Travel Insurance for Special Needs Travellers

Posted on | December 24, 2009 | 9 Comments

If you have special needs you must ensure that your special circumstances are covered by the policy you choose.

Pre-existing medical conditions
Most insurers do not automatically cover pre-existing medical illnesses or medical conditions. However traveler’s can apply for coverage for their pre-existing illness via an application, which is, then subject to approval and possible payment of a premium. Keep in mind there are illnesses and conditions that will not be covered under any circumstances. Some insurers offer automatic coverage for common illnesses/conditions such as tinnitus, asthma or stable high blood pressure but the onus is on the traveler to check because conditions can apply. For example if you are on a hospital waiting list for treatment for your illness or condition you may not be covered. Sometimes insurers will offer you a policy that excludes claims caused by your condition or they may not offer a policy because of the destination of your travels.

What is a pre-existing medical condition?
In general they are usually defined as any chronic or ongoing medical or dental condition for which you have received treatment or advice within a specified time prior to the policy being issued or any chronic or ongoing medical condition, illness or disease that’s been medically documented prior to departure.

If the insurer does agree to cover you it is recommended you get it in writing. There may be an additional premium. Also check the excess in relation to a claim relating to the pre-existing condition. If you cannot get travel insurance for your condition it is still important to get travel insurance for other claims.

Pregnant Women
Most policies will cover pregnant women on application but you might be charged an additional premium for prior complications.

The cut-off point for coverage during pregnancy varies from 26 weeks to ‘no time limit’, with 26 weeks being the norm. Many policies cover unforeseen complications of the pregnancy during that time period, but they don’t all cover the medical costs of a premature baby.

Some charge an additional premium. Policies do not cover full-term birth. A few policies don’t cover you if you buy a policy and depart on your journey without knowing you are pregnant.

Older Travelers
Most of the policies offered have special conditions for older travelers. Some will require the payment of an extra premium while others will not offer cover after a specific age such as 75.

Most will require a medical assessment; some will charge a higher premium or extra fee. Others have no fee but have an extra excess for medical claims.

Adrenalin Seekers & Adventure Travelers
It is very important to check what activities you are covered for and more importantly what activities you are not covered for. Most amateur sports are covered however there are many exclusions. Exclusions can include mountaineering using ropes, base jumping, running with the bulls, snowboarding and professional sports. All product disclosure statements will outline the specific ‘adventures’ which are covered. Be aware that an extra premium may apply and read the conditions.

Single Parents traveling with children
If you are a single parent or adult traveling alone with several children most policies will cover the children for the single premium. However, some only allow cover for two dependent children travelling with one parent. It is important to check the age limits for children traveling with one parent.

Duo policies
These are policies that enable two people to travel together under the same policy. Make sure you check the restrictions because some may only allow you to travel with a spouse or family member others may require you to have the exact itinerary whereas others may allow you to spend 50% of time together.

Working while overseas
Working and traveling is a cost effective way of financing your trip. However some policies don’t cover you for manual labor or an accident that has happened while working. Policies that do provide cover usually don’t charge an additional premium but a few do.

As always make sure you check and double-check what you are buying. It is very important to understand the conditions and restrictions found in the product disclosure statement before you travel. It is essential for you to check all the small print on your policy before you make a decision. Read many policies carefully before making a decision and make sure you understand exactly what you are covered for and more importantly what you are not covered for.

Australia Travel Insurance wishes you a wonderful and safe journey.

Related posts:

Comments

9 Responses to “Travel Insurance for Special Needs Travellers”

SaberBlade
December 24th, 2009 @ 9:57 am

I think that you will find a great deal on Moneysupermarket.com thats where I got my travel insurance, and they actually had to pay out on my policy as I ended up in a French hospital.

My insurance was about 40pounds, and it was for annual insurance! I think from memory you could go away for up to 94 days at a time, or 17days at a time if you included winter sports.

Hope this helps – just remember to read the small print about how many consecutive days away from the UK you are covered for! Happy Travels!
Normandie
December 24th, 2009 @ 10:36 am

Try this site for a quick quote on travel medical insurance. TravelEx allows for pre-existing conditions. —> http://www.travelex-insurance.com/index.asp?location=07-0018
glitter
December 24th, 2009 @ 8:54 pm

healthquotes.awardspace.info – here is my health insurance plan. As I remember they can provide such a service.
buttercup
December 25th, 2009 @ 4:09 am

Checkout their theft rider, and the link for a free quote. http://www.travelex-insurance.com/index.asp?location=07-0018
scuba snack
December 25th, 2009 @ 4:30 am

You can get a refund if your insurance covers illness as a reason for cancellation. Different policies cover different contingencies. The way you would prove illness is by a note from your physician.

InsureMyTrip.com is one site that has comparisons among policies. I'm sure there are others.
Rick B
December 25th, 2009 @ 4:15 pm

It could very well be true. Although they are different countries to where you are, we are in the UK and when we book to go to Ireland the company we book with insists on having our insurance details. Besides, as the first answerer says…they would be daft to travel without it as the cost of treatment is far more than the cost of the insurance. Accidents do happen…believe me, I broke an elbow last year, and a few weeks after that was healed I broke my foot…if I had been abroad I would have been in sh*t street without insurance!
genteel41
December 26th, 2009 @ 3:20 am

There are some good travel insurance companies. Get ones that pay your expenses or pay you in cash. Dont get ones that make you take another trip or give you a voucher to travel again with them.
I only buy insurance if the trip is WAY more than I can afford to lose.
Read the fine print of the policies before you purchase.
ouleixia
December 27th, 2009 @ 6:47 am

Here are some links-
I had a similar situation- I was living in the Caymans Islands, no longer a Canadian resident, and wanted to travel for the summer. But every policy required that Canadian citizens be insured in their home privince, which I no longer have as non-resident. IMG was the only one I found, but as you DO have Canadian insurance, this will be easy for you. There are lots of short-term plans.

https://www.imglobal.com/travelinsurance/index.cfm?show=&&CFID=1718830&CFTOKEN=d9392e2d0226f2d2-EC75C061-1143-EBE5-76B31862584AA777

http://www.internationalsos.com,
http://www.travelexinsurance.com,
http://www.ijet.com,
http://www.travelassistance.com,
http://www.wallach.com,
http://www.travelguard.com,
http://www.independenttraveler.com/resources/article.cfm?AID=48&category=8,
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/insurance.htm.
Edward Appleby
December 27th, 2009 @ 7:13 am

bor-scouts.com

The Advanture Vacation Guide

Travel Insurance for Special Needs Travellers

Comments

Archives

Recent Posts

Categories

Most Viewed

Security Code: