Travelers with Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

April 20, 2020

Many consumers might be wondering what exactly a pre-existing medical condition is when it comes to travel insurance. The fine print in your insurance coverage will outline this information, but it is often overlooked. If you do not completely understand what your coverage entails, you could be left to pay thousands in medical assistance fees if you experience a sudden injury or illness. Here’s what you need to know:

Defining a Pre-Existing Medical Condition

A medical travel insurance policy could state that a pre-existing medical condition could be any minor ailment that is unstable 90 days leading up to where your coverage begins. This could include any heart condition, lung or respiratory condition, or cancer in which the traveler has received treatment for 90 days before coverage begins.

Limitations of Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance has played an important role in the safety of many travelers across the globe; however, those who wish to purchase travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions will be subject to eligibility conditions, questionnaires, limitations, or complete exclusion from coverage.

Why Your Age Matters

According to many policies, a pre-existing medical condition is usually divided into two categories - one set of conditions for those 59 years and under, and another for those over the age of 60.

Challenges for Travelers Over the Age of 60

For those over the age of 60, the conditions tied with travel insurance are even more complicated. Instead of 90 days, a pre-existing medical condition could impact your coverage if symptoms are present 180 days before coverage begins. In either case, consumers are strongly encouraged to understand the terms of their travel insurance and what exactly they entail.

About the CAP Travel Assistance Plan

CAP is an international travel assistance plan that provides travelers with medical and security travel assistance benefits that include relocation and evacuation services for mishaps that include but are not limited to natural disasters, pandemic outbreaks, political unrest, and terrorism.

All CAP Plans come standard with premium travel concierge benefits and complimentary travel assistance technology enhancements, including a free travel assistance app with travel tracking and emergency response features for compatible Android and iPhone devices.

Get a free quote learn more about what a CAP Plan can do for you.