Whether you’ve dealt with travel insurance, regular health insurance, or even pet insurance, you’ve likely heard of the term pre-existing conditions.
When it comes to travel insurance, pre-existing conditions are often excluded from coverage. Because of this, it can leave individuals who purchase travel insurance wondering what pre-existing conditions are and how to know whether or not they have one, so they are prepared in the event of needing medical attention away from home.
- A pre-existing condition is any health problem you had before your policy start date
- Insurance companies use a look-back period to review your medical history before that date
- A condition can count even if you were never diagnosed
- You can still buy travel insurance. Some plans cover acute onset, and a few cover pre-existing conditions directly
- Carefully reviewing policy definitions is essential when choosing travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions to avoid claim surprises
What Is a Pre-existing Condition?
A pre-existing condition is a health problem that existed before your travel insurance policy started. Most plans treat a condition as pre-existing if, before your start date, you were diagnosed with it, treated for it, took medication for it, or had symptoms of it.
The exact wording is not the same across every plan. Each policy has its own definition, usually in the definitions section of the policy document.
What Are Some Examples of Pre-existing Conditions?
Whether or not a condition is considered pre-existing can vary, especially when it comes to how pre-existing conditions are defined by different travel insurance providers.
However, some examples of common pre-existing conditions:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Thyroid conditions
- Arthiritis
- Back and neck injuries
- Kidney disease
- Asthma
- Cancer
These are just a few examples of what could be considered a pre-existing condition. A good rule of thumb to identify whether or not a condition is pre-existing is whether or not it was present in your body before the start of your insurance policy.ly be considered a pre-existing condition. A good rule of thumb to identify whether or not a condition is pre-existing is whether or not it was present in your body before the start of your insurance policy.
How Do You Know If You Have a Pre-existing Condition?
If you take medication for a health issue, it’s likely considered pre-existing.
Before you purchase a policy, ask yourself the following questions:
- Did a doctor diagnose you with a health condition?
- Did you have treatment, tests, or surgery for a health condition?
- Did you take prescription medication for a health condition?
- Did you have symptoms that most people would see a doctor about?
If you answered yes to any of these, you probably have a pre-existing condition.
What If I Don’t Know I Have a Pre-existing Condition?
A condition can still be pre-existing even if you were never diagnosed. If your medical records show symptoms or warning signs before your start date, the insurance company can treat the condition as pre-existing.
Early-stage cancer, heart disease, and stroke are examples where symptoms may have been recorded before anyone named the condition.
Can I Get Travel Insurance With a Pre-existing Condition?
Yes, you can still get travel insurance, even with a pre-existing condition. However, the type of plan you get matters, because it can treat your pre-existing condition differently:
Travel medical insurance pays for emergency medical care while you are away from home. A few of these plans cover pre-existing conditions, and many of them cover only the sudden flare-up of an ongoing condition, which is called acute-onset coverage. This plan is best for visitors to the U.S. and non-U.S. residents traveling internationally.
Comprehensive travel insurance protects the money you paid for your trip and offers medical coverage while you are abroad. Most comprehensive travel insurance plans include coverage through a pre-existing conditions waiver if you buy your policy soon after your first trip payment. This plan is best for U.S. residents, including green card holders, traveling abroad.
Best Travel Tips for Travelers With Pre-existing Conditions
If you are traveling with a pre-existing condition, it is important to prioritize your health to ensure your trip is enjoyable.
Here are some helpful tips for travelers with pre-existing conditions:
- Pack enough of your prescriptions and medication for the whole trip
- See your doctor before you travel to get cleared and to understand any risks
- Carry a written summary of your condition, your medications, and your doctor’s contact details
- Choose activities that are unlikely to trigger a flare-up
- Look up hospitals near where you are staying and the local emergency number
- Buy a plan that fits your situation, whether that is acute onset coverage or pre-existing condition coverage
Where Can I Find the Best Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions?
VisitorsCoverage compares plans from multiple providers in one place, including plans designed for pre-existing conditions and those that cover acute-onset conditions. You do not have to check each insurer’s site separately to find out which one fits your situation.
If you are still not sure what your condition counts as, or which type of plan you need, our licensed insurance specialists can walk you through plans that best suit your needs.
