Compare Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Travel Insurance
Updated 4 June 2023
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Summary
To help you understand how to buy the right policy, our guide covers the following:
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Summary
- Pre-existing conditions and travel insurance have a complex relationship, and the costs of ensuring you're covered can be significant. While a standard policy can seem cheap, adding on 'additional pre-existing conditions cover' can double, triple or even ten-fold the cost of the overall insurance.
- Finding travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions can be challenging, but with a clear understanding of your medical history, a thorough assessment of your options, and an open and honest dialogue with potential insurers, it's possible to find a policy that suits your needs. However, you'll need to be realistic and be prepared to pay - insurers don't like taking risks, and they protect themselves by charging significantly for many pre-existing conditions.
- In all interactions with potential insurers, you'll need to be upfront and honest about pre-existing conditions to ensure that protection is there when you need it and that claims are processed without pushback. You'll need to know exactly what medications you're on (and what they're for) if you want to make an accurate application and avoid problems if and when you claim.
To help you understand how to buy the right policy, our guide covers the following:
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Know This First: The Definition of a "Pre-Existing Condition"
- A pre-existing condition is any medical or health condition for which you have been diagnosed, received treatment, had symptoms, or sought advice before purchasing your travel insurance. This could range from minor conditions such as asthma or high cholesterol to more serious ailments like heart disease or cancer.
- The main reason it's important to declare any pre-existing conditions when you apply for travel insurance is because failure to do so could invalidate your policy. In addition, if you needed to make a claim related to your non-disclosed condition, your insurer might refuse to pay out, which can mean you incur significant costs and get no assistance from your insurer. For this reason, it's essential to be upfront and honest about your medical history, ongoing treatments and medication to ensure you're adequately covered.
Types of Pre-Existing Conditions
Some common pre-existing conditions that insurers might ask about include the following:
- Heart conditions (like angina or heart disease)
- Breathing conditions (such as asthma)
- Blood conditions (such as high cholesterol)
- Mental health conditions (like depression or anxiety)
- Neurological conditions (like epilepsy)
- Diabetes
- Cancer
Conditions that are Commonly Automatically Covered
Many travel insurers have a list of pre-existing conditions that they will automatically cover at no additional charge. These are usually well-controlled conditions, haven't required recent treatment, and are relatively low risk. Some examples might include mild asthma, certain allergies, or controlled high blood pressure. The list varies between insurers, so always check the policy wording.
MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh explains the pre-existing conditions covered automatically in AA Travel, Southern Cross Travel Insurance and Tower policies in the video below:
MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh explains the pre-existing conditions covered automatically in AA Travel, Southern Cross Travel Insurance and Tower policies in the video below:
Conditions that May Require Medical Assessment or Special Coverage
Other conditions may require a medical assessment or a special coverage. This is typically the case for conditions that are less stable, require regular treatment, or are more serious, such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. In these cases, the insurer might require you to complete a medical questionnaire or even seek information from your doctor.
Know This: Insurance companies need to understand the level of risk they are taking when they insure you; policies are priced based on risk, and a pre-existing condition could increase the likelihood of you needing medical treatment while you're travelling. By declaring all pre-existing conditions, you help the insurer set the policy terms and premium to reflect the actual risk.
MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh explains what AA Travel, Southern Cross Travel Insurance, and Tower policies require in the video below:
Know This: Insurance companies need to understand the level of risk they are taking when they insure you; policies are priced based on risk, and a pre-existing condition could increase the likelihood of you needing medical treatment while you're travelling. By declaring all pre-existing conditions, you help the insurer set the policy terms and premium to reflect the actual risk.
MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh explains what AA Travel, Southern Cross Travel Insurance, and Tower policies require in the video below:
Potential Consequences of Not Declaring These Conditions
If you don't declare a pre-existing condition and need to make a claim related to that condition later on, your insurer could refuse to pay the claim. In some cases, they might even cancel the policy altogether because the undisclosed condition could be seen as a breach of the contract on your part.
Assessing Pre-Existing Conditions
When assessing a pre-existing condition, insurance companies consider several factors, including the type of condition, its severity, stability, the treatment you're receiving, and its potential impact on your travel plans. This often involves a series of questions or a medical questionnaire you must complete during the application process. In some cases, they might even request additional information from your doctor.
As an example, Southern Cross Travel Insurance outlines its process here: LINK/PDF policy section.
Assessing Pre-Existing Conditions
When assessing a pre-existing condition, insurance companies consider several factors, including the type of condition, its severity, stability, the treatment you're receiving, and its potential impact on your travel plans. This often involves a series of questions or a medical questionnaire you must complete during the application process. In some cases, they might even request additional information from your doctor.
As an example, Southern Cross Travel Insurance outlines its process here: LINK/PDF policy section.
How the Assessment Impacts Your Coverage and Premium
The outcome of the assessment can affect both your coverage and your premium. For example, if your condition is considered high risk, the insurer might apply exclusions, meaning they won't cover claims related to it. Alternatively, they might offer to cover the condition for an additional premium. Sometimes, they might even decline to offer you coverage altogether.
Coverage of Pre-Existing Conditions
Coverage for pre-existing conditions varies widely among travel insurance policies. Some policies might cover pre-existing conditions without any extra charge, others might cover them for an additional premium, and others might exclude them from coverage altogether. The coverage usually extends to medical treatment, medication, and sometimes even repatriation back to New Zealand if required due to your pre-existing condition.
