Think Your Travel Insurance Covers Your Pre-Existing Medical Conditions? Think Again

Are you guilty of always buying the cheapest travel insurance policy you can get your hands on? I know I am. After all, they more or less cover the same things, like travel delays, lost luggage, and medical expenses…that’s what most of us think, right?

Well, if you have pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or asthma—you might want to think twice. 

It may come as a surprise to you, but pre-existing medical conditions are often not covered under a standard travel insurance plan. Even if the plan includes S$200,000 medical coverage, you might not be able to claim for it if your illness or injury is linked to a pre-existing condition.

What qualifies as a pre-existing medical condition?

Before we discuss how to overcome this problem and obtain coverage, we’ll first have to define a pre-existing medical condition.

In the context of travel insurance, a pre-existing condition is a sickness or injury that you were aware of (not limited to the past year before your travel date), as well as being diagnosed with, took medication for, have medical records of, received treatment for, or had been asked to get medical treatment for within the past 12 months before travelling.

Examples include: asthma, stroke, eczema, epilepsy, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart conditions.

How can I get covered for my pre-existing conditions?

Thankfully, there are plans that are specifically designed to cover your pre-existing medical conditions. 

There’s no telling when medical problems can crop up and you certainly don’t want to be paying through your nose for medical bills in a foreign country and not be able to claim for it later. Don’t let your holiday become a nightmare.

Having travel insurance that covers pre-existing medical conditions can go a long way. 

Take the case of Jack*, who was on holiday. During his trip, he had to be admitted to the hospital because of low oxygen levels. He was subsequently diagnosed with a lung condition and severe heart failure.

Prior to the trip, Jack already had a history of multiple medical conditions, including a lung disease.

He had to be medically evacuated overseas to Singapore via an air ambulance, and together with the medical expenses overseas, the total costs amounted to more than S$50,000. 

Another case was Sally*, who was on a trip overseas when she had to be admitted to the hospital for heart problems and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Like Jack, she had a past medical history of multiple medical conditions. 

She also had to be medically evacuated, and the cost amounted to more than S$19,000.

Fortunately for both of them, their bills were taken care of by Income Insurance because they had the right travel insurance policy.

While the premiums for policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions may be higher than those of a standard travel insurance plan, as the stories above show, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

How can Income’s Enhanced PreX Travel Insurance protect you?

Despite having pre-existing medical conditions, both Jack and Sally were able to fully claim for all their medical expenses thanks to Income’s Enhanced PreX Travel Insurance. This policy, which they had purchased, covers pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions, high blood pressure and more. With no out-of-pocket payments, they could rest easy and focus on recovery.

Some of the key coverage includes: 

• Up to S$300,000 in overseas medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation coverage when you unexpectedly suffer pre-existing medical conditions.  
• Up to S$15,000 coverage for overseas transport and accommodation expenses if you have to cancel or shorten your trip due to pre-existing medical conditions¹.

The plan also includes trip inconveniences such as trip disruptions, travel delays, as well as baggage loss and delays.

There are three tiers of Enhanced PreX Travel Insurance—Enhanced PreX Basic, Enhanced PreX Superior, and Enhanced PreX Prestige—each with differing amounts of coverage to suit your needs and budget.

Income Insurance has recently extended the coverage duration for its Enhanced PreX Per-trip plans to 60 days from 30 days, allowing you to be covered for your pre-existing medical conditions even on long-haul trips!

If you have an upcoming trip and have a pre-existing condition, consider Income’s Enhanced PreX Travel Insurance. Sign up by 31 August 2024 to enjoy 15%^ off Enhanced PreX Per-trip plan! Hurry, as this offer is for a limited time only.

 

Disclaimer

This post was brought to you by Income Insurance Limited.

^ Promotion Ts&Cs apply. Please refer to the full promotion terms and conditions here.  

¹ For trip cancellation and trip shortening under Enhanced PreX Superior and Prestige plans. 50% co-payment applies. 

All opinions expressed in this article are those of MoneySmart and not of Income Insurance Limited (“Income Insurance”).  MoneySmart assumes full responsibility and control over the accuracy and completeness of all information provided in this article. MoneySmart is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all information provided and intellectual property used in this article. Income Insurance is neither responsible nor liable to any party for the content of this article and intellectual property used in this article.    

The information provided in this article is for general information only and does not constitute an offer, recommendation, solicitation or advice to buy any product(s). You should seek personalised financial advice before you purchase any insurance product. Purchasing an insurance product that is not suitable for you may impact your ability to finance your future insurance needs. Precise terms, conditions and exclusions of the insurance plan mentioned in this article are found in the policy contract which can be found at this link. This plan is underwritten and issued by Income Insurance.  

Protected up to specified limits by SDIC.

Information is correct as of 2 May 2024. 

*Names have been changed to protect privacy

 

This post was written in collaboration with Income Insurance. While we are financially compensated by them, we nonetheless strive to maintain our editorial integrity and review products with the same objective lens. We are committed to providing the best information in order for you to make personal financial decisions with confidence.