Pre-Existing Health Conditions: Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, pre-existing conditions include all such medical or physical conditions that do not occur overnight, including high blood pressure, diabetes, AIDS, pregnancy, and any such condition, whether known or unknown. However, each visitor insurance plan has its own definition of what is considered a pre-existing condition, hence you are advised to read the policy documents carefully. Any injury, illness, or medical condition that meets any of the following criteria will be considered a pre-existing condition: 1) condition that requires you to seek medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment before the Effective Date of coverage under the policy, 2) condition for which manifestation, medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment was recommended, received, or noticed prior to the Effective Date of coverage under the policy.

The insurance company evaluates the attending physician's (doctor's and hospital's) statement, past and present medical records, history, and nature of treatment to determine if the condition is pre-existing. Learn more about the process and if/when you should contest a denial.

Travel or visitor insurance plans are short terms plans. The polices are meant to cover an insured person for any new conditions that may occur after the policy Effective Date. The insurance company will not cover for conditions the traveler knowing will have to undergo while traveling outside of their home country such as check-ups, dialysis and any other known and scheduled treatments and services.

Yes. VisitorsCoverage offers USVisit-Pro or Visitors Protect travel medical insurance plans offer visitors to the U.S. coverage for certain pre-existing conditions and also provides benefits such as emergency evacuation. Should your condition worsen or you need to seek medical attention, these may be options that can help in those situations.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, don't worry. When purchasing a travel medical policy, you'll want to look for a policy that includes a pre-existing medical conditions waiver. With this waver, you can cancel or interrupt your trip, or receive medical treatment. As long as the incident or sickness is tied to a pre-existing condition, you'll be covered.

No, preventative care services like check-ups are not are not covered under the plans. Also, any known or preplanned treatment and services prior to the Effective Date such as surgeries will not be covered in the polices.

Depending on the plan purchased, you may be covered for emergency eye exams and covered for eyeglasses. Please read your policy terms and conditions carefully.

Pregnancy and maternity related care are not covered in most travel insurance plans.

An acute onset of a pre-existing condition is classified as a sudden and unexpected medical episode related to a pre-existing condition (either confirmed by a physician or by the obvious presence of symptoms).

Acute onset of pre-existing conditions benefits covers necessary emergency care for any medical emergency that's life-threatening or requires immediate medical treatment. It may also cover you for emergency medical transportation, emergency room costs, surgery, medications, etc. depending on the plan benefits you choose.