While travelling overseas is an enriching experience, it also comes with its fair share of risks, including medical and non-medical emergencies. Hence, it is crucial to purchase the right overseas travel insurance to mitigate various risks, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions.
However, before purchasing travel insurance, it is essential to understand how pre-existing conditions affect your insurance plan. In this article, we shall guide you on how pre-existing diseases impact the insurance and how to get the right one for your trip.
Impact of Pre-Existing Diseases on Travel Insurance
Pre-existing conditions refer to those diseases that you may suffer from prior to buying travel insurance. They are a crucial element affecting overseas travel insurance in the following ways.
- Premium Cost – The primary effect of pre-existing diseases is on the premium of your travel insurance, if they are included in the coverage at all. Since pre-existing diseases increase the likelihood of a claim, the insurers charge a higher premium to cover the increased risks. For example, if you are travelling to the USA, then the cost of the best travel insurance for the USA will be higher if you opt for pre-existing medical condition coverage.
- Exclusion from Coverage – Pre-existing diseases also affect your international travel coverage through exclusions. If you have any pre-existing conditions, many travel insurance policies may not cover the expenses related to your treatment.
- Medical Check-Ups – Insurance providers may require you to undergo a medical screening when buying travel insurance if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. Medical screenings can be an effective way for insurers to assess the exact severity of the condition and offer an insurance policy accordingly.
- Tailored Insurance Plan – Since pre-existing conditions are not included in most travel insurance plans, many insurers offer specific plans or add-ons to cover pre-existing conditions. Since the policies are specially curated and the risk associated with pre-existing conditions is higher, the premium charged may also be higher.
What are Pre-Existing Diseases?
Pre-existing diseases are those health conditions or illnesses that exist before buying travel insurance. Pre-existing diseases may not be included in all travel insurance covers. And if they are included, there may be conditions applicable to them. Thus, before purchasing travel insurance, it is necessary to go through the policy document. Some of the pre-existing diseases are as follows:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Cardiac conditions
- Cancer
- Asthma, etc.
Travel Insurance Without Pre-Existing Disease Cover
Purchasing travel insurance without a pre-existing disease cover may not be appropriate for all. In fact, for individuals who have pre-existing ailments, travelling without pre-existing disease coverage can be risky. Since medical treatments abroad are very expensive, it can turn out to be financially stressful.
Travel insurance without pre-existing disease cover may benefit you in terms of a low premium. However, it may not be worth the risk of facing a medical emergency without medical cover. Thus, it is prudent to purchase travel insurance with a pre-existing disease cover. Alternatively, you may also have the option to include pre-existing disease add-on cover to your insurance plan.
How to Secure Overseas Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Diseases?
Here are some tips to help you purchase international travel insurance for pre-existing diseases.
- Firstly, declare your pre-existing condition to the insurance provider accurately while filling out the form. If you do not declare your pre-existing conditions, your claims related to any pre-existing conditions may be rejected.
- Since there are plenty of options available, it is advisable to compare all the options. Look out for international travel insurance plans with coverage for specific diseases.
- If the insurance does not include pre-existing disease coverage, you may consider including an add-on cover for the same.
- Make sure that the insurance plan provides you with the right balance of coverage and premiums. It ensures that you get high-value insurance without spending a fortune.
Make Your Overseas Trip a Safe One With TATA AIG International Travel Insurance
Travelling with pre-existing diseases needs careful consideration on your part. While pre-existing diseases can impact your overseas insurance cost and coverage significantly, it is crucial to understand their importance for your safety.
As pre-existing disease cover plays a crucial role in your overseas trip, you must choose the insurance provider with a reputable name in the industry, such as TATA AIG. They offer international travel insurance plans with pre-existing disease coverage up to the sum insured mentioned in the policy.
Besides pre-existing disease coverage, their plans also offer benefits, such as medical evacuation, emergency dental expenses, baggage loss or delay, passport loss, trip cancellations and so on.
Thus, you can have a protective travel buddy with you to make your overseas trip a safe one.
Also Read: Exploring the World on a Budget: Top Tips for Smart Travel in 2025
