Traveling with a pre-existing medical condition can be stressful, but the right travel insurance can provide peace of mind. Many standard policies exclude pre-existing conditions, leaving travelers vulnerable to high medical costs abroad.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Best Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions
✅ What Qualifies as a Pre-Existing Condition?
✅ How to Get Covered
✅ Top Providers Compared
✅ Money-Saving Tips
Why You Need Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions
If you have a chronic illness (like diabetes, heart disease, or asthma), a medical emergency abroad could cost 10,000–100,000+ without insurance. Standard travel insurance often denies claims related to pre-existing conditions unless you buy a specialized policy.
Key Benefits of Coverage:
✔ Emergency medical treatment overseas
✔ Hospitalization & surgery costs
✔ Medical evacuation & repatriation
✔ Trip cancellation/interruption due to health issues
What Counts as a Pre-Existing Condition?
A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury, or chronic disease you had before buying travel insurance. Common examples:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Cancer (in remission or active)
- Asthma & COPD
- Previous strokes or heart attacks
Note: Some insurers consider conditions “stable” if untreated/changed for 60–180 days before your trip.
Best Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions (2024)
1. Allianz Travel Insurance
⭐ Best for Comprehensive Coverage
- Pros:
- Covers stable pre-existing conditions if purchased within 14–21 days of first trip payment
- No age limits
- Includes trip cancellation & emergency medical
- Cons:
- Requires medical stability for 60–180 days
Cost: ~5–10% of total trip cost
2. Travel Guard (AIG)
⭐ Best for Last-Minute Trips
- Pros:
- Covers pre-existing conditions if policy is bought within 15 days of initial trip deposit
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Cons:
- Limited coverage for seniors (over 65)
Cost: ~100–500 depending on trip length
3. Travelex Insurance
⭐ Best for Families
- Pros:
- Kids under 17 covered for free on family plans
- Optional “Pre-Existing Condition Waiver” available
- Cons:
- Must buy within 15 days of first trip payment
Cost: ~6–12% of trip cost
4. Seven Corners
⭐ Best for Long-Term Travelers
- Pros:
- Covers pre-existing conditions with a waiver
- Flexible plans for expats & digital nomads
- Cons:
- More expensive than standard plans
Cost: ~150–800 for annual coverage
5. World Nomads
⭐ Best for Adventure Travelers
- Pros:
- Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions
- Great for extreme sports (skiing, scuba diving)
- Cons:
- No coverage for chronic condition flare-ups
Cost: ~100–300 per month
How to Get Covered for Pre-Existing Conditions
- Buy Early – Most insurers require purchasing within 10–21 days of your first trip deposit.
- Look for a Waiver – Some providers offer a pre-existing condition waiver if you meet stability requirements.
- Disclose Your Medical History – Lying about conditions can void claims.
- Compare Policies – Check coverage limits, exclusions, and emergency services.
5 Ways to Save on Travel Insurance
✔ Bundle with Credit Card Insurance – Some premium cards (Chase Sapphire, Amex Platinum) offer partial coverage.
✔ Choose a Higher Deductible – Lowers premium costs.
✔ Annual Multi-Trip Plans – Cheaper if traveling frequently.
✔ Group/Family Discounts – Some insurers offer deals for 3+ people.
✔ Compare Quotes – Use comparison sites like Squaremouth or InsureMyTrip.
FAQs About Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions
1. Can I get coverage if I already have a pre-existing condition?
✅ Yes! Companies like Allianz, Travel Guard, and Travelex offer waivers if you meet their requirements.
2. Does Medicare cover international medical expenses?
❌ No. Medicare rarely covers overseas care—travel insurance is essential.
3. What’s the difference between “stable” and “acute onset”?
- Stable: No new symptoms/treatment changes before the trip.
- Acute Onset: Sudden flare-ups (e.g., a heart attack while traveling).
4. Can I get insurance last-minute?
Yes, but you may pay more and have limited coverage options.
Final Verdict: Best Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions
- Best Overall: Allianz (reliable coverage, good stability terms)
- Best for Families: Travelex (free kids’ coverage)
- Best for Adventurers: World Nomads (covers acute episodes)
👉 Get a Quote Today & Travel with Confidence!
Disclaimer: Policy terms vary—always read the fine print before buying.