What qualifies as a pre-existing condition for travel insurance?
An Illness, disease, or other condition of the Insured Person that in the twelve (12) month period before the Insured Person’s coverage became effective under this insurance: a) first manifested itself, worsened, became acute, or exhibited symptoms that would have caused a person to seek diagnosis, care, or Treatment; or b) required taking prescribed drugs or medicines, unless the condition for which the prescribed drug or medicine is taken remains controlled without any change in the required prescription; or c) was Treated by a Physician or Treatment had been recommended by a Physician.
Acute on set of pre-existing conditionsShould you experience a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence of a pre-existing condition, this coverage provides necessary emergency care for any medical emergency that is life threatening or requires immediate medical treatment. Coverage is available for travelers under age 70, and maximum limits vary by plan and age.
To be eligible for the foregoing limited coverage and benefits for an acute on set of pre-existing condition , the insured person must be in a compliance with all terms of insurance. The company will provide such a coverage and benefits when the following conditions have been met. At the time of Acute on set of pre-existing condition.
- Treatment must be obtained within twenty-four (24) hours of the sudden and unexpected outbreak or reoccurrence.
- The insured person must be under 70 years of age.
- The insured must not be traveling against or in disregard of the recommendations, established treatment programs, or medical advice of a physician or other healthcare provider.
- The traveler must not be traveling with the intent or purpose to seek or obtain treatment for the pre-existing condition.
- The insured person must not be traveling during a period of time when the insured person is preparing or waiting for changed or modified treatment program with respect to pre-existing condition and is not traveling subsequent to any such new , changed or modified treatment program having been advised or recommended.
- The pre-existing conditions must have been stabilized for at least 30 days prior to the effective date without change in treatment.
- The insured person must be traveling outside your home country.
IMG plans offering best pre-existing insurance plans
Visitors Protect insurance
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Pre-existing conditions
- Visitors Protect insurance covers pre-existing conditions up to 99 years.
- This travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions up to $25,000 for people aged 69 and below. For those 70 and older, it covers up to $20,000, with a deductible of up to $1,500.
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Eligibility
- Provides coverage for individuals and families traveling from their home country to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
- Available for ages 14 days to 99 years.
- US citizens living outside USA who want to visit US. They must have resided outside US continuously for the past 6 months and must have a current health plan in force.
- Minimum purchase is 90 days.
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Co-insurance
- In-Network: Plan pays 75% up to the policy maximum
- Out of Network: Plan pays 60% up to the policy maximum
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Renewability
- This plan is available for 90 to 364 days and can be renewed for up to 364 days.
Visitors Care insurance
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Acute Onset of Pre-existing conditions
Vistors care insurance covers acute on set of pre-existing conditions up to 70 years
- Visitors Care Lite: Covers up to $25,000 maximum for coverage period
- Visitors Care Plus: Covers up to $50,000 maximum for coverage period
- Visitors Care Platinum: Covers up to $100,000 maximum for coverage period
Pre-existing medical evacuationIf you need to be urgently evacuated for medical reasons due to a pre-existing condition, it covers up to $25,000 for the emergency evacuation.
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Eligibility
- It is an affordable plan for visitors visiting the US.
- Covers individuals aged 14 days to 99 years ( Pre-existing conditions are covered only for individuals up to 70 years old).
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Coinsurance
- In –network: Plan pays fixed amount.
- Out of network: Plan pays fixed amount.
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Renewability
- This plan is available from 5 days to 364 days and it can be renewable for a total of up to 2 years unless there is a break in coverage.
- A policy period cannot be more than 12 months. $5 renewing will be charged in addition to the premium costs.
Patriot America Plus insurance
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Acute on set of pre-existing conditions:
- This coverage applies if a pre-existing condition suddenly worsens.
- It covers up to the policy's maximum limit, as long as the insured person is under 70 years old.
If you need to be urgently evacuated for medical reasons due to a pre-existing condition, it covers up to $25,000 for the emergency evacuation.
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Eligibility
- Available for Non US residents traveling to USA.
- US citizens living outside USA who want to visit US. They must have resided outside US continuously for the past 6 months and must have a current health plan in force.
- Green card holders also eligible for this plan.
- Covers individuals aged 14 days to 99 years ( Pre-existing conditions are covered only for individuals up to 70 years old).
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Coinsurance
- In the PPO Network: Plan pays 100%
- Outside the PPO Network: Plan pays 90% of eligible expenses up to $500, then 100% up to the maximum Limit.
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Renewability
This plan is available from 5 days to 364 days and it can be renewable up to 2 years.
