Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions
What Constitutes a Pre-Existing Medical Condition?
Insurance companies can differ in their definition of a pre-existing condition. In most cases, it refers to a diagnosed medical concern or illness that has not been “stable” within a pre-defined period of time leading up to when you’ve purchased the travel insurance. What “stable” means is that your condition didn’t worsen or change in any way. This usually means you have not received any new diagnosis, any new treatments, or any new prescriptions. The time period varies among insurance providers, but it’s usually somewhere between 60 and 180 days. If your medical issue did not exist at all during that period, and was diagnosed within the last 60 days, it probably won’t be considered pre-existing.
What Does a Pre-Existing Conditions Waiver Do?
Travel insurance companies often provide a pre-existing conditions waiver. This means that if anything happens related to your condition, like an unexpected relapse or worsening of symptoms, you will still be covered by your travel insurance if your trip is disrupted. Without the waiver, you will not be eligible for those benefits, so the waiver is worth getting.
The waiver isn’t exclusively for your own health conditions. You can also obtain one for a family member. For example, if you have to leave early because something happens to a loved one who suffers from a chronic health condition, you could still get your trip interruption benefits from your insurance.
Why Do I Need the Waiver?
If something happens and you make an insurance claim, the travel insurance company will look into your medical history or that of another relevant person. This helps them determine whether the incident for which you filed the claim is actually related to a pre-existing condition. If it is, and you didn’t file a waiver, you may be denied benefits.
How do I Go About Getting a Waiver?
In many travel insurance policies, a pre-existing condition waiver is included, as long as you purchase the policy within 10-30 days of your departure date. However, if it’s not included, you may have to purchase separate coverage for it, incurring extra fees and paperwork. It depends on your travel insurance policy, as well as the insurance provider. It’s important to understand your policy, and to be forthright with the insurance company about any health conditions that might be considered “pre-existing.”
Finding the Right Policy
If you, or a loved one, suffer from a medical issue that might qualify as a “pre-existing condition,” you’ll want to be covered in case it cuts your trip short. It’s important to find a travel health insurance plan that includes the coverage you need, so that you’ll remain adequately protected from any financial liabilities. 
Contact Us today to learn more about travel medical insurance plans.
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