What medical conditions are covered by travel insurance
Travel insurance does cover medical conditions; however there are restrictions and exclusions set within the policy to keep premium costs lower for the consumer.
Prices for travel insurance are all based on risk assessment and insurers put restrictions on the higher risk illnesses to keep costs down for the average traveller.
Just as skydiving isn’t covered as it’s too risky to insure, the same goes for serious illnesses and injury. If travel insurers started to cover conditions such as heart disease or cancer then overall premiums for consumers would go through the roof.
Comparetravelinsurance.com.au helps to explain which conditions are covered and why claims are rejected.
Comparetravelinsurance.com.au director Natalie Ball points out that travellers fail to realise that any previous illness or injury is considered a pre-existing medical condition.
“If you want cover, you must disclose anything you have sought medical attention for in the past, even something like a stomach ulcer from 10 years ago,” Ball said, warning that if you don’t, your claim could be rejected as the insurer was not made aware of the condition in the first place.
Ball suggests “if you’re finding it difficult to find cover for a particular condition, ensure you contact insurance companies with varying underwriters to research a good cross-section of the market.”
What is considered a pre-existing medical condition in travel insurance jargon?
A pre-existing medical condition is considered an ongoing medical or dental condition which you are aware of, or have symptoms of. A condition you are currently seeking medical treatment for, or have previously been treated for, by a medical professional. A condition you are taking medicine for currently or you’ve had surgery for, in the past 12 months. Pregnancy is also considered a pre-existing medical condition.
Typical pre-existing medical conditions are covered:
- Allergies including Rhinitis, Chronic Sinusitis, Eczema, Food Intolerance, Hay Fever
- Asthma – provided you have no other lung disease and are less than 60 years old (age may vary from insurer to insurer)
- Epilepsy – provided there has been no change in the last 12 months
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure – provided you do not suffer from cardiovascular disease or diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Cataracts, congenital blindness
- Congenital deafness
- Diabetes – provided you were diagnosed more than 12 months ago and have no kidney or eye complications, you do not suffer from hypertension or hypoglycaemia, and you are under 50 years of age (age may vary from insurer to insurer)
- Hernia
- Incontinence
- Typical pre-existing medical conditions are not covered:
- Terminal illness with a life expectancy of under 24 months
- Chronic renal failure
- Congestive heart failure
- Aids
- Cancer
- If you’re awaiting surgery
- If you require oxygen for your holiday
- If you take blood thinning drugs
- Seizures in the past 12 months
- Recurring pain, including back pain, that requires ongoing treatment such as physiotherapy or a chiropractor
- Mental illness – including depression, anxiety, dementia
- Suicide
- Autism
- Fertility treatment
- If you are waiting for an organ transplant
- Alcohol or drug addiction
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Pregnancy, if you’ve had complications, or went through IVF, childbirth also isn’t covered
You can still get travel insurance if you have a pre-existing condition:
- If you do suffer from a medical condition that’s not automatically covered, it doesn’t mean you’re unable to get travel insurance at all. Many conditions require a medical assessment before cover can be purchased. And/or you might be able pay a premium to cover your condition to out-way the additional risk.
- If you are refused cover for your condition, you will still have all the other benefits of travel insurance and any medical claims that are totally unrelated to your pre-existing medical condition are ok. But you will not be covered for any claims arising from your refused pre-existing condition.
- Typical situations and conditions you’ll need a medical assessment for:
- If you’ve had surgery in the last 2 years
- If you’ve experienced heart problems
- If you have a pacemaker
- If you’ve suffered from a stroke
- If you have HIV
- If you suffer from epilepsy, and you’re on two or more anti-convulsion medications
- If you have cystic fibrosis
- If you’ve had deep vein thrombosis
Your medical claim will also be rejected if:
- You were aware, before your journey commenced, that it might be cancelled, disrupted or delayed due to illness
- If injury or illness happens to a person over 85 years old (age will vary from insurer to insurer)
- If you do not disclose your pre-existing condition before the start date of travel
- If your pre-existing medical condition was deemed too risky to insure before your started your trip
Medical bills overseas regularly exceed tens of thousands of dollars and without travel insurance you could see your holiday end in financial ruin.
It’s important to remember that each underwriter has a different list of conditions that are covered, so it pays to shop around and compare different policies and insurers. And the best way to find out what each policy covers is to read the PDS in full.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
comparetravelinsurance.com.au travel insuranceLatest News
Agents chance to score free spot on Intrepid trip to Antarctica
Fancy a free spot on an Intrepid Travel trip to Antarctica with key partnerships manager Leigh Reynolds? That extraordinary opportunity is up for grabs for any agent who books an Intrepid Travel Ocean Endeavour Antarctica 2024/2025 season departure during the incentive period. The lucky winners of the ‘Earn a Free Spot to Antarctica Incentive’ will […]
Bonza nosediving amid mass cancellations and reports of repossessed planes
Bonza's days appear to be numbered as the low-cost carrier today announced mass cancellations around the country.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Pullman Sydney Penrith ties up with Trilogy Hotels, announces new GM
Trilogy Hotels and Panthers Group have signed a milestone agreement that will see Trilogy Hotels oversee operations of the five-star Pullman Sydney Penrith. Part of a $110m investment from Panthers Group, the 153-room hotel opened in August last year and is the first five-star offering in Penrith. Trilogy Hotels is a new name in the […]
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.
Celebrity Ascent makes its European debut
Choosing to cruise this northern summer? Celebrity Ascent promises to raise the bar.
NCL opens sales for Norwegian Sun’s APAC debut, announces 14 new voyages
It was to be 13 new voyages we heard, but given the numbers unlucky nature, an extra had to be thought up.
Inside Travel Group appoints Tom Welland Global Trade Marketing Manager
Heidi's Tom Welland heads to Inside Travel Group as its new Global Trade Marketing Manager.
Federal Government rolls out $1.4m program to promote careers in tourism across regional NSW
The Government taking a break from some of its pointier issues with some work in our incredible industry!
Australian visitors to South Korea surge
Japanned out? Aussies are adding South Korea to their bucket list.
G Adventures celebrates Dr. Jane Goodall’s 90th with new wildlife-focused trips
Fancy yourself as a bit of a conservationist? Put your skills to the test on the Jane Goodall collection.
Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays
If only we had a company like Boeing to blame our mistakes on. Any takers? Get in touch!
Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800
The iconic Singapore Airlines' A380-800 is in a class of its own - business class that is.
South African Airways to relaunch Joburg – Perth flights as economic ties strengthen
Bringing two of the world's most distinctive accents closer together, for good or for bad is yet to be determined.
My journey: Before becoming a travel agent I was… a palliative care nurse
Australind Travel & Cruise, Travellers Choice member Saibra Twigg reveals her life as paediatric nurse then to palliative care before a career leap to travel agent. How did you become a palliative care nurse? ST I went straight from school in nursing and initially specialised in paediatrics, working at Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. […]
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.