How do travel insurance companies define a pre-existing condition?

  • How to get a waiver for a pre-existing medical condition 

Where to find travel coverage for pre-existing conditions

Travel insurance and pre-existing conditions: how to get the coverage you need through a waiver.

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  • Most travel insurance companies offer pre-existing condition waivers for stable medical conditions that already exist.
  • Policies with waivers do not usually cost more, but you need to purchase coverage within a specified timeframe.
  • Keep in mind that some pre-existing conditions aren't eligible for a waiver.

Medical travel insurance is a great way to protect your health and finances when traveling. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you might assume you can't get coverage. Luckily, that's not usually the case. 

Here's everything you need to know about pre-existing conditions and travel insurance, including how to find coverage options if you have a pre-existing condition.

Most travel insurance companies define pre-existing conditions as a change in your medical record that includes tests, examinations, treatment, or changes in medication. The changes in your medical record usually result in a diagnosis, which becomes a pre-existing condition. But you do not have to receive a formal diagnosis for it to be considered a pre-existing condition.

Travel insurance companies consider medical conditions within a specified look-back period, or length of time. The medical condition must be stable to qualify for a claim. Conditions are stable if you do not need additional treatment, medication, or diagnoses.

But even if your medical condition is stable, you likely need a pre-existing condition waiver to get coverage for it.

Travel insurance requires a look-back period for pre-existing conditions

If you file a claim, the insurance company has a right to review your medical record and ensure that you did not have a condition related to the claim. This process is known as a "look-back" period since the insurance looks back through your records. 

The look-back period usually includes 60 to 180 days before you buy the policy. Before approving your claim, the insurance company wants to determine if the condition already existed.

The insurance company may approve or deny your claim based on what it discovers. To avoid dealing with the risk of denial, you can qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver instead. 

How to get a waiver for a pre-existing medical condition 

With a pre-existing medical condition waiver, you disclose your medical conditions to your insurance provider and ensure that the condition does not impact your ability to file a claim. If you have a waiver, you can even bypass the look-back period.

The waivers are set up through the travel insurance company and should not impact the cost of your policy. 

You must meet the following criteria to qualify for a pre-existing medical condition waiver:

  • Stable medical condition: Conditions are stable if you do not need additional treatment, medication, or diagnoses. You also need to be medically fit to travel on the day of your trip.
  • Get coverage within a certain timeframe: You typically need to establish coverage shortly after you make your first payment towards the trip, but timelines vary by provider. 
  • Coverage must equal nonrefundable costs: If there are nonrefundable parts of your trip, your travel insurance coverage must equal or exceed that amount. 

For example, if you were diagnosed with high blood pressure a few years ago, but the condition has been stable since — your medication manages the symptoms, and you have not needed additional medical support — then you likely qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver. 

Various companies offer travel insurance for travelers with pre-existing conditions, including Allianz Travel Insurance , GoReady Travel Insurance , Nationwide Travel Insurance , and AIG Travel Insurance . 

You can contact individual companies for quotes or work with a travel insurance comparison site like TravelInsurance.com, SquareMouth, or InsureMyTrip . Comparison sites allow you to review multiple quotes at once. You can usually filter results based on companies that offer pre-existing medical condition waivers. 

Regardless of which company you choose, it's important to understand the policies regarding pre-existing conditions and adhere to the requirements.

Pre-existing conditions and travel insurance FAQ

Some companies do not provide coverage if you have certain health conditions, such as depression, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease, but it varies based on the provider. The coverage details of your policy depend on the plan you select. But comprehensive travel insurance usually covers baggage delays, trip cancellations, and emergency medical care. 

Allianz offers travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions with a waiver. You are eligible as long as you establish coverage within 14 days of paying the first deposit for the trip. But Allianz does exclude certain conditions like bipolar disorder and Alzheimer's disease.

A company can deny your travel insurance claim based on what it discovers in the look-back period if you do not have a pre-existing condition waiver.

best medical travel insurance for pre existing conditions

  • Main content

Does Travel Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions? (2024)

If you have certain types of pre-existing medical conditions and need travel insurance, you may still be able to get coverage. but first, you’ll have to qualify for a waiver..

Sarah Archambault

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Background working with banks and insurance companies

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Updated September 20, 2023

best medical travel insurance for pre existing conditions

Table of contents

  • What’s covered
  • Eligibility for waiver
  • Insurance companies
  • How to buy insurance

If you’re planning to take a trip, you need to plan for every eventuality, especially because your health insurance likely won’t cover illness, injury, or emergency medical transport when you’re abroad. [1]

Fortunately, purchasing travel medical and medical evacuation insurance policies can help you (and your traveling companions) get the care you need if you get sick or hurt or experience other types of medical emergencies while traveling.

However, it’s important to note that if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you could be denied coverage unless you qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver. Here’s what you need to know about travel insurance with pre-existing conditions.

Does travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people with pre-existing health conditions get travel medical insurance if they plan to travel abroad, live overseas for more than six months, or participate in dangerous activities, like scuba diving. [2]

However, getting travel medical insurance with a pre-existing medical condition can be tricky. Insurance companies may be more reluctant to offer you coverage since your risk of getting sick or having a flare-up overseas may be higher.

If you have a pre-existing condition and need travel insurance, it’s important to understand what types of coverage may be available and what special terms, if any, may apply. While some plans make exceptions for certain types of pre-existing conditions, you may have to first qualify for a special waiver.

Pre-existing conditions explained

When it comes to travel medical insurance, a pre-existing condition may be defined as an existing health issue or diagnosis, which can include a recent injury or illness or a long-term disease for which you’re receiving medical treatment. [3] It may also be defined as a long-term condition, such as high blood pressure, dementia, or even pregnancy.

In the U.S., under the Affordable Care Act, people with pre-existing conditions can’t be excluded from most types of standard health coverage. However, these same rules don’t apply to travel insurance. [4]

Factors that determine your eligibility for a pre-existing condition waiver

If you have a pre-existing condition, you can benefit from travel medical insurance in the event of an emergency, but you must obtain a pre-existing conditions medical waiver in advance. Without a waiver in place, any claim you file for medical coverage could be denied. This would put you on the hook for costly medical care, treatments, and expenses.

To get a waiver for a pre-existing condition, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility requirements, including:

Being medically cleared to travel

Most travel insurers that offer exclusion waivers require you to be physically able to travel, with no changes to your medical condition for a set amount of time (usually 60 to 180 days). Some travel insurance policies may require medical records, copies of your medical history, or a sign-off by a physician.

Buying your policy within a specific time frame

You must purchase a pre-existing condition waiver within a certain window (typically 14 to 21 days after you’ve made an initial trip deposit or first payment on your trip). Most waivers are good only for the first — and only for one — booking, meaning you can’t reschedule the trip.

Insuring the full cost of your trip

You’ll also likely need to purchase an amount of coverage that’s equivalent to 100% of the non-refundable cost of your trip, including airfare, hotels, and other travel arrangements.

Covered pre-existing conditions

Travel insurance doesn’t typically cover medical treatment for pre-existing conditions without a waiver. But if you qualify for a waiver, any illnesses or injuries that occur during your trip will likely be covered. However, since policies can vary on a case-by-case basis and between travel insurance companies, it’s a good idea to check the fine print of your plan before your trip.

Pre-existing conditions that aren’t typically covered

While many types of pre-existing conditions are eligible for a waiver, most travel insurance companies won’t cover certain medical conditions, including:

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

Anxiety and depression

Normal pregnancy and childbirth

Conditions related to alcohol and drug abuse

In addition, other circumstances may not be covered, even if they’re medical in nature. For example, a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver may not cover a situation such as an accident or illness caused by risky activities, like extreme sports. You also may not be able to get a pre-existing exclusion waiver for trips that are deemed expensive.

Waivers are also only typically available as single-trip policies — meaning you can’t purchase annual travel insurance coverage or multi-trip plans. Your coverage may also have limits. When in doubt, be sure to check with your travel insurance company and review your trip insurance policy’s fine print.

Travel insurance companies that offer pre-existing medical condition waivers

If you have a pre-existing medical condition and need travel insurance, you may be able to qualify for a pre-existing waiver. When comparing options, check the fine print about each travel insurance plan’s waiver requirements, as they can vary widely between companies.

While not all travel insurance companies offer pre-existing medical condition waivers, here are a few to consider:

Seven Corners

Travel Guard by AIG

How to buy travel insurance with a pre-existing condition

If you have a pre-existing condition, here’s how to buy travel insurance:

Gather your options. Shopping around is important. You can check insurance companies’ websites directly or consider using an insurance comparison site to make searching easier.

Review your policy options. Compare each policy’s requirements for waiver eligibility information to find the best travel insurance plan for your needs.

Compare costs from top insurers. Costs can vary between travel insurance plans, so carefully consider the best plan for your budget.

Buy your coverage. Once you find a travel insurance policy that’s a good fit for your pre-existing condition, budget, and travel plans, you’ll need to buy your policy. Most waivers require plans to be purchased within a specific time frame to ensure coverage, so be sure to read the fine print.

Travel insurance pre-existing conditions FAQS

If you have a pre-existing condition, getting travel insurance is still possible. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions that can help guide you in your search for the best travel policy when you have a pre-existing medical condition.

Can you get travel insurance with pre-existing conditions?

Yes. You can get travel insurance with pre-existing conditions. But you may be required to get a special waiver, and some exclusions and special conditions may apply. That’s why it’s important to check the fine print before purchasing a travel policy to ensure coverage.

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

Pre-existing look-back periods are the length of time a travel insurance company may require you to have your pre-existing condition treated or controlled before your travel medical insurance plan’s effective date. Look-back periods are typically about 60 to 180 days, depending on the travel insurance plan.

Does it cost more to purchase travel insurance with pre-existing coverage?

No. Generally, purchasing travel insurance with pre-existing coverage has no extra cost. But to get a pre-existing medical condition waiver, you may have to purchase insurance that covers 100% of your trip.

How do travel insurance companies determine what qualifies as a pre-existing condition?

Travel insurance companies may have different criteria for determining what qualifies as a pre-existing condition, and it’s generally tied to how long you’ve been sick or injured with a condition. But some conditions are generally never exempt, even with a waiver, such as depression or complication-free pregnancies.

Related articles

  • Airbnb Travel Insurance: What Guests Should Know
  • What Is Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance?
  • NAIC . " Travel Insurance ." Accessed September 13, 2023
  • CDC . " Travel Insurance ." Accessed September 13, 2023
  • Insurance Business Mag . " What are travel insurance pre existing conditions? ." Accessed September 13, 2023
  • Department of Health and Human Services . " Can I get coverage if I have a pre-existing condition? ." Accessed September 13, 2023

Sarah Archambault

Sarah Archambault enjoys helping people figure out smarter ways to use their money. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans. She’s created and edited content for Credit Karma, Experian and Sound Dollar, along with banks, financial institutions, and insurance companies.

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Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions – Best Plans

Home | Travel | Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions – Best Plans

When traveling abroad, get a policy from one of the  best travel insurance companies . Y ou can get a  5% discount   on Heymondo , the only insurance that pays medical bills upfront for you, HERE!

Travel insurance for a pre-existing medical condition can be an absolute lifesaver. After all, plenty of travelers have pre-existing conditions that they understandably want to have covered while they travel. That way, if something goes wrong, they’re not stuck paying for exorbitant medical bills out of their own pocket.

Luckily, even though not all travel insurance companies offer pre-existing condition travel insurance , there are still numerous companies that do.

travel insurance for pre-existing medical condition

Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions – Best Plans & Cost

You should keep in mind, however, that you are not automatically guaranteed pre-existing condition coverage when you purchase travel insurance. Instead, you’ll have to meet certain requirements, such as buying your plan within a certain number of days after your initial trip payment, in order to qualify for pre-existing condition coverage.