Patriot America Platinum insurance
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Acute Onset of Pre-existing conditions
- This coverage applies if a pre-existing condition suddenly worsens.
- It covers up to the policy's maximum limit, as long as the insured person is under 70 years old.
If you need to be urgently evacuated for medical reasons due to a pre-existing condition, it covers up to $25,000 for the emergency evacuation.
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Eligibility
- Available for Non US residents traveling to USA.
- US citizens living outside USA who want to visit US. They must have resided outside US continuously for the past 6 months and must have a current health plan in force.
- Green card holders also eligible for this plan.
- Covers individuals aged 14 days to 99 years ( Pre-existing conditions are covered only for individuals up to 70 years old).
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Coinsurance
- In the PPO Network: Plan pays 100%
- Outside the PPO Network: Plan pays 100% up to the maximum Limit.
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Renewability
This plan is available from 5 days to 364 days and it can be renewable up to 3 years .
Patriot International Lite insurance
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Acute onset of a pre-existing condition
- For Us citizens: Up to policy maximum for age up to 64 with primary health plan, $20,000 without. Ages 65-69: up to $2,500 maximum..
- For Non US citizens: Age 69 and under, up to the period of coverage limit or $1,000,000 (whichever is lower).
If you need to be urgently evacuated for medical reasons due to a pre-existing condition, it covers up to $25,000 for the emergency evacuation.
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Eligibility
- Available for both US and Non US citizens traveling outside USA.
- Covers individuals aged 14 days to 99 years ( Pre-existing conditions are covered only for individuals up to 70 years old).
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Coinsurance
This plan pays 100%.
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Renewability
This plan is available from 5 days to 364 days and it can be renewable up to 24 months.
Patriot International Platinum insurance
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Patriot Platinum insurance - Acute Onset of Pre-existing conditions
- This coverage applies if a pre-existing condition suddenly worsens.
- It covers up to the policy's maximum limit, as long as the insured person is under 70 years old.
If you need to be urgently evacuated for medical reasons due to a pre-existing condition, it covers up to $25,000 for the emergency evacuation.
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Patriot Platinum insurance - Eligibility
- Available for both US and Non US citizens traveling outside USA.
- Covers individuals aged 14 days to 99 years ( Pre-existing conditions are covered only for individuals up to 70 years old).
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Patriot Platinum insurance - Coinsurance
The plan pays 100%
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Patriot Platinum insurance - Renewability
This plan is available from 5 days to 364 days and it can be renewable up to 3 years .
Visitors Preferred insurance
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Visitors Preferred insurance - Acute Onset of Pre-existing conditions
- This coverage applies if a pre-existing condition suddenly worsens.
- It covers up to the policy's maximum limit, as long as the insured person is under 70 years old.
If you need to be urgently evacuated for medical reasons due to a pre-existing condition, it covers up to $25,000 for the emergency evacuation.
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Visitors Preferred insurance - Eligibility
- Available for Non US residents traveling to USA.
- US citizens living outside USA who want to visit US. They must have resided outside US continuously for the past 6 months and must have a current health plan in force.
- Green card holders also eligible for this plan.
- Covers individuals aged 14 days to 99 years ( Pre-existing conditions are covered only for individuals up to 70 years old).
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Visitors Preferred insurance - Coinsurance
- In Network: The plan pays 100%.
- Out of Network: The plan pays 80% of eligible expenses, insured pays 20%.
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Visitors Preferred insurance - Renewability
This plan is available from 5 days to 364 days and it can be renewable up to 2 years.
How much does IMG pre-existing condition travel insurance cost In USA?
The IMG travel insurance with pre-existing condition cost ranges between $40 to $340 for a month. The cost depends on the age of the visitor, medical maximum coverage and deductible.
*The average cost of IMG travel insurance for the USA is based on quotes for a 60-year-old traveler for one month.
| Plan Name | Medical Maximum | Deductible | Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitors Care | $25,000 | $100 | $40 |
| Visitors Preferred | $50,000 | $250 | $148 |
| Patriot America Plus | $50,000 | $250 | $164 |
| Patriot America Platinum | $1,000,000 | $250 | $322 |
The cost of Visitors Protect insurance is $1,061 for 3 months for a 60-year-old traveler, with a medical maximum of $50,000 and a deductible of $250.
How much does IMG travel insurance for pre-existing conditions cost in Outside USA?
Travel insurance with pre existing medical conditions cost ranges between $121 to $247 for a month. The cost depends on the age of the visitor, medical maximum coverage and deductible.
