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

By Brad Buzzard ·
Fact Checked
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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.

Quick takeaways

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.

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Important disclosures
AllClear Travel Insurance
  • Covers over 1,300 pre-existing medical conditions, including complex ones
  • No upper age limit for policies
  • Streamlined online medical screening for truly tailored, efficient quotes
  • Highly rated by customers

If you're travelling with a pre-existing medical condition, AllClear should definitely be on your short list. That's because AllClear specialises in assessing and covering complex health needs that many general insurers might decline or exclude - handling more than 1,300 conditions, from diabetes to various forms of cancer.

This specialisation makes the quote process straightforward, allowing for precise, tailored pricing on risks general insurers often find too complex to price properly. There's also no upper age limit on their policies, a huge plus for older Australians who might be struggling to find options elsewhere. Expert support staff handle complex medical inquiries, making policy setup and overseas assistance a breeze. This is topped off by their 24 hour, 7 day a week emergency medical assistance.

As with any insurance, there are limits. Despite its specialisation, AllClear might not be able to cover conditions that are rare or particularly severe. However, they may agree to cover you for everything but that condition, like lost luggage or unrelated medical emergencies, ensuring you're still covered for the unexpected. Which is, after all, what travel insurance is truly for.

How insurers assess pre-existing medical 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

Important reminders before you travel

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.

Bottom line

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.

Compare more travel insurance policies

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Last updated 20 June 2025 Important disclosures
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    International Travel Insurance
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    $5,000 limit per policy with option to increase limit

    Get protection in a few simple steps with Freely travel insurance all in the palm of your hand. Freely Travel offers 24/7 emergency and medical support, 24/7 customer service. Plus, you can tailor your policy so you only pay for what you need, and adapt your cover in near real time. Add-ons such as car rental excess, snow sports or other activities also available. Receive 10% off your travel insurance policy with promo code: MOZO2025. T&Cs apply, go to site for full detail.

    Go to site
    Details
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Gold Plus
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose $0 or Unlimited

    Specialist Travel Insurance for those with pre-existing medical conditions (T&Cs apply). No upper age limits. Unlimited medical cover available with 24/7 emergency medical helpline. Unlimited cancellation cover available. Fast online quote process.

    Go to site
    Details
  • Comprehensive
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    No
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose $0 to Unlimited

    Australia Post International Comprehensive Travel Insurance covers overseas medical expenses, cancellation costs and more (T&Cs apply). Optional extras like cover for existing medical conditions and winter sports available. 24/7 emergency support. Get a quote in minutes. Reduce your premium with variable excess. Policies may not be available to all travellers. Australian Postal Corporation ABN 28 864 970 579 (AR No 338646) is the distributor of Australia Post Travel Insurance.

    Go to site
    Details
  • Comprehensive
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose from $2,000 up to $100,000

    Enjoy unlimited medical cover and 24/7 emergency assistance services when you travel. Get unlimited cover for cancellation fees and prepaid travel expenses. Cover for luggage and travel documents. $5,000,000 personal liability cover.

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    Details
  • Standard
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose up to $20,000

    Have direct access to our 24/7 Emergency Assistance. COVID-19 cover if you’re diagnosed on your trip (T&Cs apply). Hospital cash allowance. Cover for accidental death and permanent disability. Luggage and personal belongings cover. Optional extras available.

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    Details
Brad Buzzard
Brad Buzzard
RG146
Senior Money Writer

Brad is a senior writer at Mozo, leading insurance and superannuation coverage. With a background in marketing analytics, he brings a research-driven approach to his work, ensuring content is clear, accurate and genuinely useful. Brad dives deep into topics, using the writing process to refine his understanding and deliver well-researched, polished content.

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards

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