Medical guide

Travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions

You can usually get covered for a pre-existing condition, as long as you buy at the right time and meet a few conditions.

What counts as pre-existing

Usually any illness, injury or condition you had symptoms of, were treated for, or had medication changed for during a "look-back" period before buying (often 60 to 180 days).

The waiver

Many comprehensive plans offer a pre-existing condition waiver. To qualify you typically must:

Be honest

Declare conditions accurately. Claims are often checked against medical records, and a missed detail can void cover.

Best approach

Buy as soon as you put down your first deposit, and read the waiver section of the policy wording before you pay.

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General information only, not insurance advice. Coverage varies by plan, state and country. Always read the policy wording before you buy.

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