Still, whether you want travel medical insurance or comprehensive travel insurance with pre-existing conditions coverage , having some kind of coverage while you travel is worth it. That’s why I’ve curated a list of the top companies that offer travel insurance for pre-existing conditions so you can easily find and select a plan that will work for you. This article also includes the following information:

What is a pre-existing medical condition?

What medical conditions are covered by travel insurance?

  • Preexisting medical conditions travel insurance comparison

Best travel insurance for pre-existing conditions

Let’s get into it !

Of course, before you can purchase travel insurance for pre-existing conditions , you’ll need to know exactly how insurance companies define a pre-existing medical condition.

A pre-existing medical condition is any injury, illness, or medical condition that required medical attention, caused symptoms, or required prescribed medication (unless this medication controls the condition or symptoms, and the prescription has not changed) within the 60 to 180 days prior to the purchase of travel insurance.

Mount Shasta in California, best travel insurance for pre-existing conditions

These 60 to 180 days prior to purchase are known as a lookback period and indicate the number of days an insurance company is allowed to look back at your medical records to determine if your claim is related to a pre-existing medical condition. Ultimately, each pre-existing condition travel insurance company determines its own lookback period.

Crucially, an injury, illness, or medical condition does not have to be formally diagnosed by a medical professional for it to be considered a pre-existing medical condition .

Fortunately, travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions covers a multitude of medical conditions, including diabetes. As long as you qualify for and receive a pre-existing medical condition waiver, you’ll be entitled to reimbursement for medical treatment you receive while abroad, even if it’s for a (covered) pre-existing condition.

Surfing in Bermuda, pre-existing condition travel insurance companies

There are a few conditions, however, that aren’t generally covered by even the best travel insurance for pre-existing conditions : Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, anxiety, depression, and normal pregnancy.

In any case, be sure to always check the fine print of your pre-existing condition travel insurance policy to determine which conditions are covered. That way, you won’t have to waste time and money on purchasing a plan that ultimately doesn’t cover your medical issues .

Pre-existing medical conditions travel insurance comparison

Getting travel insurance with a pre-existing condition doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Ultimately, the price of your travel insurance for a pre-existing medical condition will depend on your age, nationality, destination, and the length and cost of your trip.

To help you get an idea of how much travel insurance for pre-existing conditions might cost, I’ve generated quotes from five pre-existing condition travel insurance companies so you can compare prices. I’ve used the example of a 30-year-old American from Pennsylvania who is traveling to Mexico for a week and whose trip costs $2,500 to obtain these quotes.

* price used for example

In short, these companies offer the best travel insurance for pre-existing conditions :

  • IMG , the best travel insurance for pre-existing conditions
  • Travelex , a travel insurance that covers medical conditions with a short lookback period
  • Trawick International , a cheap travel insurance for pre-existing conditions
  • AIG Travel Guard , a solid pre-existing condition travel insurance
  • Tin Leg , another travel insurance with preexisting conditions coverage

1. IMG , the best travel insurance for pre-existing conditions

If you want the best travel insurance for pre-existing conditions , look no further than IMG . The iTravelInsured Travel SE plan provides a high amount of coverage in all medical- and travel-related categories while still being affordable. Even better, multiple other IMG plans offer pre-existing condition coverage, so you’ll have plenty of options.

IMG travel insurance, travel insurance with pre-existing conditions coverage

On top of that, IMG offers a short lookback period of 60 days for pre-existing medical conditions, so only the past two months of medical history will be examined when assessing insurance claims. Best of all, customers have 20 days after their initial trip payment, the longest amount of time out of all the pre-existing condition travel insurance plans I compared, to purchase their travel insurance plan and qualify for a pre-existing medical condition travel insurance waiver .

To qualify for pre-existing condition coverage, they also need to be medically able to travel at the time they purchase their plan.

2. Travelex , a travel insurance that covers medical conditions with a short lookback period

Yet another good travel insurance for pre-existing conditions is Travelex . Their Travel Select plan offers a solid amount of coverage in all categories other than medical expenses and has a short lookback period of 60 days.

Travelex insurance services, travel insurance for pre-existing conditions

For travelers to qualify for pre-existing condition coverage, they must purchase their insurance plan within 15 days of their initial trip payment, which is a fairly generous amount of time. Travelers must also select an amount of coverage that is equal to all of their trip costs at the time of purchase, add any other trip costs within 15 days of paying for them, be medically able to travel when they purchase their plan and ensure that their trip cost does not exceed the maximum limit for Trip Cost under Trip Cancellation.

While Travelex does offer reliable travel insurance with pre-existing condition coverage , you can actually get similar or better coverage in all categories for a lower price with IMG. Ultimately, if you’d prefer to have a higher amount of coverage and save money, IMG is a better choice.

3. Trawick International , a cheap travel insurance for pre-existing conditions

Trawick International ’s Safe Travels Explorer Plus plan is the perfect option for travelers who want cheap travel insurance for pre-existing conditions . It’s the most affordable plan out of all the pre-existing condition travel insurance plans I’ve compared, and provides good coverage in all categories, except for emergency medical expenses.

Trawick International, travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions

Trawick’s lookback period of 90 days is longer than IMG’s and Travelex’s, but overall, it’s still a relatively short lookback period. The real limitation of Trawick’s travel insurance that covers medical conditions , however, is that the plan must be purchased within 7 days of your initial trip deposit and within 7 days of all other subsequent travel payments in order to qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver, which doesn’t give you much time.

Additional pre-existing condition waiver qualification requirements include insuring all trip costs and being medically able to travel when you purchase the plan. Ultimately, Trawick’s plan provides sufficient coverage for those looking to get a good deal on pre-existing condition travel insurance , but if you want a higher amount of coverage and you’re willing to shell out just a bit more, opt for IMG .

4. AIG Travel Guard , a solid pre-existing condition travel insurance

Take advantage of the AIG Travel Guard Essential plan’s pre-existing medical condition travel insurance coverage and enjoy solid coverage in all categories other than emergency medical expenses.

Travel Guard, pre-existing condition travel insurance policy

Although the plan has a long lookback period of 180 days, you’ll get 15 days from your initial trip payment to buy the plan and qualify for pre-existing condition coverage. You must also ensure all your trip costs and be medically able to travel when you purchase your plan if you want to qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver.

Unfortunately, if you want the best value for money, you’ll have to keep looking. The Essential plan is the most expensive of all the pre-existing condition travel insurance plans I’ve compared, and its low amount of medical expense coverage is especially disheartening considering how pricey the plan is. If you want a higher amount of medical expense coverage for a lower price to boot, go with IMG .

5. Tin Leg , another travel insurance with preexisting conditions coverage

If you’re planning a trip filled with tons of adventurous activities, Tin Leg ’s Standard plan has got you covered, since this pre-existing condition visitor insurance includes coverage for sports and activities. In terms of other coverage, the plan offers a low amount of emergency medical expense coverage, particularly for its price, but good coverage otherwise.

Tin Leg travel insurance, travel insurance for a pre-existing medical condition

Unfortunately, Tin Leg has a very long lookback period of 180 days, or 6 months, which means quite a bit of your medical history will be assessed if you file a claim. On the other hand, you do have 15 days from your initial trip payment to buy a plan, which is a fair amount of time.

Other than buying your plan within 15 days of your initial trip payment, to qualify for pre-existing condition travel insurance coverage , you must cover all trip costs within 15 days of purchasing your Tin Leg plan, your overall trip cost must not exceed the cost limit for Trip Cancellation, and you must be medically able to travel when you purchase the plan.

Which travel insurance is best for medical conditions?

As you’ll have seen, there’s no need to let a pre-existing medical condition prevent you from traveling the world. The numerous options for travel insurance that covers medical conditions mean that, whatever plan you choose, you can rest assured that any medical bills you incur abroad will be covered.

In terms of the best travel insurance for pre-existing conditions , IMG is the best choice if you want a high amount of coverage and good value for money. On the other hand, if you’d prefer to get cheap travel insurance that still offers solid coverage, Trawick is your best bet.

Hopefully, this article has answered all of your questions about travel insurance for a pre-existing medical condition , but if you have any more, feel free to leave a comment below.

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  • Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

Best Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions March 2024

On This Page

  • Key takeaways

Does travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Our picks of the best travel insurance for pre-existing conditions, what is considered a pre-existing condition for travel insurance, what is a pre-existing condition waiver, common travel insurance claims involving pre-existing conditions, faq: travel insurance for pre-existing conditions.

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Related topics

Holly D. Johnson

  • First off, not all travel insurance plans will cover pre-existing medical conditions as they represent a higher risk of payout for travel insurance providers. It’s important to find the right type of plan.
  • If you have pre-existing conditions, you can opt for a travel insurance plan that is specialized to cover pre-existing conditions or see if you qualify for a waiver from the insurance provider.
  • A pre-existing condition exclusion waiver is a clause in the insurance policy that stipulates how you can qualify to have your pre-existing conditions covered under the policy. Rules vary by provider.
  • Most plans look at the previous 2-6 months before the policy to see if you had any pre-existing conditions and rely on an honor policy when booking. You may also have to fill out a medical questionnaire.
  • In our experience, using a comparison tool is the best way to find travel insurance for pre-existing conditions . You can filter for plans that cover pre-existing conditions and see options from multiple providers side-by-side.

If you are planning on getting travel insurance for a country that requires it , pre-existing conditions may not be covered under your plan.

Many people get travel insurance for the medical protection that policies provide which can often include coverage for emergency medical and dental expenses, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.

If you have a pre-existing condition, travel insurance can still be an option for you, but it’s important to take special care to buy insurance that won’t deny coverage based on your condition.

In this guide we will explain:

  • How to safely buy travel insurance with pre-existing conditions to ensure you get coverage
  • What counts as a pre-existing medical condition
  • How to get a pre-existing condition travel insurance waiver
  • Our top recommendations for the best travel insurance for pre-existing conditions

Read on for this, and more!

Our top picks for the best travel insurance for pre-existing conditions

  • Seven Corners: Best Overall
  • Generali Global Assistance: Best for Trips Within North America
  • Tin Leg: Best for Highest Customer Satisfaction
  • Tin Leg: Best for "A Bit of Everything"

Our top picks for travel insurance

Seven corners, generali global assistance.

Tin Leg

Not all travel insurance will cover pre-existing conditions as people with pre-diagnosed health conditions are more likely to become ill on a trip. Many travel insurance companies exclude acute onset of pre-existing conditions from their coverage to avoid having to pay claims on these illnesses. That said, if you have pre-existing conditions, travel insurance can still be an option for you.

There are certain travel insurance plans for pre-existing conditions that can cover you if you have a flare-up while traveling. Likewise, many plans offer you the option to obtain a pre-existing conditions waiver which can override the exclusion and allow your pre-existing conditions to be covered by the insurance plan.

To ensure you can be covered by one of these plans, it’s important to understand what travel insurance providers consider as a pre-existing condition , how far back in your medical history they look, and how to qualify for a pre-existing conditions waiver.

But first, here are our recommendations for the best travel insurance for pre-existing conditions .

Best Overall

Why we like it.

  • Offers coverage for pre-existing conditions
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Cancellation & Interruption coverage standard
  • Covers action sports & equipment
  • Cancel for any reason not included standard
  • Must meet waiver for pre-existing conditions to be covered

Best for Trips Within North America

  • Lowest cost of all Generali Global Assistance plans
  • 24/7 emergency travel assistance included
  • Telemedicine included
  • Lower coverage than other Generali plans
  • Pre-existing conditions are not covered by the Standard plan
  • No coverage for accidental death and dismemberment during on-land travel

Best for Highest Customer Satisfaction

Editor's take

TinLeg has the highest customer rating of all providers we compared that offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. TinLeg Silver offers $1 million in evacuation and repatriation coverage, as well as $250,000 in primary medical coverage. This means the policy will pay the bills for you instead of having to pay out of pocket and waiting to be reimbursed.

