Travel Insurance and Pre-Existing Conditions: What You Need To Know

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Updated 28/03/2023
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Updated 28/03/2023

What changed?

Expanded content, updated sources, added traveller profiles
Our aim is to help you make better informed decisions. That’s why iSelect’s content is produced in accordance with our fact-checking and editorial guidelines.

Find out more about how we make money.

View our Privacy Policy.

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What is a pre-existing medical condition? 

Generally speaking, a pre-existing medical condition is any ongoing medical or dental condition that you are aware of or that you’ve received medical advice, treatment, or medication for.  

Common examples include: 

  • Heart disease
  • Arthritis
  • Diabetes
  • Mental Illness
  • Cancer
  • Chronic back pain
  • Osteoporosis 

Under the law, the definition of a pre-existing condition relies on the presence of signs or symptoms of an illness, ailment or condition, so it doesn’t necessarily need to be diagnosed by a doctor. The definition of a pre-existing condition may differ from insurer to insurer, so you should check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for the policy you are considering.  

Is your condition covered by your Travel Insurance policy?  

Not all pre-existing conditions will be excluded from Travel Insurance coverage, but you should disclose any relevant information to your provider. Some insurers may ask for a health check or have an age limit on the policy. Others will offer automatic coverage for some conditions, only cover some symptoms of your condition, or cover your condition for an additional fee. 

Alternatively, you may feel comfortable choosing a policy that excludes your pre-existing condition, but still covers you for any of the other things that could go wrong while travelling. Whatever you decide, it’s always best to disclose your pre-existing condition, as failure to do so could void your entire Travel Insurance policy. 

Examples of pre-existing conditions that can be automatically covered Examples of pre-existing conditions that can be covered at extra cost Examples of pre-existing conditions that may not be covered 
Allergies, asthma, vision issues, deafness, gout, high cholesterol, high blood pressure Cardiovascular disease, cancer, anxiety, depression Drug or alcohol dependency, conditions waiting for treatment or investigation, conditions with a terminal prognosis, any travel booked against the advice of your doctor  

Why should you take out Travel Insurance for a pre-existing condition? 

For most people, a pre-existing medical condition is something that is actively managed and under control. This means that the likelihood of it being the cause of issues on your trip is small. However, there are lots of other things that can go wrong on your travels, which is why the Australian Government recommends having suitable Travel Insurance on any overseas trip.  

The usual risks of travelling, like delays, cancellations and petty theft can cause inconvenience while you’re away, and minor medical expenses can add up quickly depending on your destination. If there’s a chance your pre-existing condition may require serious medical care while you’re away, and especially if it’s been excluded from your cover, it may be time to reconsider your need to travel. 

Is pregnancy a pre-existing medical condition?  

Yes, pregnancy is usually considered a pre-existing medical condition, but that doesn’t mean you can’t travel during the early stages of a pregnancy. If you do decide to travel while pregnant, and you’re thinking of purchasing Travel Insurance, it’s critical that you disclose this to your insurer. Some insurers may not cover you during the final weeks of your pregnancy, so be sure to check. 

Travel Insurance also may not cover you for childbirth-related medical costs if you give birth while overseas, but a pregnancy-specific policy can provide cover for things like cancellation due to pregnancy-related medical issues or if your doctor declares you’re no longer fit to travel.  

TRAVELLER DESTINATION PRE-EXISTING CONDITION COVERAGE 
Julia (24) FranceAsthma Standard Travel Insurance 
Brody (61) Italy, France and SpainCardiovascular Disease Standard Travel Insurance with additional fees 
Toni (33) USA25 weeks pregnant Specialist Travel Insurance 

Tips for choosing Travel Insurance if you have a pre-existing condition 

Having a pre-existing condition can make the process of choosing travel insurance a little more complicated, but it doesn’t have to put a damper on your holiday. Here are some things to keep in mind when comparing Travel Insurance options: 

Always disclose: The most important thing is to disclose any pre-existing condition to your insurer when asked, otherwise your entire policy may be void.   

Buy early: Start looking into travel insurance as soon as you book your trip to make sure you’re covered for any flights, hotels or deposits should you have to unexpectedly cancel.  

Specialist insurers: Research policies that are designed for your specific pre-existing condition as they may be able to offer benefits that others don’t. 

Where can I find and compare Travel Insurance for pre-existing conditions? 

iSelect can help you compare Travel Insurance policies side by side. Check out a range of options online today.

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iSelect does not compare all travel insurers or policies in the market. Travel insurance is only available through our website and not all policies are available at all times or in all areas. Not all policies available from our partners are compared by iSelect and due to commercial arrangements and customer circumstances not all policies compared by iSelect will be available to all customers. Click here to view iSelect’s range of providers.

iSelect General Pty Limited ABN 90 131 798 126, AFS Licence Number: 334115. Any advice provided by iSelect is of a general nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You need to consider the appropriateness of any information or general advice iSelect gives you, having regard to your personal situation, before acting on iSelect’s advice or purchasing any policy. You should consider iSelect’s Financial Services Guide which provides information about our services and your rights as a client of iSelect. iSelect receives commission for each policy sold.