What are some Pre-Existing Medical Conditions?

Dick from Connecticut asks: In this policy the description of “pre-existing medical conditions” reads: “received or received a recommendation for a diagnostic test, examination, or medical treatment.” I’m 84 years old and see my doctor on a regular basis. He’s always examining me for something. Does this mean I can’t buy this insurance?

Dan answers: 

You can always buy travel insurance. The question is will the insurance provide coverage for a pre-existing medical condition. Underwriting is completed when a claim for trip cancellation or medical expenses incurred during a trip is filed. The claims analyst may request your medical records to determine if the condition was pre-existing or not. If you qualified for the pre-existing medical conditions exclusion clause waiver then that would eliminate this step. This is why we recommend purchasing your insurance as soon as you make your first trip payment or deposit so you will qualify for that waiver. That will speed up the claims process. 

Those who do not qualify for the waiver will be subject to a “look-back” period. The claims analyst will look back through your medical records to see if there is a correlation between any conditions you may have and the reason you cancelled your trip or incurred medical expenses during your trip. This look-back period is from the time of your policy effective date looking back 60 to 180 days (depending on the policy) for any unstable medical conditions, newly prescribed medications, changes in prescription dosage or adjustments. Medical conditions that are controlled through the taking of prescription drugs or medicine without any adjustments or changes during that look-back period are covered under many travel insurance plans. For example, if you have taken the same prescription and dosage for hypertension for years, that would be covered since it is controlled. 

The bottom line is buy your travel insurance right away and qualify for the waiver!