It also includes trip cancellation, interruption, and delay coverage, as well as lost baggage coverage. You’ll also get a 14-day money-back guarantee included in the plan. Of the plans offered by TinLeg, the Silver plan has a higher coverage limit for emergency medical evacuation than other plans offered by the provider. This is important as travelers with pre-existing medical conditions are likelier to need medical assistance.

At the time of writing, pre-existing conditions waiver stipulates you can be covered if:

  • You purchase the policy within 14 days of your initial trip deposit.
  • You are not disabled in a way that prevents you from traveling when you pay the premium.
  • You should be medically able to travel when you buy the plan.
  • You must insure 100% of your trip cost.
  • The trip you are insuring is your first and only booking for that travel period and destination.

Read our full review

Best for "A Bit of Everything"

  • Excellent primary coverage for medical expenses
  • High limit for emergency evacuation coverage
  • Optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage available
  • Comes with coverage for hurricanes and inclement weather
  • Coverage for pre-existing conditions is available if purchased within 14 days of the trip deposit
  • Baggage delay coverage requires a 24-hour waiting period
  • Low coverage limits for baggage and personal effects

Most travel insurance plans define pre-existing conditions as an illness, disease, or other condition that has appeared during the  policy’s exclusion window  which typically falls 60-180 days before the date that your travel insurance policy takes effect.

You may have a pre-existing condition if you or your travel companions meet any one of the following criteria:

  • You showed symptoms that would make a typical person seek care or treatment
  • You underwent a test, examination, or medical treatment (or were advised to)
  • You took or were given a prescription for medicine

Sometimes, certain conditions will be covered by the policy if the prescription you take is used to control an underlying condition, such as high cholesterol, and has not required any other intervention within the last several months.

It’s important to note that the language for defining pre-existing conditions is intentionally broad. You don’t have to have a diagnosis for a pre-existing condition to count against you — showing symptoms during the two to six months (this varies by plan) before buying your policy is enough to count as a pre-existing condition.

How do travel insurance companies check for pre-existing conditions?

Travel insurance companies don’t check for pre-existing conditions when you purchase a plan. Instead, they research your medical history to look for pre-existing conditions after you file a travel insurance claim. In some cases, you may be required to submit a letter from your doctor confirming you didn’t have a pre-existing condition. In other cases, you may be asked to fill out a medical history questionnaire when buying a travel insurance policy.

This means you mostly use the honor system when you have a pre-existing condition and buy travel insurance. However, if you receive emergency medical care while on a trip, you might not be reimbursed if you fail to secure coverage for pre-existing medical conditions when buying a plan.

For this reason, it’s important to opt for travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions or find a plan that offers a pre-existing condition waiver.

What is a look-back period?

A look-back period is a stretch of time your travel insurance company can “look back” at your medical records to determine whether you had a pre-existing medical condition.

This period usually extends back 60 to 180 days before the date a trip cancellation policy begins, or 12 to 36 months for policies that include coverage for emergency medical care .

Look-back periods apply when you don’t have pre-existing conditions coverage listed in your insurance policy.

A pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver is not usually a document you have to fill out, sign, and return. It’s typically a clause in a travel insurance policy that allows coverage for pre-existing medical conditions under certain circumstances. If you meet the requirements of the pre-existing condition exclusion waiver , the travel insurance company will cover the cost of medical treatment during your trip regardless of the pre-existing conditions you have.

Most pre-existing condition waivers are only offered when you book your travel insurance policy within a short period (typically 14-21 days) after making the first payment for your trip. In other words, you need to buy the travel insurance policy within 2 to 3 weeks after making the first booking for your trip.

Not all companies offer pre-existing condition exclusion waivers, therefore it’s best to check before booking.

How to qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver

To qualify for pre-existing conditions coverage, you must meet the criteria stipulated in the pre-existing conditions clause of the travel insurance policy.

Each provider has different specifications, but in general eligibility for a pre-existing condition waiver includes the following:

You must be medically fit to travel

To qualify for travel insurance coverage, you need to feel well enough and be medically able to travel. If you have a chronic medical condition that is pre-existing, you may want to get a letter from your doctor that says you are medically able to go on the trip.

You must buy your travel insurance within the specified window

Most companies require you to buy coverage for pre-existing conditions within a few weeks of making a trip deposit regardless of when your policy’s effective date begins. The most common timing for this requirement is within 14 days, but you’ll want to check with the companies you’re considering so you know for sure.

You must buy a plan that insures the entire cost of your trip

Make sure you have insurance for the entire trip cost, including the pre-paid cost of airfare, hotels or resorts, a cruise you booked, and other travel arrangements.

What pre-existing conditions are not covered by a waiver?

While travel insurance companies may cover most health-related conditions with a waiver, there are some exceptions.

For example, the waiver may not include coverage for the following pre-existing conditions:

  • Dementia & Alzheimers
  • Conditions related to alcohol or drug abuse

To know which conditions may or may not be covered by your insurance, read over the policy wording and the terms and conditions ahead of time.

There are quite a few scenarios where having insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions can be useful.

Here’s a rundown of the most common travel insurance claims that apply, plus the documentation you’ll need when you file a claim.

Emergency medical care

Having insurance coverage for medical conditions you already have is crucial if you’re planning to travel and you may need medical care.

Example: You’re relaxing on the beach at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico , or eating at a restaurant in Italy and you begin having chest pains. You’re rushed to the emergency room, and you have medical bills as a result.

Documentation required:

  • Trip receipts
  • Doctor’s note from the trip
  • Medical records
  • Medical bills from the trip

Trip cancellation coverage

Having pre-existing conditions insurance coverage is important if you’re worried a medical condition will prevent you from traveling.

Example: You recently underwent surgery, but you go ahead and book a cruise around the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas because you’re feeling better. As the trip date approaches, however, your attending physician suggests additional medical treatment and orders you to stay home.

  • Note from a regular physician explaining you cannot travel
  • Medical bills

Trip interruption coverage

Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions can be useful when a trip gets cut short because of an unexpected outbreak or flare-up, or due to the medical treatment that results.

Example: You are enjoying a guided tour of the Taj Mahal on your trip to India , but you suddenly feel light-headed and have chest pains that won’t go away. A doctor’s medical advice suggests cutting your trip short and returning home to seek medical treatment.

Is there travel insurance for pre-existing conditions?

Many travel insurance companies cover medical conditions that exist prior too your trip, including the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. However, to ensure you are adequately covered, it’s important to compare providers and plans to ensure you buy travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions or offers a pre-existing condition waiver.

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

With most travel insurance, pre-existing medical conditions are not covered unless you qualify for a waiver. A pre-existing condition waiver is essentially an exception to the exclusions in your travel insurance plan. If you qualify for the waiver, it means your insurance company will cover medical conditions you already had when purchasing your policy. In essence, it nullifies the exclusion of certain pre-existing conditions from your coverage.

Can travel insurance deny you for pre-existing conditions?

If you have a pre-existing condition, travel insurance companies can deny claims and refuse to insure any medical expense that resulted from your pre-existing condition. This is also commonly referred to as “acute onset of pre-existing conditions”.

The best way around this is looking for travel insurance with a pre-existing medical conditions waiver, or opting for a specialized pre-existing medical condition travel insurance plan.

What can I do if my pre-existing condition is not covered?

If your conditions are not covered by the travel insurance policy, double check the fine print to see if the company offers a waiver. Often times you may qualify without realizing it.

Ultimately, if you face emergency medical expenses during a trip that resulted from a pre-existing condition and your policy doesn’t insure the expense, you’ll be responsible for paying those bills out of your own pocket.

Do I need travel insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?

If you have pre-existing conditions travel insurance is a must. While your options for plans may be reduced, having insurance that includes pre-existing conditions and resulting medical treatment you can depend on is of the utmost importance to ensure you are safe while traveling. Apart from this, not having travel insurance means you’ll be liable for repaying any medical expenses you incur during travel.

Why do most insurers exclude pre-existing conditions?

Many travel insurance companies exclude pre-existing conditions to avoid paying for foreseen medical care.

Since covering pre-existing conditions can become costly for these companies, excluding these conditions helps them keep premiums lower across the board.

That said, you can still get travel insurance if you have a medical condition you already know about and you’re worried an unexpected medical expense during your trip might wreck your finances.

Start the process by comparing travel insurance providers and filtering based on their offerings, including whether they have a pre-existing conditions waiver. From there, be diligent about buying your policy shortly after making your first trip deposit to ensure you qualify for the waiver.

Holly D. Johnson

Holly D. Johnson is an award-winning personal finance writer who covers topics like insurance, investing, credit and family finance. As a leading voice in the travel and loyalty space, Johnson has traveled with her family to more than 50 countries over the last decade.

The author has also written extensively on the power of household budgeting, and she even co-authored a book on the topic. Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love was originally published in 2017, and it teaches families how to use zero-sum budgeting to reach their financial goals. She is also the co-owner and founder of the family finance and travel website, ClubThrifty.com.

Johnson’s 10+ years of writing have focused on helping families make important financial decisions at each stage of their lives. The author also applies the financial principles she teaches to her own life, and she is currently on track to retire in her late 40’s with her partner. She currently lives in Central Indiana with her husband and children, and she is a regular contributor for Bankrate, CNN, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report Travel and many other notable publications.

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health insurance

Travel Insurance Guide For Pre-Existing Condition Medical Coverage (2024)

Planning to travel but have a pre-existing condition? Get travel medical coverage with a top provider below.

in under 2 minutes

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Sarah Horvath is one of the home service industry’s most accomplished writers. Her specialties include writing about home warranties, insurance, home improvement and household finances. You can find her writing published through distributors like HouseMethod, Architectural Digest, Good Housekeeping and more. When not writing, she enjoys spending time in her home in Orlando with her fiance and parrot.

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Traveling with a pre-existing medical condition can add stress to the trip-planning process, especially if you suffer from a chronic condition that affects your daily life or have symptoms that can influence your plans. While most travel insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions from medical expenses and evacuation coverage, you may be able to obtain coverage with a pre-existing conditions waiver.

A pre-existing conditions waiver extends your travel medical insurance to include conditions and illnesses present when you enrolled in coverage. This type of coverage is a bit more expensive but can provide you with peace of mind when traveling. Read on to learn more about pre-existing medical conditions travel insurance and which top providers offer coverage.

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What Is a Pre-Existing Condition for Travel Insurance?

Although each travel insurance company has its own definition, a pre-existing condition refers to a medical condition you have before leaving for a trip. Your malady may not have to be formally diagnosed to qualify as pre-existing. You may have a pre-existing condition if you’ve sought treatment, had symptoms or taken medication within a few months before your trip for an injury, illness or medical situation.

For example, say you see your doctor for an annual physical two months before your trip to Spain . At your appointment, the doctor checks your blood pressure and diagnoses you with hypertension. Your doctor prescribes medication to lower your blood pressure. Most travel medical insurance companies consider high blood pressure a pre-existing condition.

Other common pre-existing conditions include:

  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Chronic illnesses, such as lupus

Medical travel insurance can be an important protection if you or a loved one plan to travel with one of these conditions — or some other pre-existing medical condition. A pre-existing condition could put you at higher risk of other medical issues. For example, if you have an autoimmune disorder, you’re likely at higher risk of contracting diseases while traveling.

