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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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By

Tim Bennett

Reviewed by

Gary Ross Hunter

Updated

Fact checked

What you need to know

  • 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:

  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

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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Frequently asked questions

  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

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