Travel Insurance and Health – Pre-Existing Conditions
Medical Pre-existing Conditions
Pretty much any medical condition or disability is referred to in insurance circles as a pre-existing condition. This can affect both the cost and availability of any travel insurance policy. All relevant information needs to be disclosed to the insurance company, or they may well refuse to pay any claim if one occurs.
Whilst it depends on the condition, most insurance companies have a pretty thorough screening process to make sure that they understand the individual’s situation properly, and can make a real risk assessment as such. They do want to offer insurance if possible, but won’t if they feel it is too much of a risk.
It is worth remembering that insurance companies are in the business of risk, and are able to assess the potential likelihood of someone needing help whilst overseas perhaps more accurately than the individual themselves.
Anyone with any type of medical condition would be well advised to talk to their GP first before organising or embarking on any trip, both to manage the practicalities of the trip in terms of medication and assistance, and also to make sure that the trip is a good idea in terms of their health situation.
Below are some articles relating to the most common pre-existing medical conditions that that affect people applying for travel insurance.
High Blood Pressure and Travel Insurance
Health Insurance
Health insurance is a feature of most modern-day healthcare systems, although its usage varies from country to country.
In some countries like the United Kingdom health insurance and private medical treatment is on the periphery of how people access healthcare, whilst in other countries like the United States it is the bedrock of how people can access all types of medical treatment.
This is important because people often confuse health insurance with travel insurance, as well as personal accident insurance.
Generally speaking, a health insurance policy will not cover someone outside of their own country, although there are some exceptions to this.
All types of health insurance policies are designed to cover some type of medical treatment as well as a possible stay in hospital. Terms, conditions and costs vary widely depending upon the type of policy that is in place.
The benefits of a health insurance policy are subject to the terms and conditions of the policy, which will carefully stipulate how and when medical treatment may be obtained by the policyholder.
People recognise that health insurance may only apply within their own country, but also believe that policies can be extended to cover treatment abroad.
This can lead to real problems, especially in the field of what is known as medical tourism where people travel abroad for elective or planned medical treatment in another country because it will be considerably cheaper than in their own.
A health insurance policy will not normally cover this cost, and medical tourism is virtually always excluded from travel insurance as well which can have serious and unexpected costs and logistical problems.
If people are unsure, they should talk to their health insurance provider as to what type of coverage if any might be included for overseas travel, and if any doubt to arrange a significant travel insurance policy as well.