July 17th 2024
By Ari Parker
Discover the ins and outs of travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions. Learn how to protect yourself while exploring the world
By Ari Parker
Traveling is a common hobby for seniors, and planning for the trip can be exciting! In addition to itineraries and packing lists, seniors with chronic conditions may want to plan ahead for healthcare needs by purchasing travel insurance. Having travel insurance can ensure coverage for medical treatment while you’re abroad.
While travel insurance offers many benefits, it often excludes pre-existing medical conditions. This can be a major obstacle for seniors, who are most likely to need medical care abroad. However, with the right approach, you can secure travel insurance that includes pre-existing conditions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process and get the coverage you need.
Key takeaways:
Travel insurance can help cover medical treatment while abroad.
Pre-existing conditions can affect travel insurance coverage.
Obtaining a pre-existing condition waiver with travel insurance ensures coverage for emergency situations while abroad.
A pre-existing medical condition is any chronic condition or health issue that you have before your insurance coverage begins. Older adults are particularly prone to having pre-existing conditions. In fact, around 40% of people aged 55 to 64 have some form of pre-existing medical condition.
Travel insurance generally defines a pre-existing condition as any illness or health issue that has required treatment within the last 60 to 180 days. A diagnosis is not necessary for a condition to be considered pre-existing. For travel insurance purposes, a condition may not be labeled pre-existing if it’s stable. A condition is considered stable if it hasn’t required new medications, treatments, or tests in the specified period.
Some common pre-existing medical conditions are:
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Asthma
Cancer
Stroke
Unfortunately, travel insurance often does not cover anyone who has received medical treatment within the last 60 to 180 days. Most travel insurance companies rely on applicants to disclose any conditions and typically refuse to pay for treatment abroad if the treatment relates to an undisclosed pre-existing condition. This may make it seem like getting travel insurance is impossible, but we’ll guide you through how you can find coverage.
When you have a medical condition, the most important thing you need to do for coverage is get a pre-existing condition waiver. A waiver will ensure your travel insurance covers any medical emergencies, including those related to a pre-existing condition. There are a few common criteria you must meet to get a waiver:
You must be medically fit to travel
You must buy your insurance in a specified period of time
The plan must cover the entire trip
Pre-existing condition waivers do not cost any extra fees for most plans. All plans don’t necessarily offer pre-existing condition waivers—and one carrier may have, so read the documentation carefully for any plan you are considering purchasing.
Some conditions are not covered under most pre-condition waivers. Exclusions typically include:
Alzheimer’s disease
Mental health conditions like anxiety or depression
When applying for a travel insurance pre-existing condition waiver, you will likely need a note from your doctor stating that you are medically fit to travel. Ensure that all existing conditions are thoroughly documented on your application to avoid any issues with coverage.
In the event of a medical emergency or other health-related issue during your trip, you’ll have to submit a claim and additional paperwork. This includes:
A completed claim form
Proof of travel at the time of the incident
Medical notes or records from any doctor or professional who treated the condition during the trip
Copies of medical records or bills related to the condition
There are several travel insurance options for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Travel insurance options vary, but usually fall under the three categories below.
Medical travel insurance is the most basic category. It covers medical or dental issues that occur abroad. Most plans include emergency transportation to a treatment facility. Some may also cover transportation for travel companions home if they stay at the hospital for more than 24 hours.
Coverage is limited to medically necessary treatments. Injuries from extreme sports or activities, such as skydiving, are also generally not covered.
Trip cancellation coverage is included in more comprehensive travel insurance plans. If a medical emergency or injury ends the trip early, your insurance may pay for related costs.
Travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation covers transportation by helicopter, ambulance, plane, or other type of vehicle to another medical facility. Insurance will only cover transportation if a doctor orders the evacuation. Basic medical travel insurance plans may cover this feature.
Finding the best travel insurance that includes coverage for pre-existing medical conditions requires research. It's important to choose a plan that covers pre-existing conditions with a waiver. You’ll also want to consider other factors such as cost, coverage amounts, and flexibility.
Websites such as Forbes Advisor let you search for travel insurance plans by date and destination. You can also compare plans based on price, coverage, and other criteria on platforms like SquareMouth, Insure My Trip, and TravelInsurance.com.
Traveling with a pre-existing medical condition can be challenging, even with comprehensive travel insurance. Here are some tips to make the experience smoother.
Prioritize packing necessary medical supplies and medications. You never know what may happen on the trip, so make sure to pack any extras. If you need medication or medical devices in your carry-on, check airline restrictions and get a note from your doctor if required.
Keep a copy of your most recent medical records with you. Having proof of diagnosis or treatment history will make things simpler for healthcare providers who need to treat you.
Buy your travel insurance well before your trip. Having the insurance will provide coverage in the event that you need to cut your trip short or cancel it.
Traveling with a medical condition can be stressful. It’s normal to worry about the cost of care and other medical expenses in a foreign place. Fortunately, you can obtain travel insurance with a pre-condition waiver, so you can relax and focus on seeing the sites.
