I received this information from CompareHealth, on pre-existing travel coverage, and thought it a great piece to share with clients and prospects in order to better understand travel insurance. I’ve left their contact info below should you wish to reach out for personal health coverage for people around you that are not covered by employee benefit plans.
This is written for INDIVIDUAL or PERSONAL health coverage wordings, but much of it is similar to group plans when it comes to pre-existing conditions. Employee benefit travel coverage often contains pre-existing travel conditions that state your health MUST be stable for your coverage to be in full force. A unstable condition is often one that has changed in the 60 to 90 days prior to your departure. If deemed unstable, your coverage could be VOID, or at least any complications around that condition would be excluded. Always refer to your plans travel coverage for details and limitations.
https://mailchi.mp/74166e16dcb2/new-health-dental-plans-for-pre-existing-conditions-19879450?
When planning a holiday, most of us dream about sun-soaked beaches, exciting excursions, and evening meals by the sea, not buying travel insurance. But if you have a pre-existing medical condition, ensuring your travel insurance reflects your true health status is essential in protecting your health, finances, and peace of mind while you’re away.
At Clear Compare, we understand that talking about your health can feel uncomfortable or even intrusive. But transparency with your travel insurance provider is not only important – it’s vital.
In this month’s article, we’ll walk you through some of the most commonly under-declared medical conditions, why they’re sometimes left off applications, what the risks are if you don’t disclose them, and how easy it actually is to get covered properly.
Commonly Under-Declared Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions are far more likely to be left undeclared than others. This often happens because:
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The condition is seen as minor or well-managed
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The person feels embarrassed to talk about it
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They simply don’t realise it needs to be declared
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They’re worried about paying more for cover
Let’s break down the conditions that are most commonly forgotten or left off travel insurance applications.
Long-Term Conditions That Feel Like “Normal Life”
When you’ve been managing a condition for years, it’s easy to overlook it as just part of daily life. But “controlled” doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most common chronic conditions, and one of the most frequently under-declared. Even when it’s well-managed with medication, it increases your risk of complications such as stroke, dizziness, or heart issues—any of which could derail your trip if not covered.
Diabetes
Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, this condition must be declared. Travel, changes in diet, and physical activity can all impact blood sugar levels. If you experience a hypo or diabetic emergency abroad, medical treatment could be costly without the right coverage.
Conditions People Don’t Realise Need Declaring
Many people simply don’t know that some “milder” or more manageable conditions still need to be declared. Some examples include:
Allergies
From nut and shellfish allergies to bee stings or hay fever, allergic reactions can quickly become medical emergencies. If you carry an EpiPen or have had reactions in the past, insurers need to know—even if your symptoms are usually mild.
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Often dismissed as a “nuisance” rather than a medical concern, IBS can cause serious disruption when travelling. Triggers like unfamiliar food, stress, or changes in routine can lead to flare-ups. Declaring IBS ensures you’re covered if symptoms worsen and require medical help abroad.
Sensitive or Personal Health Concerns
Certain conditions carry stigma or are highly personal, making people hesitant to disclose them. But insurers aren’t there to judge—they’re there to help when you need it most. Being fully transparent ensures you receive the protection you need while abroad.
Mental Health Conditions
Conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and others can feel deeply personal, yet it’s crucial to acknowledge them. These conditions are not only increasingly common but can also be exacerbated by the stresses of travel, jet lag, or unfamiliar environments.
Short-Term or Recent Illnesses
Short-term or seemingly minor health issues are just as important to disclose, especially if you needed medical assistance to help treat the sickness. Examples include:
Colds and Flu
If you’ve recently visited a doctor for flu symptoms, it may seem minor. But complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia can develop while travelling and lead to denied claims if your insurer wasn’t informed.
Shingles
Shingles can often be managed at home with proper care and treatment. However, if you went to see your GP to discuss treatment, then you must ensure that you disclose the condition.
Failing to disclose such conditions could lead to complications with your cover, especially if you experience an unexpected flare-up or related health issue while travelling.
Why Honest Declaration Matters
Being transparent about your medical history helps ensure:
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You’re Properly Protected: Emergencies happen. Accurate disclosure ensures that your insurance covers treatment, medication, repatriation, and more if needed.
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Peace of Mind: No second-guessing. No worrying whether your policy will hold up if something happens abroad.
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Valid Claims: With a fully declared policy, your insurer is far more likely to approve claims without dispute or delay.
How to Declare Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Declaring your conditions is usually quick, straightforward, and fully confidential. Here’s how to do it:
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Know Your Medical History: Keep a list of your current diagnoses, any long-term conditions, medications you take, and recent hospital visits or treatments. While we will not need to know the specific medication names, we will need to know what conditions these were/are prescribed for.
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Answer Questions Honestly: It might be tempting to downplay a condition, in the hopes of saving a few dollars on your policy premium. If you need medical treatment abroad and haven’t declared a relevant condition, your claim could be denied, leaving you with thousands in out-of-pocket expenses.
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Medical Screening Tools: At Clear Compare, we use a Medical Screening Tool that can help you to easily declare your medical conditions. For each condition, you will be asked some questions to help determine the severity of your condition, ensuring that it is declared accurately and correctly.
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Ask if You’re Unsure: Not sure whether a condition counts? Don’t guess—our experienced insurance advisors are always available to help clarify.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pre-existing medical condition?
“Pre-existing” refers to any medical condition for which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received before applying for a travel insurance policy. For some conditions, we need to know if they have ever been present; for others, we need to know if they occurred within a certain period.
What pre-existing medical conditions do I need to disclose to you?
We’ll ask you a series of questions about your medical history and any travellers on your quote. If you answer yes to any of these, you’ll need to provide more information about that condition. This could be a condition that a traveller has now or has had in the past. This helps us determine what you need to disclose.
Why do I need cover for pre-existing medical conditions?
Medical expenses abroad and repatriation can be very expensive. Having travel insurance that includes cover for existing medical conditions is the best way to ensure you are protected from financial loss in the event of having to cancel the holiday or receive emergency medical treatment abroad.
Do I HAVE to declare my medical conditions?
Yes. It’s important to declare any past or present medical conditions. Failing to do so could invalidate your travel insurance policy and you may not be covered in the event of a claim.
Can I exclude my pre-existing medical conditions from the cover?
No, we are unable to provide cover that excludes any of your pre-existing medical conditions.
GET A QUOTE
Have questions? Please email info@clearcompare.ca or call us at 416-814-5591.
Kind regards,
Clear Compare Advisor Team
ClearCompare.ca
