How to Buy Travel Medical Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

Traveling is an exciting experience, but for those with pre-existing medical conditions, it can come with added risks. Whether you have diabetes, heart disease, auto-immune issues, or another chronic condition, securing the right travel medical insurance is crucial to ensuring access to necessary healthcare and avoiding unexpected costs. We recommend that all travelers have adequate medical insurance for their travels. If your primary medical insurance does not cover your destination, travel medical insurance is often the best solution. The reality is that the majority of travel medical insurance plans DO NOT cover pre-existing conditions! Based on our personal experiences, here is our guide to how to buy travel medical insurance for pre-existing conditions.

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Understanding Pre-Existing Conditions

A pre-existing condition generally refers to any health issue diagnosed or treated before purchasing a travel insurance policy. Be sure to check the provider’s pre-existing condition details to confirm what is and is not included on their policy. Some common conditions often considered “pre-existing” include:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Asthma / respiratory disorders
• Autoimmune diseases
• Recent surgeries or hospitalizations

Standard travel insurance policies often exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, making it essential to search for specialized coverage before departure.

Why You Need Travel Medical Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

Medical care for pre-existing conditions while traveling can be costly and difficult to access if you don’t have the right insurance coverage. Here’s why investing in travel medical insurance with coverage for pre-existing conditions is critical:

1. Access to Necessary Medical Care

If you require urgent medical care, whether due to a pre-existing condition or not, a solid travel insurance policy ensures that you can receive necessary medical treatment without incurring excessive expenses. Keep in mind that people often step outside of their comfort zone while traveling. This could mean participating in an outdoor activity like skiing or hiking at high altitudes, or waiting in long lines in the hot sun to get into an attraction. For those with pre-existing conditions, these activities can trigger recurrence or flare-ups of existing conditions. It is better to be prepared with the proper insurance in case medical care is needed on your trip.

2. Emergency Medical Evacuation

Some conditions may require specialized care that is unavailable in your destination or even in your destination country. Comprehensive insurance can cover medical evacuation to a facility equipped to handle your needs.

Take travel to Switzerland, one of the more expensive medical destinations, as an example. Without insurance, an ambulance ride may cost more than 1,000 Swiss Francs, while an air ambulance can cost into the hundreds of thousands of Swiss Francs.

3. Prescription Medication Coverage

Running out of or misplacing essential medications while traveling can be a major concern. Certain policies cover prescription refills or assistance in obtaining necessary medications abroad.

Traveling with a type I diabetic in our family, we always calculate the number of supplies needed for our trip and add 25-50% extra in as a buffer. This allows for sufficient supplies in case our return flight is delayed a few days. Despite this, we’ve had our challenges over the years. We’ve found ourselves searching for backup insulin when the insulin we traveled was exposed to heat and wasn’t working effectively. We’ve since learned to use Frio packs to keep them cool. During a trip to Hawaii, the insulin pump sites fell off more frequently than normal due to the heat, humidity, and time in saltwater despite extra adhesive. Thankfully, we were able to get extra pump infusion sites delivered to us.

4. Hospitalization Costs

If you end up in the hospital or emergency room on your travels without proper insurance, medical bills can quickly become overwhelming. Insurance can significantly reduce these expenses, particularly in countries with costly healthcare systems. Given that those with pre-existing conditions have a higher probability of needing a visit to the hospital, it is that much more important to have proper insurance in place.

How to Find the Right Travel Medical Insurance

Here are the steps we take and recommend to search for travel medical insurance that covers pre-existing conditions:

1. Look for Pre-Existing Condition Waivers

As mentioned previously, most travel medical insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. We use and recommend Squaremouth to shop for, compare, and purchase travel insurance coverage. One of the big advantages of this site is being able to filter easily and compare policies side by side.

• Be sure to book travel insurance shortly after you put your first deposit on the trip. Most companies who offer pre-existing condition coverage require that the policy is purchased within 7-10 days after the first deposit has been made on your trip.
• On Squaremouth, you will be prompted to enter your trip dates and traveler information, as well as the deposit date. Simply filter for those policies offering coverage for pre-existing conditions. We typically find 2-3 options max with pre-existing coverage.

The image below is a sample quote for a 1 month trip to Italy including pre-existing conditions and increased emergency medical and evacuation coverage. Note that trip cancellation insurance was not included.

2. Opt for Comprehensive Medical Coverage

Ensure that the policy covers doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency treatment, and prescription medications related to your condition. Be sure to check for any exclusions in coverage tied to high-risk activities. This will be detailed in your policy details.

3. Check Policy Exclusions and Limitations

Carefully review the policy details to ensure they cover your specific pre-existing condition before booking. And, check that you are booking within their required time limit to receive coverage.

4. Consider a Higher Coverage Limit

Medical expenses can be steep, especially in destinations with expensive healthcare systems like the U.S. or Switzerland. Choose a policy with high coverage limits for financial protection. On Squaremouth, it’s easy to select higher medical coverage in the search criteria.

While not related to pre-existing conditions, we wanted to share an actual example of unplanned medical costs in the United States. The image below shows costs from a 2024 emergency room visit and surgery in the U.S. for a standard case of appendicitis and the resulting appendectomy. With good health insurance coverage, we payed less than US$700 for this bill. Without proper medical insurance though, these costs are staggering.

Recommended Travel Insurance Providers for Pre-Existing Conditions

Several insurance providers offer coverage options tailored for travelers with pre-existing conditions. Search on Squaremouth to find those offering coverage for your specific trip and conditions.

• GeoBlue – Offers pre-existing condition waivers for eligible travelers.
• Allianz Travel Insurance – Provides coverage for pre-existing conditions if purchased within a specified period.
• IMG (International Medical Group) – Offers optional riders for pre-existing conditions.
• Seven Corners – Includes coverage for pre-existing conditions if stability requirements are met.
• World Nomads – Covers certain pre-existing conditions with restrictions.

Final Thoughts on Travel Medical Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

If your primary medical insurance doesn’t cover you at your destination, obtaining travel medical insurance is essential for peace of mind and financial security. A medical emergency related to your pre-existing condition can be costly and stressful, but the right insurance policy enables you to receive the care you need while protecting you from exorbitant expenses. Before purchasing a plan, compare options, read the fine print, and select a policy that best meets your needs for a worry-free travel experience. Don’t forget to include your travel medical insurance costs in your trip budget planning!

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