Pre-existing conditions present various challenges in a person’s life, not least of which is traveling.
If your doctor says you can travel with your existing medical condition, there should be no difficulty planning a trip to another country. You might need to make adjustments to your medication or double up on quantities if you are away for a while, but otherwise, you have the right to go where you desire.
Still, some countries may present specific challenges in vaccination protocols or accessibility issues. For many people, the million-dollar question is: Can you get travel insurance if you have a pre-existing medical condition, and is it worth it?
Travel Insurance When You Have a Pre-Existing Medical Condition
Suppose, for instance, that you were on vacation in Palm Beach, Florida, when you got in a car accident. Besides emergency services, you’ll want to talk to attorneys who understand injury law in Palm Beach.
Your attorney will likely ask you if you enrolled in travel insurance before embarking on your trip. Travelers take out travel insurance for various reasons, including compensation for cancellations, delayed or altered flights, theft of currency or passport, and medical expenses.
Most people would be foolish to travel without insurance, but if you have a pre-existing medical condition, then suddenly the right policy becomes absolutely essential.
You may unexpectedly require medical support while away, or you could have a bona fide accident or injury that has everything or nothing to do with your current illness.
Don’t assume that you are not entitled to the usual rights of redress if you incur an injury or an accident while on holiday, even if it has something to do with your medical condition.
You may still have the right to make a claim for personal injury, but the compensation may differ based on the vacation destination. It’s always best to sign up for travel insurance and, if something does occur, seek legal advice from experts in the area or country where you are staying rather than wait until you get home.
Top Tips For Buying Travel Insurance
- Always disclose your medical condition. The insurance company may want confirmation from your doctor including medical reports. If you fail to disclose a medical condition, you will not be able to claim for expenses associated with it or even invalidate the policy.
- Use a broker to search the market for the best coverage. Most insurance companies have plenty of information about travel insurance on their website. Make sure the broker or the insurance company is licensed for where you live and where you plan to visit.
- Check your insurer’s definition of a pre-existing condition – insurance companies vary in how they classify this. For example, pregnancy is not usually classified as a pre-existing condition, and some mental health conditions and nervous disorders are also not covered.
- Check out any private medical coverage you may have first, such as an employer health insurance plan. You may be entitled to some coverage for a pre-existing medical condition while traveling.
Conclusion
No-one wants to contemplate having health problems or accidents while abroad, but the old adage is, “prepare for the worst, hope for the best”. If your health condition does worsen or takes an unexpected turn while you are abroad, then travel insurance can be a financial and medical lifesaver.
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