A pre-existing condition is a medical condition or illness that you have been diagnosed with or received treatment for before obtaining a new health insurance policy. These conditions can include chronic illnesses like diabetes, asthma, heart disease, or even injuries that have long-term effects. Companies use a "look back" period to determine if a condition will be considered pre-existing or not.
Fixed plans tend to have shorter look back periods of only 6 to three months.
Comprehensive plans have longer ones, usually 3 years. Of course, if a person is diagnosed with a chronic illness, they always have it (unfortunately) and it would always be considered a pre-existing condition. However, if someone had a surgery, for a broken bone, more than 3 years ago, no policy would consider this a pre-existing condition.
Given the dilemma regarding pre-existing condition coverage, and its importance, American visitor insurance present resourceful information about Pre-existing conditions. We try to explain with objectivity and transparency the options available for pre-existing condition coverage.
All the policies that cover pre-existing conditions and all the terms and conditions that go with it are displayed in an user friendly manner. You can get quotes and compare the coverage benefits for Pre-existing Conditions at Visitor insurance pre-existing condition coverage.
The Look back period for pre-existing conditions by the different insurance plans are -
Fixed Benefits Plans:
(Travel Medical USA Visitor Choice and Travel Medical USA Visitor Basic) - 180 days pre-existing conditions are not covered prior to the start of the insurance coverage. For travelers 70 years and above the look back period is 365 days.
Pre-existing condition coverage means the travel or visitor insurance plan provides limited coverage for medical emergencies related to conditions that existed
This coverage is not the same as regular U.S. health insurance and does not include routine care or ongoing treatment.No pre-existing condition coveragemeans the insurance plan does not cover any medical expenses related to pre-existing conditions.
Only new illnesses or accidental injuriesthat occur after the policy start date are eligible for coverage.
No, there are no medical tests required for purchasing visitor insurance.
Not for the short term plans. For some the global/ long term plans the underwriters may ask for some back-up information after seeing your application.
Once again the short term plans will not provide a separate document even if they have a pre-existing coverage benefit. The global/ long term plans will provide you with clear understanding of what is covered and what is not.
No visitor or travel insurance plan provides full or unlimited coverage for pre-existing conditions regardless of cost. Most plans offer limited pre-existing condition coverage only under specific circumstances, such as emergency treatment for the acute onset of a pre-existing condition, and are subject to benefit limits and policy restrictions. For detailed options and how pre-existing conditions are covered in visitor insurance, see our guide on visitor medical insurance with pre-existing conditions.
While most US travel insurance plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, some US travel insurance plans do cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions. INF insurance is the one provider who offers travel insurance with coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Any pre-existing medical condition is something that the traveler has before or when he/she buys the travel insurance plan. The pre-existing condition can be an illness or any injury. Some other examples of pre-existing conditions are cancer, diabetes or asthma/respiratory issues.
INF travel insurance offers some US travel insurance with coverage for pre-existing medical conditions which are available for travel to the USA, Canada and Mexico for travelers over 70 years as well.
Yes, many people can travel after a heart attack, but it is important to plan carefully and get medical clearance from your doctor. Make sure your condition is stable and that you are fit for travel.
Having heart attack travel insurance cover is essential to protect against medical emergencies while abroad. American Visitor Insurance offers several suitable plans, including INF Elite X, INF Premier X, INF Elite Plus X, Visitors Protect, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive and Venbrook Premier, which provide coverage for pre-existing heart conditions or the acute onset of cardiac events.
Other important steps include carrying your medical records, taking enough medication, knowing the location of hospitals and emergency services, monitoring your condition during travel, and traveling with a companion when possible.
Some of the best travel insurance plans for heart patients include INF Elite X, INF Premier X, INF Elite Plus X, Visitors Protect, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, Travel Medical Choice, Patriot America Plus, Venbrook Premier, and Atlas America. These plans provide coverage for pre-existing heart conditions or the acute onset of heart issues, helping travelers manage medical expenses and ensuring peace of mind while abroad.
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No, you do not need a medical exam to purchase visitors or travel medical insurance. Coverage for pre-existing conditions varies by plan some plans offer limited coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions, while others may exclude them entirely.
It's always a good idea to review the policy details carefully or speak with our licensed agent at 877-340-7910 to choose a plan that best suits your health needs.
The determination of whether an illness is due to a pre-existing condition or not will be made at the time of illness based on what is happening medically and the reported medications the person is on, etc. You must disclose honestly for the sake of your treatment and also to prevent insurance fraud.
A denial for a pre-existing condition can be frustrating, but you have option.
At American Visitors Insurance, our licensed agents can help you understand your denial and guide you through the appeals process at no cost. Always keep copies of all medical records, bills, and communication related to your claim.
Yes. A stroke that occurred before your policy's effective date or within the plan's look-back period is typically classified as a pre-existing condition. Most visitors insurance plans use a look-back period of 12 to 36 months. If you had a stroke in that window, it is considered pre-existing.
Some of the plans we offer include a cardiac/stroke benefit regardless of pre-existing condition. If that is a major concern, please look for those plans or contact us for a recommendation. At American Visitors Insurance you can compare plans that offer the strongest acute onset benefits for your situation.
Yes. A history of bypass heart surgery is considered a pre-existing condition. Acute onset coverage may apply, but with limits. If a sudden and unexpected complication occurs during your trip, some plans may cover it under acute onset provided the condition was stable before travel.
