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US visitors with pre-existing conditions FAQ coverage

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💬 Get Answers to All Your Pre-Existing Conditions Questions

My father-in-law is in the US and suffers from diabetes and he needs a treatment. Will the insurance company pay costs for sending back to native country in order to undergo pre-existing conditions treatment?

No, travel medical insurance does not cover the cost of returning to your home country for treatment of pre-existing conditions such as diabetes. Visitor insurance is designed to provide coverage for new medical emergencies or, in some plans, for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions while the insured is still in the U.S.

If your father-in-law’s condition becomes serious and he needs to return home, the travel insurance may cover emergency medical evacuation only if it is medically necessary and pre-approved by the insurance company but not for routine or ongoing treatment of pre-existing conditions.

My mother suffers from a heart treatment and I would like to bring my mother to the USA to get her medical treatment done. Will these medical costs be covered under visitor medical insurance?

No, none of the planned medical expenses for pre-existing conditions will be covered by any visitor insurance plans. If your mother has a heart pre-existing condition, it will be excluded by the visitor insurance plan coverage. The plans that provide pre-existing coverage do so for acute onset of existing conditions and have very specific limitations for their coverage. Please review the policy brochure for more details. Access more information and brochures using our plans comparison tool.

Which medical condition affect travel insurance?

Mental and Nervous disorders, maternity and new born care, preventive care, chronic illness which cannot be cured, for instance, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, pre-existing conditions except for sudden recurrence of the pre-existing conditions are some of the medical conditions that the travel insurance completely excludes from coverage.

Is pregnancy covered under pre-existing conditions?

Pregnancy is usually considered a pre-existing condition and is not covered under most visitor insurance plans. Routine prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal expenses are typically excluded.
However, some specialized plans offer coverage for pregnancy-related emergencies or complications. For example, Atlas America and Atlas Premium America provide coverage for pregnancy complications up to 26 weeks, while Safe Travels USA, Safe Travels USA Cost Saver, and Safe Travels USA Comprehensive plans cover emergency medical treatment related to pregnancy during travel.

Can I invite my parents to the US if they have pre-existing conditions. What are my options in this situation?

Yes, you can invite your parents to the U.S. even if they have pre-existing conditions. However, most visitor insurance plans do not cover routine or ongoing treatment for existing medical issues.
If your parents need broader protection, INF Elite X, INF Premier X plans offer full pre-existing condition coverage, including future medical emergencies related to those conditions.
Other plans such as Patriot America Plus, Venbrook Premier, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive and Atlas America offer coverage only for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions meaning a sudden and unexpected recurrence that needs immediate medical attention.
It’s best to compare travel insurance plans for parents with pre-existing conditions to choose the most suitable option based on coverage, cost, and medical needs.

Once in a week my father-in-law needs to go for kidney dialysis. Will these medicines costs be covered under visitor medical insurance?

No, regularly required medical expenses for pre-existing conditions will be covered by any visitor insurance plans. If your father-in-law has a kidney pre-existing condition which needs planned regular dialysis, this will not be covered by the visitor insurance plan coverage. The plans that provide pre-existing coverage do so for acute onset of existing conditions and have very specific limitations for their coverage. Please review the policy brochure for more details. The policy brochures can be accessed through our pre-existing coverage visitor insurance comparison tool.

My mother-in-law had a heart attack 5 years back. If she again gets heart related problems, will that be covered under visitor health insurance?

Since your mother-in-law had a heart attack in the past, her condition is considered a pre-existing condition, and most visitor health insurance plans will not cover routine or ongoing treatment for heart disease.
However, several plans provide emergency coverage for heart-related issues depending on the situation:

  • Safe Travels USA Comprehensive covers cardiac emergencies that occur unexpectedly during travel, up to the policy limits.
  • INF Elite X and INF Premier X offer full pre-existing condition coverage, including future emergency heart-related treatments.
  • Venbrook Premier goes a step further it covers cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes as emergencies rather than pre-existing conditions.
  • If the traveler’s chronic condition (like high blood pressure) is under control, Venbrook will cover the heart attack or stroke.
  • If the condition is uncontrolled, the claim is reviewed under the chronic disease exclusion.
  • If there is no pre-existing condition, the event is covered as a cardiovascular emergency.

These plans, available through American Visitor Insurance, offer valuable protection and peace of mind for travelers with a history of heart disease or cardiovascular risks while visiting the U.S.

