclaimer
Plan features listed here are high level, provided for your convenience and information purpose only. Please review the Evidence of Coverage and Plan Contract (Policy) for a detailed description of Coverage Benefits, Limitations and Exclusions. Must read the Policy Brochure and Plan Details for complete and accurate details. Only the Terms and Conditions of Coverage Benefits listed in the policy are binding.
