What is a pre-existing medical condition?

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.

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 our guide to pregnancy and travel insurance.

Can I get travel insurance if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

Yes, you can still get travel insurance if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Whether you receive automatic cover will depend on the insurer. In some cases, your condition may automatically covered. In others, you may need to purchase a policy that specifically covers your condition or complete an online medical assessment. That's why it's important to read the PDS carefully before purchasing cover and to disclose all of your medical conditions.

What does travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions cover?

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.

How do I choose the right travel insurance policy for my pre-existing medical 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.

How do I obtain medical clearance from a specialist?

Obtaining medical clearance from specialists involves several steps. First, schedule an appointment with your GP or specialist to discuss your travel plans. Second, request a 'Physician's Letter' that outlines your condition, medications and any required equipment. Third, if your airline or insurer requires it, have the specialist complete a specific medical clearance form (such as the Qantas or Virgin Australia Medical Clearance Guidelines). Finally, ensure the documentation is dated within the required timeframe (often 10 days of departure) and submit it to your travel provider for review.

Do I need to declare a condition I had years ago?

It depends on the condition and the insurer. Many only ask about the last 12 months, but serious conditions like heart procedures, stents or cancer usually need to be declared no matter how long ago they happened. If you're not sure, declare it.

Are knee or hip replacements a pre-existing condition?

Usually, yes. Joint replacements generally need to be declared, and whether they're covered depends on how long ago you had the surgery and whether you've had any issues since.

Can I get snow sports cover if I have a pre-existing condition?

Often you can, as long as your condition is declared and accepted, and you add snow sports cover to your policy. Some conditions, like osteoporosis, may affect what the insurer will cover on the slopes, so check the policy wording. Our ski travel insurance guide has more detail on how you can get pre-existing conditions covered for your snow trip.

Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

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Pre-existing medical conditions are health issues you have before you buy travel insurance.
Some conditions are covered 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.

Having a pre-existing medical condition doesn't mean you can't get travel insurance. The key is being upfront about your health, so you know exactly what you're covered for before you go.

In this guide, we'll tell you how you can get cover for your pre-existing medical condition, when conitions won't be covered and what happens if you don't declare a medical condition before you travel.

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

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 and the cost to cover the condition.
Take an online medical assessment: If required by your insurer, you may need to complete an online medical assessment to secure cover for your condition.

It's important to note that many insurers automatically cover some common conditions, as long as they're stable, while others may exclude them altogether. While it can be tempting to not declare any medical conditions during the application process to lower your premium, if you do require medical attention related to your condition overseas, your insurer may not cover the cost and leave you to foot the bill.

When declaring your history, be aware that disclosure timeframes vary by insurer. According to 1Cover and Smartraveller, most insurers require you to disclose any medical or mental health conditions you have seen a doctor or dentist for in the 12 months prior to purchasing your policy. However, some providers like Fast Cover may require a history spanning the last 3 years, and certain serious conditions (such as cancer or heart surgery) often require disclosure regardless of how long ago they occurred.

All Clear Travel Insurance

All Clear Travel Insurance covers a range of pre-existing medical conditions, including:

Cardiac conditions such as high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation and heart conditions
Respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD and lung diseases
Diabetes
Stroke
Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety
Chronic conditions such as cancer, Crohn’s disease and epilepsy

It includes the following medical related features:

24-hour medical emergency helpline
Up to unlimited medical emergency expenses cover
Up to $1,000 “medical inconvenience” benefit for when you are in hospital as an in-patient

Get quote

Pre-existing conditions typically covered automatically

Some insurers automatically cover certain pre-existing conditions if specific eligibility criteria are met, which may include the condition being stable for a specified period and having no planned surgery, treatment or investigation. These requirements vary by insurer and condition, and some insurers require you to complete a medical assessment before providing cover. The conditions eligible for automatic cover also vary between insurers.

