Travel Insurance And Pre-Existing Conditions: What’s Covered?

When we think of travel insurance, we think of coverage against flight cancellations, luggage loss, and so on, but travel insurance also covers medical emergencies. However, when pre-existing conditions are involved, the coverage could be limited. 

A pre-existing condition is an illness or injury diagnosed by a physician not more than 36 months prior to the policy start date and for which medical advice or treatment was recommended by, or received from, a physician, not more than 36 months prior to the date of commencement of the policy. 

What Is Covered

“Typically, insurers cover pre-existing conditions only during life-threatening situations and with a restricted sum insured limit. The treatment for these life-threatening measures would be paid till the time the insured becomes medically stable or is relieved from acute pain,” says Chandrakant Said, vice president, consumer underwriting, TATA AIG General Insurance. 

So, typically, basic travel insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions the way your health insurance at home would. “Some companies provide limited coverage for life-threatening emergencies during travel, even if they are caused by a pre-existing condition. This may be included with some plans or available as an add-on for an extra fee,” says Arti Mulik, Chief Technical Officer, Universal Sompo General Insurance. Usually, no additional premium is charged to cover pre-existing conditions in life-threatening situations. 

Full disclosure is required to qualify. Applicants are required to disclose all relevant medical history when the policy is purchased. Based on the nature and extent of the condition, the insurer will offer coverage under some conditions and stipulations or exclusions or demand further medical details before issuing the policy.

What Is Not Covered

Travel undertaken against medical advice and illnesses whereby the patient is waiting for treatment or an operation. Also, advanced-stage terminal diseases with poor prognosis are not covered. 

“Also not covered are costs associated with cosmetic procedures, experimental treatments, or substance abuse treatment. You should read carefully the conditions and stipulations set out in the policy's fine print to know what is and is not covered, particularly with pre-existing health conditions,” says Mulik. Trip cancellations due to pre-existing conditions or emergency evacuations due to such conditions will also not be covered.