Is there a waiting period for pre-existing conditions?

Most visitor medical insurance plans do not have a waiting period for pre-existing conditions because they do not cover routine or ongoing treatment for them. However, some plans that offer coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions provide protection immediately after the policy becomes effective, as long as the condition occurs suddenly and unexpectedly after the start date.

For plans that offer full or limited pre-existing coverage (like INF Elite X, INF Premier X, and Visitors Protect), there is also no waiting period coverage begins from the effective date of the policy.
You can compare and buy these plans easily through American Visitor Insurance, which offers top-rated options for visitors needing coverage for pre-existing conditions. Always review each plan’s brochure carefully, as definitions and eligibility rules can vary between providers.

Can I travel after heart attack?

Yes, many people can travel after a heart attack, but it is important to plan carefully and get medical clearance from your doctor. Make sure your condition is stable and that you are fit for travel.

Having heart attack travel insurance cover is essential to protect against medical emergencies while abroad. American Visitor Insurance offers several suitable plans, including INF Elite X, INF Premier X, INF Elite Plus X, Visitors Protect, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive and Venbrook Premier, which provide coverage for pre-existing heart conditions or the acute onset of cardiac events.

Other important steps include carrying your medical records, taking enough medication, knowing the location of hospitals and emergency services, monitoring your condition during travel, and traveling with a companion when possible.

My father has diabetes and high blood pressure. Will his treatment be covered under visitor medical insurance?

Routine treatment, medication, or regular doctor visits for diabetes or hypertension are not covered under visitor medical insurance. However, if your father experiences an acute medical emergency related to these conditions during his trip, certain plans can provide coverage.

For acute onset of pre-existing conditions: Plans like Venbrook Premier Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, and Travel Medical Choice offer protection for unexpected medical emergencies due to diabetes or hypertension.

For full pre-existing condition coverage: Plans such as INF Premier X and INF Elite X cover pre-existing conditions comprehensively, including future medical emergencies related to diabetes or high blood pressure.

These plans offer peace of mind by ensuring access to emergency medical care while visiting the U.S. You can also explore more options on our visitor insurance for high blood pressure page for detailed coverage information.

My mother had a heart attack a few years ago. Will visitor insurance cover any future heart-related emergencies?

Yes, if any emergency related to your mother’s pre-existing heart condition arises during travel, it will be covered under INF Elite X and INF Premier X plans.

These INF plans provide full pre-existing condition coverage, including future emergency heart-related treatments up to the policy limitsnot just limited to acute onset coverage. They are ideal for travelers with a history of heart disease visiting the U.S.

Note: The minimum purchase period for these INF plans is 90 days.

My parents take regular medications for hypertension and cholesterol. Will visitor insurance pay for these medicines or lab tests?

No, ongoing medication and routine doctor visits for existing conditions are not covered. Only emergency medical situations that occur suddenly during travel may be eligible for coverage.

My father needs dialysis once a week. Can we buy visitor insurance that covers dialysis treatments?

No, dialysis and other scheduled treatments for chronic kidney disease are considered ongoing care and are not covered by visitor insurance.

If my father’s existing condition suddenly gets worse while he’s in the U.S., will that be covered?

Yes, if the condition worsens suddenly and unexpectedly, it may be covered as an acute onset of a pre-existing condition.

Plans like Patriot America Plus, Venbrook Premier Atlas America and Travel Medical Choice and Safe Travels USA Comprehensive provide coverage for such sudden medical emergencies.

If you prefer full pre-existing condition coverage (not limited to acute onset), INF Elite X and INF Premier X plans offer broader protection including future medical emergencies related to existing health issues.

My parents are both over 70. Are there plans that cover pre-existing conditions for their age?

Yes. Plans like INF Elite X, INF Premier X, and Visitors Protect cover travelers up to age 99 with either full or limited pre-existing condition protection.

Which plans are best for parents visiting the U.S. who have multiple chronic health issues?

For broader protection, consider INF Elite X or INF Premier X (full pre-existing coverage).

For lower-cost options, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, Venbrook Premier and Atlas America are good choices.

Can I buy one policy that covers both parents even if only one has pre-existing conditions?

Yes, you can buy a single policy that covers both parents. However, it’s often better to purchase separate policies so that each parent receives coverage tailored to their specific health conditions and age.

At American Visitor Insurance, you can compare multiple visitor insurance plans side by side to find the best options including those with full or acute pre-existing condition coverage for your parents.

