Travel Insurance for a Pre-existing condition
This information is specific to adults and may be different for children.
There are many insurance companies that will cover pre-existing conditions, but there are limitations to these conditions. The main limitation is the person has to remain stable for a number of months (varies with each insurance company) prior to the effective date of the policy. For an individual with epilepsy remaining stable usually means seizure free, with no change in medical treatment or hospital stays. Another issue which may be in the favour of the person is to have get the individuals doctors to support the decision to travel. The insurance coordinator may need to contact the medical doctor directly. This is not wise if you know the doctor may not be open to verbally state this information out of concern for patient and liability. Overall, read the fine print within each policy and check out group options – they may vary.
Information forwarded from other sources and found on internet:
- Aurora/York Travel Ability [1-888-573-7251] states that a pre-existing disorder is covered unless the person has required 24 hr medical intervention (hospital) over 2 years.
- For most "unstable" pre-existing conditions there is no coverage for the individual. (read the fine print).
- If under a group plan, check to see if you would be covered by your insurance. Because people of both healthy and unhealthy ability pay into the health plan, this may assist with the coverage.
- Ontario Blue Cross (1-800-873-2583), The person will be covered if over the last three months the individual has NOT changed their medication, has had no change in treatment, has not been hospitalized and has been seizure free. If the person does have continual seizures, they can be covered for other health concerns (car accident etc.), but not for the seizure activity. Average cost for insurance for 15 days coverage is: age 34 - 20 = $48, age of 35 – 60 = $57. Each person needs to call regarding their own situation.
- Travel Underwriters (1-800-232-9415, www.ftgglobal.com, info@ftgglobal.com or in Ontario call 416-591-0023) will cover for pre-existing medical conditions, if leaving the country for 28 days or less, and you are 55 years old or younger if stable for 90 days prior to departure. For individuals 56-69, they will be covered for 14 days if stable in 180 days prior to departure. They will not be covered if traveling against the physicians advice. They will not be covered if a medical condition could have been reasonably expected over 56-180 days. Information on pdf format can be downloaded to preview policy guidelines.
- Travel Insurance Coordinators (TIC) [1-800-663-4494 (BC), 1-800-465-4279 (ON), www.travelinsurance.ca] They will cover up to age 70 for periods of 36 days or less for pre-existing conditions. The individual will need to have no changes in pre-existing condition (remain stable) for 180 days preceding effective date of policy. They are not covered if traveling against doctor orders. Information on pdf format can be downloaded to preview policy guidelines.
- Ontario Insurance Commission [1-800-668-0128] will link you with potential insurance companies, and will assist if the person is filing a complaint.
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