*The average cost of IMG travel insurance pre-existing conditions for the Outside USA is based on quotes for a 60-year-old traveler for one month.
| Plan Name | Medical Maximum | Deductible | Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patriot International Lite | $50,000 | $250 | $121 |
| Patriot International Platinum | $2,000,000 | $250 | $247 |
IMG travel insurance reviews
I use IMG for almost every travel in the US and am now also using them for international travel. I've only ever had great experiences, the prices are phenomenal and the ease of signing up is unbeatable.
Diane
I have been purchasing international travel policies with IMG for many years. It's easy to apply and the customer service has always been excellent.
Rod
I have actually used my coverage in 2023 when traveling to Bangkok and was hospitalized with pneumonia. Everything was taken care of with no surprises. I won't travel internationally without IMG.
Sarah
IMG pre-existing insurance - FAQ's
Patriot Platinum: $2,500 lifetime maximum.
Visitors CareThis plan offers acute on set of pre-existing coverage up to the plan maximum under 70 years.
Acute onset of pre-existing conditions means sudden, unexpected emergency due to a pre-existing condition that can be dangerous to life and the traveler cannot wait to get treatment in the home country but to receive treatment immediately. It should be noted that for acute onset coverage, treatment must be sought within the defined time period for the plan and chronic and congenital conditions may not be covered.
Yes Patriot America Plus insurance offers the best coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to the age of 70 years.
Absolutely, yes! Travel insurance is meant to cover you in the unlikely event of a sudden illness or accident while you are on your trip. Even if you have a pre-existing condition that complicates treatment, that is not relevant to the coverage for an unexpected illness or injury.
Naturally, your pre-existing conditions themselves are excluded from coverage, so you should pack as much medication as you will comfortably need for your trip.
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Travel Insurance tips for travelers with Pre-Existing Conditions
Here are some travel insurance tips for travelers with pre-existing conditions:
- Choose a travel health insurance plan that covers pre-existing conditions.
- Read the policy carefully to understand what is covered and what is not.
- Be aware of any waiting periods for coverage of pre-existing conditions.
- Consider buying a visitors insurance policy with higher coverage limits.
- Carry a copy of your medical records and list of medications with you when traveling.
- Ensure that you carry your medical prescription and medicines during your trip.
- Know how to access medical care in your destination.
- Contact your visitors insurance provider immediately in case of any medical emergency.
- Follow all necessary procedures to file a claim for reimbursement of medical expenses.
What are the factors for visitors insurance with pre-existing conditions coverage?
The following are the important factors to consider while purchasing visitors insurance for pre-existing conditions
- The definition of pre-existing conditions and the look back period under the policy.
- The eligibility age limit for pre-existing conditions coverage.
- Whether pre-existing condition coverage is limited to acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
- The coverage limit for pre-existing conditions which is different from the policy medical maximum.
- The deductible and out of pocket expenses for pre-existing conditions coverage.
- The renewability of the policy and its implication for pre-existing condition coverage
IMG offers Pre-existing conditions with the following plans
Patriot America Plus from IMG offers coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to the age70 years for Non US citizens travelling to the USA. Another option for pre-existing conditions is Visitor's Protect offers temporary medical coverage with pre-existing conditions with deductible of $1,500 per injury or illness (plan deductible waived). The maximum limit through age 69 is $25,000, and ages 70 and older is $20,000. Visitor's Protect covers Limited pre-existing conditions for individuals traveling outside their country of residence and traveling to the US.
Why is travel health insurance for pre-existing conditions coverage important?
There are many international travelers who travel with medical ailments and it is important for them to be well informed about visitors insurance for pre-existing conditions. Most US travel insurance plans exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions. The definition of pre-existing conditions varies for different insurance providers as they have a ‘look back’ period and any medical ailments during this look back period would be considered pre-existing.
At American Visitor Insurance, we have plans which provide coverage for acute onset of a pre-existing condition, as well as full coverage for pre-existing conditions up to a clearly defined limit in the policy document. All of these details can be best understood by using our facility for comparing visitors insurance for pre-existing conditions and reviewing the policy brochures.
How does travel insurance for pre-existing conditions work?
The visitor health insurance plans which cover pre-existing conditions clearly define what is a pre-existing condition, the look back period for pre-existing condition, whether the travel insurance coverage is limited to acute onset of pre-existing conditions or if it provides full coverage for pre-existing conditions and the coverage limit within the policy for pre-existing conditions. Any visitors travel health insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions will depend on all these factors.
