Pre-Existing Coverage in Travel Insurance

Travelling with a pre-existing medical condition can feel risky, especially when going abroad, where healthcare costs can be very high. A common concern many travellers have is whether travel insurance covers pre-existing conditions. While most standard policies exclude them, some international travel insurance plans do provide limited coverage for emergencies linked to existing health issues.

This article explores everything you need to know about pre-existing condition coverage in travel insurance—what it is, how it works, and why it matters. Whether you're managing chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes, or planning a trip as a senior traveller, understanding this type of coverage can help you make informed decisions, avoid unpleasant surprises, and safeguard your health and finances while abroad.

Contents

• Understanding Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage in Travel Insurance
• What is a Pre-existing Travel Insurance Cover?
• Why Pre-Existing Coverage in Travel Insurance is Essential?
  • Chronic Hypertension
  • Asthma
  • Diabetes
• 7 Tips to Get Pre‑Existing Coverage
• Final Words
• Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage in Travel Insurance

While many standard travel insurance policies exclude pre-existing medical conditions, some select international travel plans do offer emergency coverage. This means that if you suffer a life-threatening complication related to a pre-existing illness while abroad, certain policies will cover:

• Emergency hospitalisation due to a sudden and severe episode of the condition.

• Exclusions for routine care, check-ups, or ongoing treatments.

• Coverage is capped at the policy's sum insured, which must be checked beforehand.

This cover is especially useful for overseas visitors, where medical expenses can be very high. For instance, hospitalisation in the U.S. can range from $2,000 to $3,000 per day, which would prove financially burdensome in the absence of proper insurance coverage.

What is a Pre-existing Travel Insurance Cover?

Pre-existing travel insurance cover is a specialised policy that includes medical coverage for health conditions you already had before your trip. In this case, the insurance company takes care of medical expenses incurred by any pre-existing health issues while travelling, as per certain terms and conditions.

Travel insurance policy conditions generally specify the extent of pre-existing condition coverage with the following salient points:

• Complications arising due to an already existing illness during the period of your trip are covered.

• The coverage applies only to emergency medical conditions that are sudden, acute, and could be life-threatening.

• Medical costs are reimbursed up to the maximum amount insured as defined in the policy.

• Routine treatments, follow-up refills of regular medication, or non-urgent care for the pre-existing condition are not covered.

• The condition should be stated and accepted when the policy is bought for the protection to take effect.

This coverage helps travellers to avoid significant financial risks, particularly when travelling to countries with costly healthcare services.

Get an ACKO Travel Insurance Plan to enjoy coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Why Pre-Existing Coverage in Travel Insurance is Essential?

To understand the importance of pre-existing condition coverage in travel insurance, consider these examples:

Chronic Hypertension

A traveller experiences a severe blood pressure spike while in a foreign country. If declared beforehand and covered under the policy, the emergency hospitalisation can be claimed.

Asthma

An attack triggered by unfamiliar environmental allergens abroad may require urgent medical care. If the policy includes emergency pre-existing cover, treatment costs may be reimbursed.

Diabetes

A sudden episode of hypoglycemia while sightseeing in a remote area demands immediate intervention. Emergency-related expenses may be covered, provided the condition was disclosed when buying the policy.

For a 60-year-old travelling to the U.S., opting for a travel insurance plan that includes emergency coverage for pre-existing diseases, within the limits and conditions discussed, can cost as little as ₹1,000 (+GST).

This small upfront investment could prevent a minor health issue from transforming into a major financial crisis abroad. This is because a single day of hospitalisation in Western countries can cost anywhere from ₹1.5 to ₹2.5 lakhs.

7 Tips to Get Pre‑Existing Coverage

1. Always disclose your medical history honestly when buying the policy; any omission can lead to claim rejection.

2. Review all exclusions carefully to understand what conditions or situations are not covered.

3. Opt for emergency-only riders if available; these are cost-effective and offer vital protection for serious flare-ups.

4. Buy your policy well in advance to avoid any active waiting periods that may delay coverage.

5. Compare plans from multiple insurers, as coverage terms for pre-existing conditions vary widely.

6. Keep updated medical records or a doctor’s certificate detailing your condition, especially the risk of life-threatening emergencies.

7. Understand claim procedures beforehand to act quickly during an emergency abroad.

Final Words

Travelling with a pre-existing medical condition does not have to be risky, provided you choose the right insurance plan. Emergency travel insurance coverage for pre-existing diseases adds a crucial safety layer, especially for senior citizens and those with chronic health concerns. It ensures you are protected against high medical expenses abroad without compromising your peace of mind.

So, before you board your next flight, evaluate your health, compare policies, and invest in best international travel insurance that truly has your back.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Average Cost of a Pre-existing Travel Insurance Cover?

The average cost of travel insurance with coverage for pre-existing conditions is approximately ₹1,000 (+GST), depending on the health issues, policy type and the insurer.

 

Should I Disclose Pre-existing Medical Conditions Before Policy Documentation?

Yes, ideally, you should inform your insurer about your existing medical condition in detail. So that they can recommend the most relevant coverage.

Am I Eligible to Get Travel Insurance if I have pre-existing health issues?

Yes, you are. The only thing is, you might have to pay a higher premium and get wider coverage in that case.

What is a Sub-Limit Cover Under Travel Insurance?

Sub-limit refers to extra restrictions. It is a predetermined amount that an insurer covers for certain medical expenses. The amount remains the same even though the overall sum insured amount is higher.

Can my Claim Get Rejected Even After Notifying my Insurer about PEDs?

Yes, there are possibilities of that happening. There are multiple factors that contribute to settling a claim. Notifying your insurer only helps you to choose the relevant add-on and coverage.

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 cancelation reasons, and terms and conditions of the policy.

Travel Insurance for Popular Destinations

Travel Insurance for Qatar

Travel Insurance for Japan

Travel Insurance for UK

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance for Indonesia

Travel Insurance for Vietnam

Travel Insurance For Turkey

Travel Insurance for Malaysia

Travel Insurance for Australia

Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa

Travel Insurance for Dubai

Travel Insurance for Thailand

Travel Insurance for Canada

Travel Insurance for Singapore

Travel Insurance for USA from India

Overseas Travel Insurance

Recent

Articles

What is Medical Evacuation in Travel Insurance - and Do You Need It for Your Travel?

Team Acko Aug 13, 2025

Life Insurance Cash Value: Savings Component That Builds Over Time in Permanent Policies

Neviya Laishram Jul 30, 2025

What is an Actuary in Insurance and What are their Roles & Responsibilities?

Neviya Laishram Jul 29, 2025

What is Life Assured in Life Insurance?

Neviya Laishram Jul 23, 2025

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Thailand From India?

Team Acko Jul 23, 2025

All Articles

Topics

Life Insurance Glossary

Life Insurance Glossary

Life Insurance Glossary

Life Insurance Glossary

Life Insurance Glossary

All Topics

Want to post any comments?