Travel Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions: How to Get Covered

Having a pre-existing medical condition should not prevent you from traveling — or from getting insurance. While it makes finding coverage more challenging and more expensive, options exist for virtually every condition.

What Counts as a Pre-Existing Condition?

A pre-existing condition is any medical condition for which you have:

Common Pre-Existing Conditions

The "Look-Back" Period

Most insurers use a look-back period (typically 60-180 days) before the policy purchase date. If you received treatment for a condition during this period, it is considered pre-existing.

**Stability requirement:** Some policies require your condition to be "stable" for a certain period (30-180 days) — meaning no medication changes, no new symptoms, and no treatment.

How to Get Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions

Option 1: Medical Screening

Many travel insurers offer a medical screening process:

Tips for medical screening:

Option 2: Pre-Existing Condition Waiver

Some insurers offer a waiver that covers pre-existing conditions if:

**Advantages:** No medical screening required, broadest coverage

**Disadvantages:** Must purchase early, may cost 40-60% more

Option 3: "Cancel for Any Reason" Coverage

CFAR coverage allows you to cancel for literally any reason — including pre-existing condition flare-ups — and receive 50-75% of your trip costs back.

Option 4: Specialized Insurers

Some insurers specialize in covering people with medical conditions:

UK:

Germany:

Option 5: European EHIC for EU Travel

If you are an EU resident traveling within the EU, the EHIC covers medically necessary treatment related to pre-existing conditions at public facilities — even if you would not normally be covered by travel insurance.

**Limitations:** No repatriation, no private treatment, not valid outside the EU.

Cost Impact of Pre-Existing Conditions

Typical Premium Increases

|-----------|-----------------|

**Note:** These are estimates. Actual pricing varies by insurer, age, destination, and trip duration.

How to Reduce Costs

1. Shop Around Extensively

Pricing for pre-existing conditions varies more than for standard policies. Get 5+ quotes.

2. Choose Higher Deductibles

A €250-500 deductible can reduce your premium by 20-40%.

3. Travel in Europe

EHIC coverage reduces the insurer's risk, which can lower premiums.

4. Choose Shorter Trips

Shorter trip duration = less risk = lower premium.

5. Maintain Medical Stability

Ensure your condition is stable (no medication changes) for as long as possible before buying insurance.

Essential Medical Travel Gear

Preparing to Travel with a Pre-Existing Condition

Before You Book

Before You Travel

During Your Trip

Conclusion

Traveling with a pre-existing condition requires more planning, but it should not hold you back. Declare all conditions, compare multiple insurers, consider a waiver, and always carry comprehensive medical documentation. The extra cost of covering a pre-existing condition is small compared to the cost of an uninsured medical emergency abroad.

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