What To Know About Travel Insurance: Pre-Existing Condition Coverage

When you are planning a vacation trip, either domestic or abroad, there are many things you have to take care of including travel arrangements and accommodations. One more thing you should add to this list is a travel insurance. It financially secures you, your co-traveller and your valuables from the perils you might face during your trip. A benefit that you get in this insurance is pre-existing condition coverage.

What is it? And what should you know about it? Read below to know more.

What is pre-existing condition coverage?

One of the pre-requisites of travel insurance is declaring any pre-existing medical conditions that you might be suffering from. Doing so allows your medical condition to be covered by the insurance policy during your trip. The major pre-existing medical conditions covered by the insurance are:

1. Heart problems
2. Diabetes
3. Cancer

If you have any of these conditions, it would be beneficial to declare them to your insurer, thus making you entitled for the pre-existing medical coverage. *

What are the things you should know about the coverage?

Here are some of the things that you should be aware regarding the coverage:

1. Never travel against your doctor’s advice

Before planning a trip, if you happen to have a pre-existing medical condition, visit your doctor for a check-up and get their clearance. If the doctor feels that you should not make this trip, they will not give the go-ahead. Insurers usually ask for the doctor’s clearance for people with pre-existing conditions. Giving false information could mean that your condition will not be covered by the insurance. *

1. Always be open about your conditions

Maintaining transparency can benefit you a lot when purchasing the insurance before your travel. Be sure to mention the health conditions that you are suffering from. Doing so ensures trustworthiness, and allows you to enjoy the benefit of the coverage. If you hide information about your pre-existing medical conditions and you fall sick due to them during the trip, your claim could end up being rejected by the insurer. Also, be sure to check the list of conditions that are covered by the insurance. *

1. Avoid travelling to banned countries

The foreign ministry of your country bans travels to a specific country due to factors such as war, terrorism or political instability. If you are planning a trip to any such country, make sure to stay updated with the list of countries that are not allowed for travel. If you travel to any such country despite foreign ministry’s advisory, your insurer will not cover the trip. Especially if you are travelling with a pre-existing medical condition. You can check the foreign ministry’s website to know more about which countries are not allowed for travelling to. *

1. Opt for individual insurance

If you are planning a trip with your family, group insurance would be beneficial as it provides coverage to multiple members under one policy and costs less. However, if there is a senior citizen in the group with a pre-existing medical coverage, your insurer might increase the premium due to the cost of the medical condition. In such situations, it is better to opt for individual insurance for that member. If there is a senior citizen in the group, go for travel insurance for senior citizens that is more suitable for them. *

The next time you are planning a trip and happen to be suffering from a pre-existing medical condition, be sure to keep these things in mind. If your trip is domestic, you could opt for a domestic travel insurance that offers this coverage as well. *

* Standard T&C Apply

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.