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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.

Whether your condition ends up covered or not, it's better to know exactly what's included (or excluded) before you leave home.

What is a pre-existing medical condition?

An existing medical condition is any health issue you’ve experienced before buying your travel insurance policy with World Nomads.

Specifically, it includes conditions that are:

  • Chronic or ongoing
  • Displaying current symptoms
  • Awaiting or undergoing investigation, treatment, or surgery
  • Diagnosed or treated within the last six months (including surgeries)
  • A medical condition that develops symptoms, is diagnosed, or treated while you're back in your Country of Residence during a home visit that interrupts your trip.

Can I get cover for pre-existing medical conditions?

Depending on your Country of Residence, our policies may not always cover pre-existing medical conditions, so it's important to double-check the specifics in your policy information.

However, in most instances, even if your pre-existing condition isn't covered, you may still be covered for other unexpected travel mishaps—as long as they're not related to that pre-existing condition. This includes cover for, and not limited to, the following:

Our policy may also cover cancellation if, after you purchase it and before you start your trip, you, or someone whose health your trip depends on suffers a serious illness or injury.

Traveller's tip: do your homework and identify any pre-existing condition coverage before purchasing travel insurance. You don’t want to get sick overseas and realise you’re not covered. Check the criteria for pre-existing conditions carefully, and contact us for clarification if you have any doubts. We’re always happy to help.

What isn’t covered?

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything—especially regarding pre-existing illnesses. World Nomads won’t cover:

  • Existing medical conditions: unless you’ve declared them, listed them in your travel insurance policy, and met all coverage criteria. Cover is dependent on your Country of Residence.
  • Overseas medical expenses: once you return home, all medical costs are on you.
  • Previous insured medical issues: you cannot claim expenses relating to conditions relating to previously insured events—unless you meet the automatic cover criteria.
  • Overseas illness before you bought your policy: if you got sick abroad and then promptly bought travel insurance hoping to make a claim—we’ll save you the hassle right now…you're not covered.

Note: if you purchased cover after you left home, there’s a waiting period of 72 hours before the insurance takes effect. Any illness or injury occurring during this waiting period may be considered a pre-existing medical condition for the remaining period of your insurance. Please note that cover is dependent on your Country of Residence.

Tips for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions

  • Consult your GP: before booking your trip, consult your doctor to confirm your condition is stable enough for travel.
  • Be upfront: honesty is the best policy when it comes to your medical history. Declare your pre-existing conditions during purchase—it's the only way to avoid claim headaches.
  • Read your policy: we're not just saying this to tick a box—we genuinely want you to have an awesome trip and fully understand what your travel insurance covers (and, importantly, what it doesn’t).
  • Carry medical documents: having a medical emergency in a foreign hospital can be stressful. But having copies of prescriptions, medical records, and a doctor’s letter explaining your condition can make treatment much easier for everyone involved.
  • Plan for emergencies: create a game plan, including a list of emergency contacts and local hospitals before travelling.

Ready to get a travel insurance quote? 

If you’re ready to start exploring our travel cover options and optional extras, then visit our Get a Quote page and tell us your travel details.

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 Policy Wording. If you’re not sure if something is covered, 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. 

  • Does World Nomads cover pre-existing medical conditions?
    Not all World Nomads policies cover pre-existing medical conditions. To avoid surprises, carefully check the policy details for your Country of Residence to see what pre-existing conditions are covered, which are covered, and any specific criteria you'll need to meet.

New Diagnosis in Mexico.

I realized I had forgotten a medication (clonazepam) which I take for insomnia. I visited a doctor in Mexico City the next day and got a prescription for the medication. However, he also diagnosed me with a condition that I was not aware of (hyperthyroid) and suggested that the medication would help with the condition on a short-term basis. He suggested that I get a blood test for hyperthyroid, which I just did in Boston.
Claim paid: USD $39.41
J Davis. US Nomad in Mexico.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Protection

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation before you leave home.

  • Explorer Plan: USD $10,000
  • Standard Plan: USD $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Overseas Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling overseas.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited, up to 12 months
  • Standard Plan: USD $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

We'll get you to hospital quickly.

  • Explorer Plan: USD $500,000
  • Standard Plan: USD $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: USD $3,500
  • Standard Plan: USD $2,500
Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • 24 hour Emergency Assistance
  • Emergency Medical Transport
  • Repatriation & Travel Expenses
  • Pre-Trip Cancellation
  • Trip Interruption
  • Resumption of Trip
  • Travel Delay
  • Missed connection (Explorer)
  • Hijacking (Explorer)
  • Baggage & Personal Items
  • Passport & Travel Documents
  • Personal Liability
  • Rental vehicle insurance excess (Explorer)
  • Personal accident (Explorer)
*This is a general summary for all residents except from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Brazil, China and Philippines. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are 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:+353 21 237 8008 or +353 21 237 8003 (calls are not toll free. You can claim your itemised call costs)

Contact the team