Travel insurance for pre-existing conditions
Most of our policies don’t cover pre-existing conditions, so don’t assume you’re covered.
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Having a pre-existing medical condition isn't a reason to stop traveling, but it can affect your travel insurance and what you’re covered for. Whether you're traveling off the grid or blogging in it, it's best to know if we can cover your pre-existing condition before your travel, so you're not caught unaware.
What is a pre-existing medical condition?
A pre-existing medical condition is any ongoing medical or dental condition that is either under investigation by a doctor, dentist or chiropractor, or you have experienced symptoms of the condition and are aware of them. It may also be any condition(s) you experienced within a specified period of time before you purchased your policy, for example in the previous 90 days, 180 days or other specified period of time.
It’s important that you read your policy wording and any definition of a pre-existing medical condition and determine if the cover offered will meet your needs.
In addition, if you took out cover after you left home, there may be a waiting period (called a time excess in some policies) of up to 72 hours before the insurance takes effect, depending on your Country of Residence. Any illness or injury that occurs during this waiting period may be considered a pre-existing medical condition for the remaining period of your insurance.
How are pre-existing medical conditions covered by travel insurance?
Our policies do not cover pre-existing medical conditions, but they still cover many events for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions that can take place while on the road, as long as the event is not as a result of the pre-existing medical condition(s). This includes cover for:
- Baggage and personal belongings
- Medical, including evacuation and repatriation for unexpected illness and accidental injury that are not pre-existing medical conditions
- Natural catastrophe
- Lost or damaged passports, licenses or other travel documents
- Travel delay.
Our policy may also cover cancellation if, after you’ve purchased the policy and before you start your trip, you or someone whose health your trip is dependent on suffers a serious illness or injury.
Is Coronavirus a pre-existing medical condition?
It can be.
To find out more about Coronavirus (COVID-19) coverage for your Country of Residence, select your Country in the top left hand corner of this screen. Or to read more about what cover applies to you, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article which has all of the details, including benefit limits, conditions and exclusions.
Coverage depends on your Country of Residence and varies between plans.
What's not covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. The main things that aren’t covered are:
- Pre-existing medical conditions as defined in the policy wording, unless specifically mentioned as covered in the policy
- Any medical expenses once you return home
- The sickness you caught overseas right before you remembered to buy a policy.
This isn't a full list of what's covered and not covered. There are item limits, conditions and exclusions that apply, so for more information check out our article on pre-existing medical conditions and read your policy wording carefully before you buy. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.
If your pre-existing medical condition isn't covered and you're not worried about covering it, you can still purchase a policy online through World Nomads. Just be aware there's no coverage for any claim made as a result of this pre-existing condition.
New Diagnosis in Mexico
I realized I had forgotten a medication (clonazepam) that I take for insomnia. I visited a doctor in Mexico City the next day and got a prescription for the medication. However, he also diagnosed me with a condition that I was not aware of (hyperthyroid) and suggested that the medication would help with the condition on a short-term basis. He suggested that I get a blood test for hyperthyroid, which I just did in Boston.
J. D. US Nomad in Mexico.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you*
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamWherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.
Emergency Assistance, World Nomads
Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.
Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.