Traveling internationally as a senior can be an exciting experience, especially for those who are retired and are exploring the world or visiting beloved family members abroad.
However, traveling as a senior can also come with some challenges, particularly when it comes to health and safety.
If you are a traveling senior with health conditions, you may be worried about potential issues arising while traveling and whether or not you'll have health insurance coverage when venturing outside of your home country.
Luckily, travel medical insurance is an excellent options for traveling seniors to secure temporary health coverage during their trip. Even better, there are travel medical insurance plans available that can offer coverage for pre-existing conditions.
What Is Considered a Pre-existing Condition for Seniors?
A pre-existing condition is considered any health condition that existed in a person before the start date of their travel medical insurance plan. This condition could either be known or unknown by the person.
For example, conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes that a person had before purchasing their travel medical insurance plan could be considered a pre-existing condition.
How Are Pre-existing Medical Conditions Determined by Travel Insurance?
Pre-existing conditions are typically determined by medical records, physicians'findings, doctor's notes, past health history, and more.
If there is evidence that an individual suffered from, received treatment for, or took medication for a condition prior to the effective date of their insurance policy, this could be considered a pre-existing medical condition.
Does Travel Insurance for Seniors Cover Pre-existing Conditions?
While travel medical insurance typically excludes pre-existing condition coverage, there are some plans which offer some form of pre-existing condition coverage.
Very few plans offer limited coverage for the treatment of pre-existing conditions. However, there are quite a few travel medical insurance plans that offer coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
What Is the Difference Between Pre-existing and Acute Onset of Pre-existing Conditions Coverage?
When comparing travel medical insurance plans with pre-existing condition coverage, you may come across some plans that list pre-existing condition coverage as a benefit and some that offer coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions as a benefit.
Coverage for pre-existing conditions typically refers to coverage for treatment that is deemed necessary for the worsening of a pre-existing condition that requires immediate medical attention.
The acute onset of pre-existing conditions benefit typically offers coverage for the sudden, unexpected recurrence of a dormant pre-existing condition if emergency and necessary treatment is required.
What Doesn't the Pre-existing Condition Benefit Cover?
When purchasing a plan that offers pre-existing condition coverage, it is important to understand that this doesn’t mean everything related to your pre-existing condition is covered.
Travel medical insurance is meant to act as temporary coverage for emergency illnesses or injuries while traveling. This means that routine and preventative care are excluded from most plans.
As it related to a pre-existing condition, things like getting your regular medication for your condition or visiting the doctor for a check-up for your condition would typically be excluded. Pre-existing condition coverage is meant to offer coverage only in the event of an emergency medical situation.
Is Pre-existing Condition Coverage More Expensive for Seniors?
Pre-existing condition coverage is typically more expensive than travel medical insurance plans that don’t offer coverage for pre-existing conditions.
This is because the risk of illness or injury is greater for those who have pre-existing conditions, which tends to make the premium of these plans higher.
Additionally, travel medical insurance plans can cost more for those who are above a certain age, or only offer a more limited policy maximum due to the increased risk.
However, it can offer valuable coverage in the event of a medical emergency related to an existing health issue.
Is Pre-existing Condition Coverage Necessary for Seniors?
Pre-existing condition coverage could be necessary for seniors, depending on their current health and lifestyle.
If you are a senior that is worried about your pre-existing condition worsening during traveling or you have a dormant pre-existing condition that you are worried could flare up during your trip, you may want to consider getting a travel medical insurance plan with some form of pre-existing condition coverage.
Travel Insurance for Seniors That Cover Pre-existing Conditions
The following travel medical insurance plans can offer some form of coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Visitors Protect
- Pre-existing conditions coverage
- Coverage is limited for those aged 70 and above
CoverAmerica - Gold
- Coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions
- Lower coverage amounts for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions for those aged 70 and above
Patriot America Plus
- Coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions
- No coverage available for those aged 70 and above
Atlas America
- Coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions
- Only available for those under 80 years old
Tips for Traveling Seniors With Pre-existing Conditions
If you are a senior traveling with pre-existing conditions, here are some tips to ensure that your journey goes smoothly:
- See your regular doctor for a check-up to be cleared for travel and to take care of any potential health issues before your departure date
- Secure a travel medical insurance plan to keep you protected in the event of an unexpected illness or injury during your trip
- Make sure you have ample medication for the duration of your trip for any health conditions and bring your prescription information along with you just in case
- Plan your trip accordingly keeping your health concerns in mind to avoid putting yourself in situations where you may be at risk
- Always carry your travel insurance ID and policy information with you along with emergency contact numbers
Following these tips will keep you safe during your trip and provide you with the peace of mind you deserve during your vacation.
Have Questions? VisitorsCoverage Can Help
If you still have questions about what travel medical insurance coverage is right for you, check out our Ask an Expert section for answers to common questions to reach out to our Customer Success Team for assistance.
Ready to secure senior travel insurance coverage? Compare our available plans with pre-existing condition coverage to find the right policy for your needs.