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

The insurer-specific medical assessment process usually involves a digital screening questionnaire during the application. According to nib and InsureandGo, this assessment typically takes between 2 and 10 minutes. You will be asked targeted questions about your specific condition: including the age you were diagnosed, medications you currently take, and any recent hospitalisations or changes in treatment. This screening allows the insurer to provide an instant decision on whether cover can be offered and what additional premium may apply.

Must read

Depending on the insurer, certain conditions may be automatically covered or will need to be declared. Every insurer assesses medical conditions differently and will often rely on the stability of your condition before approving cover. Don't assume your condition will be automatically covered. Reach out to the insurer before purchasing the policy.

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

There are also strict policy exclusions for travelling against medical advice. If a qualified medical practitioner has advised you not to travel, or the main purpose of your trip is to get medical treatment (such as elective surgery or dental procedures abroad), insurers won't pay claims related to that condition or treatment. The rest of your policy, such as cover for unrelated illness, theft or cancellation, generally still applies.

Travel insurance for specific pre-existing conditions

Each pre-existing condition is likely to be treated slightly differently. Some conditions are simple and straightforward, and all travel insurers treat them similarly. However, some more complex or serious conditions are treated very differently depending on which travel insurance company you use. Your 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.

What counts as a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury or medical issue you knew about, or reasonably should have known about, before you bought your policy. That includes conditions you take medication for, ones you've seen a doctor about, and symptoms that are still being investigated, like waiting on test results.

How far back you need to look depends on the insurer. Many ask about the last 12 months, some go back three to five years, and serious conditions like cancer or heart surgery usually need to be declared no matter how long ago they happened. Ongoing conditions like diabetes generally need to be declared, while one-off issues like a broken bone may only count if they haven't fully healed.

What happens if you don't declare a medical condition?

If you don't tell your insurer about a pre-existing condition and something related to it happens on your trip, your claim will likely be knocked back. That could leave you paying for hospital bills, medical evacuation or cancelled bookings yourself, which can add up to tens of thousands of dollars overseas. In some cases the insurer may also cancel your policy altogether. Even if you think a condition is minor or happened years ago, it's worth declaring it and letting the insurer decide.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can still get travel insurance if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Whether you receive automatic cover will depend on the insurer. In some cases, your condition may automatically covered. In others, you may need to purchase a policy that specifically covers your condition or complete an online medical assessment. That's why it's important to read the PDS carefully before purchasing cover and to disclose all of your medical conditions.
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.
Obtaining medical clearance from specialists involves several steps. First, schedule an appointment with your GP or specialist to discuss your travel plans. Second, request a 'Physician's Letter' that outlines your condition, medications and any required equipment. Third, if your airline or insurer requires it, have the specialist complete a specific medical clearance form (such as the Qantas or Virgin Australia Medical Clearance Guidelines). Finally, ensure the documentation is dated within the required timeframe (often 10 days of departure) and submit it to your travel provider for review.
Often you can, as long as your condition is declared and accepted, and you add snow sports cover to your policy. Some conditions, like osteoporosis, may affect what the insurer will cover on the slopes, so check the policy wording. Our ski travel insurance guide has more detail on how you can get pre-existing conditions covered for your snow trip.

Finder writers are subject matter experts and use primary sources, in-depth research and interviews with other experts to ensure you're getting accurate, up-to-date information. Articles are fact checked in line with our editorial guidelines.
1. Government of South Australia: Purchasing Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions
2. SmartTraveller.gov.au: Travel Insurance
3. SmartTraveller.gov.au: Taking care of your health
4. MoneySmart.gov.au: Travel insurance
5. 1Cover: Travel Insurance for Pre Existing Medical Conditions
6. nib: Travel insurance cover for existing medical conditions
7. InsureandGo Australia: Travel Insurance for Pre-existing Medical Conditions
8. Wise: Travel insurance for pre-existing conditions in Australia (Guide)
9. Virgin Australia: Flying with medical conditions