Pre-existing conditions coverage - FAQ's
- Unfortunately, this simple question has a complicated answer. The answer is: it depends. Firstly, it depends on whether you are a US resident traveling outside the US or a visitor to the US. US residents can purchase trip cancellation insurance like the Travel Lite, Travel LX and Travel SE plans and they can cover pre-existing conditions. These plans however may have specific requirements in order to waive the usual exclusion of coverage for pre-existing conditions (like purchase them within a certain number of days of your initial trip deposit or that you have a primary domestic insurance plan in the US), so you should check these details carefully if this is important to you.
- Non-US residents or US residents traveling into the US have much more limited options to insure their pre-existing conditions are covered. Some plans offer coverage for "acute onset" of pre-existing conditions. However, this is misleading, since a careful look at their definition excludes chronic or congenital disorders from such coverage. Chronic illnesses are those that worsen over time and congenital disorders are issues one is born with. They exclude emergencies due to chronic illness because they will say that is not "acute" it is simply a worsening of your condition. There is a policy we know of that offer temporary medical insurance with coverage for pre-existing conditions. It is IMG's Visitor's Protect.
- Firstly, they define pre-existing conditions in the following way: A pre-existing condition is a condition for which the insured received treatment or took medication for in the previous 12 months before the start of the policy. If the medication dosage has not changed and is taken as a maintenance medication, this would NOT count as a flare up or treatment of the condition. In that case, very stable conditions that have no flare ups in the past 12 months are not even excluded as pre-existing conditions. Conditions that have had flare ups or doctor recommended treatment or change in medication, are still covered by the plans but with a higher deductible and a lower maximum.
- IMG Visitor's Protect is a comprehensive plan offering fairly complete coverage. The plan must be purchased for at least 90 days and can be quite pricey for seniors, but they offer the only real coverage for chronic conditions. Temporary medical insurance with coverage for pre-existing conditions. The other option, of course, is to take a plans with little ($1000) or no coverage for pre-existing conditions and take a risk that that condition will not flare up during the trip.
Some plans boast they offer "full" coverage for pre-existing conditions, this can however be a little misleading. Firstly, any regular treatment or medication that is required by the condition is never covered. The main advantage to the IMG Visitor's Protect is that they cover sudden illness/injury regardless of whether it is pre-existing or not. The only difference is that a pre-existing condition will be covered with a higher deductible at a lower maximum than any other "new" illness or injury. However, coverage is not limited to an emergency or life-threatening situation. This plan offers temporary medical insurance with coverage for pre-existing conditions.
The "Acute Onset of a Pre-Existing Condition" is a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence of a pre-existing medical condition which occurs without any advance warning either in the form of physician recommendations or symptoms and requires immediate care (within 24 hours of first symptoms).
A Pre-Existing Condition that is a chronic or congenital condition or that gradually becomes worse over time will not be considered acute onset. The acute onset coverage benefit does not include coverage for known, scheduled, required, or expected medical care, drugs or treatment existent or necessary prior to the effective date of coverage. An example of this might be someone who has a food allergy or bee allergy and is unknowingly exposed to their allergen and requires immediate medical attention.
Acute onset of a pre-existing condition can be defined as the sudden & unexpected occurrence of a pre-existing condition which requires in-patient, emergency hospitalization within 24 hours of exhibiting first symptoms. The main difference between acute onset & full pre-existing is that with Full Pre-Existing coverage, is that one is covered for all pre-existing conditions and associated medical costs and this includes follow up visits, hospitalizations and doctor’s visits, etc. The acute onset coverage will only cover the in-patient hospitalization expense.
A plan now offered by IMG called Visitor's Protect is temporary medical insurance with coverage for pre-existing conditions. The plan must be purchased for at least 90 days. Note that IMG plans is not available to green card holders.
Yes, Patriot America Plus from IMG offers coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to the age up to 70, Patriot Platinum also offers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to the age up to 70 and Visitor Protect from IMG temporary medical insurance with coverage for pre-existing conditions up to 99 years. The plan must be purchased for at least 90 days.
What are the benefits of travel insurance for acute onset of pre-existing conditions?
IMG Schengen visa letter
After the purchase of Schengen Visa travel insurance a letter required by the Schengen consulates can be obtained.
Click here to read more »How do I file a claim with IMG insurance?
To file a claim with IMG Insurance, follow these steps:
- Download the Claims Form: Access the IMG insurance claims form online.
- Contact Customer Support: Call the toll-free number 1-800-628-4664 for guidance or assistance.
- Complete and Submit Documents: Fill out the claims form and send it, along with any required supporting documents, to the Claims Department:
- Mailing Address: International Medical Group, P.O. Box 9162, Farmington Hills, MI 48333.
- Email Assistance: For additional help or inquiries, email customercare@imglobal.com.
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