Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions - NerdWallet (2024)

Although trip delay and baggage loss insurance are good to have, purchasing a medical insurance policy before hitting the road can be the difference between an expensive vacation and a really expensive vacation. Those with pre-existing conditions may be wondering if they can still get travel insurance. Luckily, the answer is yes.

Here’s where to look for and how to get travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

What is considered a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is an illness, injury or medical concern that has included exams, treatments or a change in prescribed medication within 60 to 180 days of purchasing a travel insurance policy. The condition doesn’t have to be diagnosed formally to be considered a pre-existing condition.

For example, say you go on a bike tour of Amsterdam and suffer a mild heart attack. If a doctor had diagnosed hypertension (high blood pressure) a few weeks before your trip, this is considered a pre-existing condition.

How to qualify for a pre-existing medical conditions waiver

So, what does a pre-existing medical condition mean for travel insurance? The good news is that having a pre-existing condition doesn’t preclude you from traveling or being eligible for medical coverage. Many comprehensive plans cover pre-existing conditions and can help you recoup your money if you require medical treatment during your trip or have to cancel a trip altogether because of a medical issue.

To avoid being on the hook for medical bills abroad or losing a deposit before you even pack your bags, look for a policy that includes a pre-existing condition waiver. Read the fine print on the insurance provider’s website; there shouldn’t be an age limit on most plans, and the premium shouldn’t cost more than it would for people without pre-existing medical conditions.

As long as you’re medically fit to travel, you can qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver if you meet the following criteria and apply within the eligible timeframe:

  • A pre-existing condition must be stable.

  • You must buy coverage at the time of your first trip deposit or shortly thereafter (time frame varies by company).

  • Amount of coverage must be equal to all pre-paid, non-refundable costs.

For example, if you put down a 50% deposit on a safari in South Africa, you must buy travel insurance within the time specified by the insurance provider to be eligible for a pre-existing medical conditions waiver. If you wait too long to purchase coverage, you'll have missed the coverage purchasing window and the waiver won’t be applicable to your trip.

We recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy as soon as you make the first deposit on a trip.

If you don’t qualify for a waiver, then a travel insurance company has a right to look back at the traveler’s medical records for the last 60 to 180 days (varies by plan), which is called a look-back period. This is done to determine whether you’re filing a claim for an incident related to a pre-existing condition, which then determines whether it’s going to be covered or not.

The pre-existing medical conditions waiver may also provide coverage in the case of a non-traveling family member having a medical problem mid-trip. This varies by plan.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies

Where to find coverage for pre-existing conditions

With so many providers to choose from, it’s hard to make the right choice. So, which travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions is best?

You can turn to travel insurance companies such as Allianz, Travel Guard by AIG or RoamRight to locate the right plan for your trip.

Instead of getting quotes from every travel insurance company under the sun, we recommend InsureMyTrip, which is a free comparison site that allows you to get quotes from multiple providers at once.

To start a quote, you must:

  • Select your travel destination.

  • Provide travel dates.

  • Disclose your citizenship and the state where you live.

  • Select the number of travelers and their ages.

The website will ask you additional questions, such as:

  • Whether you’re taking a flight, going on a cruise or renting a vacation home.

  • The total cost of nonrefundable expenses, such as flight costs, hotel bookings and tours.

  • The date you made the first payment toward the trip and viewed your coverage options.

You can sort and filter your results in multiple ways. Compare the plans offered and make a selection based on price, insurance provider reviews or the included coverage.

Keep in mind that it’s not possible to find annual travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions. Comprehensive plans that include coverage for pre-existing conditions can only be purchased for every trip separately.

Frequently asked questions

Is there travel insurance for pre-existing conditions?

Yes, it is possible to find travel insurance coverage suitable for trip takers with qualifying pre-existing conditions.

Which insurance is best for pre-existing medical conditions?

The best travel insurance options for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions include Travel Guard by AIG and Allianz.

What is a pre-existing condition waiver on travel insurance?

Unless you purchase a plan with explicit coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, you can generally expect that costs related to these conditions pre- or mid-trip are excluded from a travel insurance policy. For plans with the option to cover pre-existing medical conditions, qualified travelers can select a Waiver of Pre-Existing Medical Conditions.

What is a pre-existing condition for travel?

Example eligible conditions include illnesses, injuries or medical concerns that have included exams, treatments or a change in prescribed medication within 2-6 months of purchasing a travel insurance policy (depending on the provider).

Travel insurance for pre-existing conditions, recapped

Optional travel insurance certainly can protect you from the unexpected. To obtain coverage for a pre-existing condition, make sure to follow all the rules of the policy you’re about to purchase. Buy a policy within the specified time frame and declare all nonrefundable expenses accurately.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

  • Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

  • No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

  • Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

  • Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

  • Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

  • Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions - NerdWallet (2024)

FAQs

Can I get travel insurance with pre-existing conditions? ›

Pre-existing medical condition waiver: If you purchase your policy within a set timeframe, you insure the full nonrefundable costs of the trip and you're able to travel on the date of purchase, this waives any pre-existing condition exclusions. There is typically no extra cost for the waiver.

