Does travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?

Usually not under standard policies, but you can get coverage with a pre-existing condition waiver if you purchase within 14-21 days of your first trip deposit and meet stability requirements.

  • Most travel insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions as a standard exclusion 

  • Pre-existing condition waiver available if you: purchase within 14-21 days of initial trip deposit, are medically fit to travel, and maintain health stability during the look-back period (typically 60-180 days) 

  • Some policies offer pre-existing condition add-ons for specific conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, arthritis, stroke, heart disease)

  • Credit card travel insurance typically excludes pre-existing conditions entirely

  • Always disclose your health conditions when buying insurance, failure to do so may void coverage

  • A pre-existing condition is any medical condition you had before buying the policy 

You may also like: Can I bring a first aid kit anywhere?

Official resource: Insurance Information Institute

Traveling soon? See our Travel Essentials page.

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