How To Get a Waiver for Pre-Existing Conditions

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it’s important to purchase travel insurance shortly after making your initial trip payment. Based on our quote collection process, we found that you usually need to be within 10 to 21 days of your first trip payment to qualify for a pre-existing conditions waiver. If you buy your travel insurance after this point, you usually will not qualify for pre-existing conditions coverage.

Depending on the insurance provider, you may need to meet additional conditions beyond your purchase date for pre-existing medical conditions coverage. Additional stipulations you may need to meet include:

  • Trip coverage: In most cases, you’ll need to insure 100% of your trip cost and add medical coverage to your policy to receive a pre-existing condition waiver. This means that policies that offer pre-existing conditions waivers are usually more expensive. However, these policies also include more extensive coverage, which can be helpful in the event of an emergency.
  • Health status: While most travel insurance companies do not require you to undergo a medical exam before buying coverage like with life insurance, your health condition can still play a role in your ability to qualify for a waiver. You might need to answer a health questionnaire before purchasing coverage, or you may need to list any medical diagnoses within the previous 60 to 90 days. If you have a major medical condition with active symptoms, like cancer or Alzheimer’s disease, you may be denied coverage.

If you qualify for coverage, your insurance provider will include the waiver with your coverage at no additional cost. Be sure to review the details of your coverage after you’re approved so you fully understand the terms and conditions.

How To Qualify for a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver

To qualify to get a pre-existing conditions waiver, you’ll need to meet a few conditions related to the policy-buying process and determine the right coverage for your health.

You cannot purchase travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions at any time — most policy providers require you to be within 14 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit to qualify. For this reason, we suggest you consider travel insurance as you’re comparing other travel bookings like hotels, airfare and event tickets. This will allow you to purchase insurance shortly after booking, giving you access to more policies with coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Choose the Right Plan

Next, compare the coverages included with each policy offered by your preferred travel insurance provider and identify those that include pre-existing conditions waivers. Most travel insurance companies limit waivers to policies with more inclusive coverage terms and 100% cancellation insurance. If a provider does not offer pre-existing conditions coverage, request quotes from a different company.

Review Coverage Limitations

If you qualify for a pre-existing conditions waiver, your insurance provider will include it under your coverage terms. Review your coverage and any excluded conditions. Contact a representative from the insurance company if you have questions about coverages and limitations.

Documentation Needed for a Pre-Existing Conditions Waiver

Depending on your coverage provider, you may need to submit a letter from your doctor confirming you’re medically fit to travel. This is especially true if you need coverage for a chronic condition under control by medication or if you’ve recently had corrective surgery. Documentation requirements vary by provider, so be sure to review your specific coverage terms to learn more.

Travel Insurance Companies That Cover Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Not every travel insurance provider offers pre-existing conditions waivers and those that do have varying policies regarding the timeline for enrollment in order to qualify. The following are a few of our recommended travel insurance providers covering pre-existing conditions and how you can qualify for coverage.

  • Nationwide: Nationwide offers customers an option to qualify for pre-existing conditions coverage across multiple plans. While many insurance providers limit pre-existing conditions waivers to only the most expensive policy, Nationwide allows you to qualify for pre-existing conditions coverage 10 days from your initial purchase with the Essential Policy. You may also qualify up to 21 days after your initial trip payment with the Prime Plan. Read our full review of Nationwide travel insurance .
  • Trawick: Trawick offers six unique policies with the option to include coverage for pre-existing conditions, which is more than most other providers. This range of options can make Trawick a strong choice for customers looking to customize their coverage. You must add coverage no more than 14 to 21 days after your initial trip payment, depending on your selected plan. Read our full review of Trawick travel insurance. 
  • Seven Corners: To qualify for pre-existing coverage with Seven Corners, you’ll need to opt for the Trip Protection Choice, which includes benefits like 150% trip interruption coverage and up to $2,000 in trip delay benefits. You must buy this coverage no less than 20 days after your initial trip payment. Read our full review of Seven Corners travel insurance .
  • Generali Travel Insurance: While Generali does not offer the longest purchase period for pre-existing conditions, travelers looking for concierge-level benefits may want to consider the company. To qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver, you must be within 24 hours of your initial trip payment, which means most shoppers will need to consider insurance as they’re actively planning a vacation to qualify. Read our full review of Generali travel insurance .

Types of Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

There are four main types of travel insurance:

  • Trip cancellation
  • Baggage coverage
  • Medical travel insurance
  • Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance is a type of travel insurance that helps cover nonrefundable costs if your trip gets canceled due to an unexpected or uncontrollable event. For example, a trip cancellation policy might cover nonrefundable costs if you find out right before your trip you’ve been summoned for jury duty. Or, say you have to cancel a trip due to an unexpected storm that interrupts your flight. Travel insurance will reimburse you for the flight and any corresponding lodging costs.

Trip cancellation insurance usually does not cover changes in pre-existing medical conditions. If your arthritic knees cause pain that makes you cancel your trip two weeks out, the insurance company may deny your claim. However, you may qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver to use for trip cancellation coverage.

Baggage Coverage

Baggage insurance generally covers the loss, theft, delay, or damage to baggage and personal belongings while traveling. For instance, your luggage is stolen from your hotel room while you’re at dinner. Depending on your policy, your baggage insurance could help pay to replace necessary items, like clothing and shoes. Other policies will ensure the full value of items in your bags, with certain restrictions.

Baggage insurance can offer peace of mind that you can replace your belongings if they’re lost, stolen, or damaged. Pre-existing conditions don’t affect baggage insurance coverage.

Medical Travel Insurance

Medical travel insurance is one of the most common types of travel insurance. A medical travel policy helps pay for emergency medical care when traveling. Say you fall ill with a fever and need to go to the emergency room while abroad. Your medical travel insurance generally covers the cost of treatment up to your plan’s limits.

If you’re considering travel health insurance plans and have a pre-existing condition, you’ll want to carefully read the fine print of your policy. In most cases, you’ll need to obtain a pre-existing conditions waiver before traveling. Without a waiver, your policy may not cover medical expenses you incur while traveling.

Cancel for Any Reason Insurance (CFAR) Coverage

With a few exceptions, CFAR travel insurance lets you cancel a trip for a partial refund of prepaid, nonrefundable expenses outside the reasons listed in your policy. Common reasons to use a CFAR policy include a family member getting sick, fear of illness at your destination or your new passport doesn’t arrive in time to travel. Unlike regular trip cancellation or medical travel insurance, CFAR coverage does not require a pre-existing conditions waiver for coverage. That means if your chronic condition flares up before your trip and you decide to cancel within the effective date of coverage, you could get a partial refund (typically between 50%-75%) of your nonrefundable trip expenses.

Although CFAR coverage is a good way to secure pre-existing medical insurance for travel cancellation or interruption, it’s not usually offered as a stand-alone policy. You typically have to add CFAR coverage to your standard travel insurance policy for an extra cost.

How Much Does Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions Cost?

Generally, adding pre-existing conditions coverage will not increase your policy cost if you qualify for a waiver. Based on our research, a travel insurance policy costs between $160 to $300 , depending on your chosen coverage and provider. In our review, we found that the average couple will pay about $221 for a travel insurance policy from one of our recommended travel insurance providers.

How To File a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Travel Insurance Claim

If you have to file a travel insurance claim for a pre-existing condition that your policy covers, you can improve your chances for reimbursement with strong documentation. Whether you must cancel your trip at the last minute or you need coverage for an emergency room visit while on vacation, the process of filing a travel insurance claim is generally the same. The claims process typically looks like this:

  • File your claims form, which will commonly ask for your name, policy number, the reason for the claim and other important details.
  • Submit your claims form with all necessary documentation, such as a doctor’s note, flight delay or baggage notices, police reports, and any other related documents.
  • Your travel insurance company reviews your claim and supporting documentation. The insurance company may request more details or documents supporting your claim.
  • If the company approves your claim, you’ll receive reimbursement, up to your policy limits.

The claims process is straightforward, but missing documents or lack of evidence could lead to the insurer denying your claim. Having the right documentation is more important if you’re filing a medical claim and have a pre-existing condition. The insurance company will want to confirm you have a pre-existing condition waiver on file before approving a claim. The company likely will ask for specific written documentation relating to your claim from a doctor.

For example, say you have a respiratory disorder managed by daily medication and receive a pre-existing condition waiver for a trip. While traveling, you get into an accident requiring emergency medical care. When you file a claim for medical travel insurance, you’ll want to make sure you have the right documents, including:

  • Proof of your trip and insurance
  • Written documentation from your attending physician
  • Copies of your medical file and bill from the emergency care

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

Can you get travel insurance with pre-existing conditions.

Yes, you can get travel insurance with pre-existing conditions. The key to getting travel insurance coverage with a pre-existing condition is to apply for a pre-existing conditions waiver or exclusion waiver. This waiver includes notice from your doctor that you’re fit to travel and prevents the travel insurance company from using your pre-existing condition to exclude you from coverage.

What is a waiver of lookback in travel insurance?

A waiver of lookback is another name for a pre-existing conditions waiver for travel insurance. The lookback period of a travel insurance policy refers to the time before the trip in which the insurance company might look back at your medical history if you file a claim.

For example, say you have an unexpected medical condition that forces you to cancel your trip. You file a claim for trip cancellation insurance and your insurance company can review your past medical records (usually up to 60 to 180 days, depending on the policy). If the company finds a record of your pre-existing condition, such as a doctor’s visit to change medications, it could deny your claim. A waiver of lookback prevents the insurance company from doing this.

What counts as a pre-existing condition?

Every travel insurance company defines pre-existing conditions differently, but there are a few common factors. A pre-existing condition for travel insurance usually refers to any medical condition, illness or injury that you have before your trip. You may not have to be diagnosed for the condition for it to be considered pre-existing. But if you seek treatment for a condition, take medications or suffer symptoms, then it’s usually considered pre-existing.

What is the difference between a pre-existing condition and a chronic condition?

Pre-existing conditions are any injury, illness, or medical condition that existed before you sought insurance. A chronic condition is different. Chronic conditions are ongoing health conditions or illnesses that are long-term. Doctors manage chronic conditions with medication or regular treatments, but these conditions aren’t curable. For travel insurance, almost all chronic conditions are considered pre-existing conditions.

More Resources:

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How to get travel insurance when you have a medical condition

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--> BY Jessica Humphries

Last updated . 19 December 2023

Don’t let pre-existing conditions be a roadblock to your wanderlust. Learn the ropes of securing the right travel insurance for a hassle-free adventure.

Travelling with a pre-existing medical condition? There’s no reason you can’t indulge your inner adventurer! While the journey may seem daunting, arming yourself with the right travel insurance  will allow you to enjoy your holiday without breaking the bank  or compromising your health. Here, we’ll unravel the complexities and unveil the secrets to ensure your travel insurance prescription perfectly matches your unique medical needs.

The importance of travel insurance for everybody

We won’t preach about the importance of travel insurance because, let’s be real, even the strongest amongst us need backup plans. A good travel insurance plan will typically include the following…

Overseas medical costs

Your Medicare and private health insurance will be utterly useless in the face of overseas medical bills. A robust travel insurance plan will help you with both finances and logistics in troubled times.

a close-up of a patient with normal saline infusion in hand

Make sure that your policy covers overseas medical costs. (Image: Stephen Andrews)

Emergency evacuation

The financial implications of an emergency evacuation can be nothing short of astronomical. Finding a well-structured travel insurance plan that includes emergency evacuation ensures that you’re not only safeguarding your well-being but also protecting your finances from the unexpected twists that travel can throw your way.

a person in the airport

Find one with transport assistance in case you become seriously ill. (Image: Anete Lusina)

Trip cancellations

A comprehensive travel insurance policy can come to the rescue when it comes to those unavoidable cancellations, ensuring you don’t miss out on your well-earned holiday. When life hits a smoother stride, rescheduling should be a breeze.

an empty airport lounge

Flight cancellations are inevitable. (Image: Akshay Chauhan)

A word of caution

However, take note, not all pre-existing medical conditions will be covered by your standard insurance. If your health story is a bit more complex than the average Joe’s, it’s time to read the fine print. Dive deep, understand your coverage, and make sure your insurance has your back.

doctors operating on a patient

Not all pre-existing medical conditions are covered by your insurance. (Image: Olga Guryanova)

How does it work?

