Travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions

Protect yourself from huge medical bills abroad by getting travel insurance for pre existing conditions.

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Tim Bennett

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Key takeaways

  • Pre-existing medical conditions are health issues you have before you buy travel insurance.
  • Some conditions are coverd automatically, some for an extra fee, and others can't be covered.
  • You must declare pre-existing conditions when you buy insurance, or you risk not being covered.

How do I get travel insurance for pre-existing conditions in Ausrtalia?

Here are the steps to get travel insurance for pre-existing conditions in Australia:

  1. Compare policies: Compare policies from multiple providers to find the best coverage for your needs. Look for policies that specifically cover your condition, and make sure you read the policy wording carefully.
  2. Declare your pre-existing medical condition: When applying for travel insurance, declare any pre-existing medical conditions you have. The insurer will let you know if your condition is covered, if it will cost you more, or if you need to apply for a pre-existing medical condition waiver.
  3. Apply for a pre-existing medical condition waiver: If required, apply for a pre-existing medical condition waiver with your insurer.

It's important to note that most travel insurance policies do not automatically cover pre-existing conditions, and some insurers may exclude them altogether. Therefore, it's crucial to declare all medical conditions when applying for travel insurance and read the policy wording carefully to understand what is covered and what is not.

Pre-existing conditions typically covered automatically

The list below is of conditions generally covered automatically provided the condition has been stable for the last 12 months and there is no planned surgery for the condition.

  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Bell’s Palsy
  • Bunions
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Cataracts
  • Coeliac Disease
  • Congenital Blindness
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Type 1 or 2 Diabetes
  • Dry Eye Syndrome
  • Epilepsy
  • Folate Deficiency
  • Gastric Reflux
  • Goitre
  • Glaucoma
  • Graves’ Disease
  • Hiatus Hernia
  • High Cholesterol
  • High Blood Lipids
  • Hypertension
  • Impaired Glucose Tolerance
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Iron Deficiency Anaemia
  • Macular Degeneration
  • Meniere’s Disease
  • Migraine
  • Osteopenia
  • Osteoporosis
  • Pernicious Anaemia
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Raynaud’s Disease
  • Sleep Apnoea
  • Solar Keratosis
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia
  • Trigger Finger
  • Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Pre-existing conditions you must declare

If you suffer from any of the conditions listed below, you will need to declare these to your insurance company. The company will then assess the condition and determine if they can provide cover. Whether your insurer covers your condition will depend on its severity, how recent it is and the extent to which it is being controlled by medication. The cost of your policy may increase as a result.

  • Cardiac or heart conditions
  • Respiratory or lung conditions
  • Metastatic or secondary cancer
  • Dementia or memory loss
  • If you require the accompaniment of a full-time minder
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • Heart problems (e.g. coronary angiography, pacemakers, etc)
  • Any conditions requiring surgery in the last two years
  • Certain kinds of diabetes
  • Epilepsy

Pre-existing conditions typically not covered

If you suffer from any of the conditions listed below, you won't be covered for any sections of the policy related to medical expenses/repatriation or trip cancellation/lost deposits.

  • Conditions where you have been given a terminal or palliative prognosis with a shortened life expectancy
  • If you require oxygen therapy or home oxygen for the journey
  • Aids defining illness
  • If you have had or are having an organ transplant in the future

Travel insurance for specific pre-existing conditions

Each pre-existing conditions is likely to be treated slightly different. Some conditions are simple and straightforward, and all travel insurance treat them similarly. However, some more complex or serious conditions are treated very differently based on which travel insurance company you use. You cover can also vary based on the nature of your specific medical history.

To learn more about different pre-existing conditions, check out the links below. But remember, the best way to understand your travel insurance situation is to start the comparison and quote process.

