About pre-existing conditions

A pre-existing condition is a health condition you have before you leave on a trip. It could be something like asthma, diabetes, or even a skin rash or ear infection.

A pre-existing condition will affect your claims. You won’t be able to make claims related to your pre-existing condition if it’s unstable. You may still have coverage for unrelated conditions, though.

You can still get coverage with a pre-existing condition, as long as it’s stable. Stable means:

  • Up to age 69 - In the 3 months before you travel, you have not sought medical treatment, had a change in medication, or an increase or decrease in dosage.

  • Ages 70+ - In the 6 months before you travel, you have not sought medical treatment, had a change in medication, or an increase or decrease in dosage.

If you have an unstable medical condition, you can buy an option called a Pre-Existing Condition rider. The rider means your condition only has to be stable for 7 days before you leave.

Here are some examples that can help you decide if your condition is stable or not.

Diabetes:

  • Your insulin keeps it under control – stable

  • Your insulin dose or treatment has changed – unstable

Annual appointment with your doctor or specialist:

  • They said you’re doing fine – stable

  • They changed your prescription or your dose, or ordered tests – unstable

Trouble with a health condition a few months ago, but it’s fine now:

  • It depends on your age, and how long ago this happened. When you fill out your application, include this information

Went for lab tests/your doctor has ordered tests that you haven’t done yet:

  • The condition the tests are for is unstable. You won’t have coverage for that condition, but you’ll have coverage for other conditions

Had symptoms that could be signs of ill-health, but you haven’t been to a doctor:

  • A condition related to the symptoms is unstable

Just got a prescription filled:

  • It’s your usual prescription, at the same dose – stable

  • The prescription isn’t related to a health condition (e.g. birth control) – stable

  • A new prescription or a change in dose (even if it’s a decrease in dosage) means it’s unstable, even if you don’t have to take it regularly

Doctor gave you a prescription to take as needed:

  • It depends what the prescription is for. Please call us at Club so we can help

Do you depend on a treatment to keep a condition under control?

Maybe you have chronic back trouble, and regular massage therapy keeps it under control. The cost of massage while you’re away isn’t covered, as this isn’t a medical emergency.

If you’ve just finished treatments (like chemotherapy):

Sometimes people plan a trip to celebrate the end of their treatments. You can still get coverage. Depending on when you finished your treatments, you may not have coverage for claims related to your cancer diagnosis or treatments.

For policies with Emergency Medical coverage

You can buy Emergency Medical coverage, even if you have a pre-existing condition.

If you’re 69 or younger, the condition must be stable for at least 3 months before you travel.

If you’re 70 or older, the condition must be stable for at least 6 months before you travel.

If you purchase the Pre-existing Condition Rider, your condition only has to be stable for 7 days before you travel. This gives you $200,000 CAD coverage for that condition.

For Visitors to Canada policies

You can still buy travel medical insurance. You won't have coverage for health issues related to that condition, but you’ll have coverage for other, unrelated conditions.

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