Whether you're cruising the Caribbean or taking a tour of Europe, travel insurance is a must. But buying travel insurance when you have a pre-existing medical condition can be tricky.
As we get older, the list of medical conditions or surgeries we've had tends to get longer, which means that getting the right cover for your needs can get a little more complicated.
In terms of insurance, a pre-existing medical condition can include anything from asthma or dermatitis through to coeliac disease, diabetes or high blood pressure.
Glossing over your condition when getting a quote could spell disaster if you need to make a claim
If you've had a knee or hip replacement, or cancer treatment, this is also considered by insurers to be a pre-existing medical condition that can affect the price of your cover – if they'll cover you at all.
While the temptation might be to gloss over your condition when getting a quote, CHOICE experts say this could spell disaster if you need to make a claim.
Here are some guidelines to help you make the best choice when buying travel insurance when you have a medical condition.
Don't make assumptions when buying cover
You should never assume that your condition will be covered. CHOICE insurance expert Jodi Bird says that a pre-existing condition is one of the most common reasons insurers give for knocking back a claim.
"Insurance cover for pre-existing medical conditions varies widely," says Jodi. "Some insurers don't cover pre-existing conditions at all, while others will require you to pay an extra fee or get a medical assessment to get coverage."
Some insurers automatically cover pre-existing conditions listed in their product disclosure statement (PDS), although few will cover you if you have had treatment for mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety.
Conditions like cancer are also often excluded, although it can depend on the type of cancer.
Coverage for certain conditions may also be available if you pay additional premiums.
"Things like how long it has been since you exhibited a symptom of the condition are also taken into account to determine whether you can get cover," says Jodi. "So it's important to check all these details in a policy before you buy."
Don't take unnecessary risks
It's really important to assess the risks of travelling with your particular medical condition, and ensure you have adequate cover in case any complications or medical emergencies related to your condition arise.
"If you're sick on a cruise to Japan, but it's due to an existing medical condition that your policy doesn't cover, the cost could run into hundreds of thousands in medical bills," says Jodi.
Although it means you'll likely have to jump through some hoops, you should always declare pre-existing conditions to your insurer when getting quotes
Although it means you'll likely have to jump through some hoops, you should always declare pre-existing conditions to your insurer when getting quotes. This will avoid situations later that could mean your insurer will deny your claim.
Travelling against medical advice is another reason that an insurer would likely deny any related claims.
Do book your travel insurance at the time you book your flights or trip
Often big international trips or things such as tours or cruises are booked as far as a year in advance.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, the longer you book in advance, the greater the risk that something could happen before your departure that could impact your trip. This was the case for an Adelaide couple who were left $20K out of pocket when they had to cancel a cruise after a recurrence of cancer.
If you can get adequate cover for your condition, it's a good idea to book travel insurance as soon as you know your travel dates. That way you're covered if your trip is cancelled before you even leave or if you're unable to travel.
Do your research and compare policies
The first place to start when shopping for a travel insurance policy is our CHOICE travel insurance comparison where you can compare policies on the cover they offer, and view how each policy compares on cost using our 'price score'.
You can also use our reviews to check:
- if the policy automatically covers any pre-existing medical conditions (this will usually come with conditions)
- if a policy covers any pre-existing conditions not listed, and the term and conditions under which they might cover them
- how long you need to have had no symptoms, medication or treatment before a pre-existing condition would be covered. (The shorter this period the better.)
Jodi advises: "When comparing policies, consider what cover you think you will need. Make a list of what you consider to be essential and what you expect in your policy – taking into account the costs of your trip, the type of holiday it is and your circumstances. Then check these are present in the policy before committing to your purchase."
CHOICE tip: You'll save money and get better cover with insurance policies recommended by CHOICE. Unlike other insurance comparison websites, we don't get paid by any of the insurers we're comparing. CHOICE is nonprofit, so your membership fees help us fight for fair consumer rights, and empower you to get the best products.
Do ask questions and read the product disclosure statements
All the information about what a policy will or won't cover is in the PDS (product disclosure statement). It should be sent to you when you get a quote, or you can often download it from the insurer's website.
The wording and detail in these statements can be overwhelming and confusing. If you're not sure about what a policy does or doesn't cover, ask the insurer directly and keep records of all communication.
Do still travel!
Most travellers with pre-existing medical conditions can still get travel insurance for their international travel, so you can still plan that dream holiday. The drawback is that you'll have fewer policies to choose from, and you'll likely pay more for a policy that gives you the cover you need.
If no insurer will cover your pre-existing medical condition, or you can't afford the extra premium, you may find an insurer that will issue a certificate that says you won't be covered for any claim that arises because of your pre-existing medical condition.
Keep in mind that many travel insurance policies have age limits over which they either don't offer cover
Keep in mind that many travel insurance policies have age limits over which they either don't offer cover, or may offer restricted cover with lower benefit limits or a higher excess.
And lastly, before booking any trip, ensure you're across the cancellation terms and conditions and how you could be affected if you're unable to travel.
Make sure you're aware, for example, of time periods within which you can cancel and get a full refund, if you will receive the refund in cash or as credit, or if you'd have to pay any related administration fees.
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Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
