Travel insurance for pre-existing conditions: what you should know

Many travellers worry that a pre-existing medical condition will make travel insurance impossible or too expensive. But you don’t have to let a niggling health condition put a damper on your travel dreams. You just need the right information to travel worry-free.

That’s what we’re here for.

Just a few simple truths to keep in mind when thinking about your trip:

• Declare everything listed in the PDS. Always refer to your product disclosure statement (PDS). It will outline exactly what conditions and within what timeframe you need to disclose. If you don't, and something goes wrong related to your health while you're away, your claim could easily be thrown out. Imagine that medical bill if you're stuck overseas. It's just not a risk worth taking.
• Overseas costs are wild. Healthcare abroad can be eye-wateringly expensive. Travel insurance isn't merely a nice-to-have. It can literally be your lifeline against those huge, unexpected medical emergencies internationally.
• You can get covered. Having a medical condition doesn't mean your travel days are over. There are plenty of fantastic insurance providers out there who specialise in covering a huge range of conditions.

When you get a quote, the insurer will ask a few questions about your medical history, either online or over the phone. Be ready to share details like when you were diagnosed, what meds you take, and any treatments you've had. Make sure to be accurate and transparent, and provide any documentation requested.

Once they have what they need to make their decision, there are usually one of three outcomes:

Automatically covered

For some common, stable conditions, you might be covered straight away. Examples can include things like high blood pressure that’s being properly managed, or mild asthma that hasn't landed you in hospital recently. These often sail through without a hitch.

Examples typically include:

• Allergies
• Asthma (mild, controlled)
• Bell’s palsy
• Cataracts
• Coeliac disease
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol
• Migraine
• Osteoporosis
• Sleep apnoea

Covered after assessment

Plenty of conditions need a closer look. The insurer might ask a few more questions, then they'll offer cover. This could mean a small extra cost.

Examples typically include:

• Cardiac or heart conditions
• Diabetes (complex cases)
• Epilepsy (complex cases)
• History of cancer
• Mental health conditions
• Respiratory or lung conditions
• Stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
• Conditions requiring recent surgery

Not covered

Very occasionally, for more serious situations or if you're travelling against doctor's advice, an insurer might not be able to offer you cover. Or they might offer you limited cover unrelated to your condition or overall health (like lost luggage cover or cancellation for unrelated reasons).

Here are some conditions that might limit your cover:

• Conditions with terminal or palliative prognosis
• Severe or rapidly deteriorating conditions
• Being on a waiting list for major surgery or critical treatment
• Organ transplant (future or recent)
• AIDS defining illness

Before you lock in your travel insurance, a couple of key points can make sure you're properly prepared for your trip:

• Read your policy thoroughly. Your product disclosure statement (PDS) is your single source of truth, spelling exactly what's covered, what’s not and under what circumstances. Give it a proper read so there are no surprises.
• Insure your trip early. As soon as you've paid for your holiday, get that insurance sorted. That way, if an insured event happens before you even leave, like an unexpected illness to you or a close family member, you're covered for those cancellation costs.

Ultimately, travelling with a pre-existing medical condition doesn't have to stop your adventures. Of course, the terms of your final policy, including the price, will be based on your overall risk profile, which takes into account your pre-existing condition alongside other important factors like your age, gender and travel destination. By understanding the process and being transparent, you can get the cover you need for a worry-free trip.