Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions
Travelers frequently ask us about pre-existing conditions and for good reason. Many people travel with existing medical conditions, and the right travel insurance can make all the difference if something goes wrong.
The good news? Most comprehensive travel insurance plans do cover pre-existing medical conditions, as long as you qualify for a Pre-Existing Condition Waiver.
Below is a guide to how pre-existing conditions work, how to qualify for coverage, and which travel insurance plans are best known for offering it.
What Is a Pre-Existing Condition?
In travel insurance, a pre-existing condition is any illness, injury, or medical condition that existed before you bought your plan and was documented in your medical records.
That includes:
- Diagnosed illnesses
- New or changed medications
- Medical treatments or tests
- Recommendations for future tests or care
Most insurers look at whether your condition was “stable” during a specific look-back period before your plan purchase.
What Does “Stable” Mean?
A condition is considered stable if, during the look-back period, there are:
- No new symptoms or diagnoses
- No medication changes
- No treatments, tests, or pending results
If your condition was stable, and you meet a few timing requirements, you may qualify for full coverage.
What Is a Pre-Existing Condition Waiver?
A Pre-Existing Condition Waiver removes the exclusion that would normally prevent coverage for medical issues related to your health history.
With a waiver:
- Emergency medical care related to a stable condition can be covered
- Claims are processed faster
- There’s no extra cost
Without a waiver, insurers can review your medical history and deny claims linked to past conditions.
What Is a Look-Back Period?
The look-back period is the time (usually 60–180 days) before you buy your plan that insurers review your medical records.
If a condition changed or required treatment during that window, and you don’t have a waiver, it likely won’t be covered.
How to Qualify for a Pre-Existing Condition Waiver
Most travelers qualify automatically if they:
- Buy travel insurance early (typically within 10–21 days of the first trip deposit)
- Are medically fit to travel on the day they purchase
- Insure the full, prepaid cost of the trip
- Provide accurate trip details
Important: Waivers are time-sensitive benefits. Miss the purchase window, and they’re gone.
What About Non-Traveling Family Members?
Some plans extend pre-existing condition rules to non-traveling family members if their illness causes you to cancel or interrupt your trip.
Coverage varies by plan and may be based on:
- A look-back period or
- An unforeseen worsening of a condition
Always check the plan wording carefully.
Documentation for Claims Involving Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
If you file a claim related to a pre-existing condition, having the right paperwork ready can make the process faster and smoother. Below are the most common claim types and what insurers typically require.
Emergency Medical Care
You need medical treatment while traveling.
- Completed claim form
- Proof of trip (itinerary or receipts)
- Note from the attending physician during your trip
- Relevant medical records
- Itemized medical bills
Trip Interruption
A medical emergency forces you to cut your trip short and return home.
- Completed claim form
- Proof of trip
- Physician’s note from the treating doctor during the trip
- Relevant medical records
- Itemized medical bills
Trip Cancellation (Traveler)
A medical emergency prevents you from starting your trip.
- Completed claim form
- Proof of trip
- Doctor’s note confirming inability to travel
- Relevant medical records
- Medical bills, if applicable
Trip Cancellation (Non-Traveling Family Member)
A serious illness or death of a non-traveling family member forces you to cancel.
- Completed claim form
- Proof of scheduled trip
- Death certificate or medical documentation
Pro Tip: If you need medical care while traveling, contact your travel insurance company as soon as possible. They can guide you through next steps and explain documentation needs. In many cases, travelers pay out of pocket first and are reimbursed later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is age a pre-existing condition?
No. Age can affect price or coverage limits, but it is not a medical condition.
Is pregnancy a pre-existing condition?
No, but pregnancy is considered foreseen. Routine pregnancy isn’t covered, though complications may be.
Is travel insurance still worth it if I have a pre-existing condition?
Absolutely, especially if you qualify for a waiver.
Final Takeaway
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, travel insurance can still protect you, but timing matters. Buy early, insure the full trip cost, and choose a plan with a Pre-Existing Condition Waiver.
If you’re unsure which plan is right, our licensed travel insurance agents are happy to help.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article serves as a general overview of benefits and should only be used for informational purposes. Refer to your individual certificate of insurance for specific coverages, exclusions and benefits. When in doubt, please contact one of our licensed agents for additional assistance.
Question
What if we book say a 14 day cruise 18 month out and buy insurance which for us would be pretty expensive, but cancel the cruise (changed our mind) 12 month out where we would get all of our deposit back, we would be out the premium for the insurance. Right? Or can you cancel the insurance also??
