Travel Insurance that covers pre-existing conditions

Additional information about pre existing condition insurance coverage

Unlike ACA-health plans or nationalized healthcare, international health insurance and travel insurance plans are not required to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Travel plans are primarily for new injuries or illnesses suffered while traveling. Whether they are due to a mugging, an accident or fall, or an unexpected occurrence. Most travel insurance policies assume that you are healthy and able to travel. However, we realize that many individuals are under a doctor’s ongoing supervision. Some may be encouraged to take prescription medicine to control certain symptoms or as a precaution. They may have had a medical issue in the past but it is in remission or no longer a concern.

We always encourage you to call us or live chat if you have questions regarding your health coverage or that of a family member.

We are happy to advise you on plans and benefits that will best fit your needs

Many travel insurance plans include a benefit called “Acute Onset of a Pre-Existing Condition”. This means they cover up to a certain amount if you have a sudden and unexpected outbreak of a health issue that hasn’t been a problem or concern for some time. Or if it occurs spontaneously and without advance warning (either in the form of physician recommendations or symptoms), or if it is of short duration. Or if it progresses rapidly (requiring attention before returning home) and/or requires immediate medical attention. These travel medical benefits vary by plan.

Other plans, such as our GeoBlue Voyager Choice plan for U.S. residents, cover pre-existing conditions if a doctor clears you to travel. It does require you to be a U.S. resident making a trip from (and returning to) the USA. It also requires that you have a primary health insurance plan in order to purchase. (Note that Medicaid, Medical share plans, and V.A. health plans are not considered primary health insurance in order to use this plan). Maintenance medical care is not covered. Also not covered are medications prescribed for chronic and/or long-term medical conditions or Rx taken on an ongoing basis. While you must be cleared to travel and be following any doctor’s orders, there is no minimum amount of time on when you were last seen by a doctor for a medical condition prior to travel (for Voyager Choice).

Prescription drugs

You may want to make sure you ask your doctor for a written prescription and sealed medication in order to go through customs without difficulty. More about that here >>

The TSA also maintains a TSA Cares Help Line to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. TSA recommends that passengers call 72 hours ahead of travel for information about what to expect during screening. Travelers may call TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787-2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint.

For Non-U.S. residents and travelers

BUPA is another good pre existing condition insurance option for non-U.S. residents, including travel to the USA. This plan offers an available waiver form for pre-existing conditions and also covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions the same as any other medical claim. That form is available on this page. BUPA is also a good option for those looking for trip cancellation insurance that covers preexisting conditions. It is not available to residents of the USA or Canada, and you can’t have been seen for the condition in the last 6 months.

For Trip Cancellation for U.S. travelers with a pre-existing condition

For U.S travelers looking for a trip cancellation plan that offers some coverage for pre-existing conditions, check out the iTravel LX plan.

Another pre existing condition insurance plan – 3 options with acute onset benefits

Liaison International offers three options for those with pre-existing conditions up to 80+ years. If you are traveling with a companion, you can both be on one policy together (even if unrelated) instead of having to sign up individually. However, due to state laws Liaison International is currently not available to residents of Maryland, Washington, New York, South Dakota, and Colorado.

Liaison International pays up to a specified limit for sudden, unexpected recurrences of a pre-existing condition. However, it does not cover known, required or expected treatment of any kind existent or necessary for 12-months prior to your coverage. It does cover acute onset of a pre-existing condition for non-United States residents in the United States up to a certain amount (based on plan selection).

Again, we are happy to help advise you or recommend a plan to fit your needs and travel.
Please feel free to reach out for help via phone, via email, or via live chat.