If you love to travel and have a medical condition, then it’s essential that you’re covered by travel insurance that fits your needs and protects you while you are away from home.

For peace of mind, you want to be sure your travel insurance offers you the appropriate coverage, as many basic travel insurance policies may not cover pre-existing conditions. No matter your medical condition, it’s always a good idea to check with your insurance agent to understand your coverage and any extra coverage that may be available to you to ensure you’re protected.

What is a pre-existing condition?

Typically, a pre-existing condition is a medical or dental illness or injury that is known to you, and you have visited a physician for consultation, treatment and diagnosis for. Pre-existing conditions are considered either stable or unstable.

How do I know if my pre-existing condition is stable?

A stable pre-existing condition is one where there have been no changes noted for a period of time. How long a condition must be stable to be covered by your insurance is usually determined by your age and the type of policy that you buy. Many factors can affect your condition's stability, including changes to your prescription medications and even a check-up with your doctor if it turns out there's been a change to a condition you've previously been treated for. More details, including your stability periods and important definitions, can be found in your policy wording.

Does travel insurance cover me if I have a pre-existing condition?

Coverage for pre-existing conditions varies depending on the stability of your condition, and how long it’s been stable for. This is usually determined by your age and the type of policy you buy. More details can be found in your travel insurance policy wordings.

It’s very important that you disclose your medical condition when applying for your travel insurance coverage. Even if you have coverage for your pre-existing condition, make sure you tell your provider if your health changes during your coverage period. If you don’t, you could be left with no coverage for that condition if it is unstable.

How does it work if I take multiple trips per year?

If you have an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy, your stability is determined prior to each trip departure date during the policy term. If your health or the stability of your medical condition changes at any time during your policy term, you’ll want to discuss these changes with your provider to understand how it might affect your travel insurance coverage.

Can I get coverage if my condition isn’t considered stable?

Some providers, including BCAA, offer additional coverage for unstable pre-existing conditions. BCAA’s Pre-existing Condition Coverage provides up to $300,000 in additional emergency medical coverage for unstable conditions, as long as you haven’t had any symptoms or consultation for at least seven days before you left.

Where can I learn more?

At BCAA, we understand you may have unique needs you’d like to discuss, so we’re here to help. You can learn more at bcaa.com/travel, or by contacting our trusted experts online, by phone or by visiting your local BCAA Service Location.