How to Get Travel Protection for Your Pre-existing Medical Condition
Our Premium Plan is able to cover your pre-existing condition! Learn more.
The main reason many people buy travel protection is for the medical coverage. A big reason why they buy travel protection for the medical coverage is because they already have a medical issue that concerns them.
Imagine their surprise, then, to find that many times the travel protection they paid good money for won’t cover that medical condition because they had it when they bought the coverage.
Having travel coverage for pre-existing conditions is a really big deal and an important consideration for anyone buying travel protection.
In this article, we'll provide an overview of what pre-existing medical conditions are, why they matter for travel protection, how coverage for these conditions works, and most importantly, how to get travel protection that can cover them.
What is a Pre-Existing Medical Condition?
A pre-existing medical condition refers to any medical condition, illness, or injury that you or your traveling companion had before the start of your travel protection plan. This is typically defined based on a "look-back" period, which for Generali Global Assistance is 180 days (unless you are in IN, NY, or WA then the look back period is 60 days).
Our definition in most states of a Pre-Existing Condition means any Sickness or Injury during the 180-day period immediately prior to your effective date for which you or your Traveling Companion: (1) received, or received a recommendation for, a diagnostic test, examination, or medical treatment; or (2) took or received a prescription for drugs or medicine.
However, it’s important to note that Item 2 of this definition does not apply to a condition which is treated or controlled solely through the taking of prescription drugs or medicine and remains treated or controlled without any adjustment or change in the required prescription throughout the 180-day period before coverage is effective.
Let’s break that down in order to better understand whether you have a pre-existing medical condition and if that condition can be covered by our Premium Plan.
How to Get Travel Protection for Pre-Existing Conditions
Determine if you have a pre-existing medical condition
By answering these questions, you can tell if your medical condition is considered a pre-existing condition according to the terms of our travel protection plans:
1. In the last 180 days have you received, or received a recommendation for, a diagnostic test, examination, or medical treatment for a sickness or injury?
If you answer yes, then you have a pre-existing medical condition.
2. In the last 180 days have you taken or received a new prescription for drugs or medicine?
If you answer yes, then you might have a pre-existing medical condition, depending on the answer to the next question.
3. Is the medical condition treated or controlled solely through the taking of prescription drugs and has it remained treated or controlled without any adjustment or change in the prescription throughout the 180-day period?
If you answer yes, then your condition is not considered pre-existing under the terms of our travel protection plans.
The next step is to determine if other aspects of your travel protection purchase qualify you for pre-existing condition coverage.
Additional Considerations
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it's important to note that meeting our definition alone does not guarantee coverage. You must also meet these additional requirements to qualify for coverage related to that condition:
- You must be medically able to travel when you purchase the Premium travel protection plan.
- You need to purchase the Premium travel protection plan prior to or within 24 hours of your final trip payment.
- You must insure all prepaid trip costs that are subject to cancellation penalties or restrictions.
How to Buy Your Plan
How to get travel protection for pre-existing conditions on our website:
- Get your travel protection quote
- When getting your quote, make sure to include all prepaid trip costs that are subject to cancellation penalties or restrictions
- Select the Premium Plan at check out
That’s it! You don’t need to do anything else in order to qualify for pre-existing medical condition coverage.
How Common Are Pre-Existing Conditions?
You may be surprised by how common pre-existing medical conditions are. According to the CDC, about 60% of adults in the United States have at least one chronic condition, and 40% have two or more. Many of these conditions, such as hypertension or high cholesterol, are managed with medication, but could still qualify as pre-existing conditions, depending on the situation.
For travelers, this means there's a good chance that you or a traveling companion could have a pre-existing condition—even if it’s something you manage daily and don’t think much about. Understanding this is key to being adequately covered while traveling.
FAQs from Customers
No, it is not considered a pre-existing condition as long as it has been treated or controlled solely through the taking of prescription drugs and has remained treated or controlled without any adjustment or change in the prescription throughout the 180-day period.
Review your medical records for any treatments, doctor visits, or prescriptions within the last 180 days. If you have received treatment or a recommendation for further medical attention during that time, it may be considered a pre-existing condition.
If you have a pre-existing condition and need to file a claim related to it, your claim could be denied for many reasons dependent on your condition and the circumstances of the claim.
The Bottom Line
Pre-existing medical conditions are more common than many travelers realize.
Always read the fine print in your travel protection plan, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure about coverage for your specific medical needs.
Understanding what qualifies as a pre-existing condition and ensuring you have coverage for it is important for a trip. Getting a travel protection plan is easy and getting a quote is fast.
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