While you probably understand the value of a holiday insurance investment to protect the expenditures you’ve put toward your vacation plans, you may not be aware of the impact a pre-existing medical condition might have on your travel insurance policy.

While medical condition clauses usually apply to those who buy travel insurance over 70, it’s not uncommon for the younger crowd to be affected by extant medical conditions that might cause delays or cancellations while on holiday.

It is important that you disclose any preexisting medical condition to your holiday insurance provider.  While you will certainly pay a higher premium for coverage by honestly disclosing your medical condition, you will avoid any risk of the insurer voiding your policy in the event you must file a claim.

It is normal procedure for insurers to investigate any travel insurance claim made on the basis of a medical condition that arose while on holiday.  Investigators following up on your claim will examine your medical records thoroughly to discover whether you received care, medication, testing, or consultation related to the medical condition that prompted your claim within a 60- to 180-day lookback period preceding your policy’s application or effective date.  If medical care or prescription is discovered, you run the risk of having your claim – and your entire policy – thrown out on the grounds of fraudulent application.

Worse, if your claim is paid out, but insurers subsequently discover you had a pre existing medical condition, they may sue you for your payout amount, plus legal fees and damages.


Another aspect to consider is whether to begin your coverage at the time of booking, or at the time of holiday departure.  While the premium price may be slightly cheaper if you decide only to be covered starting on your departure date, it is usually safer to begin coverage from the time of booking.  That way, if a medical condition arises between the time when you paid your holiday deposit and the time you depart, your travel insurance policy should cover the cost of your deposit.

Where pre-existing medical conditions and travel insurance are concerned, honesty is always the best policy.