Travel Insurance With Medical Conditions

Getting travel insurance with medical conditions can be a confusing process.  Travel insurance companies may provide medical insurance coverage during your trip, but there are certain conditions that need to be met.

Travel insurance is designed to cover expenses related to lost or stolen baggage, flight delays or cancellations, emergency search and rescue, and providing replacement coverage for lost or stolen items.  Travel insurance can also provide medical insurance that is not covered with your regular medical insurace.

Generally, most medical insurance plans will not provide coverage outside of your home country.  Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical issues when you are on vacation.  However, you must take the proper steps to qualify, and there are exclusions you need to be aware of when you are shopping for travel insurance with medical conditions.

Pre-existing conditions

If you have a pre-existing condition, it will normally not be covered by travel medical insurance unless the insurance provider allows a waiver to include the condition.

Pre-existing conditions are medical conditions that a normal person would likely receive treatment for, or at least consult a doctor.  In other words, just because you try and ignore it doesn’t mean it is not classified as a pre-existing condition.

Most insurance companies will have a lookback period – typically 2 to 6 months – in which they look to find pre-existing conditions.  Any medical condition that is treated or not fully resolved during the lookback period is considered a pre-existing condition.

One exception to this rule is medical conditions that are considered “stable” though the lookback period are not considered pre-existing conditions.  If there are no changes to medication and no treatment has been received, the condition could be considered stable.

You will need to consult your doctor to determine if your conditions would be considered pre-existing or not.  The insurance company has the final say, but most insurers are willing to accept a doctor’s release as proof.

Most travel insurance companies will need at least 2 weeks lead time to investigate medical conditions, but more time may be required.  Give as much advance notice as possible so you make sure that you have the travel medical insurance in time for your vacation.

Obtaining travel insurance with medical conditions doesn’t have to be overwhelming.  Use these tips to help you determine if you have a pre-existing condition, or if your medical condition would be considered stable.

As always, read the fine print before signing up for any insurance, and make sure all of your questions are answered.