Many people associate travelling with healing, but what about the diseases you already have? A trip should not cause you any health stress. Rather, it needs to bring the much-needed mental peace. This is why having travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions is important. It is typically an add-on that covers medical emergencies that may arise due to your pre-existing diseases.
What Are Pre-Existing Conditions in Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is a policy that covers medical and non-medical expenses that may arise during your trip. These expenses are inevitable and unforeseen. Under non-medical conditions, you get coverage for lost/delayed/damaged baggage, loss of documents, trip/flight cancellation, etc. Under medical expenses, you get coverage for accidental injuries, emergency medical conditions, etc.
PED or Pre-existing diseases simply refers to the medical conditions that an individual has at the time of purchasing a travel insurance policy. According to IRDAI, any ailment, condition, disease, or injury diagnosed by a physician within 36 months from the date of policy purchase is considered PED.
Common pre-existing illnesses could be diabetes, hypertension, past surgeries, asthma, etc. Typically, pre-existing disease coverage is purchased as an add-on in travel insurance and not in the base policy.
Tip: Do not hide your medical history while purchasing a PED cover in travel insurance. It ensures smooth claims processing in times of need!
Why Pre-Existing Coverage Matters?
Pre-existing diseases can take a toll on your health at unexpected times; however, falling ill during a trip can be all the more challenging. That's why having travel insurance with pre-existing conditions covered can be a good idea. Some of the reasons why you must buy it are:
1. Comprehensive Coverage
The right insurance policy can provide adequate coverage. Along with coverage for PEDs, the policy covers medical expenses, flight delays and cancellations, baggage loss and much more.
2. Saves Hefty Medical Costs
In foreign countries, medical expenses can be quite high. Flare-ups in your health condition can lead to substantial expenses, but with a travel insurance policy, you can be more at ease about these expenses.
3. Peace of Mind
A trip should be an escape from your regular problems, including health issues. Though you need to be cautious and careful about your health, having travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions gives you the much-needed peace of mind. You can focus solely on your trip and enjoyment and let your insurer take care of medical bills.
Tip: Know why travel insurance is a must-have travel partner for all your trips!
How Pre-Existing Coverage Works in Travel Insurance?
Pre-existing disease coverage may slightly differ depending on the insurance provider and the type of policy you purchase. At Generali Central we urge all our customers to be well aware of the common inclusions and exclusions of the travel insurance:
1. Inclusions
If you purchase travel insurance to cover pre-existing medical conditions, the following coverages may be extended:
2. Exclusion
Certain conditions are not covered under the PED cover in travel insurance:
Terminal illnesses (until explicitly covered)
Elective surgeries
Non-disclosure of certain PEDs
Non-life-threatening conditions
Routine follow-ups
Health flare-ups due to pre-existing illnesses that can cause life-threatening health concerns are covered under the policy. In such a case, you may seek medical attention to stabilise your health until you are back home for proper treatment. In case hospitalisation is needed, the same is also covered in the policy. Make sure to carry important medical reports with you on the trip for better care.
Note: PED coverage in travel insurance typically has a sum insured limit. You are reimbursed up to the maximum sum insured limit for PED in case of medical emergencies.
Things to Know Before Buying
Before purchasing travel insurance to cover pre existing medical conditions and non-medical expenses, consider a few key factors. Here is a list of important factors that you must understand before making a choice:
1. Disclosure is Crucial
It is very important to be transparent about your health and disclose all relevant details. Failing to do so may lead to claim rejections and unnecessary hassles. Your insurer may run a few health tests before confirming the policy. So, it is best to disclose necessary details beforehand.
2. Policy Wording
While comparing different travel insurance plans, take a look at the coverage offered for pre-existing illnesses. Typically, it may not be covered under the base policy of the plan. You may ask your insurer about the same.
Understanding policy wording is crucial to getting the maximum benefit of the policy.
3. Add-ons/riders
As mentioned above, PED coverages may not be included in the policy by default, though some insurers may offer them. So, you can purchase add-ons and riders to get this coverage included in the policy.
4. Claim Process
To process the claim, your insurance provider may ask for doctors' reports and your medical history. So, it is best to keep these documents handy when purchasing the policy and raising a claim.
5. Cost Factor
It is important to note that purchasing travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions can cost you extra, especially if it is an add-on. However, it becomes justified when compared to the expenses that may occur on a trip due to medical emergencies.
Tip: Purchase your preferred travel insurance policy digitally, from the comfort of your home.
Tips for Travellers with Pre-Existing Conditions
If you have purchased pre-existing disease coverage in your travel insurance policy, here are a few tips for you. You must ensure these for smooth claims processing in case of medical emergencies:
1. Do not forget to carry medical records and prescriptions with you on the trip
2. It is advised to keep emergency contact numbers handy, especially if travelling solo, so you can reach your friends and family.
3. Do not wait for the last moment to purchase a travel insurance policy, especially if you want PED coverage as well. It is best to purchase in advance to avoid unnecessary hassle
4. Understand the claim process of your insurer for an easy claim settlement even when you are abroad.
Conclusion
People with pre-existing illnesses eventually learn to live with them. Whether it is about regular work-life, normal day-to-day routine, or while on a trip, managing pre-existing illnesses becomes a necessity. Choosing pre-existing disease coverage in travel insurance is also not a luxury but a basic necessity, especially for people with serious PEDs.
A trip plan is not complete until you add a basic safety net to it, like a travel insurance policy. When purchasing the plan, please ensure transparency about your health history to facilitate hassle-free claim settlements. Get the right coverage and enjoy your trip without any stress!
