Senior Travel Insurance and Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

January 30, 2023

Senior Travel Insurance: The Truth About Your Policy

Senior travel insurance providers often use their multi-million dollar policies and coverage as a marketing tool for those 65 and over. However, although these policies are capable of providing benefits, they can be limited by a number of pre-existing medical conditions.

Many senior travelers are shocked when they learn their claim for benefits has been denied, or their coverage has been voided entirely by a pre-existing medical condition. Finding the best senior travel insurance remains complex, but with the right due diligence, many consumers can find a product that best suits their needs.

Senior Travel Insurance: Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding pre-existing medical conditions and travel insurance. Before you buy, do your research and understand the limitations of each senior travel insurance policy.

Can you Get Travel Insurance for a Pre-Existing Condition?

Yes.

There are many travel insurance policies that do offer travel insurance for those who are 65 years and older and have a pre-existing medical condition. There is a catch; however, some policies require a “stabilization” period of your medical condition. You will need to wait to ensure your health is in good order before traveling and purchasing coverage.

Even purchasing a policy that speaks to the nature of pre-existing medical conditions could still result in a denied claim. Every travel insurance policy is unique, and the only way to truly understand the impact a pre-existing medical condition has on your coverage is to read the fine print of your policy or contact your insurance provider directly.

What Is Considered a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Related to Travel Insurance?

The specifics of what exactly is considered a pre-existing medical condition are usually quite broad according to most travel insurance policies and could include any kind of injury, illness, or medical condition that you experienced symptoms of, even if it wasn't officially diagnosed by a doctor. Simply put, if you had a medical condition and were taking over-the-counter medicine for it, that could be considered a pre-existing medical condition.

What Are the Most Common Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Many of the most common pre-existing medical conditions include diabetes, heart and lung conditions of any kind, including asthma, high blood pressure, and cancer. Sometimes minor conditions could also void your travel insurance policy, including high cholesterol, back pain, and joint soreness.

At certain times, even undiagnosed conditions could be considered “pre-existing,” and senior travelers should consult with their doctors before traveling and purchasing travel insurance.

What Happens if I Do Not Disclose a Pre-Existing Medical Condition to My Travel Insurance Provider?

Intentionally failing to disclose a pre-existing medical condition to your travel insurance provider is likely to result in a denied claim for benefits, should you require them during travel. If you make a claim for benefits, assume that your insurance provider will make every effort to uncover your medical history to determine if your claim for benefits was related to a pre-existing medical condition.

How Far Back Do Travel Insurance Providers Consider to Be a Pre-Existing Condition?

Most traditional travel insurance policies will consider the last two years of your medical history to determine if you have a pre-existing medical condition. This means that if you had a previous injury, surgery, or some kind of medical condition in the last two years, it could be considered a pre-existing condition. In other cases, some travel insurance policies may investigate your medical history beyond two years.

Senior Travel Insurance and Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

As many traditional travel insurance products for seniors offer important coverages, the nature of the claims process and pre-existing medical conditions are often complex and limited. CAP Tripside Assistance is unique in that it provides travel benefits without the claims process that has complicated travel insurance for many years.

Explore the unique travel benefits of CAP and travel the world knowing that you have access to resources that can respond to natural disasters, pandemic threats, violent assaults, and so much more.

Contact us directly to learn more.