Pre-existing condition is a medical ailment that existed before the start of the travel insurance policy. Acute onset of a pre-existing condition is a sudden relapse of the pre-existing condition without advance warning which requires medical attention within 24 hours. As of a few years ago, companies now exclude chronic illnesses from this "acute onset" coverage which has deep impacts to people purchasing travel health insurance, particularly people with these conditions and older travelers.
Travelers with pre-existing conditions always find it hard to buy travel health insurance. There are various conditions that are considered as pre-existing diseases but some of common ailments in this category are asthma, food & drug allergies, environmental allergies, heart related issues, high blood pressure, kidney disease, cancer, and diabetes. Typically all insurance providers have their terms and conditions for the pre-existing condition coverage provided. Most do not cover anything related to a pre-existing condition. Travelers can buy a travel insurance policy without a medical check, however most insurance providers only provide coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions which excludes chronic illnesses, like cancer, diabetes, and heart conditions. With the pre-existing condition there is a "look back" period of 60-180 days to determine the claim.
Some insurance providers offer travel insurance for acute onset of pre-existing conditions with fixed or limited coverage which may be suitable for people without chronic illnesses, like food allergies and certain asthma conditions. The Safe Travels USA, Safe Travels USA Cost Saver, and Safe Travels USA Comprehensive all offer $1000 coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions without limitation to chronic illness. If travelers have a medical condition they are concerned about, it is very important for them to buy a policy that includes the illnesses in the coverage and to be aware of the terms of pre-existing condition coverage.
INF is one of the few companies which offers travel insurance plans for travelers with full coverage for pre-existing ailments. They define pre-existing conditions differently and do not exclude chronic illness. First of all, if the person has had no flare up or change in their condition, even if they take medication for it (as long as there has been no change in medication) for 12 months prior to the start of the plan, then the plan does not consider it as a pre-existing condition. If there has been a flare up or change in the condition, then it is covered but at a lower maximum than the overall maximum of the plan and may be subject to a higher deductible.
They have two plans which have this coverage: INF Premier and INF Elite. The Premier plan is a fixed plan which has limitations on the coverage of each medical expense. The Elite plan is an 80/20 comprehensive plan (the plan pays 80% and the insured 20% after the deductible). INF offers the best travel insurance for pre existing medical conditions but the difference is reflected in the cost, particularly in the Elite plan. Note that regularly needed maintenance medications or treatments are still not covered with these plans, only if there is a new problem will there be coverage. However, the problem does not need to be life-threatening or acute.
Travelers with pre-existing conditions should weigh these options to reduce their risk of high medical costs should they suffer from one of their conditions while traveling. Note that the plans need to be purchased for at least 90 days, so these are more suitable for longer term stays in US, Canada, and/or Mexico. Also, the plans may be purchased by green card holders as long as they have a non-US residence address. The Elite plan has several variations : INF Elite, Elite Plus and INF Elite 90.
To compare the best travel insurance for full pre-existing conditions plans offered by INF, use this link: INF Premier & INF Elite best travel insurance for pre-existing conditions.
Covid travel insurance - Know more
