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Does Travel Insurance Cover Existing Medical Conditions?

Most of our policies don’t cover existing medical conditions, so don’t assume you’re covered

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At World Nomads, we believe that having an existing medical condition shouldn't prevent Australians from exploring the world. Whether you're surfing in Bali, road-tripping through New Zealand, or indulging in the culinary delights of Paris, it's crucial to understand how your health status impacts your travel insurance.

This guide will help you navigate coverage options for existing medical conditions.

What is an existing medical condition?

An existing medical condition is any medical condition which you've had at the time you buy a travel insurance policy with World Nomads. It includes conditions that are:

  • Chronic or ongoing
  • Displaying current symptoms
  • Awaiting or undergoing treatment, surgery, or medical investigation
  • Metastatic or terminal
  • Diagnosed or treated within the last six months
  • A condition that emerges or is treated during a home visit to Australia while your trip is temporarily paused

Can you get cover for an existing medical condition?

World Nomads offers two travel insurance plans—Standard and Explorer—both of which automatically cover over 40 common existing medical conditions if you meet the specific coverage criteria. You can find the complete list in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

Examples of covered conditions:

Asthma: Covered if you're under 60, haven’t been hospitalized for it in the past two years, and don’t have other respiratory conditions.

Diabetes (Type I & II): Covered if diagnosed more than six months ago, blood sugar levels are stable, there have been no recent complications, and no cardiovascular disease.

Migraines: Covered if you haven’t been hospitalized for them in the last two years.

Epilepsy: Covered if there have been no recent hospitalizations, no medication changes, and no underlying conditions.

What we cover 

  • Pre-trip cancellation expenses
  • Doctor visits overseas
  • Overseas hospitalizations
  • Medication abroad
  • Medical evacuation or repatriation to Australia

Pro Tip: Before buying travel insurance, thoroughly review the criteria for existing medical condition coverage to avoid unexpected expenses.

What is not covered?

While travel insurance provides essential protection, it does not cover every medical situation. Exclusions include:

  • Undeclared existing medical conditions: If you don’t declare a condition, any claims related to it may be denied.
  • Medical expenses in Australia: Once you return home, all healthcare costs are your responsibility.
  • Pre-existing conditions not meeting automatic coverage criteria: If your condition isn’t listed or you don’t meet the eligibility requirements, you won’t be covered for related claims.
  • Medical issues occurring before purchasing insurance: If you fall ill abroad and then buy travel insurance, it won’t cover you retroactively.

Note: If you purchase insurance after leaving Australia, a 72-hour waiting period applies. Any illness or injury occurring within this period may be classified as an existing medical condition for the duration of your policy.

Tips for travellers with existing medical conditions 

To travel safely and confidently, follow these expert recommendations:

  • Consult your GP: Get medical clearance before booking your trip to ensure you're fit to travel.
  • Be transparent: Declare all medical conditions during the purchase process to prevent claim denials.
  • Read your policy thoroughly: Understanding your policy coverage prevents unwanted surprises.
  • Carry medical documentation: Bring copies of prescriptions, medical records, and a doctor's note to assist in emergencies.
  • Plan for emergencies: Have a list of emergency contacts and identify nearby hospitals at your destination.

Need to know more? 

When you get a travel insurance quote, you’ll be able to compare the coverage of each plan so you may determine the best travel insurance plan for your needs. If you’re unclear about anything at all, get in touch with us, and we’ll help explain it all.  

The features and benefits described are a summary of cover only. Cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions outlined in the Product Disclosure

Statement (PDS).

You should read the PDS in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about buying travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Centre or you can ask the customer service team. 

Dengue Fever!

I contracted dengue typhoid fevers in Bali. The doctor and medical expenses incurred, were all paid within 10 days of claim, which I submitted by email from Bali. Monies were paid into my bank account - efficient and simple!
Australian in Bali.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Are you, your family sick, injured or deceased?
  • Has one of your relatives died?
  • Has a bushfire damaged your home?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Overseas

Take the pain out of medical costs.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need medicine?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transport

We'll get you to hospital lickety-split

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up overseas?
  • Medivac needed home?
  • You died overseas?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Standard Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
  • Damaged docs?
  • Passport pilfered?
  • Tech trashed?

Help starts here.

  • Overseas Medical Expenses
  • Emergency dental treatment
  • 24 hour assistance
  • Emergency medical transport & repatriation
  • Cancellation costs
  • Trip interruption costs
  • Compassionate emergency visit home
  • Resumption of trip
  • Theft or accidental damage to baggage and personal items
  • Baggage delay over 12 hours
  • Funeral expenses overseas or repatriation of remains
  • Personal liability
This is a general summary for Australian residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the policy documents for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is 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?

Phone: +61 2 8263 0470 or Phone: +61 2 8292 1470 (reverse charges via an operator from anywhere in the world)

Contact the team