Pre-Existing Conditions & Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

Key takeaways

• Travel insurance policies that include pre-existing condition waivers may cover the costs of trip interruption or cancellation, medical emergencies, and medical evacuation resulting from the medical condition.
• To qualify for that waiver, most policies require you to purchase coverage within a specific timeframe after making your initial trip deposit.
• Since waiver availability, eligibility rules, and coverage details all vary by provider, comparing plans side by side is essential to find the coverage you need.

What counts as a pre-existing medical condition?

Most travel insurance providers define a pre-existing condition fairly broadly: any health issue, illness, or injury a person has shown symptoms of, been diagnosed with, or been treated for before their trip.

It’s a common assumption that this only applies to conditions you’re actively being treated for. In reality, even noticeable but undiagnosed symptoms can count if they’re the kind that a reasonable person would have gotten checked out.

Common examples of pre-existing conditions may include:

• Asthma
• Autoimmune disorders
• Cancer
• Chronic respiratory conditions
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure

How do insurance companies determine if a condition is pre-existing?

When determining whether a condition qualifies as pre-existing, insurers look back at your medical history during what’s called a “look-back period.” This period is typically 60, 90, or 180 days before you bought your policy, though it can vary by provider. 

Depending on the policy, insurers may consider:

• Diagnostic testing
• Doctor visits
• Medical treatment
• Prescription medication changes
• Symptoms that prompted medical evaluation

If your condition wasn’t stable during the look-back period, it will be treated as pre-existing and foreseeable, which usually excludes it from coverage.

There’s an important exception worth knowing, though: a condition that’s effectively managed (with, say, consistent prescription medication) generally isn’t treated as pre-existing. Most plans will cover it, as long as your treatment and dosage haven’t changed during the look-back period.

Exact definitions (including the duration of the look-back period and what counts as “stable”) vary by insurer, so it’s important to review your specific policy certificate closely rather than assuming your health condition is both pre-existing and covered. You can also compare policies’ look-back periods side by side in our quote comparison tool.

Can you get travel insurance with a pre-existing condition?

Yes, in most cases. Having a pre-existing condition doesn’t prevent you from buying a policy. What it does affect is whether claims tied to that condition are actually covered. That comes down to your policy’s terms and whether you qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver. Without one, claims connected to that condition are typically excluded from coverage.

What is a pre-existing condition waiver?

A pre-existing condition waiver is a policy provision that can extend coverage to claims related to a pre-existing medical condition. If you qualify, the insurer essentially agrees not to apply the standard pre-existing condition exclusion to your covered claims.

For travelers managing an ongoing health condition, this can be one of the most valuable benefits a policy offers, and it typically doesn’t cost extra to add, as long as you qualify.

How does a pre-existing condition waiver work?

A waiver typically removes the policy’s exclusion for pre-existing medical conditions once you meet certain requirements, which can include:

• Buying your travel insurance policy within a specific number of days after your first trip deposit
• Insuring the full, prepaid, nonrefundable cost of your trip
• Being medically able to travel at the time you purchase coverage

Requirements vary by plan, so this is one section of your policy certificate worth reading carefully rather than skimming. Additionally, keep in mind that waivers are time-sensitive. If you miss your plan’s purchase window, the option is generally off the table for that trip.

What happens if you don’t qualify for a waiver?

Your policy can still offer valuable protection even without a pre-existing condition waiver. It just means claims specifically tied to your pre-existing condition may not be covered.

For example, if you have to cancel because of complications from a condition the policy considers pre-existing, reimbursement likely won’t apply.

Because policies differ so much on this, be sure to review the details carefully before purchasing a plan.

What does travel insurance cover if you have a pre-existing condition?

Coverage depends on your specific policy and whether you qualify for a waiver. Generally, a plan may offer benefits like:

• Trip cancellation
• Trip interruption
• Emergency medical expenses
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Travel delays
• Baggage loss and delay

If your condition qualifies under a waiver, eligible claims related to that condition may be covered as well.

What about pre-existing conditions in family members who aren’t traveling with you?

This one often surprises people!

Some plans extend pre-existing condition rules to non-traveling family members, if their illness is what forces you to cancel or cut your trip short. Coverage here varies quite a bit by plan and may hinge on that same look-back period, or on whether the family member’s condition took an unforeseen turn for the worse.

Since this varies so much, it’s worth checking your specific plan’s wording regarding pre-existing conditions in family members who won’t be traveling with you.

When should you buy travel insurance for a pre-existing condition?

The best time to purchase travel insurance is shortly after making your initial trip deposit.

Many plans offer pre-existing condition waivers only if coverage is purchased within a designated time window, often up to 14 or 21 days after your first trip payment.

Buying early may also provide additional benefits, including eligibility for certain optional coverages and financial protection against unforeseen events that occur before departure.

How to compare travel insurance plans for pre-existing conditions

There are a few things worth considering when comparing travel insurance plans side by side:

• Whether a waiver is available, and what it takes to qualify
• The length of look-back periods
• Emergency medical coverage limits
• Emergency evacuation limits
• Trip cancellation benefits
• Trip interruption benefits
• Coverage exclusions

How to buy travel insurance with a pre-existing condition

There are some general guidelines when looking for coverage with a pre-existing condition:

1. Determine your total prepaid, nonrefundable trip cost.
2. Compare plans that offer pre-existing condition waivers.
3. Review policy certificates carefully.
4. Confirm eligibility requirements before purchasing.
5. Purchase coverage as soon as possible after making your initial trip deposit.

InsureMyTrip tip: In our quote comparison tool, you can filter results by policies that offer a pre-existing condition waiver. 

Frequently asked questions

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

A pre-existing condition is generally a medical condition for which you received a diagnosis, treatment, care, medical advice, or prescription medication during a specified look-back period before purchasing your travel insurance policy. Look-back periods vary by policy, but are often 60, 90, or 180 days.

Can travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?

Yes, many plans can, as long as they offer a pre-existing condition waiver and you meet the eligibility requirements, including having a condition that was considered stable during the look-back period.

How soon should I buy travel insurance to qualify for a waiver?

Many policies require you to purchase travel insurance within 14 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit to qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver. This varies by insurer, so it’s worth double-checking your specific plan’s window.

Do all travel insurance plans offer pre-existing condition waivers?

No. Some policies offer waivers, while others don’t. Eligibility requirements and waiver provisions also vary between plans.

Can I get travel insurance if I have a chronic illness?

Yes, plenty of travelers with chronic conditions purchase travel insurance. Comparing plans that offer pre-existing condition waivers is the best place to start. Just know that you typically need to be medically able to travel, and your condition generally needs to have been stable at the time of purchase to qualify for the waiver.

Does emergency medical coverage include pre-existing conditions?

It can, if you qualify for a waiver and meet all the policy’s requirements. Otherwise, claims related to pre-existing conditions may be excluded.

Is travel insurance worth it if I have a pre-existing condition?

For many travelers, yes. Look for a plan with a pre-existing condition waiver to get your condition covered specifically. Even if you don’t qualify for one, your policy can still offer benefits for other covered situations, like new illnesses or injuries, severe weather, trip cancellations, and general travel disruptions.