If you are an individual who has a pre-existing medical condition, there can be some uncertainty when purchasing a travel medical insurance plan. It can be confusing to understand what may be covered or what most likely will not be covered under your policy.
While most travel medical or visitors insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, there are some plans that offer limited pre-existing conditions coverage or coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
Understanding pre-existing condition exclusions and coverage can help you ultimately decide on the best travel medical insurance plan and save yourself from frustrations in the claims process later on.
What You Will Learn in this Guide:
- What a pre-existing condition is and how it’s defined in travel medical insurance
- How insurers determine whether a condition is pre-existing
- Which pre-existing conditions are typically not covered by visitor insurance plans
- Which types of plans may offer coverage or waivers for pre-existing conditions
What Is a Pre-existing Condition?
Generally, pre-existing health conditions include all such medical or physical conditions that an individual had before the start date of their insurance policy, 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, so it is important to read your policy documents carefully.
Any injury, illness, or medical condition that meets any of the following criteria may be considered a pre-existing condition under visitors insurance:
- A condition that requires you to seek medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment before the effective date of coverage under the policy.
- A 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.
Who Determines Whether a Condition is Pre-existing?
The insurance company evaluates the attending physician's statement, past and present medical records, history, and nature of treatment to determine if the condition is pre-existing.
What Pre-existing Conditions Are Not Covered by Visitors Insurance?
Most visitors insurance plans or travel medical insurance plans do not cover medical care related to pre-existing conditions as they have a pre-existing condition exclusion. However, coverage depends on your individual policy, as some plans do offer limited pre-existing conditions coverage or coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
It's impossible to say what type of conditions are or aren’t covered under visitors insurance because the coverage decision is ultimately made by your insurance company based on a number of factors including medical records and history. However, a good rule of thumb is if you had a particular health condition prior to the effective date of your travel insurance policy, medical care related to that health condition will likely not be covered under a visitor insurance plan.
Why Pre-existing Conditions Are Not Covered by Most Visitor Insurance Plans
Travel or visitor insurance plans are short-term 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.
Which Travel Insurance Plans Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
Not every travel medical insurance plan covers pre-existing conditions, so it can be tricky to find a plan that, one, offers the benefit of pre-existing conditions and, two, works for your needs. To make things easier, we have narrowed down some of the most preferred travel insurance plans with pre-existing condition coverage, so you can make a confident choice without the stress of overwhelming comparisons or decision fatigue.
Here's a plan that's preferred by most of our customers looking for comprehensive coverage for pre-existing conditions:
Overall, users find INF Elite X to be one of the best travel insurance plans available. It has one of the most solid pre-existing condition coverages as well as comprehensive coverage for the other benefits that travel medical plans typically include.
If you want to take some time to compare and contrast plans, there are other popular visitors insurance options that offer limited coverage for eligible medical care in case a pre-existing condition unexpectedly worsens during your trip. The best way to choose the right plan is to understand your coverage needs before purchasing. No matter which one you choose, these are amongst our top-recommended plans for their coverage, access to network hospitals, and overall value.
Best Long-Term Visitors Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage: INF Premier X
Best Affordable Pre-Existing Condition Visitors Insurance: ChoiceAmerica
Best Comprehensive Visitors Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions: Visitors Protect
Does Visitors Insurance Cover Regular Checkups or Planned Surgeries?
No, preventative care services like checkups are not typically covered under visitor insurance plans. Also, any known or preplanned treatment and services prior to the effective date of your visitor insurance policy such as surgeries are not likely to be covered.
What Is the Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition?
An acute onset of a pre-existing condition is generally classified as an unexpected and sudden recurrence of a past pre-existing condition. The pre-existing condition must not be currently suffered from and must not be a chronic condition in most cases. An attending physician will determine whether or not a condition is considered acute or chronic.
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.
Navigating Travel Insurance With a Pre-existing Condition
It can be confusing to find travel insurance with a pre-existing condition, however, there are options for you available. If you have a pre-existing medical condition and are looking at visitors insurance options, take a look at those that offer some kind of pre-existing condition coverage.
Additionally, understanding your policy’s benefits and exclusions can help you better prepare for dealing with your pre-existing condition during your travels and what will and won’t be covered under your plan.
- A pre-existing condition is any medical condition you had before your travel insurance policy’s effective date
- Some plans may offer limited coverage for the acute onset of a pre-existing condition. This means the sudden, unexpected recurrence that requires immediate care
- Choosing the best plan often requires comparing options that specifically list coverage for pre-existing conditions or acute onset
Read more about pre-existing conditions or speak to our Customer Success Team if you need assistance or have any additional questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-Existing Conditions in Travel Medical Insurance
How do travel insurance providers verify a pre-existing condition?
Insurance companies will verify pre-existing conditions when they are processing your claim. 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
Is pregnancy a pre-existing condition in travel insurance?
When it comes to travel medical insurance, pregnancy is typically considered a pre-existing condition. Pregnancy care is often excluded from travel medical insurance plans. However, a medical emergency related to your pregnancy that you haven’t had before may be covered.
What is a pre-existing medical condition “look-back” period in travel insurance?
The look-back period is the specific time period, usually ranging from 60 to 180 days before purchasing an insurance policy, that helps an insurer define whether a health condition is considered a pre-existing condition.
Can I get travel insurance coverage for prescription medications related to my pre-existing condition?
Standard travel insurance typically doesn't cover routine prescription refills for pre-existing conditions. This is because travel insurance policies cover unexpected events, including the unforeseen worsening of your pre-existing condition.
Is high cholesterol 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.
Can I get travel insurance with pre-existing conditions?
Yes, individuals who suffer from pre-existing conditions can get travel insurance. However, some expenses incurred from your pre-existing conditions may be excluded from your coverage. You will still have coverage for other eligible emergencies not related to your pre-existing condition.
Can seniors with pre-existing conditions still get travel insurance coverage?
Yes. Seniors with pre-existing conditions can get travel medical insurance with pre-existing condition coverage. Some travel insurance policies have age caps, so it is important for a senior to check the eligibility requirements for the policy they are considering to ensure they will get coverage.
How much is travel insurance with pre-existing conditions?
The cost of travel insurance that includes coverage for pre-existing conditions will depend on a number of factors, including your age, your destination, and how long you need coverage for.
