What pre-existing conditions are not covered by travel insurance? 

A pre-existing condition is any health condition that an individual already has before enrolling in a health coverage plan. Health conditions like asthma, diabetes, lupus, cancer, high blood pressure, pregnancy, and more are considered pre-existing conditions. Not to forget- travel insurance plans do not cover pre-existing conditions; rather, these plans may cover the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. Each policy defines pre-existing conditions and the acute onset of pre-existing conditions in its own way, which is why it becomes essential for everyone to review it before buying. 

 Here are some conditions typically your plan will not cover. 

1. Pregnancy 

Pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition and is not covered by travel insurance plans. Some international student insurance plans may cover maternity, pregnancy, and childbirth if conception occurs after the effective date of the plan. If you are pregnant while planning a trip abroad, your plan will not cover your expenses for typical pregnancy issues, like morning sickness, abdominal cramps, back pain, swollen feet, and more. However, your plan may cover any complications arising from pregnancy as defined by the plan.  Check the plan’s certificate to know the pregnancy coverage. 

2. Mental and nervous disorders 

Individuals can have mental and nervous disorders, but that does not stop them from going on vacation. However, travel health insurance plans do not offer coverage for any losses arising from psychological disorders. Mental and nervous disorders can already be present when buying an insurance policy. The policy will also not cover any medical expenses related to self-inflicted harm/injury or committed suicide. 

3. Diabetes 

Diabetes patients who visit the US often have concerns about their health insurance as it is considered a pre-existing condition. Travel medical insurance plans for diabetes will not pay for insulin that a traveler is already using before travel or for blood work done regularly. Some visitor insurance plans may cover the acute onset of a pre-existing condition, like if someone goes into diabetic shock. They need immediate medical attention within 24 hours of the first symptom. But, if you have forgotten to take your medicines and your sugar level increases, causing various problems in your body, your plan will not cover any medical expenses. 

4. Arthritis 

Arthritis is a disease that causes joint pain and can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, or sex. There are several types of arthritis- osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. As arthritis directly affects the joints, mobility can become an issue, especially while traveling. People with arthritis might have to make special arrangements or take extra precautions while traveling. Travel insurance with arthritis coverage will consider arthritis a pre-existing condition if it occurred two years before buying the policy. As the illness is chronic, you need to buy a travel insurance plan which offers coverage for the acute onset of chronic diseases. 

5. High blood pressure 

Insurance companies view high blood pressure as a pre-existing condition, meaning the plans will not cover any treatment or medical expenses related to it until and unless the disease is acute or if any new complication arises. High blood pressure can cause the onset of a pre-existing condition like heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, aneurysms, vision loss, etc., which can take place suddenly and without warning. These conditions may be covered if you choose a plan that offers coverage for the acute onset of a pre-existing condition. People with high blood pressure need regular medication to regulate it. While traveling, this health condition may cause some sudden health problems. It is best to buy travel insurance with high blood pressure coverage for emergencies. 

6. Cholesterol 

High cholesterol leads to a lot of fatal health problems. If you are a patient with high cholesterol, you must take extra care of your health. You need to follow many dietary restrictions to bring cholesterol under control. Although pre-existing conditions are excluded in travel health insurance policies, acute onsets are covered by some. Coronary heart disease, heart stroke, and heart attack are some acute onsets that must be taken care of at once. 

7. Asthma 

Asthma is considered a pre-existing condition. Weather, food, pollen, air quality, and many other variables can affect your asthma while traveling abroad. Depending on the destination and local conditions, you may be more susceptible to asthma complications. If something goes wrong during your travel, your travel insurance policy can cover you. Hence, look for a plan that covers the acute onset of chronic conditions, or else you must leave the hospital with a hefty medical bill. 

Concluding thoughts! 

Each travel medical insurance policy has a different level of coverage, policy maximums and deductible options, add-ons, evacuation and repatriation coverage, and more. No plans support pre-existing conditions, but some can cover the acute onset of pre-existing health conditions. If you have any pre-existing conditions and do not know which plan to choose, Visitor Guard® has you covered. We have several plans catered to the needs of travelers. Call us and get quotes.