Example: Matt's $2,400 check-up
Having booked his long-awaited European holiday, Matt was counting down the days until he would depart on his dream getaway. A couple of days before his departure, Matt visited his doctor for a heart check-up after noticing an irregular heartbeat.
The condition was deemed non-life-threatening, and although Matt was still awaiting test results, he headed off overseas without a care in the world. However, after a week in Amsterdam, Matt became hospitalised with hypertension (abnormally high blood pressure).
Although Matt was sure these expenses would be covered by his travel insurance, when he phoned his insurance company, he received a nasty shock. Since he had the check-up before his departure, he was classified as having a pre-existing condition which he did not tell his insurer about. The medical and hospital costs he incurred overseas were excluded from cover, leaving Matt severely out of pocket and completely broke.
Costs Matt faced
- $2,000 in hospital stay expenses
- $400 in medical treatment
Out-of-pocket costs
- $2,400
Cover received from his travel insurance provider
- $0
Reason
Matt did not disclose his heart condition once he found out about it.
* This is a fictional, but realistic, example.
Almost 4 years ago I had an aortic valve replacement and a triple bypass. I am on blood pressure and cholesterol medication, the dosages of which have changed little since the surgery. I have had no problems post operation. Would this information need to be reported to an insurer as a pre-existing condition. I am 75 years of age.
Hi Chris,
It’s highly likely that the travel insurer will want to know this information so they can factor this in to their policy decision and quote. If in doubt, you can contact the insurer directly to confirm, but it’s always worth disclosing major medical procedures like this, as failing to do so could render your policy void, depending on the insurers policies and criteria. Best of luck!
I am 84 yrs old, my husband is 87 years old with a heart condition, he is on medication and is checking in regularly with his doctor and cardiologist, his last heart episode was in 2023 when his cardiologist (Pradyot Saklani) arranged for an ablation procedure, he has had no further complaints since then except for a hypoglycaemia attack on 31/12/23. I have had a stent inserted in my heart in December 2019, I am on medication but have no recent heart episodes, my blood pressure is under control with medication and checked regularly by myself and my doctor
Hi Isoble,
We’re a review and comparison site, and we’re not directly affiliated with any of the insurers listed on our pages. Your best bet is to contact a health insurer directly to enquire about your travel insurance options. A good place to start could be 1Cover, who offer travel insurance with no age limits. You can contact them here. Best of luck!
Is it possible to get a travel insurance policy to cover a pre-existing medical condition only, or is cover only possibly available as part of a comprehensive policy?
Hi Julie,
Thanks for getting in touch. If I am understanding you correctly, you will need to take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Depending on your circumstances, it may be able to cover you.
Regards,
Gary
Can you explain the benefits/cons to the Reciprocal Health Care Agreements provided to Aust travellers going overseas including their limitations
Hi James,
Thanks for reaching out to Finder!
Reciprocal Health Care Agreements are designed to provide essential medical services to the citizens of each country. This includes cover for the cost of medical treatment for:
Visitors from RHCA countries who travel to Australia
Australians who visit a country that has an RHCA with Australia
Without the cover provided by an RHCA, you would have to meet any overseas medical expenses you incur out of your own pocket. This could potentially see you facing hospital bills of several thousands of dollars, so the RHCA is an important tool to help overseas visitors to and from Australia and agreement countries access the medical treatment they need. Check our guide to Reciprocal health care agreement (RHCA), to know what you’re covered for when you visit the country as listed.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Nikki
I have just been diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis, don’t have to use any medication. Can I get travel insurance?
Hi Ian,
Thanks for reaching out to finder!
Yes, even with your heart condition, you may still get a travel insurance. You have to declare your condition and undergo medical assessment though. You may contact any of the insurer listed above.
Additionally, InsureandGo does not automatically exclude any conditions and claims to assess all conditions on a case-by-case basis. Similarly, Allclear considers all pre-existing conditions. Also, CoverMore may be able to cover you for an additional premium, subject to the outcome of a short medical assessment.
I hope this information helps.
Cheers,
Liezl