How pre-existing conditions affect your travel insurance
When choosing a travel insurance policy, pre-existing conditions are at play just as when you pick a regular health insurance policy. Complicated though it is, it is essential if you have a pre-existing condition to understand how it works in order to claim any insurance benefits.
A pre-existing condition is defined in many ways by different companies and policies available. Basically, if you have any kind of medical treatment or tests within a certain look back period (as defined by the policy), you have a pre-existing condition. This is crucial, because any cancellation of interruption of, or treatment during your trip of this condition will not be covered by your policy.
Virtually all policies will stipulate that you have to be "medically stable" in order to be insured. This means that you have to be able to travel when you purchase the policy, and not sometime in the future. If you are being treated and cannot travel, do not try to buy travel insurance, because you will not be covered. Many companies will want to speak with your healthcare provider directly to ensure this.
However, some companies will waive the pre-existing condition exclusion provided the following:
- You must be medically stable at the time of purchase.
- You must cover the entire prepaid cost of your trip for the entire period.
- You usually must purchase your insurance by a certain deadline. This is usually based on a certain number of days following either your first trip payment, or the last trip payment.
Remember, when shopping for travel insurance with a pre-existing condition (indeed, even if you don't have a condition), it is essential to read all the fine print and be sure exactly what is and what isn't covered because there are often restrictions. If you are unsure or confused by what is written in the policy, don't be afraid to ask questions and have the provider explain it in detail. Remember to shop around and try recognised providers, such as AA Travel Insurance , where you can be sure you're getting a decent level of cover.
|