Scenarios or Conditions That Might Not Be Covered
There are some scenarios where your pre-existing condition might not be covered. For instance, if your condition isn't stable or has recently worsened, if you've been advised not to travel by a medical professional, or if you're waiting for treatment or test results, you might find it difficult to get coverage. Similarly, if you're travelling against medical advice or seeking medical treatment abroad, you're likely to be excluded from coverage.
Coverage of Pre-Existing Conditions
Coverage for pre-existing conditions varies widely among travel insurance policies. Some policies might cover pre-existing conditions without any extra charge, others might cover them for an additional premium, and others might exclude them from coverage altogether. The coverage usually extends to medical treatment, medication, and sometimes even repatriation back to New Zealand if required due to your pre-existing condition.
Scenarios or Conditions That Might Not Be Covered
There are some scenarios where your pre-existing condition might not be covered. For instance, if your condition isn't stable or has recently worsened, if you've been advised not to travel by a medical professional, or if you're waiting for treatment or test results, you might find it difficult to get coverage. Similarly, if you're travelling against medical advice or seeking medical treatment abroad, you're likely to be excluded from coverage.
How to Declare Pre-Existing Conditions When Applying for Travel Insurance
- Gather your medical information: Before you start your application, gather all the necessary information about your pre-existing conditions. This includes the exact diagnosis, when you were diagnosed, what treatment you're receiving, and any recent changes to your condition or treatment.
- Start your travel insurance application: Go to the insurer's website and start the process to get a quote.
- Answer the questions about pre-existing conditions: During the application process, you'll be asked if you have any pre-existing conditions. Answer honestly and provide as much detail as required.
- Complete a medical assessment if required: If the insurer needs more information, you might have to complete a medical assessment. This usually involves answering more detailed questions about your condition and treatment.
- Review the terms and conditions of the policy: Once the insurer has assessed your conditions, they'll provide the terms and conditions of your policy. Review these carefully to ensure you're happy with the coverage.
- Pay the premium: If you're happy with the terms and conditions, including any additional premium for covering your pre-existing conditions, you can then pay the premium, and your coverage will start.
MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh explains the process to disclose pre-existing conditions required by AA Travel, Southern Cross Travel Insurance and Tower in the video below:
Comparing and Choosing the Right Policy for Your Needs - Factors to Consider
When looking for travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions, consider the following factors:
- Coverage: Does the policy cover your specific pre-existing conditions? Are there any conditions that are excluded?
- Cost: What is the premium for the policy? Is there an additional cost to cover your pre-existing conditions? What you'll pay will vary - we suggest putting in the time to compare prices among trusted insurers to get the best price and coverage.
- Excess: How much is the excess if you need to make a claim related to your pre-existing condition?
- Limitations: Are there any limitations or restrictions related to your coverage, such as activities you're not allowed to do?
- Customer reviews: What do other customers have to say about their experience with the insurer, particularly in relation to claims related to pre-existing conditions?
Our Sample Pricing and the Differences Between Various Insurance Providers and Policy Options
Different insurance providers have different approaches to pre-existing conditions. Some might have a more extensive list of conditions they cover automatically, while others might be more restrictive. Similarly, some insurers might be more willing to cover high-risk conditions, albeit for a higher premium. The way they assess conditions can also differ, with some using a more detailed medical questionnaire than others. Finally, the customer service and claims process can also vary between insurers.
Case Examples
Case Examples
- Jane, who has well-controlled asthma: Jane's asthma is well-controlled and hasn't required hospital treatment, so her travel insurer covers it automatically with no extra charge.
- Peter, who was recently diagnosed with diabetes: Peter has to complete a medical assessment. Due to the recent diagnosis, the insurer decides to cover his diabetes for an additional cost.
- Margaret, who has heart disease: Margaret's heart disease is considered high-risk, so her insurer won't cover it. She decides to take out the policy anyway, understanding that she won't be covered for any claims related to her heart disease.
- Bryan, who didn't declare his high blood pressure: Bryan didn't declare his high blood pressure when he applied for travel insurance. When he has a stroke while travelling, his insurer refuses to pay his claim because he didn't declare the condition.
- Linda, who has cancer: Linda is waiting for cancer treatment, so she can't find an insurer willing to cover her. She decides to delay her travel plans until after her treatment when she can get coverage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pre-existing condition?
A pre-existing condition is any medical or health condition for which you have been diagnosed, received treatment, had symptoms, or sought advice before purchasing your travel insurance.
Why do I need to declare pre-existing conditions?
You need to declare pre-existing conditions to ensure you're adequately covered. Failure to do so could result in your insurer refusing to pay a claim related to the non-disclosed condition.
How do I declare a pre-existing condition?
You declare a pre-existing condition during the travel insurance application process. You'll be asked to provide details about your condition and treatment and, in some cases, complete a medical assessment.
Can I get travel insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?
Yes, you can often get travel insurance if you have a pre-existing condition, although the terms, conditions, and premiums can vary widely depending on the condition and insurer.
Will my pre-existing condition be covered by my travel insurance?
Whether a pre-existing condition is covered depends on the condition and the insurer. Some conditions might be covered automatically, while others might require an additional premium or might not be covered at all.
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