Pre-existing medical conditions are health conditions that existed before purchasing travel insurance.
Australian travel insurance companies tend to cover some conditions automatically, cover some for an extra fee, and have a list they will not cover.
It is important to compare policies, read the policy wording carefully, and disclose all medical conditions when applying.
Compare travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions
Use the tool below to compare travel insurance quotes for your upcoming trip. Use the "Pre-existing Medical" filter on the results page to only show products that allow you to assess your pre-existing medical conditions when you apply.
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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:
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.
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.
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
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
Is pregnancy covered under travel insurance
Pregnancy related medical costs can be covered by some travel insurance policies. Our comparison tool above has a specific filter to look for travel insurance that includes it. Generally you can be covered up to a certain number of weeks, eg 30. Learn more by reading out guide to pregnancy and travel insurance.
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Since 2014, we've helped over one million people find travel insurance by explaining your options simply. We'll never ask for your number or email to see prices. We're here to help you make a decision.
Frequently asked questions
A pre-existing medical condition is a health condition that existed before you purchased your travel insurance policy. This can include chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease, as well as any medical conditions that you have received treatment for in the past.
Yes, you can still get travel insurance if you have a pre-existing medical condition. However, it's important to note that most travel insurance policies do not automatically cover pre-existing conditions. You may need to purchase a policy that specifically covers your condition, or apply for a pre-existing medical condition waiver. It's important to read the policy wording carefully and disclose all of your medical conditions when applying for travel insurance.
Travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions can cover a range of things, including medical expenses related to your pre-existing condition, trip cancellations or interruptions due to your condition, and emergency medical evacuations. The coverage will depend on the specific policy you purchase and the severity of your condition.
When choosing a travel insurance policy for your pre-existing medical condition, it's important to 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 disclose all of your medical conditions when applying. You should also consider factors such as the policy cost, coverage limits, and any exclusions or restrictions that may apply.
Tim Bennett is a Finder insurance expert. For over 10 years he's reported on news, politics, finance and other topics as a journalist and radio presenter. Tim's roles have included radio news reader and breakfast at the ABC, news producer for SBS and producer for Fairfax Media. Tim regularly appears as a health insurance expert on programs like Sunrise and SBS news, as well as in the Australian, The Daily Telegraph, The Courier Mail and more.
Guide to high-risk travel insurance: What is and isn't covered.
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