Does Travel Insurance Cover Pre-existing Conditions?
Most of our policies don’t cover pre-existing conditions, so don’t assume you’re covered.
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Having a pre-existing medical condition isn't a reason to stop traveling, but it can affect your travel insurance and what you’re covered for. Whether you're traveling off the grid or blogging in it, it's best to know if we can cover your pre-existing condition before your travel, so you're not caught unaware.
- What is a pre-existing medical condition?
- How are pre-existing medical conditions covered by travel insurance?
- Is Coronavirus a pre-existing medical condition?
- What's not covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance?
- Frequently asked questions
What is a pre-existing medical condition?
A pre-existing medical condition is any ongoing medical or dental condition that is either under investigation by a doctor, dentist or chiropractor, or you have experienced symptoms of the condition and are aware of them. It may also be any condition(s) you experienced within a specified period of time before you purchased your policy, for example in the previous 90 days, 180 days or other specified period of time.
It is important that you read your policy wording and any definition of a pre-existing medical condition and determine if the cover offered will meet your needs.
In addition, if you took out cover after you left home, there may be a waiting period (called a time excess in some policies) of up to 72 hours before the insurance takes effect, depending on your Country of Residence. Any illness or injury that occurs during this waiting period may be considered a pre-existing medical condition for the remaining period of your insurance.
How are pre-existing medical conditions covered by travel insurance?
Depending on your Country of Residence our policies may not cover pre-existing medical conditions. Check your policy information for your Country of Residence to see whether your pre-existing medical condition might be covered in your travel insurance policy.
In most instances our policies still cover many events for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions that can take place while on the road, as long as the event is not as a result of the pre-existing medical condition(s). This includes cover for:
- Baggage and personal belongings
- Medical, including evacuation and repatriation for unexpected illness and accidental injury that are not pre-existing medical conditions
- Natural catastrophe
- Lost or damaged passports, licenses or other travel documents
- Travel delay.
Our policy may also cover cancellation if, after you’ve purchased the policy and before you start your trip, you or someone whose health your trip is dependent on suffers a serious illness or injury.
To find out more about how to utilise your travel insurance in an emergency and how to claim visit our help center ‘Emergency & Claims’ page where you can find details for common questions.
Is Coronavirus a pre-existing medical condition?
It can be.
To find out more about Coronavirus (COVID-19) coverage for your Country of Residence, select your Country in the top left-hand corner of this screen. Or to read more about what cover applies to you, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article which has all of the details, including benefit limits, conditions and exclusions.
Coverage depends on your Country of Residence and varies between plans.
What's not covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. The main things that aren’t covered are:
- Pre-existing medical conditions as defined in the policy wording, unless specifically mentioned as covered in the policy
- Any medical expenses once you return home
- The sickness you caught overseas right before you remembered to buy a policy.
This isn't a full list of what's covered and not covered. There are item limits, conditions and exclusions that apply, so for more information check out our article on pre-existing medical conditions and read your policy wording carefully before you buy. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
Looking for answers? Here are some of our frequently asked questions relating to insurance for anyone travelling with a pre-existing medical condition. You can also visit our Help Center for more information, or get in touch with our friendly customer service team for any specific questions.
Which existing medical conditions are not covered by my travel insurance?
It’s important to protect yourself and your trip - even with a pre-existing medical condition. Depending on the policy you choose and your Country of Residence, it’s worth considering whether or not your existing medical condition is covered before you embark on your travels. While we offer cover for a range of pre-existing medical conditions, there are some we do not cover. Check your policy wording and the conditions of your travel insurance policy to see whether your pre-existing medical condition will be covered while you’re on the road. Still not sure? Get in touch and we can go over the policy wording with you.
My existing medical condition isn’t covered but I still want travel insurance, can I buy a policy through World Nomads?
Absolutely. If you’ve checked and your pre-existing medical condition is not covered but you’re not concerned about covering it, you can still buy a World Nomads travel insurance policy online. It’s important to note though, any claim made in relation to your pre-existing condition will not be valid as part of your cover.
About World Nomads
World Nomads polices are designed by travelers for travelers to provide simple and flexible travel insurance. Featuring coverage for more than 150 activities, you can get a quote, claim, or extend your policy online at www.worldnomads.com. All the information we provide about travel insurance is a brief summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.
If your pre-existing medical condition isn't covered and you're not worried about covering it, you can still purchase a policy online through World Nomads. Just be aware there's no coverage for any claim made as a result of this pre-existing condition.
New Diagnosis in Mexico
I realized I had forgotten a medication (clonazepam) that I take for insomnia. I visited a doctor in Mexico City the next day and got a prescription for the medication. However, he also diagnosed me with a condition that I was not aware of (hyperthyroid) and suggested that the medication would help with the condition on a short-term basis. He suggested that I get a blood test for hyperthyroid, which I just did in Boston.
J. D. US Nomad in Mexico.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you*
Trip Cancellation
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Trip Protection
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- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
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Emergency Medical Expenses
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Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
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Emergency Medical Transportation
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Evacuation and Repatriation
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- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
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Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
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