Are there any visitor plans that include preventive?

No, preventive care is generally not covered under standard visitor insurance plans. However, some INF plans do provide limited preventive and wellness benefits.

Plans like INF Elite Plus and INF Premier Plus include coverage for preventive checkups, lab tests, and maintenance care, making them ideal for travelers who want more comprehensive ongoing health coverage while visiting the U.S.

Which is the best travel insurance for heart patients?

Some of the best travel insurance plans for heart patients include INF Elite X, INF Premier X, INF Elite Plus X, Visitors Protect, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, Travel Medical Choice, Patriot America Plus, Venbrook Premier, and Atlas America. These plans provide coverage for pre-existing heart conditions or the acute onset of heart issues, helping travelers manage medical expenses and ensuring peace of mind while abroad.

🩺 What Are Examples of Acute Onset Conditions Covered by Venbrook Premier Insurance?

Diabetes and Acute Onset of pre-existing conditions:

Diabetes is considered a chronic condition, which means most insurance companies can deny claims it if it’s listed as a pre-existing condition in your medical records. This is even if the traveller experiences an acute event (like a diabetic coma), the claim might be denied.

However, VenbrookPremier has a special rule for acute onset of chronic conditions. If a diabetic event happens suddenly and requires immediate care, it might still be covered under certain conditions, depending on factors like age and the specifics of the event.

Heart Attack or Stroke:

A heart attack or stroke is always treated as an emergency and is not considered a pre-existing condition. These events require immediate medical care, and many people who experience them take medications for conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, or high cholesterol. Other insurance companies may deny claims if they see that the person is on medication for a pre-existing condition. Venbrook International travel insurance plans handles this differently:

  • If someone has high blood pressure (or another chronic condition) but their condition is under control (meaning they have been following their prescribed treatment), Venbrook will cover the heart attack or stroke
  • If the person’s condition was not controlled, then the claim will be looked at under a chronic disease exclusion.
  • If the person has no pre-existing conditions (they aren't on any medication for chronic health issues), the event will be covered as a cardiovascular event (not an acute onset, since there was no pre-existing condition).

⚠️ When Can an Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions Claim Be Denied?

An acute onset claim could be denied in these situations:

  • If the event happens within the first 48 hours after the policy starts.
  • If the person doesn’t seek treatment within 24 hours of the event.
  • If the person doesn’t follow their prescribed treatment, like not taking medication.
  • If the person goes against their doctor’s advice, for example, leaving the hospital against medical orders or trying to run a marathon after being told not to.
  • The Venbrook policy is designed to fairly cover claims related to acute onset conditions, as long as the situation meets specific guidelines.

How Much Does Best Visitor Insurance With Pre-Existing Conditions Cost?

Best health insurance for visitors to USA with pre existing conditions

The cost of cheap travel insurance for visitors with chronic illnesses ranges from $39 to $229 per month, depending on factors such as visitor’s age, duration of coverage, medical maximum, and deductible.

Best pre existing conditions travel insurance cost for outside US

The visitor health insurance USA pre existing conditions cost starts from $55 to $233 per month. The cost depends on the visitor’s age, duration, medical maximum coverage and deductible.

How Can You Tell If a Condition Is Considered Pre-Existing for Travel Insurance?

A pre-existing medical condition refers to any health problem you had before your travel insurance started, even if you didn’t know about it.

Insurance companies check your recent medical history (called the look-back period, usually 60 to 180 days) to decide if something counts as pre-existing.

This includes any condition where you:
  • Were diagnosed or treated by a doctor.
  • Were taking medicine for the condition.
  • Had symptoms or tests related to it.
  • Were advised to see a doctor for it.
Example:

If you took medicine for high blood pressure or diabetes a few months before your trip, that will be seen as a pre-existing condition.

Why Should I buy Visitor Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions ?

