When you look for travel insurance, you may come across its various features and coverage. Most people often get confused while choosing the right travel insurance for them. Hence, we recommend you learn about the insurance and its coverage to ensure you are fully covered. One essential coverage of travel insurance is pre-existing medical conditions coverage. Here, we can discuss this coverage and its importance when travelling. 

What are Pre-Existing Conditions?    

First, start with pre-existing conditions. These conditions refer to any medical conditions or illnesses that a person has before obtaining travel insurance. In simple terms, the insurer will consider any health issues you were diagnosed with 48 months or less as a pre-existing disease. It includes chronic illnesses, previous surgeries, ongoing treatments, or any other health conditions for which the insured individual has got diagnosed or received medical care. You can get travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions. It will serve as extra protection for your medical condition when travelling to another country. 

Is Declaring PED to Insurer Necessary?

Declaring pre-existing conditions (PED) to the insurer is necessary when purchasing any form of insurance, including travel insurance. A pre-existing condition refers to a person's health condition or illness before obtaining the insurance policy. It can include any health condition that has been diagnosed or treated.

You must disclose PED to the insurer as it allows them to accurately assess the risk associated with covering an individual with pre-existing conditions. The insurer can determine the appropriate coverage and premiums by knowing about these conditions. Failing to disclose PED can have serious consequences. It may result in the denial of claims or the cancellation of coverage. Insurers rely on accurate and complete information to make informed decisions about coverage and to ensure fairness and sustainability in the insurance system.

Furthermore, declaring PED helps protect the insured individual. By providing accurate information about your health, you ensure receiving the appropriate coverage for your specific needs. It allows the insurer to set the terms and conditions of coverage, including any limitations or exclusions related to pre-existing conditions. This transparency helps avoid potential disputes or claim denials based on non-disclosure.

Are Pre-Existing Diseases Covered by Travel Insurance?

Coverage for pre-existing conditions can vary among travel insurance policies. Some policies may cover pre-existing conditions, while others may have exclusions. You should carefully review the terms and conditions of the policy to understand how pre-existing conditions get addressed. It includes checking for specific limitations, waiting periods, or exclusions related to pre-existing conditions.

In some cases, insurers may provide coverage for pre-existing conditions if certain criteria get met. For instance, they may require the policy to get purchased within a specified timeframe after making the initial trip deposit. It ensures that individuals cannot wait until they develop a medical issue before seeking coverage. Insurers may also consider covering pre-existing conditions if the condition has been stable for a certain time.

It’s worth noting that some travel insurance policies may offer the option to purchase a separate add-on or rider specifically for coverage of pre-existing conditions. It allows individuals with pre-existing conditions to obtain additional coverage tailored to their needs.

However, you should also note that travel insurance policies may permanently exclude certain pre-existing diseases or conditions from coverage. Each insurance provider has their own list of excluded conditions, and it is crucial to understand these exclusions before purchasing a policy.

Conclusion

When buying travel insurance, you must understand the coverage for pre-existing conditions. Declaring pre-existing conditions to the insurer is essential to ensure proper coverage and avoid potential claim denials. Each insurance policy may have different provisions regarding pre-existing conditions, so it’s essential to carefully read the policy documents and seek clarification from the insurer.