Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions (2026): What's Covered, What's Not, and How to Choose

Yes, you can get travel insurance with a pre-existing condition. However, coverage options vary: some policies exclude pre-existing conditions entirely, some cover them under specific rules (stable conditions, look-back periods), and others require declaration and may adjust terms or premiums. The key is finding a policy that matches your medical profile.

A pre-existing condition typically includes any illness, injury, or symptom that existed before the policy start date. This can include diagnosed conditions (diabetes, hypertension, asthma), conditions you're being treated or medicated for, previous surgeries, chronic pain issues, mental health conditions, and even symptoms you had without a formal diagnosis if you sought advice or treatment.

A look-back period is a defined time window before policy purchase or departure that insurers use to assess your medical history. If your condition was treated, changed, or evaluated in that window, it can affect eligibility or coverage. Common look-back periods range from 30 days to 12 months depending on the insurer and policy type.

Many travel insurance policies can cover diabetics, but terms vary. If your diabetes is stable (no recent medication changes, hospitalizations, or complications), you may find policies that include coverage under their pre-existing condition rules. Some policies require declaration; others have automatic coverage for stable conditions. Always verify the specific terms.

Coverage for heart conditions depends on the policy and your specific situation. Some policies cover stable heart conditions (no recent changes, procedures, or hospitalizations), while others exclude them entirely. More serious conditions or recent cardiac events typically require declaration and may result in higher premiums or exclusions.

Mild, well-controlled asthma is often covered by standard travel insurance policies, sometimes without needing to declare it. However, if your asthma is severe, requires frequent medication changes, or has resulted in recent hospitalizations, you may need a policy that specifically covers pre-existing conditions with appropriate terms.

Mental health coverage varies significantly between policies. Some policies exclude mental health claims entirely, others cover them if stable, and some require declaration. If you have anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions, check whether the policy explicitly covers or excludes mental health-related claims.

Possibly, but not always. Policies that cover pre-existing conditions under specific rules (stable conditions, look-back periods) often don't charge extra. Policies requiring declaration may adjust premiums based on your condition's severity. Some budget policies exclude pre-existing conditions entirely but are cheaper—though this can be risky if you need to claim.

Non-disclosure can void your entire policy or result in denied claims—even for unrelated issues if the insurer discovers the omission. Insurers can investigate claims and access medical records. It's always better to declare honestly and have appropriate coverage than to risk having no protection when you need it.

Yes, but the details matter. Some policies cover cancellation related to pre-existing conditions if declared and accepted; others exclude it. Timing also matters—cancellation coverage often needs to be purchased close to booking your trip. If cancellation protection is important, verify exactly what reasons are covered.

For medical claims: diagnosis/medical report noting your condition, itemized invoice, proof of payment, prescriptions and discharge notes. Documentation should clearly show the relationship between the incident and your covered condition. For policies requiring declaration, keep copies of your disclosure and the insurer's acceptance.

The best policy depends on your specific conditions, their stability, your destination, trip length, and whether you need cancellation cover. Look for: clear pre-existing condition rules, explicit coverage for your conditions, strong medical and evacuation coverage, and 24/7 assistance. Contact us with your details for a personalized recommendation.