By Maria - March 14, 2018
Answer
Generally, the insurance is only refundable within 10-15 days from when the policy is purchased. The "Review Period" is listed on each policy and can vary depending on the state you live in.
By MattG - March 15, 2018
Question
We are traveling to Aruba in the fall. Both me and my husband have Medicare primary and Mutual of Omaha secondary. Do we need to buy Health Insurance and Transportation Insurance back to the US for this trip should we need to return to the US for medical care? We understand Medicare does not pay in Aruba.
By BrendaB - July 17, 2018
Answer
If you have no existing medical coverage at your travel destination, it is highly suggested to obtain a travel medical plan for your trip. Please fill out the quote form on our home page, www.insuremytrip.com with your trip details and once you arrive on the results page, please view the plans under the medical tab. Our single trip medical plans provide both medical and medical evacuation coverage when traveling outside of your home country.
By MattG - July 18, 2018
Question
I just booked a cruise, and I am purchasing travel insurance. I have a question, and the cruise company suggested I ask you directly. My mother is 93 and healthy. She is not traveling with me, However my concern is always that if something serious should happen to her either right before my trip or during my trip, would I be covered by trip cancellation?
By NancyP - January 24, 2019
Answer
Yes. The number one covered reason for Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption is the unforeseen illness or injury of you or a traveling companion that deems you unfit to travel, by order of a licensed physician; or the unforeseen hospitalization or death of a family member. To see all of the covered reasons to cancel or interrupt your trip, please click on the dollar amount that appears under the words "Trip Cancellation" when viewing a quote. This applies to all comprehensive policies we offer and it extends to non-traveling family members. Trip Cancellation reimburses 100%.
By MattG - January 24, 2019
Question
Is this per trip insurance only or can you also get an annual multi trip plan with a pre existing condition
By Bruce - April 15, 2020
Answer
Comprehensive plans that offer coverage for pre-existing conditions (through a pre-existing condition waiver) are available on a per-trip basis only. All eligibility requirements must be met in order to qualify for the pre-existing condition waiver such as, but not limited to, insuring the full cost of your trip, purchasing your plan within 10-21 days after making your initial trip payment and being medically fit a the time the policy was purchased.
By Meghan - April 21, 2020
Question
If I want to purchase comprehensive insurance with the pre-exisiting waiver, it says to cover the full non-refundable cost of the trip. What if I have only paid a small deposit on a cruise. May I purchase the insurance based on the cost of the deposit (within the 10-21 days after the initial payment) and as I make additional payments, increase the policy cost and meet the requirement for the pre-existing waiver?
By PatriciaT - April 23, 2020
Answer
Yes, you can purchase your insurance now and insure the amount you have paid out of pocket so far and increase the insured trip cost as you make future payments. There are a few requirements that must be met to qualify for the pre-existing conditions waiver, such as but not limited to, you (or anyone covered by the waiver) must be medically fit at the time the policy is purchased, insure the full cost of your trip and be purchasing the insurance within 10-21 days after making your initial payment/deposit. This time sensitive period may differ depending on the company. As you make future payments toward you trip, you will want to add those expenses to your policy (within 10-21 days after making the payment). It is important to read the full details of your policy which will include the time sensitive period and any other requirements to qualify for coverage. If you have questions while you are reviewing plans, please contact our Customer Care department at 800-487-4722.
By Meghan - April 24, 2020
Question
Can I purchase the insurance before purchasing ticket
By VeniceG - June 28, 2021
Answer
You have to have some sort of money spent towards the trip before buying a comprehensive policy. Comprehensive Plans are the most widely known form of coverage and are often called package plans. Typically, a Comprehensive Plan will offer a variety of benefits for travelers, covering a wide range of concerns. Most provide coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip interruption, Baggage loss, Medical, Dental, Emergency Evacuation, 24 Hour Traveler Assistance, Baggage Delay, Travel Delay, and Accidental Death. You can purchase most policies up until the day before departure, however; you may not be eligible for some time sensitive benefits if you do not purchase within 10-21 days of the initial trip deposit/payment. Some time sensitive benefits are, but not limited to: Pre-Existing Condition Waiver, Financial Default, Terrorism, Cancel For Any Reason and Cancel For Work Reasons.
By MattG - June 29, 2021
Question
If I book hotels for my trip that can be cancelled up to a day before my trip starts, do I have to include the cost of the hotels in my trip total
By Fran K - January 22, 2023
Answer
If you woke up on the day of departure and had to cancel the trip for a covered reason, whatever money you stand to lose on that day is what you would insure. Any travel arrangements that are fully refundable if you cancel on the day of departure does not need to be insured.
By MattG - January 25, 2023