There are several compelling reasons for buying Visitors Insurance for Pre-existing conditions. Some of the important reasons are :

  • Coverage for Sudden Medical Emergencies: Visitor insurance that includes acute onset of pre-existing conditions provides protection if a long-term health issue (like diabetes or heart disease) suddenly flares up during your trip. This helps travelers get timely treatment without facing large medical bills.
  • Comprehensive Medical Support: These plans not only help with sudden complications of pre-existing conditions but also cover new illnesses, injuries, and doctor or hospital visits that may occur while you’re in the U.S.
  • Protection Against COVID-19 and Other Infections: If you contract COVID-19 or another covered illness while visiting the U.S., your insurance can help pay for the necessary treatment, ensuring your trip isn’t disrupted by unexpected medical costs.
  • Emergency Assistance and Evacuation: If your condition worsens and requires transportation to a better-equipped hospital or your home country, emergency medical evacuation benefits can take care of those arrangements and expenses.
  • Financial Security During Travel: Visitor insurance with pre-existing coverage helps you travel confidently knowing that if your health condition unexpectedly worsens, you won’t face overwhelming out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Ideal for Senior Travelers: This type of coverage is especially valuable for parents or elderly travelers visiting the U.S., providing peace of mind and essential medical protection throughout their stay.

Why Choose American Visitor Insurance to buy the Best Pre-Existing Condition Travel Insurance?

These are some of the important reasons to use the American Visitor Insurance platform to buy the Best Pre-Existing Conditions Visitors Medical Insurance

  • Over two decades experience and Thousands of satisfied customers: The staff at American Visitor Insurance have over twenty years of experience in the US visitors Insurance domain. American Visitor Insurance has helped Thousands of international travelers find the best travel insurance for their needs.
  • Trusted Source: American Visitor Insurance works with top-rated U.S. travel insurance companies and offers plans specially designed for visitors with existing medical conditions, ensuring protection against high healthcare costs during travel. American Visitor Insurance has constantly worked to make it easy for a traveler to make an informed decision and find the best visitor insurance for their needs by providing useful comparison tools, relevant FAQs , customer forums and resourceful blogs.
  • Compare Side-by-Side: Instantly review coverage, benefits, exclusions, and prices for leading plans including INF Elite X, INF Premier X, Visitors Protect, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, Travel Medical Choice, and Patriot America Plus.
  • Tailored Coverage Options: Plans available for visitors to the U.S., senior travelers, and parents visiting children abroad, offering both acute onset and full pre-existing condition benefits.
  • Comprehensive Protection: Coverage includes hospitalization, emergency medical treatment, doctor visits, prescription drugs, medical evacuation, and repatriation helping manage both new and existing conditions.
  • Transparent Pricing: Get instant online quotes with clearly listed premiums, deductibles, and policy limits no hidden charges or confusing fine print.
  • Nationwide PPO Network: Access a large network of PPO healthcare providers in the U.S. for cashless treatment and faster claim settlements.
  • 24/7 Expert Assistance: Our licensed agents are available around the clock to help you select the right plan, understand pre-existing condition terms, renew coverage, or file claims while abroad.
  • Peace of Mind for Every Traveler: Whether you’re a senior, long-term visitor, or a traveler managing chronic conditions, American Visitor Insurance ensures safety, security, and financial protection wherever you go.

Which Pre-Existing Conditions Are Covered by US Travel Insurance?

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How Does Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions Work?

  • Definition of a pre-existing condition – what medical conditions are considered pre-existing.
  • Look-back period – the time frame prior to travel during which a condition is considered pre-existing.
  • Type of coverage – whether the plan covers only acute onset (sudden flare-ups) or full coverage (ongoing treatment).
  • Coverage limits – the maximum amount the policy will pay for pre-existing conditions.
Whether a travel health insurance plan covers your pre-existing conditions depends on all these factors.

Acute onset vs. Chronic Conditions

Type Definition Examples
Acute Onset of a Pre-Existing Condition A sudden and unexpected onset of a pre-existing condition that occurs after coverage starts and requires immediate medical attention. Heart attack, sudden asthma attack, acute appendicitis
Chronic Pre-Existing Condition A long-term or ongoing condition that existed prior to coverage and is generally managed over time Diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease

Some visitor insurance plans cover acute onset of certain pre-existing conditions but do not cover chronic management.

🌟 What Is the Best US Visitors Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage?

The best US visitors insurance with pre-existing conditions coverage is listed here:

Safe Travels USA Comprehensive

Offers coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. For travelers aged up to and including 69 years, coverage is available up to the medical policy maximum purchased. Upon reaching age 70, the maximum coverage is reduced to $35,000, and for travelers aged 80 to 89 years, the maximum coverage is further reduced to $20,000.

