Whether you’ve dealt with travel insurance, regular health insurance, or even pet insurance, you’ve likely heard of the term pre-existing conditions.
When it comes to travel insurance, pre-existing conditions are often excluded from coverage, aside from some select plans and instances.
Due to the exclusion of pre-existing conditions, it can leave individuals who purchase travel insurance to wonder what pre-existing conditions are and how to know whether or not you have one to be prepared in the event of needing medical attention away from home.
What Is Considered a Pre-existing Condition?
A pre-existing condition is generally defined as any health condition, whether known or unknown, that existed within an individual prior to the start date of their insurance policy.
What Are Some Examples of Pre-existing Conditions?
Whether or not a condition is considered pre-existing can vary, especially when it comes to how pre-existing conditions are defined by different travel insurance providers.
However, some examples of possible pre-existing conditions include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Depression
- Asthma
- Lupus
- Epilepsy
The list above includes some examples of what could possibly be considered a pre-existing condition. A good rule of thumb to identify whether or not a condition is pre-existing is whether or not it was present in your body before the start of your insurance policy.
How Do You Know If You Have a Pre-existing Condition?
Typically, most individuals are aware that they have a certain medical condition before their travels.
For example, if you take medication for an ailment you have, this is likely a pre-existing condition.
Think of a pre-existing condition as any health condition that you receive treatment for, have symptoms of, or take medication to control.
Alternatively, some individuals may have a pre-existing condition and are not aware of it until they visit the doctor during their travels. Even if you were not aware you had a condition, it can still be considered pre-existing.
What If I Don’t Know I Have a Pre-existing Condition?
When it comes to your health, there could be instances where you have a certain ailment and are unaware.
Typically, if you visit the doctor or hospital during your travels and use your travel insurance policy, the attending physician will provide a diagnosis which will be reviewed by the travel insurance company, along with your previous medical records, to determine if your illness or injury is pre-existing after you file a claim.
Can I Get Travel Insurance If I Have a Pre-existing Condition?
Yes, you can still get travel insurance with a pre-existing condition. A travel medical insurance plan can still provide coverage for emergency medical situations like an unexpected illness or injury during your travels, as long as it isn’t related to your pre-existing condition.
Additionally, some travel medical insurance plans may offer limited pre-existing condition coverage or coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
If you know you have a pre-existing condition or are older in age, you may consider opting for a plan that covers pre-existing conditions.
Tips for Travelers With Pre-existing Conditions
If you are traveling with a pre-existing condition, it is important to prioritize your health to ensure that your trip is an enjoyable one.
Here are some helpful tips for travelers with pre-existing conditions:
- Make sure to pack any necessary prescriptions or medications for your travels, enough to last you for your entire trip.
- Get a physical performed or see your doctor before your trip to get cleared for travel and understand any potential complications.
- Be mindful of your condition during your travels and choose activities that won’t put you at risk for a flare up or emergency related to your condition.
- Become familiar with your destination country’s healthcare system including nearby hospitals or doctors near your accommodations and emergency service phone numbers.
- Secure a travel medical insurance plan that can provide coverage for pre-existing conditions, the acute onset of pre-existing conditions, or a plan that can provide coverage if you get injured or sick unexpectedly, unrelated to your condition.
Get Peace of Mind With VisitorsCoverage
Even if you have pre-existing conditions, you can still enjoy traveling knowing that you are well prepared and protected against the unforeseen.
Need to find international medical coverage? Compare our top-rated travel insurance plans or contact our Customer Success Team for friendly assistance.
