You feel well, your condition is under control, and your doctor is comfortable with you travelling.
Does that mean you do not need to mention it when arranging travel insurance?
Not necessarily.
Being fit to travel and having insurance cover for a medical condition are separate matters. A useful first step is to understand what your insurer asks you to disclose.
“Pre-Existing” Depends on the Policy
It is tempting to think the term only applies to a serious illness. However, each policy has its own definition and assessment process.
Read that definition alongside the application questions. Depending on their wording, relevant information could include existing illnesses or injuries, medication, recent treatment, symptoms or investigations.
Do not decide that something is irrelevant simply because it feels minor or has not affected you recently.
If you are unsure, describe the circumstances and ask the insurer what information it requires.
Controlled Conditions Still Deserve Attention
A condition may be stable because you manage it well or take regular medication.
That is useful information for an assessment, but it does not automatically establish insurance cover.
The Insurance Council of New Zealand advises travellers to declare pre-existing conditions. Credit card insurance may also require a separate conversation or assessment before cover for those conditions is available.
Answer the questions accurately and check whether any automatic-cover provisions apply to your circumstances.
What if You Are Waiting for a Diagnosis?
You may not yet know what is causing a symptom. Perhaps you are waiting for a specialist appointment, test or scan.
Tell the insurer about the symptoms and investigations when required by its questions and policy definition. The absence of a confirmed diagnosis should not be used as a reason to leave out information the insurer has requested.
Explain what you know, what remains uncertain and what follow-up is planned.
Athletes Should Include Relevant Injuries
For athletes, the medical conversation can be easy to overlook. An injury may feel like part of training rather than a health condition.
If you are receiving treatment, taking medication or waiting for an assessment, check whether it needs to be disclosed.
Also explain the activities you intend to undertake. Being able to travel overseas does not necessarily mean you are medically ready to race—and approval of a medical condition does not automatically establish cover for competitive sport.
SafeTravel recommends checking that the policy addresses both your personal needs and the activities planned for your trip.
Declaring a Condition Is Not the Same as Having It Covered
After providing the information, read the insurer’s decision carefully.
Ask:
- Has cover for this condition been accepted?
- Are related complications included or excluded?
- Is there an additional premium or excess?
- Does the decision apply to cancellation as well as overseas medical expenses?
- Are there any conditions I must meet?
Keep the written assessment with your policy documents. If something is unclear, ask for an explanation before relying on it.
What if Your Health Changes Before Departure?
Your assessment reflects the information provided at the time.
If you develop new symptoms, receive a diagnosis, change treatment or suffer an injury before leaving, check your policy’s requirements for reporting changes. Contact the insurer promptly where required.
Do not assume that an earlier acceptance automatically covers a new development. Equally, do not assume that reporting a change means all cover will be withdrawn. Ask for a clear decision about your circumstances.
Prepare for the Insurance Conversation
Have the following information available where relevant:
- The names of your conditions and when they were diagnosed.
- Your current medication and treatment.
- Recent appointments, hospital care or changes in symptoms.
- Tests, referrals or investigations still outstanding.
- Your destinations, travel dates and planned activities.
Provide information through the insurer’s or adviser’s appropriate private process.
Unsure what you need to disclose? Talk to HMIS before arranging your cover. We can help you understand the questions and explore insurance options suited to your trip.
This article provides general information only and does not take into account your individual circumstances. Definitions, medical assessment requirements, cover, exclusions and eligibility vary between policies. Refer to your policy wording and assessment documents. Seek medical advice from your treating practitioner about your fitness to travel or participate in sport.
