Get travel insurance for pre-existing conditions
Travelling with a pre-existing condition doesn’t need to be stressful. Get a comprehensive travel insurance plan tailored to your personal needs, so you can take on your trip with peace of mind.
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Matt Hands, VP, Insurance and MoneySense
What is travel insurance for pre-existing conditions?
Travel insurance for pre-existing conditions provides coverage for individuals who have existing medical conditions prior to their trip. This type of medical travel insurance ensures that emergencies related to these conditions are covered, allowing you to travel without worry. Coverage includes hospitalization, physician services, prescription drugs, and more. Additionally, protection against trip cancellation or interruption can be added to your plan.
What is a pre-existing condition for travel insurance?
A pre-existing condition for travel insurance is any sickness, injury, or medical condition that existed before the start of your coverage. This applies regardless of whether the condition was diagnosed by a physician, as long as you showed signs or symptoms of it or received medical attention.
Stability period requirements for travel insurance
Insurance companies usually require your condition to remain "stable" or unchanged for a certain number of days before your coverage takes effect. This stability period can range from seven days to a year, depending on the insurer. Check with your insurance provider about the specific terms you need to meet, but a condition may be is considered stable if:
- There has been no deterioration of the medical condition.
- There have been no new or more frequent symptoms.
- There has been no change in treatment or alteration of medication.
- No treatment was received, prescribed, or recommended by a physician.
- There are no pending lab results or diagnostics.
- There has been no hospitalization or referral to a specialist.
Conditions not eligible for travel insurance coverage
Even with a waiver, some conditions may not be covered by travel insurance, such as Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, depression, pregnancy, conditions related to alcohol or drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, and certain heart and lung conditions. Be sure to review your specific case with an insurance representative.
How to get coverage for a pre-existing condition travel insurance
If you require coverage for a pre-existing condition, consider the following options:
- Pre-existing medical condition waiver
Purchase your policy within a set timeframe, insure the full non-refundable costs of the trip, and be able to travel on the date of purchase to waive pre-existing condition exclusions.
- Individual underwriting
Some insurers offer a detailed medical questionnaire that, once reviewed, can provide customized travel insurance coverage.
- Reduction of stability period
Available as an add-on, this option reduces the required stability period before a pre-existing condition is covered.
- Pre-existing condition exclusion
Some insurers offer options to exclude a specific organ or system affected by the pre-existing condition in return for a lower premium.
Can I get travel insurance with a pre-existing condition?
Yes, it’s possible to secure travel insurance if you have a pre-existing condition. Availability and coverage terms may differ from provider to provider. Travel insurance quotes are generally calculated for healthy individuals, so expect to pay higher rates if your health status isn't optimal.
It's crucial to disclose your pre-existing condition ahead of time. Many travel insurance companies require you to complete a medical questionnaire. Ensure accuracy in your responses to avoid denied claims when you need them most.
And additionally, many plans require your condition to be stable for a set period (e.g., 90 days) before coverage kicks in. Speak to an insurance representative for more details on coverage options while travelling with a pre-existing condition.
Types of travel insurance plans for pre-existing conditions
Any traveller has several options for travel insurance plans. Here are three common types of policies in Canada:
Single-trip insurance
Covers you for the duration of one trip, from the policy start date to the policy end date.
Multi-trip insurance
Also known as an annual plan, this policy covers you for all trips within a year, but each trip may have a duration limit (e.g. 30 days).
Top-up insurance
Provides additional protection on top of any existing coverage you may already have (e.g. credit card travel insurance).
Specialized coverage for Canadian travellers
Canadian travel insurance with pre-existing condition: Look for travel insurance policies that are designed to meet the unique needs of Canadian travellers, offering comprehensive coverage for pre-existing conditions whether you're travelling domestically or internationally.
Travel insurance for Canadian seniors with pre-existing medical conditions: Seniors deserve to travel worry-free. Look for specialized plans for Canadian seniors that provide thorough coverage for a wide range of pre-existing medical conditions, ensuring peace of mind during your travels.
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Common coverages in travel insurance for pre-existing conditions
- Hospital fees
If you end up in the hospital during your trip, travel insurance can cover related expenses such as physician fees and room occupancy.
- Ambulance services
Travel insurance can cover the cost of an ambulance and transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility.
- Diagnostic services
Coverage includes various diagnostic services such as MRI scans, X-rays, and ultrasounds that you may no longer have health coverage for.
- Prescription drugs
If you need to fill an emergency prescription while away from home, your travel insurance can cover these costs.
- Emergency dental care
Travel insurance can help pay for emergency dental care needs, ensuring you're not left with a hefty bill abroad.
- Emergency transportation home
Aside from ambulance services, travel insurance can cover the cost of an emergency return home or pay for a companion to fly out to your bedside.
Other types of travel insurance for travellers with pre-existing conditions
In addition to medical coverage, consider other types of travel policies such as trip interruption insurance, trip cancellation insurance, and baggage insurance. Many providers offer these options along with their medical plan as one premium package.
How much is travel insurance for Canadian travellers with pre-existing conditions?
The cost of travel insurance for those with pre-existing conditions varies. Generally, the more risk you and your trip bring, the higher the cost. Here are some factors that impact your insurance quote:
- Age: Older travellers may face higher premiums due to increased risk.
- Health status: Pre-existing conditions can lead to higher rates due to added risk.
- Destination: Traveling to high-risk areas can increase the cost of insurance.
- Trip cost: Expensive trips come with higher insurance costs, especially for cancellation and interruption coverage.
- Trip duration: Longer trips increase the possibility of an emergency, leading to higher rates.
- Coverage options: All-inclusive plans are more expensive than basic medical plans, and higher coverage limits come at an added cost.
Exclusions of pre-existing conditions for travel insurance
Travel insurance companies often exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage, which is a common reason for denial of claims. You don't need an official diagnosis for something to be considered a pre-existing condition; if your medical records show reported symptoms that were later diagnosed, the condition may be deemed ineligible for coverage.
For instance, if you were diagnosed with high blood pressure and prescribed medication, your insurance provider might require a 30-day stability period before your trip for the condition to be covered. If there is any change in your medication dosage within those 30 days, your condition is no longer considered stable and will not be covered without additional coverage.