Decoding Pre-existing Conditions in Insurance (2024)

Travel health insurance is a type of insurance designed to cover the costs of health care when you are traveling abroad. It is often used to cover emergency and other types of care provided in other countries. Many types of health insurance exist, and the right policy for you depends on your needs.

What is a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is any injury, illness, or other medical condition that you have been diagnosed with or received treatment for before the start of your insurance coverage.

This can include a chronic condition, like diabetes or asthma, as well as a condition that has been resolved, like cancer.

In Health Insurance for Foreigners, pre-existing conditions are essential because they can affect your coverage. For example, if you have a pre-existing condition and need to cancel your trip, you may not be covered if that condition is the reason for the cancellation.

How does having a pre-existing condition affect your insurance?

In many cases, pre-existing conditions will not affect your ability to get travel insurance. However, it will affect your coverage options and your premium.

If you don’t disclose a pre-existing condition when you buy your insurance, your policy will likely not cover any medical expenses related to that condition. You also won’t be able to get a waiver for any pre-existing condition-related cancellations or interruptions.

To get coverage for a pre-existing condition, you must obtain a policy with a waiver. Policies with pre-existing condition waivers are more expensive than those without but offer more comprehensive coverage.

What is a waiting period?

A waiting period is the time you must wait before your travel insurance coverage becomes active. For example, if you have a pre-existing condition, you may have to wait a certain number of days before you can seek treatment.

Waiting periods are familiar with travel insurance and are more likely applied to older travelers or those with pre-existing conditions. Waiting periods can vary depending on the insurer and the policy but usually range from 6 to 12 months.

What is a stability period?

If you have a pre-existing condition, you’ll need to know the stability period. This is the amount of time you must wait before you can apply for travel insurance.

The stability period is different for each insurance provider. Most companies require that you have had a stable condition for at least 60 to 180 days before you can purchase a policy.

You’ll also need to be in stable condition for the entire duration of your trip. If you have a medical emergency that’s related to your pre-existing condition, you’ll need to be able to prove that your situation was stable during the time of your trip.

You can still purchase a travel insurance policy if your condition is unstable. You just won’t be covered for any medical expenses related to your pre-existing condition.

What is the difference between a pre-existing condition and a chronic condition?

The terms “pre-existing” and “chronic” are often used interchangeably but differ.

Pre-existing conditions are defined as any injury or illness diagnosed or treated by a healthcare provider within a specified number of months before the day you enrolled in a health insurance plan.

Chronic conditions, on the other hand, are long-term illnesses that are not curable and typically require ongoing medical care and treatment.

Chronic conditions may be considered pre-existing if diagnosed or treated within the specified time frame before you enroll in your plan. However, not all pre-existing conditions are established.

For example, if you were treated for a broken leg a few months before enrolling in a health insurance plan, the portion would be considered a pre-existing condition. However, it is not a chronic condition because it is not a long-term illness.

What are some of the most common pre-existing conditions?

The definition of pre-existing conditions can vary from one insurance company to another. However, the following medical conditions are generally considered to be pre-existing:

Asthma

Cancer

Diabetes

Epilepsy

Heart disease

High blood pressure

Mental health conditions

Multiple sclerosis

Sleep apnea

Stroke

What if you don’t disclose a pre-existing condition?

If you don’t disclose a pre-existing condition and then have to make a related claim, your claim will likely be denied.

If you’re not sure whether you need to disclose a pre-existing condition, it’s best to do so. You can always ask your insurance company if you’re unsure if a state needs to be told.

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you understand pre-existing conditions and how they can apply to insurance. If you want to choose the best travel health insurance, IIG is here to help. Please reach out to their team at any time.