Preexisting conditions

[ElizaSTN]

Does the preexisting condition exclusion apply to traveling companions or immediate family?  For example, if a traveling companion (who also happens to be an immediate family member) has cancer and and is too ill to travel, will a claim be denied because it was diagnosed before purchasing travel insurance?  
 

TIA 

[InsureMyTrip]

This can differ by policy.  Some will list traveling companions and non-traveling family members in the definition of a pre-existing condition.  If that is the case, they would look back into the medical records of those people if making a claim related to a medical issue.  Some plans may offer a pre-existing condition waiver, but there are certain eligibility requirements that must be met.  Typically, you have to be purchasing the policy within 10-21 days after making your initial trip payment or deposit and everyone has to be medically fit.  Some plans may only list those that are traveling when defining a pre-existing condition.  This is an important coverage, and one thing to keep in mind, even a simple recommendation for a test or a change in a prescription prior to purchase of the policy could cause a condition to be considered pre-existing.  When reviewing a policy, it is helpful to look at the wording under the trip cancellation section, how the policy defines a pre-existing condition as well as how the pre-existing condition exclusion is worded.  As this can be a lot to navigate, it can also be helpful to reach out to the provider or company selling the policy if you have questions.