Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury, or medical condition for which you received treatment, diagnosis, medication, or medical advice within a specific period before your policy start date — called the 'look-back period.' Common examples include diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, COPD, cancer in remission, asthma, and arthritis.

Acute onset coverage means your policy covers a sudden, unexpected, and severe flare-up of a pre-existing condition that requires emergency medical treatment. It must be unforeseen — you didn't expect it to happen on this trip. For example, if you have a history of heart disease and have a sudden heart attack abroad, acute onset coverage would cover your emergency treatment. Routine care or chronic management is not covered.

Some comprehensive trip insurance plans offer a 'pre-existing condition waiver' that removes the exclusion entirely — meaning your condition is covered just like any other medical event. To qualify, you typically need to purchase the plan within 14–21 days of your first trip deposit and be medically able to travel at the time of purchase.

Yes. All of our plans offer coverage for travelers with these conditions. For visitors insurance, acute onset of a pre-existing condition is typically covered. For trip insurance, a waiver may allow full coverage. We recommend calling us at (832) 856-1704 to find the best plan for your specific health situation.

The look-back period is the window of time (typically 60–180 days before your policy start date) that insurers review to determine if a condition is 'pre-existing.' If you received any treatment, took medication, or saw a doctor for a condition during that window, it's considered pre-existing. A shorter look-back period is generally better for travelers with chronic conditions.