6 Questions about travelling with a pre-existing condition answered by our experts
3 Minute Read
Summary
- Travel insurance may cover pre‑existing conditions if they meet insurer‑defined stability requirements.
- Short trips home, medication changes, or new treatments can affect coverage eligibility.
- Adding a pre‑existing condition of the rider before travelling can extend coverage across multiple trips.
Think having a pre-existing medical condition1 means you can’t get travel insurance? Think again. Many travellers feel anxious about coverage when they have health concerns, but the good news is that travel insurance options exist, even if you have a medical history.
To help you plan your trip, we've asked insurance experts to answer common questions about travel insurance for pre-existing conditions.
Does a short trip home affect my coverage?
Your travel medical insurance policy won't be cancelled if your temporary visit is five days or less. However, it cannot be used while you are in your home province or territory.
Keep in mind that the stability period and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be affected if you're treated for a new or existing medical issue.
Are vaccine side effects covered?
It is a good idea to check if you need vaccines to travel to a new country. We understand that there can be side effects, and we advise you to check the stability clause in your travel insurance policy before getting new vaccinations.
If you have a reaction that causes you to seek medical treatment before you leave or experience new symptoms while away, it could be considered a new medical condition. You may need to meet specific stability requirements to be eligible for coverage while away.
Is my condition covered while travelling?
Before travelling, it’s crucial to review your coverage. Start by consulting your physician about your health status. Then, carefully examine the stability clause in your travel insurance policy to confirm what is covered.
Stability refers to the absence of changes in your treatment plan, the addition of new treatments (such as hospitalizations, medical procedures, or interventions), the onset of new or more frequent symptoms, or the need for further examinations related to your existing condition. Specific requirements may vary depending on your age.
Can I add a rider to my multi‑trip plan?
Planning ahead and adding a pre-existing medical rider2 is possible and highly recommended.
Just purchase coverage and your rider while you're in Canada before your next trip. Your coverage and rider will apply to all trips for the rest of the year and cannot be removed.
Do medication changes affect coverage?
Combining medications at the exact dosages previously prescribed, provided your condition remains unchanged, does not constitute a change in usage or dosage. Your travel medical insurance would not be impacted in this case, as your pre-existing condition would still be classified as stable.
Is high blood pressure covered while travelling?
It’s always a good idea to plan for potential medical needs, even if you’ve been cleared for travel. With your Multi-trip Medical Plan3, you’re covered for unexpected medical emergencies that may arise during your journey.
Regarding pre-existing conditions, providing a simple yes-or-no answer can be challenging without a complete understanding of your medical history. However, one key detail to review in your plan is the stability period required for pre-existing conditions before your departure.
Generally, "stability" means no changes to your condition, treatment, or medication. It also suggests you haven’t experienced any new symptoms, received any new treatments, or have any tests or investigations pending with results awaiting. Always review your plan carefully to ensure you’re fully prepared for your trip.
Travel insurance policies typically have different stability requirement timelines, but are generally based on age and the potential length of your trip. If your condition changes, contact your travel insurance provider to see how it may affect your coverage and options.
Peace of mind
No matter your travel plans, having the right insurance ensures peace of mind with a pre-existing condition. We're here to help answer any questions about travel insurance options. Get a quote or visit CAA Travel Insurance for more information.
CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire may be required if you are 60 years of age and older. Quotes are valid for 30 days.
1. To have your pre-existing medical condition covered by your travel insurance policy, the medical condition must be stable as defined by your policy. Please see the policy guide for full details.
2 All pre-existing medical conditions must be stable within 7 days prior to departure. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply.
3. Medical Multi-Trip Plans cover 4, 8, 15, 30 or 60 days per trip depending on the plan you purchased. Top-Up coverage is available for longer trips. Coverage cannot extend beyond 365 days from departure date or effective date.
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