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, aside from some select plans and instances.
Due to this exclusion, it can leave individuals who purchase travel insurance wondering what pre-existing conditions are and how to know whether or not they have one, to be prepared in the event of needing medical attention away from home.
What You Will Learn In This Guide:
- What a pre-existing condition is and how it’s defined in travel insurance.
- Determine whether you may have a pre-existing condition, even if you weren’t previously aware of it
- Learn what happens if you don’t know you have a pre-existing condition when buying travel insurance
What Is Considered a Pre-existing Condition?
A pre-existing condition is generally defined as any health condition, whether known or unknown, that existed within an individual before the start date of their insurance policy.
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 possible pre-existing conditions include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Depression
- Asthma
- Lupus
- Epilepsy
These are just a few examples of what could possibly 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?
Typically, most individuals are aware that they have a certain medical condition before their travels. For example, if you take medication for an ailment you have, this is likely a pre-existing condition.
Think of a pre-existing condition as any health condition that you receive treatment for, have symptoms of, or take medication to control.
What If I Don’t Know I Have a Pre-existing Condition?
When it comes to your health, there could be instances where you have a certain ailment and are unaware. But even undiagnosed conditions can still be considered as a pre-existing condition. As a result, conditions such as early-stage cancer, heart disease, or stroke may be classified as pre-existing if medical evidence shows prior symptoms or indicators.
Typically, if you visit the doctor or hospital during your travels and use your travel insurance policy, the attending physician will provide a diagnosis which will be reviewed by the travel insurance company, along with your previous medical records, to determine if your illness or injury is pre-existing after you file a claim.
Can I Get Travel Insurance With a Pre-existing Condition?
Yes, you can still get a travel medical insurance plan, even with a pre-existing condition. Insurance can still provide coverage for emergency medical situations like an unexpected illness or injury during your travels, as long as it isn’t related to your pre-existing condition.
Additionally, some travel medical insurance plans may offer limited pre-existing condition coverage or coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
If you know you have a pre-existing condition or are older in age, you may consider opting for a plan that covers pre-existing conditions.
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 that your trip is an enjoyable one.
Here are some helpful tips for travelers with pre-existing conditions:
- Make sure to pack any necessary prescriptions or medications for your travels, enough to last you for your entire trip.
- Get a physical performed or see your doctor before your trip to get cleared for travel and understand any potential complications.
- Be mindful of your condition during your travels and choose activities that won’t put you at risk for a flare up or emergency related to your condition.
- Become familiar with your destination country’s healthcare system including nearby hospitals or doctors near your accommodations and emergency service phone numbers.
- Secure a travel medical insurance plan that can provide coverage for pre-existing conditions, the acute onset of pre-existing conditions, or a plan that can provide coverage if you get injured or sick unexpectedly, unrelated to your condition.
Best Travel Insurance for Elderly Travelers with Pre-Existing Conditions: INF Elite X
Best Affordable Pre-Existing Condition Plan with Basic Coverage: INF Premier X
Best Overall Pre-Existing Coverage Visitors Insurance: Visitors Protect
Where Can I Find the Best Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions?
Even if you have pre-existing conditions, you can still enjoy traveling knowing that you are well prepared and protected against the unforeseen.
- A pre-existing medical condition for travel insurance can include diagnosed, treated, or even undiagnosed conditions that existed before the policy start date
- Travel insurance pre-existing conditions are often excluded by default, but some plans offer limited benefits, acute onset coverage, or condition-specific inclusions
- An undiagnosed illness may still qualify as a pre-existing condition if medical records or symptoms show it existed prior to coverage
- Pre-existing medical condition travel insurance may require stability periods, age limits, or time-sensitive purchase windows, especially for waivers
- Carefully reviewing policy definitions is essential when choosing travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions to avoid claim surprises
Need to find international medical coverage? Compare our best travel medical insurance plans or contact our Customer Success Team for friendly assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-Existing Conditions in Travel Insurance
Is a thyroid condition considered a pre-existing condition?
A thyroid condition (such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) is generally considered pre-existing if you were diagnosed, treated, prescribed medication, or had symptoms related to it before your policy’s effective date. It does not matter whether the condition is controlled or stable. If it existed before the start of coverage, most travel medical plans may classify it as pre-existing.
Is diabetes considered a pre-existing condition?
Diabetes is generally considered a pre-existing condition. Routine care, insulin, and regular check-ups aren’t covered. However, if you experience a sudden diabetes-related emergency that meets acute onset criteria, some plans will provide coverage up to the specified benefit limits.
Is high cholesterol considered a pre-existing condition for travel insurance?
Yes, high cholesterol is typically considered a pre-existing condition by travel insurance providers, as it is a chronic condition.
I had a stroke 5 years ago and am not on any ongoing medical treatments. Is it still considered pre-existing if I were to have a heart attack while in the U.S.?
It may be instead considered as an acute onset of a pre-existing condition, depending on how the policy defines it and the treating physician’s medical documentation. For it to qualify as an acute onset, it would have to meet the following requirements:
- Be sudden and unexpected
- Occur after the policy effective date
- Require immediate medical care (typically within 24 hours since first symptoms)
- Not the result of a chronic or progressively worsening condition
Is high blood pressure considered a pre-existing condition for visitors insurance?
Yes, high blood pressure (hypertension) is generally considered a pre-existing condition if you’ve been diagnosed or treated for it before you purchased your policy. If you’re currently taking medication for high blood pressure, most visitors insurance plans would exclude coverage for any treatment related to high blood pressure or its complications. However, pre-existing condition plans might cover the unexpected complications if they meet the sudden and unexpected criteria.
What is not covered by travel medical insurance for pre-existing conditions?
Coverage exclusions often include pregnancy, cosmetic procedures, elective surgeries, and anything related to substance abuse or mental health. Additionally, many plans will exclude coverage for terminal illnesses, conditions for which you’ve been advised to have surgery or hospitalization, or conditions that have worsened despite treatment. Even the best travel insurance plans typically have some exclusions, so it’s crucial to read the fine print of any policy you’re considering.
How do travel insurance providers confirm I have a pre-existing condition?
Insurance companies will confirm pre-existing conditions during the claims process. To understand the full context, they may request documentation, review prior claims, or assess your medical history. This process typically involves:
- Reviewing your medical records from before the policy’s effective date
- Examining prescription history
- Requesting statements from your treating physicians
- Comparing the condition that prompted your claim against your medical history
- Checking if treatment was sought during the look-back period
What travel medical insurance plans fully cover pre-existing conditions?
There is no travel medical insurance plan that has 100% comprehensive coverage for all pre-existing conditions with no limitations. Some premium travel insurance plans (or trip insurance) for U.S. citizens traveling abroad offer pre-existing condition waivers if purchased shortly after making trip deposits, but these still have restrictions. For visitors to the U.S., the best travel insurance plans will have robust acute onset coverage, though these only cover unexpected emergencies, not routine care or anticipated complications.