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by

Ceyda Erem

Senior writer

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Ceyda Erem is Finder’s senior writer for insurance and has almost 10 years of experience writing about personal finance. Formerly a copywriter for several business and finance clients, Ceyda has written hundreds of articles, guides, blogs and more to ensure Australians stay in the loop about how to best manage their money. She has a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Writing from Macquarie University. See full bio

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42 Responses

VanessaFebruary 26, 2019

Is there travel insurance for adrenal gland insufficiency, my husband had adrenal cancer 4 years ago but is on daily medication for cortisol (hormone replacement) and a tablet chemotherapy, but has no tumours.

NikkiFebruary 27, 2019

Hi Vanessa,

Thanks for getting in touch! Your husband may view and apply travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions and you can find this information above. To find out if a provider will insure your husband for adrenal gland insufficiency, you must get in touch with the insurer. You’ll also find the steps as stated above helpful in finding one.

Hope this was helpful. Don’t hesitate to message us back if you have more questions.

Best,
Nikki

JoseJanuary 14, 2019

Is there an insurance that covers heart and double lungs transplant?

Finder

JhezelynJanuary 16, 2019Finder

Hello Jose,

Thank you for your comment.

Although we have no specific page for insurance providers that cover both heart and lung conditions, you can check our guide above for the brands covering pre-existing medical conditions. Basically, an organ transplant is not covered so best to discuss with your preferred brand about the cover for a lung transplant.

Meanwhile, you may also want to check our guide on travel insurance for heart conditions. You can get quotes from the insurers listed on the table or contact them if you like to discuss your options.

You can get a quote directly from the list of insurers that we have on the table by clicking the Get Quote button. Please make sure to read the eligibility criteria, features, and details of the policy, as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statement PDS/T&C’s 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.

Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chatbox on the lower right corner of our page.

Regards,
Jhezelyn

RajgSeptember 25, 2018

Is there a travel insurance policy that covers pulmonary fibrosis for a person who is 74 years old?

Finder

JeniSeptember 25, 2018Finder

Hi Rajg,

Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.

Currently we have a page that explains more on travel insurance for Cystic Fibrosis. Our page can help in finding an insurer to cover someone traveling with pulmonary fibrosis.

You can also enter your travel details from our senior travel insurance form since you mentioned that the person travelling is 74 years old. Basically, the traveller needs to answer the insurer’s online/phone medical questionnaire to know whether the pre-existing condition will be covered or not. Please note that getting cover will depend on person’s age, the type of travel insurance, and the nature and severity of their pre-existing medical condition.

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.

Thank you and have a wonderful day!

Cheers,
Jeni

TinaSeptember 7, 2017

Travel insurance which covers pre-existing medical conditions such as kidney stones and crohn’s disease.

GruSeptember 8, 2017

Hello Tina,

The pre-existing conditions such as Kidney Stones and Crohn’s Disease are not included in the list of conditions that are generally covered by travel insurance. However, they are also not included in the list of those excluded.

To be safe, as we are dealing with something extremely important such as your health, it would be best to contact the insurance provider you are interested in. The company will assess the condition and decide whether or not cover can be provided.

Hope this helped.

Cheers,
Gru

CarolynJuly 27, 2017

I want cover for Fibromyalgia and Psoriatic arthritis

LiezlJuly 27, 2017

Hi Carolyn,

While we are unable to recommend a specific insurance company that will provide cover for your condition, you may want to contact directly with the insurers listed above to find out whether or not they can provide you a cover. Please note that terms and conditions vary extensively among companies hence, it is crucial that you declare any medical conditions that are not automatically covered at the time of application.

Additionally, you may want to check InsureandGo as they do not automatically exclude any conditions and claim to assess all conditions on a case-by-case basis. Also, CoverMore might be able to cover you for an additional premium, subject to the outcome of a short medical assessment.

I hope this has helped.

Cheers,
Liezl

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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