As you shop around for a trip insurance plan, it’s important to consider your own health and whether or not you have pre-existing conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes. If you do have pre-existing conditions, it may be wise to look for a trip insurance plan that offers a pre-existing condition waiver.
Without a pre-existing condition waiver, most insurance providers will deny claims for trip cancellation, trip interruption, or medical expenses related to pre-existing medical conditions.
Quick Summary
- What a pre-existing condition waiver is and why it can benefit you
- How travelers can qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver
- What insurers typically consider a pre-existing medical condition
- The best travel insurance plans with pre-existing condition coverage
What Is a Pre-existing Condition Waiver?
A pre-existing condition exclusion waiver is a benefit offered by some trip insurance plans in which if you meet certain requirements, the insurer will waive their pre-existing condition exclusion.
Travel insurance with pre-existing condition waiver coverage could make it possible to be covered for some trip-related expenses or emergency medical expenses for certain situations that may be caused by pre-existing health conditions.
How Do You Qualify for a Pre-existing Condition Waiver?
Depending on the trip insurance plan you choose, requirements for the pre-existing condition exclusion waiver may vary.
Here are some of the most common requirements for a travel insurance pre-existing condition waiver:
- You need to purchase your travel insurance policy very shortly after you make your first trip deposit in order to qualify, often within 14-21 days.
- You must insure all pre-paid trip costs that are subject to cancellation penalties or restrictions.
- You must be medically able to travel when you purchase your trip insurance policy.
What Is Considered a Pre-existing Condition?
When it comes to pre-existing conditions, each travel insurance provider will have their own definition of what is considered pre-existing. However, it generally refers to an ongoing medical condition that existed in the policyholder with reasonable medical certainty before the policy application. This includes conditions, whether known or unknown, for which medication or treatment is currently being used to manage the condition.
Do You Need a Pre-existing Condition Waiver?
If you are purchasing a trip insurance policy and currently suffer from an active medical condition, one that has been active or treated within the look-back period of the insurance policy, it may be in your favor to purchase a plan that offers a pre-existing condition exclusion waiver.
However, if you have a pre-existing medical condition that is considered stable and you aren’t taking medication for it or haven’t received treatment for it within the look-back period of the insurance policy, then you may not need a plan with a pre-existing condition exclusion waiver.
If you are unsure whether or not you need this waiver and know that you do or have suffered from a medical condition, it may be in your best interest to purchase a travel insurance policy that offers a pre-existing condition waiver and meet the plan's qualifications for this waiver.
Best Travel Insurance Plans With Pre-existing Condition Coverage
Best Affordable Pre-Existing Condition Plans: Battleface Discovery
Best Pre-Existing Plan with High Limits: Pathway Premium
Best Travel Insurance with Pre-Existing Condition Coverage Overall: iTravelInsured Travel SE
- Pre-existing medical conditions are usually excluded from travel insurance coverage by default.
- A pre-existing condition waiver allows coverage for trip and medical-related incidents related to existing health issues.
- Travelers typically must purchase the policy within a short time frame after their first trip deposit and meet certain requirements to qualify for the waiver.
- Not all trip insurance plans offer a pre-existing condition waiver, so comparing policies is important.
A travel insurance pre-existing condition exclusion waiver can help give peace of mind to those travelers who have medical conditions. It's important to do your research and select a plan that offers the benefits you need to secure your travels.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance with Pre-Existing Condition Waiver Benefits
Are all pre-existing conditions covered under the pre-existing condition waiver?
Most pre-existing conditions are covered under the pre-existing condition waiver. Typically, many insurance providers may exclude 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. All travel insurance policies are different, so it is important to read the fine print carefully of any policy that you are considering.
Is travel insurance with a pre-existing conditions waiver more expensive?
No. The pre-existing conditions waiver is technically free, as long as you fulfill the certain qualifications that travel insurance plans require you to meet. The cost of your travel insurance can depend on several factors, like your age, the duration and cost of your trip, your destination, and the number of people on your policy. While these variables can determine the cost of your travel insurance, the pre-existing conditions waiver does not increase your premium.
Does the pre-existing conditions waiver cover trip cancellation due to pre-existing conditions?
Yes, the pre-existing conditions waiver that is included in your travel insurance policy can cover trip cancellations if you experience a flare-up due to your pre-existing condition. With the pre-existing condition waiver, you can cancel your trip due to your condition, and still recoup the amount of your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses.
What if my pre-existing condition worsens after I purchase travel insurance?
If your pre-existing medical condition worsens after you've bought a travel insurance policy, you might still be able to cancel your trip, as long as you meet the requirements for the pre-existing condition waiver.
To qualify, your condition must have been "stable" at the time of purchase. This means you must not have experienced any new, worsened, or recently treated symptoms during the insurer's defined "look-back" period. When submitting a claim, you will likely need to provide medical documentation, such as medical records and a doctor’s note, confirming the worsening of your condition after you purchased your travel insurance.
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. That said, travel insurance with a pre-existing condition waiver could cover medication prescribed as part of emergency treatment during your trip.
Can seniors with pre-existing conditions still get travel insurance coverage?
Yes. Seniors with pre-existing conditions can get travel insurance that includes the pre-existing conditions waiver. 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.
Are family members traveling with me covered under the pre-existing conditions waiver?
Yes. Most travel insurance plans with the pre-existing conditions waiver can cover the insured and traveling companions, including family members. Your family members who are traveling with you would have to be under the same travel insurance policy as you to receive coverage for their pre-existing conditions.
How do travel insurance companies verify pre-existing conditions?
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
