Quick summary for busy readers:
A pre-existing medical condition is any medical condition you had before purchasing your travel insurance: This can include ongoing conditions, illnesses you're being treated for, conditions you're taking medication for, or those you're awaiting treatment or test results for.
Some pre-existing medical conditions may be covered: Many insurers automatically cover a range of common conditions if they meet certain eligibility criteria, while others may require a medical assessment or an additional premium.
Every insurer assesses pre-existing medical conditions differently: Cover, exclusions and eligibility requirements vary, so it's important to compare policies and read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before you buy.
Always disclose your medical conditions when required: If you're asked about your medical history during the application process, answer honestly. Failing to disclose a pre-existing medical condition when required could affect your ability to claim.What is a pre-existing medical condition?
What is a pre-existing condition?
A pre-existing medical condition is any illness, injury or medical condition that existed before you purchased your travel insurance. policy. Depending on the insurer, this may include conditions you have been diagnosed with, are receiving treatment for, are taking medication for, or have symptoms of, even if you haven't received a formal diagnosis.
A pre-existing medical condition may include:
- An ongoing medical or dental condition.
- A condition you have sought medical advice, treatment or surgery for.
- A condition you are taking medication for.
- A condition you are awaiting investigations, test results or treatment for.
- Pregnancy (depending on the insurer and stage of pregnancy).
Each insurer has its own definition of a pre-existing medical condition, so it's important to check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand what applies to your policy.Typical conditions that are covered:
- Allergies
- Asthma*
- Epilepsy *
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure *
- Osteoporosis
- Cataracts
- Congenital blindness
- Congenital deafness
- Diabetes *
- Hernia
- Incontinence
*Conditions may be subject to eligibility criteria or medical assessment, depending on the insurer.
The medical conditions that are automatically covered, and the eligibility requirements that apply, vary between insurers. Always check your insurer's Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or contact them directly to confirm whether your condition is covered.
Pre-existing medical conditions conditions that may not be covered:
Some pre-existing medical conditions are less likely to be automatically covered and may require a medical assessment before an insurer decides whether cover can be provided. In some cases, cover may not be available.
Examples may include:
-
- Terminal illness
- Conditions requiring home oxygen therapy
- Chronic renal failure
- Congestive heart failure
- Certain cancers
- Conditions where you're awaiting surgery or medical treatment
- Recent seizures
- Certain mental health conditions
- Alcohol or drug dependency
- Conditions requiring an organ transplant
Depending on the insurer, other conditions, such as heart disease, blood disorders, neurological conditions or complex medical conditions, may also require a medical assessment.
The conditions an insurer will cover, assess or exclude vary between insurers. Always read your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and disclose your medical history when required.
I have a pre-existing condition, how do I get cover?
If your pre-existing medical condition isn't automatically covered, you may be asked to complete a medical assessment when purchasing your travel insurance.
Depending on the insurer, you'll usually be asked a series of questions about your medical history, treatment and current health. Based on your responses, the insurer will determine whether:
- your condition is covered automatically;
- cover is available for an additional premium;
- your condition will be excluded from cover; or
- they are unable to offer cover for that condition.
If your condition isn't covered, you can usually still purchase a travel insurance policy. However, claims arising from, related to or exacerbated by that condition are generally not covered unless your insurer has agreed to provide cover.
Medical conditions that commonly require assessment
While requirements vary between insurers, medical conditions that often require a medical assessment include:
- Recent surgery or planned surgery
- Heart conditions
- A pacemaker or other implanted cardiac device
- Stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
- HIV
- Epilepsy
- Cystic fibrosis
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
The conditions that require a medical assessment, and the outcome of that assessment, vary between insurers. Always check your insurer's Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or contact them directly if you're unsure whether your condition needs to be declared.
Age restrictions
Many travel insurers have age limits for purchasing travel insurance or for covering certain pre-existing medical conditions. Eligibility can also depend on your overall health and the specific condition you have.
Because age limits and medical assessment criteria vary between insurers, it's important to compare your options carefully and check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before purchasing a policy.Find out more about the age restrictions on the insurers we compare here.
Each insurer is different
Travel insurers have different underwriting criteria, automatically covered conditions and medical assessment processes. As a result, a condition that is automatically covered by one insurer may require a medical assessment, or even be excluded, by another.
If you're having difficulty finding cover, compare policies from insurers with different underwriters, as eligibility criteria and cover can vary significantly. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and, if you're unsure whether your condition is covered, contact the insurer before purchasing your policy.
