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How to Decide if You Need Pre-Existing Coverage on Your Travel Insurance?

Team AckoSept 26, 2025

Travelling abroad is exciting — but the “what ifs” can quickly creep in. What if you fall sick overseas? What if an existing health condition flares up mid-trip? For travellers with medical conditions, these questions are very real.

That’s where travel insurance with pre-existing condition coverage comes in. It ensures you’re protected if your ongoing health issues need treatment abroad. The extra premium is often far smaller than the massive medical bills you might face in countries like the U.S. or Japan. In short, pre-existing coverage can turn a medical emergency from a financial disaster into a manageable event.

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Contents

What Does Pre-Existing Condition Mean?
Why is Declaring Your Medical Condition Important?
When Should You Consider Pre-existing Coverage?
How is Pre-Existing Coverage Provided?
Is it Worth Travelling Without This Pre-Existing Coverage?
How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance Plan for Pre-Existing Conditions?
Final Thoughts
Frequently asked questions

What Does Pre-Existing Condition Mean?

A pre-existing condition is a medical condition you already have before you purchase your travel insurance. It may be something you are already undergoing treatment for or something you have previously had, but continues to have an impact on your well-being. Whether the condition is minor and manageable, it is still considered a pre-existing condition.

Some examples include:

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Asthma

• Heart problems

• Thyroid issues

• Arthritis

Why is Declaring Your Medical Condition Important?

Many travellers skip declaring conditions, which often leads to claim rejection. If they are going abroad and fall sick due to a known health issue, their claim will be rejected because the insurer didn’t know about it.

Here are a few benefits of declaring your pre-existing medical condition:

• You get proper coverage.

• You avoid claim rejections later.

• You can travel stress-free knowing you’re financially protected.

Well, hiding health details may save you a little money upfront, but it could cost you much more if something happens during your trip.

Read More: Medical conditions that affect travel insurance

When Should You Consider Pre-existing Coverage?

Not everyone needs this extra cover, but it’s wise to buy travel insurance with pre-existing coverage in the following situations:

You take regular medicines: If you’re on daily medication, it means the condition is active and can cause issues.
You’ve been treated recently: Any surgery, hospitalisation, or medical check-up in the last few years should be disclosed.
You’re travelling long-term: The longer the trip, the higher the chances of your condition flaring up.
You’re an older traveller: Health risks naturally increase with age, so coverage is worth considering.
Your destination has costly healthcare: Countries like the U.S. or Japan can mean massive bills without coverage.
Your type of travel activities: Adventure or strenuous activities (skiing, diving, trekking) can increase the chance of triggering health issues.
Check the fine print: Some insurers only cover ‘stable’ conditions, meaning no recent medication or treatment changes.
Balancing cost vs. risk: The extra premium is often far cheaper than paying out-of-pocket abroad.

How is Pre-Existing Coverage Provided?

Insurers usually offer coverage for pre-existing conditions in two ways:

1. Life-threatening emergencies only: The policy covers your pre-existing condition if it leads to a serious or emergency situation while travelling.

2. Add-on cover: Some insurers allow you to buy an add-on that specifically covers pre-existing conditions. This is often a better option if your health issue is ongoing.

Is it Worth Travelling Without This Pre-Existing Coverage?

Travelling abroad without pre-existing cover can be risky. Healthcare costs in countries like the USA, UK, or Australia can be shockingly high. Even in nearby Asian destinations, a hospital bill can wipe out your holiday savings.

For example, a person with diabetes travelling without declaring it might face a hefty bill if hospitalised for complications. But if they had declared and opted for pre-existing cover, most of the expenses would have been taken care of.

How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance Plan for Pre-Existing Conditions?

When picking a travel insurance plan, don’t just look at the price. Consider these factors:

• Policy wording: Check exactly how the insurer defines and covers pre-existing conditions.

• Add-on costs: Some plans let you customise the cover with small add-ons.

• Claim history of insurer: Choose an insurer that is reputable and has a smooth claims process. For example, insurers such as ACKO offer digital-first, hassle-free international travel insurance policies with transparency on pre-existing conditions.

Final Thoughts

Every journey is supposed to leave you with memories, not medical anxiety. If you've got a pre-existing condition, forgoing cover for it is like flying with a half-full suitcase. To pay a little more now can spare you from huge hospital bills later, particularly overseas, where treatment is expensive.

When in doubt, declare your condition, compare plans, and choose a policy that gives you true peace of mind. With insurers like ACKO offering simple, digital-first travel insurance, protecting your health while you explore the world has never been easier.

Frequently asked questions

What counts as a pre-existing condition?

Any sickness, symptom, or treatment you experienced before purchasing the policy. Both minor (such as asthma) and serious ones (such as heart disease) are included.

Will my claim be denied if I don't make a declaration about my condition?

Yes, insurers can refuse to pay claims if you conceal or don't make a declaration about a known medical issue.

Does every insurer cover pre-existing conditions?

Some cover them only in emergencies, while others allow you to add special cover. Always check before buying.

Is pre-existing cover more expensive?

It usually costs extra, but the peace of mind is worth it, especially compared to huge medical bills abroad.

Do I need a medical check-up before buying such insurance?

Sometimes yes, especially for older travellers or people with multiple conditions. It depends on the insurer’s rules.

Can I get pre-existing cover for my parents’ trip?

Yes. In fact, it’s strongly recommended for elderly parents travelling abroad since health risks increase with age.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes. Please check the policy document for cancellation reasons, and terms and conditions of the policy.