What does overseas travel insurance with an existing or previous medical condition cover?

Today, more than ever, the importance of taking out travel insurance abroad before leaving the country is sharpening. Travel insurance is supposed to help us in case there is a medical need overseas – whether it is related to Corona or other medical needs. But what happens when dealing with a chronic illness or Ongoing health condition, will they be covered to the extent that we will need to receive medical care during our stay abroad, and what should be done to get the most comprehensive coverage in case of an existing medical condition or a previous medical condition?

What is important to report when joining insurance?

It is worth knowing in advance whether coverage will be given in case of aggravation of an existing medical condition or a previous medical condition abroad, it is important in the first stage to report the health condition when filling out the health declaration: A complete picture of his medical condition.

The information obtained goes through a medical underwriting procedure in which each company will decide according to its underwriting label whether to reject or attach the insurance applicant and whether to attach it, then under what conditions. For example, are additions to the insurance premiums required, are medical exceptions made and is the passenger obligated to purchase an extension of aggravation to an existing medical condition or an extension to a previous medical condition, with each extension having a different coverage ceiling and conditions. After the underwriting process, a policy will be issued to you, which will explicitly state on the insurance details page the scope of coverage for the medical condition.

What might happen in a situation of non-discovery and reporting of an existing medical problem? A passenger who suffers from complications of an existing illness without reporting it, may find that the insurance coverage is invalid when he wants to activate the insurance. In order to avoid unpleasant situations, it is important to provide all the necessary information when joining travel insurance abroad – in a way that will allow both you and the insurance company to get a complete picture.

I have an existing disease. Will the insurance cover it?

The insurance companies allow the joining of insurance when there is an existing / previous medical condition, subject to the purchase of an extension that will provide insurance coverage in the event of an adverse, sudden and unexpected change in the insured’s health, due to an existing / previous medical condition explicitly stated on the insurance details page. To.

The extension is intended to ensure coverage in the event of a need for medical treatment abroad due to the aggravation of an existing / previous medical condition, such as: reimbursement of expenses for doctor visits, inpatient medication and more.

What diseases does the extension cover to an existing medical condition? The nature of the coverage varies from company to company and is at the company’s discretion, and may include, among other things, a variety of chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and more.

Of course the type of extensions, cost, exceptions, exceptions and scope of coverage are listed in the full policy terms of each company, but may vary not only depending on the type of insurance, but depending on the medical condition of the insured. It is therefore important to provide the insurance company with the full details as part of filling out the health declaration.

How do you get medical assistance abroad?

As we understand, travel insurance for those with an existing / previous medical condition requires special preparation in order to receive the best answer in the moment of truth. Part of this preparation includes choosing overseas travel insurance that will give you the quickest and most available response when medical assistance is needed away from home. This is where technology comes into the picture, with a solution that allows you to receive medical assistance at the touch of a button:

Smart travel travel insurance includes an innovative application, which allows you to receive immediate assistance. With the help of the smart travel app and the Air Doctor service, it is also possible to search for the right doctor nearby – and also to make an appointment directly from the app without calling or waiting on the line. You can make an appointment with a doctor at the clinic or make an appointment for a video call and in most cases also a doctor who will come to you, where if necessary the doctor will give you referrals and prescriptions.

Along with the immediate answer, the smart travel app takes away bureaucratic hassles from you: for the appointment you make with the app, the Phoenix will pay for you and you will not be required to pay the doctor out of your own pocket, submit forms and wait for a refund.

Woman on Phone Illustration (Photo: Kaspars Grinvalds, Shutterstock)
Woman on phone illustration | Photo: Kaspars Grinvalds, Shutterstock

How do you prepare for a trip with an existing medical condition?

Prior to the trip, it is important to pack the medicine in the hand bag that takes you on the plane, in order to avoid a situation of shortage in the event of a delay in the arrival of the luggage or its loss. It is important to take the medicines in their original packaging plus the prescriptions, in case you are asked about the meaning of the medicines at the airport in the destination country.

In order to maintain your health and reduce the chance of health complications, it is important to take the medication on time abroad, even if your condition requires it.

And no less important: you should make sure that the medications are adequate for the entire travel period (and a little beyond), as there are places where these medications are unavailable, or even counterfeit.

When traveling abroad, as in life, one should hope for the best but prepare for all scenarios. With the right assessments it is possible to reduce the risks, and if necessary get the best medical response in case of complications.

By Editor

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