Frequently asked questions

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Insurance expert

A seasoned journalist with over 10 years of experience in news, politics and finance reporting, Tim has previously held roles at the ABC, SBS and Fairfax Media. Tim’s expert insights have been quoted in The Australian, The Daily Telegraph, The Courier Mail and more. He regularly appears on TV and radio, and has been interviewed on 7 News, Sunrise, SBS News, ABC Local, 3AW and 5AA. Tim is passionate about simplifying complex insurance topics for Australian consumers. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Politics) from Macquarie University and a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification, which meets the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146). If you’re interested in a media interview with Tim, please reach out to our PR team at aupr@finder.com. See full bio

Tim's expertise
Tim has written 149 Finder guides across topics including:
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  • Health insurance
  • General insurance
  • Life insurance
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38 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    JayneJuly 11, 2016

    10th July 2016

    To whom it may concern,
    My husband and I are travelling to Vietnam departing Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh.
    My husband had spinal surgery on April 23rd 2016 for an acute lumbar disc prolapse. He had an elective L4 – 5 spinal fusion, L4 discectomy and bone graft.
    He has recovered well and returned to normal working duties fulltime on June 3rd 2016.
    He has no ongoing symptoms and does not take opiates or drugs of addiction for pain.
    He takes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication and Panadol.
    Please advise what further info you provide and could you please provide a quote.
    I am 55 and my husband is 68.

    Jayne

      AvatarFinder
      RichardJuly 11, 2016Finder

      Hi Jayne,

      Thanks for your question.

      While you can compare quotes on our site, we are unable to take into account pre-existing medical conditions as these are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the insurance brand. However, you may find our article about back problems a useful starting point for finding cover.

      I hope this was helpful,
      Richard

    Default Gravatar
    AnilMarch 27, 2016

    My cousin had ovarian cancer in past. She completed her treatment in October 2015. She is free from that disease. Her doctor advised she can travel to Australia. My question is still she can get the insurance. Travel insurance that covers pre existing medical conditions.

      AvatarFinder
      RichardMarch 27, 2016Finder

      Hi Anil,

      Thanks for your question.

      Whether or not a travel insurance brand will provide your cousin with cover will depend on the severity of the condition and the insurer. Some insurers may be able to provide her with cover. However, cover is provided on a case by case basis. You may find our guide on travel insurance for cancer patientsuseful.

      I hope this was helpful,
      Richard

    Default Gravatar
    tataAugust 17, 2015

    I had my medical exam for our US travel and had flu and chills that time. Result shows in my ekg that i had sinus rhythm and poor R wave progression of which I am not aware.I am an active person, I do running and exercise and i do not take any medication. I purchased an insurance lately for our travel. In the assessment, I was diagnosed that I have a pre-existing condition. Can I get an insurance to cover my pre-existing condition. Thank you.

      AvatarFinder
      RichardAugust 18, 2015Finder

      Hi Tata,

      Thanks for your question. You may be able to get cover, as this condition may not be automatically excluded. However, acceptance criteria varies from insurer to insurer. You should contact you current provider and see if they assessed this condition when you applied as you may already have cover.

      I hope this was helpful,
      Richard

    Default Gravatar
    PamJuly 26, 2015

    I had a craniotomy in April to remove a meningioma and want to have a holiday overseas in October or November is there an insurance company that will cover me I have not had any adverse affect from the surgery I am back to work full time and my next check up with the surgeon is next June, I had been getting cover prior to having the operation as I had the tumour for 5 years before they decide to remove it.,

      AvatarFinder
      RichardJuly 27, 2015Finder

      Hi Pam,

      Thanks for your question. Exception criteria vary from insurer so there is not a hard yes or no answer. However, InsureandGo claim to consider all conditions and CoverMore assess medical conditions prior to issuing travel insurance.

      These are just two providers from our panel that may be able to help and there may be other insurers out there that are suitable for your needs. Please make sure to read the eligibility criteria, features, and details of the policy, as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statement of the policy before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you. If necessary, speak to the insurance brand to verify any details.

      I hope this was helpful,
      Richard

    Default Gravatar
    geoffJuly 15, 2015

    My partner and I will be taking a cruise in December this year for 14 nights, south pacific & NZ my partners father has alzheimers and is over 85 years old can we get travel insurance that covers cancellation in case he is hospitalised by chance?

      AvatarFinder
      MauriceJuly 15, 2015Finder

      Hi Geoff,

      Thanks for your question. Some travel insurers may cover the costs of such cancellation if you disclose the pre-existing medical condition of any family members and allow for what is called a pre-existing medical condition waiver.

      What exact pre-existing conditions are covered however e.g. Alzheimers, will largely depend on the providers specific policies surrounding general exclusions, so it is best to speak to them directly.

      Hope this is useful.

      Cheers,

      Maurice

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