Example: Plans like Venbrook Premier may cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to the policy maximum (for travelers up to age 69), including sudden cardiac events. However:
Acute onset coverage can help in emergencies, but it is restricted and not a substitute for full pre-existing condition coverage.
The best health insurance for visitors to USA with pre-existing conditions is listed here:
The cost of cheap travel insurance for visitors with chronic illnesses ranges from $39 to $229 per month, depending on factors such as visitor’s age, duration of coverage, medical maximum, and deductible.
| Plan Name | Medical Maximum | Deductible | Acute onset coverage | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Travels Advantage | $25,000 | $0 | Up to 89 yearsopen_in_new | $39 |
| Visitors care | $25,000 | $100 | Up to 70 yearsopen_in_new | $40 |
| Safe Travels Elite | $25,000 | $0 | Up to 89 yearsopen_in_new | $50 |
| Visit USA Budget | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 65 years and aboveopen_in_new | $49 |
| Safe Travels USA Cost Saver | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 69 yearsopen_in_new | $139 |
| Visitors Preferred | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 70 yearsopen_in_new | $148 |
| Atlas America | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 79 yearsopen_in_new | $151 |
| Patriot America Plus | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 70 yearsopen_in_new | $164 |
| Travel Medical Basic | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 79 yearsopen_in_new | $168 |
| Safe Travels USA Comprehensive | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 69 yearsopen_in_new | $172 |
| Venbrook Premier | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 70 yearsopen_in_new | $176 |
| Diplomat America | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 70 yearsopen_in_new | $229 |
Source: American Visitor Insurance®
The visitor health insurance USA pre existing conditions cost starts from $55 to $233 per month. The cost depends on the visitor’s age, duration, medical maximum coverage and deductible.
| Plan Name | Medical Maximum | Deductible | Acute onset coverage | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VisitorSecure | $50,000 | $100 | Up to 70 yearsopen_in_new | $55 |
| Atlas International | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 79 yearsopen_in_new | $117 |
| Patriot International Lite | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 70 yearsopen_in_new | $121 |
| Travel Medical Basic | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 79 yearsopen_in_new | $121 |
| Intermedical | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 80 yearsopen_in_new | $121 |
| Atlas Premium International | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 79 yearsopen_in_new | $164 |
| Safe Travels International | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 69 yearsopen_in_new | $233 |
Source: American Visitor Insurance®
A pre-existing medical condition refers to any health problem you had before your travel insurance started, even if you didn’t know about it.
Insurance companies check your recent medical history (called the look-back period, usually 60 to 180 days) to decide if something counts as pre-existing.
This includes any condition where you:If you took medicine for high blood pressure or diabetes a few months before your trip, that will be seen as a pre-existing condition.
There are several compelling reasons for buying Visitors Insurance for Pre-existing conditions. Some of the important reasons are :
These are some of the important reasons to use the American Visitor Insurance platform to buy the Best Pre-Existing Conditions Visitors Medical Insurance
Visitor Insurance for Asthma
Compare visitors medical insurance that cover asthma attacks, flare-ups, and emergency treatment abroad.
INF Elite 90 X $1M medical, acute asthma coverage
Visitors Protect Pre existing asthma & emergency care
Visitor Insurance for Arthritis
Find visitors health insurance that helps cover arthritis pain, joint issues, and sudden medical care while traveling.
Venbrook Premier Emergency & acute arthritis coverage
Safe Travels USA: $1M medical, acute pre existing benefit
Visitor Insurance for Diabetes
Get visitors travel insurance for diabetes, including emergency care for sugar level complications while overseas.
SafeVista Protect: Diabetes & emergency medical coverage
INF Elite X: Pre-existing diabetes coverage & emergency care
Visitor Insurance for Heart Ailment
Choose travel insurance that covers heart problems such as chest pain, heart attack, or cardiac emergencies.
Visitors Protect: Pre-existing heart condition coverage
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive: Emergency cardiac care & hospitalization
Visitor Insurance for Cholesterol
Protect against health risks from high cholesterol with visitor medical insurance covering related complications abroad.
Travel Medical Choice : Acute onset emergency coverage
Elite Plus X : Full pre-existing condition coverage
Visitor Insurance for Hypertension
Find visitor health insurance that covers high blood pressure emergencies, strokes, or related complications while traveling.
INF Premier X: Full pre-existing hypertension coverage
Venbrook Premier : Acute pre-existing & emergency care
| Type | Definition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Acute Onset of a Pre-Existing Condition | A sudden and unexpected onset of a pre-existing condition that occurs after coverage starts and requires immediate medical attention. | Heart attack, sudden asthma attack, acute appendicitis |
| Chronic Pre-Existing Condition | A long-term or ongoing condition that existed prior to coverage and is generally managed over time | Diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease |
Some visitor insurance plans cover acute onset of certain pre-existing conditions but do not cover chronic management.
American Visitor Insurance and/or its associates have tried to answer these frequently asked questions to the best of our knowledge. However we make no guarantee regarding the accuracy of our answers. The exact answers for some of the questions can change periodically as insurance companies change their plans/policies. AmericanVisitorInsurance is not liable for any problem resulting from the content on this FAQ. If you do not agree with the terms of this disclaimer, please do not use any information in this FAQ.. Insurance questions, comments, suggestions, inquiries about this site, please contact us!
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