When you’re applying for your travel insurance, you’ll be questioned about any pre-existing medical conditions. It’s important to be upfront to ensure proper coverage in case you do need to make a claim. Some technically pre-existing conditions, such as acne, allergies, and asthma, might already be covered under the standard policy.

However, certain conditions demand extra attention, and you will be asked to answer further questions on a medical assessment form. Your insurer will then evaluate the risk level and decide whether they can cover your condition or apply an additional premium.

What counts as ‘pre-existing’? (or what you should disclose)

A pre-existing medical condition typically includes:

  • Any conditions requiring hospital visits within the last 12-24 months.
  • A condition that you take prescription medication for.
  • Regular doctor check-ups for a specific ailment, whether diagnosed or not.
  • An upcoming surgery related to back, joint, or abdominal issues.
  • A medically documented chronic condition.
  • A pending diagnosis or condition under investigation.

a spinal cord diagram

Herniated discs can be considered a pre-existing condition. (Image: Joyce Hankins)

It’s fairly straightforward, and common sense will guide you in the right direction. If you’ve experienced an ailment that’s prompted several visits to the doctor without resolution, or if there’s a significant health issue at play, it’s likely considered a pre-existing condition. Many of these pre-existing conditions will require an additional premium, meaning you’ll need to dig a little deeper into your wallet when arranging your coverage.

a hand typing on a laptop keyboard beside a stethoscope

Find out if your coverage covers your pre-existing condition. (Image: National Cancer Institute)

Common exclusions

Unfortunately, there are conditions for which you likely won’t have the option to pay a premium, and you’ll be met with rejection. These include:

  • Conditions related to drug or alcohol dependency.
  • Conditions for which you are awaiting medical treatment or procedures.
  • Ailments that involved recent treatment or hospitalisation (the time since varies between insurers).
  • Certain types of cancer.
  • Conditions requiring constant oxygen.
  • Heart failure.
  • Terminal illnesses.

a close-up shot of medicine pills

Not all pre-existing conditions are covered by premium travel insurance. (Image: Pina Messina)

When you can’t find cover

The sad reality is that there will be scenarios in which you won’t be covered for a pre-existing medical condition – but don’t lose hope, as there often are specialised options available. If all else fails, you don’t have to forego travel altogether. Even if your condition isn’t covered, you can still obtain comprehensive insurance to protect yourself from other mishaps like theft, cancellations, or unrelated medical issues.

a person using a tablet

Dig deeper into your travel insurance policy. (Image: Towfiqu Barbhuiya)

Top tips for a joyful jaunt

When exploring cover for pre-existing conditions, keep the following in mind:

Age is just a number, but…

Be aware that age limits might come into play, and premiums could be a bit steeper due to an increased risk of claims. Take your time to explore different plans and find one that caters to your golden years.

filling out forms near two laptops on the table

Explore different plans to find one that is ideal for your age. (Image: Scott Graham)

Take a holistic approach

Instead of fixating solely on your medical status, consider the whole policy. Look into aspects like luggage cover and general medical coverage. Seek out a plan that addresses all your needs, not just the medical ones.

Be honest and up-front

When you’re applying for your insurance and are faced with the question about pre-existing medical conditions, honesty is the best policy. You must declare any pre-existing medical conditions to make sure it will be covered by your insurance. There are several ways you can accidentally void your cover , make sure this isn’t one of them.

a patient getting first aid

Some conditions demand extra attention. (Image: Nguyễn Hiệp)

For more tips and advice, read our travel insurance hub  to help you navigate the ins and outs of what to do before you head overseas.

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One Comment

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I use credit card travel insurance. I have well managed T2 diabetes. My insurance rep said if you don’t disclose pre existing, the policy will still be good, but you cannot claim anything Diabetes related. Is that right

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Travel insurance for a pre-existing medical condition

How to secure cover for your next trip if you're dealing with existing medical conditions..

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Checked for accuracy by our qualified fact-checkers and verifiers. Find out more about fact-checking at CHOICE .

Need to know

  • You must declare a pre-existing medical condition if you want it covered by insurance
  • Insurance cover for pre-existing medical conditions varies widely
  • You may have to pay more to get cover for your pre-existing medical condition

Travel insurance is essential in the case of illness or injury while travelling. Overseas medical costs can be extortionate, and if you have an existing medical condition, it increases the chance you may need medical attention on your trip – that's why insurers charge you extra. 

So if you can get cover for your pre-existing medical condition, it'll take a bit of worry out of your trip. But even if you're willing to pay extra, getting cover for an existing condition isn't always easy.

On this page:

What is a pre-existing medical condition?

What's covered, and what's not, comprehensive policies that may cover your pre-existing medical condition, travel insurance for seniors with pre-existing medical conditions, pregnancy and travel insurance, credit card travel insurance and pre-existing medical conditions,  what to do if you can't get cover for a pre-existing medical condition.

A pre-existing medical condition is a medical condition that you had before you bought your travel insurance.

Different travel insurers will have their own specific definitions, but it's usually a diagnosed medical condition that you've had or received any form of medical advice, treatment or medication for, in a specified time period before you bought your policy.

Most insurers would cover a condition if it hadn't led to treatment in the one to two years before you booked your trip, but others may specify five years or longer

The 'specified time period' wording is worth paying attention to. If, for example, your condition last showed symptoms 18 months ago, but the time period specified by the insurer is 12 months, then you'll be covered subject to the other conditions of the policy.

The insurance contract regulations set the time period as six months by default. Unfortunately, insurers can get around this six-month rule and exempt themselves simply by burying an exclusion or limitation in the product disclosure statement (PDS).

Insurers' definitions vary as to what the specified time period is. Most insurers would cover a condition if it hadn't led to treatment in the one to two years before you booked your trip, but others may specify five years or longer.

There are often a lot of hoops to jump through to get cover for pre-existing conditions. 

Insurers can:

  • exclude pre-existing medical conditions altogether
  • include a list of accepted pre-existing medical conditions (specified in the PDS)
  • restrict cover for generally accepted conditions depending on other conditions you might have, or only cover some symptoms (for example, allergies may be covered, but not anaphylaxis)
  • subject you to an assessment for cover of your medical condition and charge a fee to complete this assessment (whether you get cover or not)
  • deny you cover for a medical condition on application.

Even if you survive that minefield, you may then have to fork out several thousand dollars for the privilege of getting cover for your condition.

Below is a list of conditions that might usually be covered, with specific restrictions. 

  • Allergies 
  • Blindness and low vision
  • Corneal graft
  • Coeliac disease
  • Ear grommets
  • Gastric reflux
  • Hiatus hernia
  • High cholesterol/hypercholesterolaemia
  • High blood pressure/hypertension
  • Hip replacement
  • Knee replacement
  • Macular degeneration
  • Underactive thyroid/overactive thyroid
  • Chronic lung conditions
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Reduced immunity
  • Cancer (some policies automatically cover skin cancer but not melanoma)
  • Heart-related medical conditions
  • Medical conditions you're travelling to seek medical treatment or review for
  • Conditions involving drug or alcohol dependency
  • Conditions for which you're awaiting surgery, treatment, investigation or procedures
  • Conditions with a terminal prognosis

This also includes any travel booked or undertaken against the advice of a medical practitioner.

Check the insurer's PDS for a specific list of conditions. If a condition is not listed as automatically covered, then you may be able to apply to the insurer to cover your condition.

For the specified time period, the lower the number, the better. Read on below the table for more information.

* The time period before booking your trip that a medical condition, that isn't specifically excluded, would be covered if it has not given rise to symptoms or required medication or treatment. 

If your medical condition is on the insurer's 'Covered Conditions' list, then the time period might be longer than what's specified above. 

For example, Go Insurance's specified time period is 90 days (3 months), but if your condition is on their 'Covered Conditions' list, and you've been hospitalised for that condition within 24 months of booking the trip, then it may not be automatically covered. You'll need to fill out a form to apply for cover.

CHOICE tip: Filling out assessment forms for your medical condition can be time-consuming and frustrating, but try at least three different insurers because premiums and cover vary widely.

How you're assessed for a pre-existing medical condition

Many Australian insurers use a 'black box' risk rating system to assess your condition, such as that provided by insurance technology firm Verisk.

The systems may contain a list of health conditions, each of which is assigned a risk factor. Depending on how high this risk factor is, the insurer can choose to rule out cover, or offer cover for an extra premium.

Older and wiser travellers with pre-existing medical conditions can still get travel insurance for their international travel. The drawback is that you'll have fewer policies to choose from, and you'll pay more for it. 

Many travel insurance policies have age limits, over which they either don't offer cover, or they may offer restricted cover with lower benefit limits or a higher excess. 

Cost of travel insurance for seniors

Our analysis of premiums across age groups shows that an older single traveller going to Bali for around 11 days to two weeks will on average pay more for their cover as they age, with premiums generally increasing more noticeably from age 50. 

Travellers aged over 70 could pay up to 3.5 times more for their travel insurance than people in their 60s

In particular, travellers aged over 70 could pay up to 3.5 times more for their travel insurance than people in their 60s, prior to further underwriting and premium adjustments by insurers for coverage of pre-existing medical conditions.

Visit our travel insurance comparison and use the filter to find travel insurance policy options for people across a range of ages up to 100 or even unlimited.

Pregnancy cover will protect you in circumstances such as if you need to cancel your trip due to doctor's advice, or if you're on holiday and incur medical costs that are a result of unexpected complications (something that you weren't already being treated for or had no history of).

Note that travel insurance won't usually cover you for childbirth or for medical costs relating to your newborn if you give birth while on holiday.

Different policies will cover you up to different stages of your pregnancy, so which provider you go with will depend on when you plan to travel (and return home). Not all policies will cover IVF or similar medically assisted pregnancies.

CHOICE tip: Check with your airline before you travel – many airlines will only let you fly up to a certain stage in your pregnancy, and may require medical certificates or other documentation.

Some credit cards come with travel insurance policies that may cover pre-existing medical conditions. 

However, policies that come with credit cards vary just as much as standalone travel insurance policies, so you need to read the terms and conditions carefully to understand whether you're automatically covered, whether you need to apply for cover, or if there's no cover at all for pre-existing medical conditions.

Bear in mind that some credit card travel insurance policies require you to activate your insurance before you leave. Some people may find this a bit of a pain, but with pre-existing medical conditions it may actually be an advantage, since it will prompt you to check your cover.

If you're denied cover for your pre-existing medical condition, or if you can't afford the extra premium, you may still be able to buy a travel insurance policy. 

You'll need to declare your condition to your insurer. They may then offer you travel insurance cover, but will issue a certificate that says you won't be covered for any claim that arises because of your pre-existing medical condition.

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When Does Travel Insurance Cover Existing Medical Conditions?

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Travel insurance is more than a perk or a “nice to have.” A  travel insurance plan  can save your travel investment if you must cancel your trip for covered health reasons caused by pre-existing medical conditions. But in order for this to happen, you’ll need to select a plan that offers a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver, and also meet specified conditions. Additionally,  emergency medical coverage  can reimburse you for the costs of getting covered medical treatment domestically or overseas.

What is a Pre-Existing Condition?