Can I get international health insurance with a pre-existing condition? ›

Note that international travel health insurance enrollment is not subject to medical underwriting, so you can't be denied for pre-existing conditions; however, be aware that pre-existing conditions are not covered.

What pre-existing conditions are not covered? ›

Health insurers can no longer charge more or deny coverage to you or your child because of a pre-existing health condition like asthma, diabetes, or cancer, as well as pregnancy. They cannot limit benefits for that condition either.

What conditions are not covered by travel insurance? ›

Conditions which may not be covered

Conditions like terminal illness, the need for oxygen, pending surgery, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, specific types of cancer, congestive heart failure, and recurring pain are generally excluded from coverage.

What is the pre-existing look back period for travel insurance? ›

Travel insurance companies impose a “look-back period,” which is a specific time frame when a pre-existing condition is considered stable, usually between 60 and 180 days. To qualify for a waiver, your condition must be stable within this period, meaning it has not changed or worsened.

What's considered a pre-existing condition? ›

A health problem, like asthma, diabetes, or cancer, you had before the date that new health coverage starts.

Does Allianz cover preexisting conditions? ›

Yes! Generally speaking, a pre-existing condition is any illness or injury present within the 120 days prior to buying your plan (including your plan purchase date.) To be eligible for pre-existing condition coverage, you must: Be a U.S. resident.

Is high blood pressure a pre-existing condition for travel insurance? ›

Holidaymakers often ask: 'Is high blood pressure a pre-existing medical condition for travel insurance? ' The answer is simple – high blood pressure is classed as a pre-existing medical condition, so you do need to tell your insurance provider when applying for a policy.

Is Allianz travel insurance good? ›

We at the MarketWatch Guides team awarded Allianz Travel Insurance 4.1 out of 5 stars based on our provider review methodology. Named our pick for concierge services, Allianz offers 24/7 travel assistance through a multilingual team, which can help policyholders with travel and coverage issues while abroad.

What is the 12 month waiting period for pre-existing conditions? ›

12-months Condition Specific Waiting Period – this is a period during which a member is not entitled to claim benefits in respect of a condition for which medical ad- vice, diagnosis, care or treatment was recommended or received within the 12 month period ending on the date on which an application for membership was ...

Why would insurance companies want to deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions? ›

It's in their best interest, therefore, to exclude people with pre-existing conditions (or make the coverage unappealing to them), impose a waiting period before coverage starts, or charge higher premiums and out-of-pocket expenses to cover people with pre-existing conditions since those people are likely to cost the ...

When did pre-existing conditions end? ›

Before 2014, some insurance policies would not cover expenses due to pre-existing conditions. These exclusions by the insurance industry were meant to cope with adverse selection by potential customers. Such exclusions have been prohibited since January 1, 2014, by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

What is the best travel insurance company? ›

The Best International Travel Insurance Providers in Detail
  • Faye. OUR PICK FOR ALL-ONLINE EXPERIENCE. ...
  • Travelex. Our pick for families. ...
  • Nationwide Travel Insurance. Our pick for most coverage reimbursed. ...
  • Tin Leg. ...
  • Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. ...
  • Seven Corners Travel Insurance. ...
  • AIG Travel Guard.
6 days ago

Which insurance is best for international travel? ›

Some of the most beneficial and hence popular international travel covers are offered by the following companies:
  • ICICI Lombard.
  • HDFC Ergo.
  • Bajaj Allianz.
  • Reliance Insurance.
  • Royal Sundaram.

Is there such a thing as travel health insurance? ›

Purchasing a quality travel medical insurance plan is an excellent way to help protect yourself from unexpected medical costs while you're traveling abroad. Look for an insurance provider that offers you the types of coverage and coverage limits you need so you can focus on the enjoyable experiences of your trip.

Can you get travel insurance with an ICD? ›

Don't forget to find pacemaker Travel Insurance. Just Travel Cover is here to help. Travelling with a pacemaker or ICD should still be an enjoyable experience, giving you the chance to relax and unwind. Finding Travel Insurance that covers your pacemaker will give you the confidence to relax abroad.

Is high cholesterol a pre-existing condition for travel insurance? ›

The short answer is, yes! Although high cholesterol is often seen as a minor condition, it's important to declare it on your travel insurance policy in case of any linked conditions. That way, if something happens to you whilst you're away, you can rest assured with peace of mind that it is covered.

What is the best medical insurance for travel? ›

Based on our comprehensive review, the companies offering the best travel medical insurance are Faye, IMG, Travelex, AIG Travel Guard and Allianz. Travel medical insurance is a specialized type of coverage that helps pay for medical bills and emergency evacuations if you're hurt or become sick while traveling.

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