Having pre-existing medical conditions may feel like a hindrance but it shouldn't halt you from living out your vacation dreams. You might simply require a little more in-depth research when choosing your policy.
Exxy medical costs
Did you know your Canadian health insurance is not valid outside of Canada? Falling ill overseas due to your pre-existing illness can be extremely costly. Hospital costs in the USA alone can reach a whopping $10,000 per day! It's vital to do your research and ensure that you get the right policy to cover your needs.
Tell your insurer
Want cover for your pre-existing illness? The number one rule is to tell your insurer about your condition! No matter how irrelevant you may think it. If you fail to do this you may be left facing a massive medical bill when you try to make a claim. Not fun!
Know your medical history
Each insurer has different terms for pre-existing conditions. Some will ask for medical history in the past ten years and others, for the past six months. We encourage all Canadian's to check how much of your medical history you have to disclose so that you can be confident that your policy covers you should anything happen.
Typical questions you will be asked when getting quotes include:
1. In the last 12 months has a licensed Physician advised or recommended that you not travel?
2. Has a licensed Physician ever diagnosed you with a terminal illness?
3. Have you ever undergone a bone marrow transplant or an organ transplant?
4. Do you require dialysis of any type for a kidney disease?
5. In the last 12 months have you been prescribed or utilized home oxygen therapy at any time?
6. In the last six (6) months, have you been Hospitalized for any stroke/cerebrovascular, respiratory condition, liver disorder, kidney disorder or cardiovascular disorder?
7. Have you ever received treatment of an kind for cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, respiratory, kidney disorder, diabetes, high blood pressure or liver disorder?
What if I can't find cover for my pre-existing condition?
There may be some conditions that insurers will not cover. This does not mean that you cannot take out travel insurance. It simply means that any claim arising from, or related to that condition will not be covered.