We know this can seem complicated. We’re here to help. Before we jump into the details of how you can obtain a travel insurance plan that can cover a pre-existing condition, let’s define exactly what we’re talking about. Quite simply, a pre-existing condition is an injury, illness or medical condition that caused someone to seek treatment, presented symptoms, or required medication. This may have taken place anytime within 120 days prior to and including the plan’s purchase date. Note that you don’t even need an official medical diagnosis from a physician for something to be considered a pre-existing condition.

How to Meet Conditions for a Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion Waiver

We know that the term is a mouthful, but the conditions needed to qualify for a Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion Waiver are fairly straightforward.

First and foremost, you must insure your full nonrefundable trip costs. From there, if you insure the full cost of your trip within 14 days of paying your first trip deposit, and you're medically able to travel when you do so, you can be covered for most existing medical conditions. We’re going to cover each of these conditions a bit more in depth below.

Note that all travel insurance plans cover existing medical conditions. Certain travel insurance products from Allianz Global Assistance do — but specific requirements apply. Below are three hypothetical examples to help you understand how to make sure your existing medical condition is covered.

For travel insurance to cover your pre-existing condition, you must be medically able to travel on the day you purchase your plan.

After suffering debilitating pain in your left knee for three years, you've finally scheduled a total knee replacement. You get the procedure done and find that your recovery goes more swiftly than expected. After two weeks of physical therapy, your doctor says she's amazed at your progress. Heartened to hear this, you book a cycling trip through the French Alps for the fall and you purchase travel insurance to protect it. If you suffer knee problems and you have to cancel the trip, are you covered?

With a pre-existing medical condition, the safest course of action is to get your physician's certification that you're fine to travel before you book your trip. Allianz Global Assistance’s travel insurance requires you to be medically able to travel on the day you buy your  plan. It doesn't matter if you expect to be able to travel in the future, or if your doctor says you should be able to travel by the time you're scheduled to leave.

Let's say you book that cycling trip and your travel insurance 12 weeks after your surgery, when you're feeling pretty good and you can take long walks around the neighborhood. Don't assume you're medically able to travel. If you end up making a travel insurance claim related to your knee, Allianz Global Assistance may review your medical records and talk to your physician to determine your condition at the time you bought insurance.

One more important thing to understand: the "medically able to travel" only applies to the people named in the insuranceplan . If your mother has uncontrolled diabetes, for instance, you need existing medical condition coverage in case you need to cancel your trip because she's in the hospital. But your mother does not need to be medically able to travel in order for you to be covered.

For a pre-existing medical condition to be covered, you must insure your full nonrefundable trip costs.

You just booked the trip of a lifetime, a two-week European river cruise with your sister. You hold out on buying your plane ticket, however, because you're hoping airfares to Paris will drop. A few weeks later, you grab that cheap ticket — whew! — but you forget to update your plan by adding the airfare cost to your coverage. Then, a week before departure, your sister (who has long suffered from hypertension) has a major change in her medication and her doctor won’t let her travel. Will travel insurance cover your trip cancellation?

Your travel companion's condition would have been considered a covered reason for trip cancellation if you had insured your full trip costs. Because you didn't, your travel insurance plan would not cover cancellations caused by pre-existing medical conditions. If you had to cancel for another covered reason — because the covered cruise operator went out of business, for instance — your travel insurance would cover the trip cancellation.

Travel insurance only covers pre-existing medical conditions if you buy your plan within 14 days (depending on your plan) of making your first trip payment or deposit.

You and your husband are both nature lovers, and to celebrate your 25th anniversary you're planning a two-week stay at a luxury eco-resort in Costa Rica. You buy travel insurance to protect your trip investment, but not until  three weeks  after the trip purchase. Because you waited, pre-existing medical conditions aren't covered. No problem, you think. You're both fit and healthy. Except your husband has had some urinary problems over the past few months, so you make him go to the urologist before the trip. Bad news: he has a prostate condition that will keep him grounded. It's treatable, but you'll have to cancel the trip. Is this trip cancellation covered?

For Allianz Global Assistance travel insurance plans, an existing medical condition is defined as an illness or injury that exhibited symptoms or was treated any time 120 days prior to purchasing your plan. In this instance, your trip cancellation due to an existing medical condition would have been covered if you had bought travel insurance within  14 days  of paying your first trip deposit.

Three more things you need to know about travel insurance and existing medical conditions

  • Certain pre-existing medical conditions are excluded from Allianz Global Assistance’s travel insurance coverage, such as mental and nervous health conditions, bipolar disorder, and Alzheimer's disease.
  • There's a cap on trip costs when you're buying travel insurance with pre-existing medical condition coverage, so be sure to know the amounts.
  • You must be a U.S. resident to buy travel insurance with existing medical condition coverage.

We encourage customers to contact our insurance advisers at 1-866-884-3556. They'll answer your questions and help you find the travel insurance plan that's best for your unique needs. Safe travels!

Related Articles

  • Emergency Medical Insurance for Travel
  • Medical Travel Insurance Benefits
  • How to Use Your Trip Delay Benefit and When to Cancel

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Travel Insurance Coverage for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions with NO Stability Period

Many Canadian travellers with unstable health or medical conditions are under the false impression that their travel medical insurance policy will cover them for treatment costs related to their pre-existing medical conditions while travelling.

However, the reality is that standard travel insurance policies won’t cover you for pre-existing medical conditions unless you meet the policy’s “stability” requirements. Any medical conditions that are not “stable” will be excluded from coverage under your policy.

This can have serious implications for travellers, as failing to meet your policy’s stability clause requirements is the second most common reason for having a travel insurance claim rejected 1 .

This problem is particularly common among Canadian snowbirds, boomers and seniors who often have one or more pre-existing medical conditions.

It’s essential for you to understand how stability clauses work, determine whether or not you meet the stability requirements of your policy and what your options are if you don’t meet these requirements.

Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions – regardless of whether they are stable or not - should strongly consider protecting themselves with a "Personalized" travel insurance policy that provides coverage for pre-existing medical conditions with NO stability period requirement .

What if I Don’t Have Any Pre-Existing Medical Conditions?

Even if you’re in perfect health and don’t have any pre-existing conditions, Personalized travel medical insurance plans can still offer significant benefits over Standard travel insurance plans. For example, the premiums for healthy travellers can often be lower under a Personalized plan than they would be under a Standard plan, and the medical questionnaires for Personalized plans are usually much shorter, simpler and faster to complete.

What is a Stability Clause & How Does it Work?

Most Standard travel medical insurance policies contain what is commonly referred to as a “stability” clause.

These clauses require your pre-existing medical conditions to be “stable” for a defined period of time prior to the date you leave on your trip. The stability period varies from policy to policy, but is often 90, 180 or even 365 days leading up to your departure date.

If there are any changes to one of your pre-existing medical conditions during the stability period, that condition will be excluded from coverage, meaning your policy will not cover any expenses you incur that are related to that condition while travelling.

Any Changes Means ANY Changes…

Keep in mind that any changes really means any changes, including some you may not think of such as starting or stopping a medication, increasing or decreasing the dose of a medication or seeing a doctor or receiving diagnostic testing related to a potentially new medical condition, even if that condition has not yet been diagnosed.

Beware of related medical conditions…

It’s also very important to be aware that under a stability clause, any medical treatment for a condition related to an excluded condition would also be excluded from coverage. To better illustrate this point, take the following example:

Let’s say Bob has diabetes that doesn’t meet his policy’s stability terms. In this case, it’s quite clear that Bob would not be covered for any treatment related to his diabetes while travelling.

What you may be surprised to learn is that Bob would also not be covered for any condition related to his diabetes. For example, if Bob was to have a heart attack while travelling, and the heart attack could be linked to having been caused by Bob’s diabetes, it is quite possible that treatment for his heart attack would also not be covered by his insurance, even though most people would consider diabetes and a heart attack to be two different and unrelated medical conditions.

The Bottom Line

If you are purchasing a Standard travel insurance policy with a stability clause, make sure you meet the terms of that stability clause or you could run into a serious problem if you need to make a claim.

What if I Don’t Meet the Stability Clause Requirements?

Travellers with pre-existing medical conditions who don’t meet stability clause requirements are essentially left with three options:

  • Wait until your medical conditions are “stable” before purchasing your policy . This is often not a realistic solution, as it would likely prevent you from travelling during your preferred travel dates. There’s also a good chance your medical conditions may never meet the stability requirements.
  • Purchase the policy knowing your non-stable medical conditions and any related conditions won’t be covered . This is a very risky strategy and not advisable, as you’d be exposing yourself and your family to serious financial risk if you require treatment while travelling and need to file a claim. Note that other medical emergencies unrelated to your existing conditions (such as a fall or food poisoning) could be covered.
  • Find a Personalized policy that provides coverage for pre-existing medical conditions with NO stability clause requirement . While these policies are not as well known or widely available as Standard travel insurance policies, they can be a real lifesaver and are often the best option for many Canadian snowbirds, seniors, boomers and other travellers with pre-existing medical conditions.

Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions with NO Stability Period

There’s good news for travellers who either don’t meet the stability clause requirements commonly found in Standard travel insurance policies or simply want the peace of mind of not having to worry about stability clauses altogether.

For individuals who fall into these categories, there’s a  lesser-known type of “Personalized” travel insurance policy that completely does away with the dreaded “stability” clause and provides coverage for pre-existing medical conditions with NO stability period requiremen t .

How Are These Policies Different?

Standard travel medical insurance policies determine your coverage eligibility and premiums by grouping you into categories with other travellers whose health and age may be different than yours.

On the other hand “Personalized” travel medical insurance policies base your coverage eligibility and premiums exclusively on your personal medical history and characteristics.

As a result, Personalized travel insurance plans are better able to accurately determine your coverage risk and the appropriate premiums based on those risks. This personal element also allows them to provide coverage for pre-existing conditions with no stability period requirement.

You can learn more about Snowbird Advisor Insurance’s personalized travel medical insurance plans here .

How Do I Qualify?

In order to qualify for a Personalized policy, you’ll need to fully and accurately disclose all of your pre-existing medical conditions at the time you apply, and as long as your conditions are eligible for coverage, you’ll be covered for all pre-existing medical conditions, regardless of how long they have been stable for.

Keep in mind that just like standard insurance policies, some medical conditions may make you ineligible for coverage.

And just like a Standard policy, you’ll still be required to inform your insurance provider of any changes to your health that occur after you purchase your policy and prior to any departure date.

Do I Need to Complete a Medical Questionnaire?

If you’re applying for a Personalized plan with no stability requirement, the only thing you will need to do is disclose any pre-existing medical conditions you have and answer any follow-up questions related to those conditions. This is usually a much faster and simpler process than completing the long and sometimes confusing medical questionnaires that are required for Standard plans. Be sure to disclose all of your medical conditions, regardless of whether you think they may be relevant or not.

How Much Do Personalized Policies Cost?

While you might think a Personalized policy with the added benefits it offers would be more expensive than a Standard policy, that’s often not the case.

In many situations, the cost of a Personalized policy is the same or less than a standard policy because Personalized policies are tailored specifically to your conditions and risks - so you won’t be grouped into a category with other travellers who may have more serious or numerous medical conditions.

Of course, there are situations when a Personalized policy will cost more than a Standard policy, but this is often due to certain pre-existing medical conditions being covered that would otherwise be excluded from coverage under a Standard policy.

Advantages of Personalized Travel Medical Insurance Plans

In summary, here are the main advantages provided by Personalized policies:

  • No Stability Requirement for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions: If you have pre-existing medical conditions, Personalized policies will cover you for those conditions without having to meet any stability period requirements.
  • Potentially Lower Premiums than Standard Policies: If you’re a healthy traveller, in many cases your premiums can actually be lower under a Personalized plan than they would be under a Standard plan.
  • Faster, Simpler Medical Questionnaire: Unlike the long, sometimes confusing medical questionnaires you need to fill out when applying for a Standard travel insurance policy, Personalized plans have much simpler, faster, and easier medical questionnaires that only require you to disclose your pre-existing medical conditions and any follow-up questions about those conditions.

