Travel Insurance: Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Travel Insurance: Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

In general, pre-existing medical conditions aren't covered under travel medical insurance for foreign nationals visiting the United States. Pre-existing conditions are ongoing medical conditions you are being treated for under a physicians care. So it is important to know how to determine which international travel medical insurance policies will meet your specific needs. We also have plans that offer more options to those with prior injuries or medical conditions. . 

How do you Determine Which Conditions are Pre-Existing Medical Conditions for Travel Insurance?

In simple terms, any medical condition that existed before you secured your international travel insurance is a pre-existing condition.

There are three general ways a condition can be classified as a pre-existing condition:

1. Health history form

All new patients are required to fill out this form before seeing any doctor in the United States. The form seeks information about the general health history of the patient and makes it binding on the doctor to properly diagnose and treat the patient.

2. Attending physician's opinion

During the consultation, the doctor or physician may ask the patient specific questions about their health history for proper diagnosis and treatment. The information will be used by the doctor to form an opinion about the health history of the patient, including whether there was any pre-existing condition, and share the same with the travel insurance company.

3. Diagnosis & lab results

The doctor will send official Doctor Notes that include the diagnosis results for the patient to the travel insurance company if there's any relevant information with regard to a pre-existing condition.


Travel Insurance Plans for Visitors to the U.S. with Pre-existing Conditions

Traditionally, travel insurers have been reluctant to cover travelers with pre-existing conditions, as they are deemed too high a risk. ChoiceAmerica is a standard plan that although it doesn't cover visitors with pre-existing conditions, you can purchase an add-on benefit rider, CoverAmerica-Gold, that will.. However, USVisit-Pro may be a better alternative by offering insurance for pre-existing conditions. This plan is good for visitors to the U.S. with pre-existing conditions. Another great option for travelers to the U.S. with pre-existing conditions is Visitors Protect.

Contesting a Denial of Claim Based on a Pre-Existing Condition

You have the right to make an appeal on the matter by providing supporting evidence to contest the denial of the claim based on a pre-existing condition. The evidence can include a recent physical (general health checkup) report or written statement from your family doctor, stating that this condition was under control or not existing before the start date of the current insurance.

Claim

A claim form can be obtained from the insurance company. File the claim within the specified period/date, generally within 90 days from the day the service was obtained. Follow up the process from time to time with the insurance company.

Claim tips

  • Provide all the documents and/or information on time when requested by the travel insurance company to avoid delay and additional frustration.
  • Some of the information and supporting documents might be requested from the doctor/hospital. The claim process can be delayed if the hospital or doctor doesn't send the requested information on time.
  • It's a good idea to get a health checkup done prior to traveling to the United States. Those reports can be vital to support your claim.

The claim process might take time and effort on your part, but if it's a genuine case, you can be rest assured that your claims will be paid.