Travel insurance and your health: Frequently asked questions

What is a pre-existing medical condition?

A pre-existing medical condition is a health condition that is known at the time you book your trip or purchase travel insurance.
It can be major or minor, stable or unstable. It may be an illness that requires treatment and follow-up care, an illness that has been cured, or a recent health issue.
A simple flu, a minor surgery within the past year, or a heart condition can all be considered pre-existing medical conditions.

Will I be covered if I have a pre-existing condition?

Not necessarily. Some pre-existing conditions can make a person uninsurable. This is the case for certain terminal or life-threatening illnesses, cancer with metastasis, kidney failure, or conditions requiring treatments such as dialysis, a transplant, or the use of oxygen.
Coverage may also be denied if a doctor has advised you not to travel. In other cases, a pre-existing condition may be covered if it’s considered stable by the insurer.

What is a stable condition?

A medical condition is generally considered stable when there has been no significant change in treatment, medication, or medical follow-up during a specified period. This period can vary depending on the traveller’s age and the product purchased.
For example, with Travel Insurance offered by CAA-Quebec, a stability period of 3 or 6 months is required for anyone wanting emergency medical care coverage.
Good to know: Travellers under 60 who purchase trip cancellation insurance only have no stability period requirement.

If my condition is stable, is it automatically covered?

No. Even if stable for the required period, certain conditions or illnesses may still be excluded from coverage because they carry a high risk of claims. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one example.
However, an excluded condition doesn’t mean a total absence of coverage. For instance, a traveller with COPD who suffers a fracture during their trip could still be covered, since the costs claimed aren’t related to the excluded condition.

Can a pre-existing medical condition increase the price of my travel insurance?

Yes, a pre-existing condition can affect the price of your insurance, whether it’s covered or not.
The price of a travel insurance policy depends on several other factors:

• Your age
• The type of protection chosen
• The length of your trip
• The risk associated with your medical condition

Are high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol covered?

In many cases, yes. Common conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol are generally covered when there has been no change in medication during the required stability period.
This period is often 3 months for travellers under 60 and 6 months for travellers 60 and over.

Does a recent change in medication cancel my coverage?

Not necessarily. For example, a recent change in dosage for a cholesterol medication doesn’t automatically cancel your travel insurance.
However, if a health issue arises during your trip and it’s related to that condition or to the recent change in medication, it may not be covered. The same logic can apply to certain situations involving high blood pressure, diabetes, or asthma.

Can I get travel insurance with an insulin pump or a CPAP machine?

Generally, yes. This equipment is associated with preventive treatment for stable diabetes or sleep apnea. In the absence of a recent respiratory or allergic episode, or another recent medical event before departure, it doesn’t represent a major obstacle to getting insured and doesn’t lead to a higher premium.

Can I get travel insurance after cancer?

Yes, many cancers in remission can be covered when they’re metastasis-free and have been stable for the period required by the insurer (often 1 year). Each case is assessed individually based on the level of risk associated with the condition.

Can I get travel insurance if I have heart failure?

Yes, in certain situations. Insurance companies’ medical questionnaires generally include a specific section on heart conditions to properly assess the risk.
Travellers are usually guided through this process to fully understand what is and isn’t covered. A higher premium is possible for those 60 and over, but it’s generally rare for those under 60.

What does travel insurance cover if I have a degenerative disease?

This mainly depends on the severity of the degenerative condition and its stability. As with other pre-existing illnesses, the insurer will assess the situation based on its underwriting criteria and the information declared.

Can I purchase travel insurance if I’m pregnant?

Yes, but certain conditions and limitations may apply depending on the stage of pregnancy and the protection chosen. As with other medical conditions, it’s important to review the coverage, exclusions, and conditions set out in the contract. To learn more, check out our advice on travel insurance and pregnancy.

My doctor told me I can travel. Is that enough to be covered?

No. Even if your doctor clears you to travel, each insurer applies its own underwriting rules and eligibility criteria. It’s the medical questionnaire and the analysis carried out by the insurer that will determine what can and can’t be covered.

Is it possible to pay more to be covered despite an excluded condition?

In some cases, yes. Some insurers offer additional protection or carry out a more thorough analysis to assess the possibility of covering medical care for a normally excluded condition. Additional information may be requested, such as a more detailed medical questionnaire or a form to be completed by the treating physician.
With CAA-Quebec’s optional coverage for pre-existing conditions, some travellers can obtain protection for an additional premium. This option is intended for travellers with a pre-existing condition that’s normally not covered, provided it has been stable within the 7 days before departure and no follow-up or medical treatment is planned.

Is travel insurance still worthwhile if a condition is excluded?

Absolutely. Even when a pre-existing condition isn’t covered, travel insurance can still protect you against many other unforeseen situations.
Claims for certain problems are common and can lead to significant costs abroad:

• Gastroenteritis
• Urinary tract infections
• Fractures or other accidents

How do I fill out a medical questionnaire without making a mistake?

To fill out a medical questionnaire accurately:

• Answer every question precisely: Don’t leave out any information, even if it seems minor to you.
• Check your medical records if needed: If you’re unsure about a diagnosis, treatment, or date, check with your doctor, your pharmacist, or another healthcare professional.
• Declare follow-ups and recent changes: Changes in medication, pending tests, or planned medical follow-ups generally need to be declared.

Choose transparency. A questionnaire filled out carefully helps you avoid claim denials, reduced benefits, cancelled coverage, and unnecessary delays.

What are the consequences of leaving something out of your health declaration?

An omission in your health declaration can have serious consequences:

• Claim denial if the problem is related to the undeclared information
• Reduced benefits in some cases
• Cancellation of coverage, sometimes retroactive
• Additional delays in processing your file

It’s better to declare too much information than not enough to avoid unpleasant surprises.

In conclusion, no matter your age, your physical or mental health, or the product you choose, it’s essential to review the coverage and limits of your insurance when you buy it or before you leave. Don’t hesitate to ask your advisor any questions so you can travel with peace of mind.
Remember, it’s your responsibility to properly prepare for your trip and take the necessary precautions to protect your health at your destination. Vaccinations, medication, a first aid kit, disease prevention, and the right insurance are all good habits to adopt before departure.
Also check out our advice on Healthy travelling for seniors.