1 KPMG survey of Canadian insurance providers commissioned by the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada (THIA) (November 2014)

Disclaimer:  The material provided in the Snowbird Advisor Insurance Learning Centre is for informational purposes only and does NOT constitute insurance, legal, financial or other advice, and should not be relied on as such. If you require such advice, you should speak with a qualified professional to assist you.

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The Best Travel Insurance for Students

Alisha McDarris

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

What does travel insurance for students cover?

How much does travel insurance for students cost, travel guard: best for budget travelers, world nomads: best for adventurers, allianz: best for premier travel benefits at a lower cost, geoblue navigator for students: best study abroad health insurance, more tips for purchasing study abroad travel insurance.

If you’re a student who’s planning to travel internationally or study abroad, it’s a good idea to go prepared with comprehensive student travel insurance. But where do you find plans tailored to your unique needs?

These companies offer some of the best options for travel insurance for students, whether you’re globe-trotting for a week, a semester or a whole year.

Student travel insurance can vary from plan to plan. But there are a few things you should look for whether you’re an exchange student, studying abroad or simply planning an international trip between classes.

Trip cancellation insurance : This coverage reimburses you for any prepaid, nonrefundable costs of your trip should you have to cancel for any unexpected circumstances covered by your selected policy. 

Travel medical coverage : If you become ill or get injured while traveling, travel medical coverage can help pay for medical expenses and even emergency travel back home.

Travel delay insurance : In the event of rescheduled or canceled flights that result in painfully long layovers, this coverage will reimburse you for personal items, food and lodging you may have to pay for as you wait for a rescheduled flight.

Delayed baggage : Just as it sounds, this coverage reimburses you for luggage (including necessities you might have to purchase while you wait for your luggage to arrive) if it’s delayed or lost by a travel provider in transit.

» Learn more: When to buy travel insurance

As with travel insurance for more general travelers, there are several factors that affect the cost of travel insurance for study abroad students and other young travelers, including:

Traveler age.

Overall trip cost.

Trip duration.

Specific coverage selected.

Because there are so many factors involved, and because every travel insurance company is different, it’s often wise to compare a number of plans to decide which is best for you and your travel plans. That said, these are some of the best student travel insurance options.

» Learn more: Best annual travel insurance this year

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Travel Guard by AIG

  • Offers last-minute coverage.
  • Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Exclusion Waiver available at all plan levels.
  • Plan available for business travelers.
  • Cancel For Any reason coverage only available for higher-level plans, and only reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost.
  • Trip interruption coverage doesn't apply to trips paid for with points and miles.

What Travel Guard covers

There are several options available from Travel Guard for travel insurance for students studying abroad or simply exploring on break: Deluxe, Preferred and Essential.

They all include trip cancellation and interruption, medical coverage, and lost or delayed baggage insurance. Bonus: They even come with dental coverage. Add-ons like car rental coverage and “cancel for any reason coverage” are also available with some plans.

There is also an annual plan available, but coverage automatically expires if any single trip lasts longer than 90 days, so it wouldn’t likely be sufficient for more than a semester abroad.

Multiple price points for a wide range of coverage options.

Dental coverage included.

24/7 emergency assistance available with all plans.

If you plan on participating in adventure sports, the Adventure Sports Bundle is only available as an add-on on some Preferred and Deluxe plans.

» Learn more: Read our full review of Travel Guard

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World Nomads

  • Travelers can extend coverage mid-trip.
  • The standard plan covers up to $300,000 in emergency evacuation costs.
  • Plans automatically cover 200+ adventurous activities.
  • No Cancel For Any Reason upgrades are available.
  • No pre-existing medical condition waivers are available.

What World Nomads covers

Designed for independent, often more adventurous travelers, World Nomads offers several travel insurance options for students of any age.

While plans may seem more expensive than some other options, it’s important to remember that these plans include medical treatment and evacuation if you are injured while participating in some adventure sports. Plans also cover medical expenses, trip cancellation and interruption, baggage loss and delay, and include 24/7 travel assistance.

Many adventure sports are covered.

Some plans include car rental coverage.

Dental is covered.

Pre-existing conditions aren’t covered.

» Learn more: Best adventure sports travel insurance

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  • Annual or single-trip policies are available.
  • Multiple types of insurance available.
  • All plans include access to a 24/7 assistance hotline.
  • More expensive than average.
  • CFAR upgrades are not available.
  • Rental car protection is only available by adding the One Trip Rental Car protector to your plan or by purchasing a standalone rental car plan.

What Allianz covers

A well-known travel insurance company, Allianz offers a number of travel insurance plans that may appeal to students.

All plans include epidemic coverage, trip cancellation and interruption, medical and dental coverage, baggage loss and delay, and 24-hour assistance. And premium plans tend to offer similar coverage as other insurance companies but at a lower price.

There’s also an annual plan available called AllTrips, but it doesn’t cover individual trips longer than 45 consecutive days.

Includes epidemic coverage (including for COVID-19).

Covers 100% of prepaid costs if you cancel your trip for a covered reason.

The cost to change flights or other transportation is covered on some plans if you have to change or cancel bookings because of a covered reason.

Rental car coverage not included on any plan.

» Learn more: NerdWallet's Allianz review

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  • Flexible deductible options.
  • Wide ranging medical coverage.
  • Low prices for medical only needs.
  • Lacks in traditional travel insurance coverage options such as trip Interruption, bag delays, etc.
  • Better when paired with travel credit card insurance coverage.

What GeoBlue covers

Designed for students staying in one place for more than a week or even a whole semester, GeoBlue’s Navigator for Students plan is perfect for students studying abroad who are more concerned with health care coverage than travel-related benefits.

It’s designed more like traditional health insurance with deductibles, monthly payment plans and unlimited annual maximums when it comes to medical care. It covers medical care inside and outside the U.S., making it a good overall health insurance if you plan to travel back and forth. Travel vaccinations, emergency medical transportation and repatriation are even covered.

What’s not covered are more typical travel-related expenses like lost baggage, delayed flights and trip cancellation. But the medical coverage is so comprehensive that if you want travel-specific coverage, you could opt to purchase a more budget-friendly plan for each specific trip.

Unlimited annual maximum for medical benefits.

Sliding payment scale to customize your deductible-to-monthly premium payments.

Preventive care is covered.

Dental and vision benefits are extra.

Coverage for most travel-related snafus isn’t included.

» Learn more: GeoBlue travel insurance review : Is it worth the cost?

The best travel insurance for students studying abroad or traveling between semesters or even on holiday breaks is insurance that’s best suited to you and your travel plans.

Before you hit “Add to cart,” compare several plans, make sure to read the fine print and understand what’s covered (and, just as importantly, what’s not ). Select a plan that offers the coverage required to help you feel safe, secure and protected wherever you roam.

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

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

best medical travel insurance for pre existing conditions

best medical travel insurance for pre existing conditions

Understanding What Travel Insurance Covers

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  • Travel insurance is intended to cover risks and financial losses associated with traveling.
  • Coverage can include trip cancellation, baggage protection, medical care, and emergency evacuation.
  • When filing a claim, be specific and comprehensive in your documentation to ease the process.

Whether it's a trip across the world or a trip across the state, having travel insurance provides major relief if things go awry. Flight delays, lost baggage, illness, injuries, and other unforeseen events can disrupt even the best-laid plans. With a major disruption comes the potential for unanticipated expenses.

Travel insurance and the coverage it offers can help keep you protected and save you money in the long run.

Overview of Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance policies protect travelers from financial losses should something go wrong during their trip. You can customize which coverages you want to include, and there are several to choose from.

"Common types of coverage include trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage protection, coverage for medical care if you get sick or hurt during your trip, and emergency medical evacuation," says Angela Borden, a travel insurance expert and product strategist for travel insurance company Seven Corners.

Travel insurance plans offer nonrefundable payments and other trip-related expenses. While monetary compensation is a primary benefit, there is another valuable perk of travel insurance. It can provide peace of mind.

What does travel insurance cover?

Your specific travel insurance plan (and its terms and conditions) will determine the minutia and specifics of what is covered. As with most other forms of insurance, a general rule of thumb is the more you spend, the better your coverage.

"Travel insurance can be confusing, so it's best to research a reputable company that specializes in travel insurance and has a long history of successfully helping travelers all over the world," says Borden.

Trip cancellation and interruptions

A travel insurance policy can reimburse you for a prepaid, nonrefundable trip if it is canceled for a covered event, such as a natural disaster or a global pandemic.

Trip interruption insurance covers you if you're already on your trip and you get sick, there's a natural disaster, or something else happens. Make sure to check with your travel insurance providers to discuss any inclusions, coverage, and more.

Travel delays and missed connections

Travel delay insurance coverage provides reimbursement for any expenses you incur when you experience a delay in transit over a minimum time. Reimbursements can include hotels, airfare, food, and other related expenses.

Medical emergencies and evacuations

Typically, US healthcare plans are not accepted in other countries. So travel insurance with medical coverage can be particularly beneficial when you are abroad. Medical coverage can also help with locating doctors and healthcare facilities.

Medical transportation coverage will also pay for emergency evacuation expenses such as airlifts and medically-equipped flights back to the US. Out of pocket, these expenses can easily amount to tens of thousands of dollars. Certain plans may even transport you to a hospital of choice for care.

Travel insurance generally does not include coverage for pre-existing conditions. That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver, which we will talk about later.  

Baggage and personal belongings

Most airlines will reimburse travelers for lost or destroyed baggage, but be prepared for limitations. Travel insurance plans will typically cover stolen items, such as those stolen out of a hotel room. This may not include expensive jewelry, antiques, or heirloom items. Typically, airlines have a few days to recover your bag.

In the meantime, you can make a claim to pay for items like certain toiletries and other items you need to pick up. If your bag is truly lost or you don't get it for an extended period, you can file a true lost baggage claim.

What does credit card travel insurance cover?

A major perk on several travel credit cards is embedded credit card travel insurance . Typically, you will need to use the specific card for the transaction (at least with partial payment) for travel coverage to kick in.

Each card has specific rules on what exactly is covered. But one of the industry leaders is the $550-per-year Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. Here's a snapshot of what is covered with this specific card:

  • Baggage delay: up to $100 reimbursed per day for up to five days if a passenger carrier delays your baggage by more than six hours.
  • Lost and damaged baggage: up to $3,000 per passenger per trip, but only up to $500 per passenger for jewelry and watches and up to $500 per passenger for cameras and other electronic equipment.
  • Trip delay reimbursement: up to $500 per ticket if you're delayed more than six hours or require an overnight stay.
  • Trip cancellation and interruption protection: up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses.
  • Medical evacuation benefit: up to $100,000 for necessary emergency evacuation and transportation when on a trip of five to 60 days and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
  • Travel accident insurance: accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $100,000 (up to $1,000,000 for common carrier travel).
  • Emergency medical and dental benefits: up to $2,500 for medical expenses (subject to a $50 deductible) when on a trip arranged by a travel agency and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
  • Rental car coverage: primary coverage for damages caused by theft or collision up to $75,000 on rentals of 31 days or fewer

More protections are included with cards with an annual fee, but there are exceptions. The no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex , for instance, includes up to $1,500 per person (and up to $6,000 per trip) in trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.

However, there are some differences between credit card travel coverage and obtaining coverage from a third party.

