Are Pre-existing Medical Conditions Covered by Travel Insurance
Are Pre-existing Medical Conditions Covered by Travel Insurance.Tourism is an adventurous process that gives the travel and human host a chance to new sceneries, tastes and features. However, for those with health complications, this is also a possibility that their health will be at risk during travel and if their Medical expenses will be catered abroad in case of an emergency. While travel insurance offers a comprehensive protection especially in case of medical evacuation, coverage for pre existing conditions may not be clear cut.
In this article, we will explore whether travel insurance provides coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, different options to consider, and things that those with a pre-existing condition should be aware of before traveling.
What exactly does Pre-existing Medical Condition Mean?
There are many definitions of a pre existing medical condition, simply put a pre existing medical condition is any illness, injury, or medical condition that existed before the start of your travel insurance policy. It can be a long-term illness like diabetes, heart disease, asthma, cancer, high blood pressure or even mental conditions like depression or anxiety.
Each travel insurance provider defines pre-existing conditions differently, but in general, a condition is considered pre-existing if:
It was diagnosed or treated before the purchase of the policy If it did the policyholder should have disclosed that to the insurance company.
It is an important condition of which you had prior knowledge and agreed upon when purchasing the insurance.
You have been going for treatment for the condition, you are on medication or you have been visiting the doctor for checkup.
Can I Get Travel Insurance If I Have A Pre-existing Condition?
This question has a sophisticated answer. For the most part, there is a general understanding that regular travel insurance will not extend coverage to pre-existing medical conditions. There are exceptions though and most if not all travel insurance companies will have something to offer to cater for pre-existing conditions where they can. Alright, patriarchs: let’s analyze the options.
1. The standard TRAVEL INSURANCE POLICIES
Unfortunately, the majority of standard travel insurance policies do not cover pre-existing medical conditions. Therefore, in case, you are admitted to hospital for treatment of such illness during your trip, the insurance company may decline to pay for the expenses. For instance, if you have diabetes and you develop an emergency issue that requires admission to the hospital, a standard policy might not pay the medical bill arising from that episode.
2. Pre-existing Condition Waiver
Almost all insurance companies offer a pre-existing condition waiver that covers pre-existing medical conditions given that certain procedures are followed. To qualify for a waiver, you typically need to:
Purchase the policy within a specific time frame: The waiver is generally in effect only if the travel insurance is purchased soon after the trip has been planned and booked, ideally within 10 to 21 days.
Be medically stable: This means that during the weeks before your trip, your symptoms have not become worse or you have not had to make drastic changes to your dosage or type of medication you take.
Meet the eligibility criteria: That is why every insurer will have the specific standards that you have to meet in order to get the PEC waived including presenting evidence that you are fit for travel and that the condition is well managed.
If you are eligible to be waived, then pre-existing conditions will be not to be seen as excluded from your travel insurance and am enabled to receive treatment for medical emergencies concerning the conditions during the trip.
3. Pre Existing Medical Condition and Other Specified Travel Insurance
Sometimes, the consumers may require having travel insurance that comes with covers for needy conditions. These policies are mainly used to provide a health plan to those who possess a certain disease or illnesses. These policies are usually slightly more costly than regular policies because of the added risk, but they offer financial security in that neither routine treatment for your condition, nor emergency care whilst abroad, will be unaffordable.
These policies may cover:
Crisis care in regard to your situation.
Those prescription medications that require a refill from time to time.
Sudden changes to an itinerary because of a medical event.
4. Annual Travel Insurance Offered with Pre-existing Condition maxWidth
If one is a frequent traveler who has a pre-existing condition, then the best option is to take an annual travel insurance plan that has this condition covered. These policies cover you for any number of trips from one year, and also for ongoing medical issues or complications of your condition. This could be cheaper and less of a hassle than having to buy the insurance for a one way trip every time you embark on a journey.
Are Pre-existing Medical Conditions Covered by Travel Insurance
Are Pre-existing Medical Conditions Covered by Travel Insurance
Two Increasingly Popular Factors That may Affect Pre-existing Condition Coverage
Different pre-existing conditions are handled differently by insurance companies. Several factors influence whether a travel insurance provider will cover a pre-existing condition and how much the policy will cost:
1. The Severity of the Condition
Chronic illnesses that maybe managed easily using medical and preventive care may be covered more than serious complicated diseases like heart disease or any kind of cancer. Companies determine the probability of a medical complication during the coverage period and rate the prices correspondingly.
2. Medical Stability
Insurance companies will usually want to know that you have had the condition for some time before the trip. Stability means no new disease features, no disease progression, no change in pharmacological or other therapy. For instance, if you have a history of a heart attack you might not get to be covered under most policies if the attack was within the last three months.
3. Age
The elderly, especially those who are above 60 or 70 years of age, may be charged a little higher or even they may be given a list of exclusions because there are higher chances that their health will act up during their travel. A few insurance companies also have a policy of such medical conditions that may not be covered if one is above a certain age.
4. Destination
It also depends with the area you are traveling to this has a close relationship with the type of policy that you have. Also, depending on the country you are visiting (like the United States), the cost of premiums attributable to pre-existing conditions will still be inflated regardless of other additional expenses. Insurance companies base their rates on the cost of treatment in the country of destination.
5. Length of Trip
To an extent, the longer the trip the more likely the family may experience a medical crisis. People are charged more premium or their pre-existing conditions are excluded from the insurance policy if the trips are going to take longer.
Best Travel Insurance Insurance For Pre Existing Condition
Selecting the best travel insurance policy for the existing medical conditions involves some aspects. Here are some steps to help you choose the best coverage:
1. Full Disclosure
This is especially true when applying for travel insurance, you should not lie, or even exaggerate your medical history. This means that any brought forward sickness that you have will not be catered for and hence you may have to part with your pocket cash whenever you are sick. Physician reviews – give detailed account of all your illnesses, prescriptions and therapies.
2. Compare Policies
Most travel insurance companies do not have the same policies when it comes to pre-existing conditions. Do some research and check the offers of other companies and insurers. Search for policies that come with a pre-existing condition exclusion clause or a specialist inclusion. It’s important to draw attention to the peculiarities of the policy documents to know what is included and what is not.
3. Check Policy Exclusions
When it comes to travel insurance policies exclusions are always present and pre existing conditions are usually high on the list. When it comes to diseases, try to see which situations are completely ruled out in relation to your condition, and which are restricted. It is still possible for some of these policies to eliminate specific treatments, including baseline care for a persistent condition.
4. Review the Coverage Limits
It is also important to make sure the policy offers adequate coverage starting with emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and Medical Evacuation coverage. Medical expenses in foreign countries might be cheaper or might not be and it’s better to avoid getting into a situation where your insurance does not suffice for the medical bills in case of a critical condition.
5. Ask About Additional Benefits
Other travel insurance benefits include coverage for trip cancellations if you cannot travel due to your condition. This can be helpful when your condition worsens and you are unable to set out for the journey.
Conclusion
Those who are travelling with certain disabilities or chronic illnesses should make sure to get proper insurance. In fact it is quite common to find broad travel insurance not including pre-existing medical conditions, however there are still possibilities for its inclusion: pre-existing conditions exclusion, specialist travel insurance and annual travel policies for frequent travelers. The best way is to describe your condition fully, then find which policy to buy and which one to reject based on your needs, what situations are covered or not and how much will it cost you.
Knowing your insurance and making the appropriate decision will allow you to travel knowing you are covered for any medical necessity.