"Credit card coverage does not typically provide travel medical benefits," Borden says. "For protection if you get sick or hurt while traveling, you'll want a travel insurance plan with medical coverage."

Whether you get your travel insurance in a standalone policy or through a credit card, it's important to review your plan details carefully. In either case, there may be exclusions and other requirements such as deadlines when filing a claim, Borden notes.

What travel insurance coverage do you need to pay more for?

Knowing what travel insurance doesn't cover is as important as knowing what it does cover.

"Travelers should understand that travel insurance benefits come into play only if a covered reason occurs," Borden says. Most standard travel insurance plans won't reimburse you for the following:

Cancel for any reason (CFAR)

Cancel-for-any-reason travel insurance covers a trip cancellation for any reason, not just a covered event. your standard benefits won't kick in unless it's a covered event. For instance, you'll be reimbursed simply for changing your mind about taking a trip.

That said, CFAR travel insurance is not without its downsides. For one, it's more expensive than traditional insurance, and most CFAR policies will only reimburse you for a percentage of your travel expenses. Additionally, CFAR policies aren't available for annual travel insurance . 

You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance here.

Foreseen weather events

Sudden storms or unforeseen weather events are typically covered by standard travel insurance plans. There are exceptions to be aware of. For example, an anticipated and named hurricane will not be covered.

Medical tourism

If you're going to travel internationally for a medical procedure or doctor's visit, your travel insurance plan will not cover the procedure itself. Most medical travel plans also won't cover you if something goes wrong with your procedure.

Pre-existing conditions and pregnancy

Those with specific pre-existing conditions, such as someone with diabetes and needing more insulin, will not be covered by most plans. In addition, pregnancy-related expenses will likely not be covered under most plans.

That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver for stable conditions. In order to obtain a wavier, you will need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time frame from when you booked your trip, usually two to three weeks, depending on your policy.

Extreme sports and activities

Accidents occurring while participating in extreme sports like skydiving and paragliding will typically not be covered under most plans. However, many plans offer the ability to upgrade to a higher-priced version with extended coverage.

Navigating claims and assistance

When a trip goes awry, the first thing you should do is document everything and be as specific as possible with documentation. This will make the claims process easier, as you can substantiate and quantify your financial losses due to the delay.

For example, your flight home has been delayed long enough to be covered under your policy, you'll want to keep any receipts from purchases made while waiting. For instances where your luggage is lost, you will need to file a report with local authorities and document all the items you packed.

Cancellation protection also requires meticulous attention to detail. If you're too sick to fly, you may need to see a doctor to prove your eligibility. If an airline cancels a flight, you'll also need to document any refunds you received as travel insurance isn't going to reimburse you for money you've already gotten back. 

Part of the benefit of CFAR insurance is the reduced paperwork necessary to file a claim. You'll still need to document your nonrefundable losses, but you won't have to substantiate why you're canceling a trip.

Choosing the right travel insurance

Each plan should be personalized to meet the insured party's needs. Some travelers prefer to stick to the bare minimum (flight cancellation benefits through the airline). Others want a comprehensive plan with every coverage possible. Before you buy anything, set your destination. Are there any travel restrictions or changes pending? Does your destination country require emergency or other medical coverage?

If the destination airport is known for lost or delayed luggage, travelers should keep important items in carry-ons. Lost or delayed luggage coverage protects insured parties in the event of a significant delay or total loss.

Second, check current credit card travel benefits to avoid redundancies. Savvy travelers don't need to pay for the same coverage twice.

Finally, consider your individual needs. Do you have a chronic medical condition, or do you feel safe with emergency-only medical coverage? Keep in mind, this does not include coverage for cosmetic surgery or other medical tourism. Do you have a budget limit for travel insurance? Asking and answering these important questions will help every traveler find the right product.

Most travel insurance plans are simple, and Business Insider's guide to the best travel insurance companies outlines our top picks. Remember, read your policy and its specifics closely to ensure it includes the items you need coverage for.

No one likes to dwell on how a trip might not go as planned before even leaving. However, at its core, travel insurance provides peace of mind as you go about your trip. While the upfront cost may seem significant, when you compare it to the potential expenses of a canceled flight, emergency evacuation, or a hefty medical bill, it's a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.

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What does travel insurance cover frequently asked questions

Does travel insurance cover trip cancellations due to a pandemic like covid-19.

Coverage for pandemics vary from policy to policy. Some travel insurance companies have specific provisions for pandemic-related cancellations, while others may exclude them entirely.

Are sports injuries covered under travel insurance?

Sports injuries are often covered under travel insurance, but high-risk or adventure sports might require additional coverage or a special policy.

Can travel insurance provide coverage for travel advisories or warnings?

Travel advisories have different effects on your travel insurance depending on your policy. Traveling to a country already under travel advisory may invalidate your coverage, but if you're already traveling when a travel advisory is announced, you may be covered.

How does travel insurance handle emergency medical evacuations?

Travel insurance usually covers the cost of emergency medical evacuations to the nearest suitable medical facility, and sometimes back to your home country, if necessary.

Are lost or stolen passports covered by travel insurance?

Many travel insurance policies provide coverage for the cost of replacing lost or stolen passports during a trip.

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Understanding What Travel Insurance Covers

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    You can generally get a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver only within 14 to 21 days of making your initial deposit for a trip and only if you insure the full nonrefundable costs of ...

  3. What's the Best Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions?

    The best travel insurance for pre-existing conditions is the OneTrip Prime Plan from Allianz Global Assistance, which includes abundant coverage for covered emergency medical expenses overseas (up to $50,000). You also get emergency medical transportation benefits up to $500,000 to travel to the nearest appropriate medical facility or to return ...

  4. Travel insurance and pre-existing conditions: How to get the coverage

    Allianz offers travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions with a waiver. You are eligible as long as you establish coverage within 14 days of paying the first deposit for the trip. But ...

  5. 5 Best Travel Insurance Options for Pre-Existing Conditions

    Travelex Insurance Services. Travelex Insurance Services is another best travel insurance option for people with pre-existing medical conditions. Their Travel America and Travel Select Plans can cover some already existing medical conditions. The terms and conditions may vary, but you'll get all the information when you get a quote.

  6. Pre-Existing Condition & Travel Medical Insurance Plans

    Qualifying for a Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Waiver. To qualify for a waiver in order to bypass the look-back period, policyholders must meet a few requirements. Age: No age limit for a waiver on the majority of plans. Cost: No additional premium for a waiver. Health: Traveler must be medically fit to travel.

  7. Does Travel Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions? (2024)

    Pre-existing conditions explained. When it comes to travel medical insurance, a pre-existing condition may be defined as an existing health issue or diagnosis, which can include a recent injury or illness or a long-term disease for which you're receiving medical treatment. It may also be defined as a long-term condition, such as high blood pressure, dementia, or even pregnancy.

  8. Pre-Existing Medical Condition Travel Insurance Plans

    At a basic level on Travel Guard's travel insurance plan, a pre-existing medical condition is considered an injury, sickness or other condition that either first occurred or became worse within the previous 90 days of purchasing the travel insurance plan. Be sure to read the policy of insurance for the plan you are considering to make sure ...

  9. How To Get Pre-Existing Conditions Covered By Travel Insurance

    CAA Travel Insurance: Pre-Existing Condition Rider that offers up to $200,000 in emergency medical coverage and reduces the stability period to seven days. Desjardins Travel Insurance: Stable for ...

  10. Travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions

    1. Buy travel insurance as soon as you book to cover cancellation and pre-trip illness. 2. Always declare your medical conditions or you likely won't be covered. 3. Not all insurers have an upper age limit. 4. Check you're covered for the countries you're travelling to. 5.

  11. Best Travel Medical Insurance Of 2024

    Many travel medical insurance plans for visitors to the U.S. cover the acute onset of pre-existing medical conditions. This coverage generally provides necessary emergency care for a medical ...

  12. Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

    A pre-existing medical condition is any injury, illness, or medical condition that required medical attention, caused symptoms, or required prescribed medication (unless this medication controls the condition or symptoms, and the prescription has not changed) within the 60 to 180 days prior to the purchase of travel insurance.

  13. Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions 2024

    YES. Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person. $500,000 / $500,000. Why We Like It. With most travel insurance, pre-existing conditions aren't covered. Specialized plans like Seven Corners & TinLeg ...

  14. Travel Insurance For Pre-Existing Condition Medical Coverage

    High blood pressure. Diabetes. Chronic illnesses, such as lupus. Arthritis. Trip coverage: In most cases, you'll need to insure 100% of your trip cost and add medical coverage to your policy to ...

  15. How To Get Travel Insurance For Pre-Existing Conditions

    Be honest and up-front. When you're applying for your insurance and are faced with the question about pre-existing medical conditions, honesty is the best policy. You must declare any pre-existing medical conditions to make sure it will be covered by your insurance. There are several ways you can accidentally void your cover, make sure this ...

  16. Travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions

    Insurance cover for pre-existing medical conditions varies widely. You may have to pay more to get cover for your pre-existing medical condition. Travel insurance is essential in the case of illness or injury while travelling. Overseas medical costs can be extortionate, and if you have an existing medical condition, it increases the chance you ...

  17. When Does Travel Insurance Cover Existing Medical Conditions?

    Travel insurance is more than a perk or a "nice to have." A travel insurance plan can save your travel investment if you must cancel your trip for covered health reasons caused by pre-existing medical conditions. But in order for this to happen, you'll need to select a plan that offers a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver, and also meet specified conditions.

  18. The best travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions

    The best travel insurance for pre-existing conditions. In the following comparison table, we have compared some of the best medical travel insurance providers. This list is not extensive and other providers can be compared on comparison sites such as PayingTooMuch* or MoneySuperMarket*. For medical travel insurance specialists check out the ...

  19. Travel Insurance For Pre-Existing Conditions

    You are medically able to travel when your travel insurance policy is purchased. To ensure you've purchased the coverage needed for your trip, including coverage for your pre-existing medical condition, please read your policy's description of coverage closely. Should you have any questions about the waiver, call us at 1.800.826.5248.

  20. Travel Insurance With Medical Conditions

    What is considered a pre-existing medical condition? A pre-existing medical condition is an illness or injury that exists before, or at the time, you take out an insurance policy. We'll run you through the most important factors to consider, so you can find the right travel insurance for medical conditions policy to suit your needs.

  21. Best travel insurance if you have a medical condition 2024

    The insurer is unlikely to pay out claims arising from the ill health of a close friend or relative considered to have been caused by a pre-existing condition. But how 'pre-existing' is defined depends on the insurer. With some insurers, a condition, such as a heart condition, is thought of as 'pre-existing' if it predated buying the policy ...

  22. 11 Best Travel Insurance Companies Of March 2024

    AXA Assistance USA - Best for Baggage. Generali Global Assistance - Great for Pre-Existing Medical Condition Coverage. HTH Worldwide - Best for Trip Interruption. Nationwide (Cruise Choice ...

  23. The Best Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

    Most Standard travel medical insurance policies contain what is commonly referred to as a "stability" clause. These clauses require your pre-existing medical conditions to be "stable" for a defined period of time prior to the date you leave on your trip. The stability period varies from policy to policy, but is often 90, 180 or even 365 ...

  24. The Best Student Travel Insurance

    Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Exclusion Waiver available at all plan levels. ... The best travel insurance for students studying abroad or traveling between semesters or even on holiday breaks ...

  25. Understanding What Travel Insurance Covers

    Travel insurance generally does not include coverage for pre-existing conditions. That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver, which we will talk about later. Baggage and personal ...

  26. How To Save Money On Travel Insurance If You're Over 60

    Some travel insurance companies offer reduced coverage for older travelers. For example, INF has policy maximums up to $250,000 for policyholders who are older than 70 to ease the concerns of ...