SafeVista Comprehensive

Covers the acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to the maximum benefit, except for cardiac coverage related to angina, heart attacks, and stroke. For these cardiac conditions, the maximum benefit is $25,000 for individuals under 69 years of age and $15,000 for those aged 70 and above, inclusive of PPO fees, with a $500 deductible

INF Elite plans

Provide full pre-existing condition coverage for travelers aged 0–69 years, with a choice of coverage limits of $25,000, $30,000, $40,000, or $50,000 and deductible options of $1,500, $2,000, $2,500, $5,000, or $10,000. For travelers aged 70–99 years, the available coverage limit is $20,000, with the same deductible options.

Visitors Protect

Comprehensive visitor medical insurance offers pre-existing conditions coverage up to age 99 years. A minimum purchase of 90 days is required on the plan. It is an affordable and reliable plan for visitors visiting the US.

Atlas America Insurance

Offers coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to the selected policy maximum for travelers under 80 years of age, providing reliable and affordable protection against unexpected medical emergencies during travel.

Patriot America plus

Provides coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to the selected policy maximum for individuals aged 70 years and under, along with emergency medical evacuation coverage up to $25,000 for pre-existing conditions.

🔍 How Can You Tell If a Condition Is Considered Pre-Existing for Travel Insurance?

A pre-existing medical condition refers to any health problem you had before your travel insurance started, even if you didn’t know about it.

Insurance companies check your recent medical history (called the look-back period, usually 60 to 180 days) to decide if something counts as pre-existing. This includes any condition where you:

  • Were diagnosed or treated by a doctor.
  • Were taking medicine for the condition.
  • Had symptoms or tests related to it.
  • Were advised to see a doctor for it.
Example:

If you took medicine for high blood pressure or diabetes a few months before your trip, that will be seen as a pre-existing condition.

💡 Why Should I Buy Visitor Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions?

There are several compelling reasons for buying Visitors Insurance for Pre-existing conditions. Some of the important reasons are :

🚨 Coverage for Sudden Medical Emergencies

Visitor insurance that includes acute onset of pre-existing conditions provides protection if a long-term health issue (like diabetes or heart disease) suddenly flares up during your trip. This helps travelers get timely treatment without facing large medical bills.

🏥 Comprehensive Medical Support

These plans not only help with sudden complications of pre-existing conditions but also cover new illnesses, injuries, and doctor or hospital visits that may occur while you’re in the U.S.

😷 Protection Against COVID-19 and Other Infections

If you contract COVID-19 or another covered illness while visiting the U.S., your insurance can help pay for the necessary treatment, ensuring your trip isn’t disrupted by unexpected medical costs.

🆘 Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

If your condition worsens and requires transportation to a better-equipped hospital or your home country, emergency medical evacuation benefits can take care of those arrangements and expenses.

💰 Financial Security During Travel

Visitor insurance with pre-existing coverage helps you travel confidently knowing that if your health condition unexpectedly worsens, you won’t face overwhelming out-of-pocket expenses.

👵 Ideal for Senior Travelers

This type of coverage is especially valuable for parents or elderly travelers visiting the U.S., providing peace of mind and essential medical protection throughout their stay.

Have Questions?

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🤝 Why Choose American Visitor Insurance to Buy the Best Pre-Existing Condition Travel Insurance?

These are some of the important reasons to use the American Visitor Insurance platform to buy the Best Pre-Existing Conditions Visitors Medical Insurance

  • Over two decades experience and Thousands of satisfied customers: The staff at American Visitor Insurance have over twenty years of experience in the US visitors Insurance domain. American Visitor Insurance has helped Thousands of international travelers find the best travel insurance for their needs.
  • Trusted Source: American Visitor Insurance works with top-rated U.S. travel insurance companies and offers plans specially designed for visitors with existing medical conditions, ensuring protection against high healthcare costs during travel. American Visitor Insurance has constantly worked to make it easy for a traveler to make an informed decision and find the best visitor insurance for their needs by providing useful comparison tools, relevant FAQs , customer forums and resourceful blogs
  • Compare Side-by-Side: Instantly review coverage, benefits, exclusions, and prices for leading plans including INF Elite X, INF Premier X, INF Elite Plus X, Visitors Protect, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, Travel Medical Choice, and Patriot America Plus.
  • Tailored Coverage Options: Plans available for visitors to the U.S., senior travelers, and parents visiting children abroad, offering both acute onset and full pre-existing condition benefits.
  • Comprehensive Protection: Coverage includes hospitalization, emergency medical treatment, doctor visits, prescription drugs, medical evacuation, and repatriation helping manage both new and existing conditions.
  • Transparent Pricing: Get instant online quotes with clearly listed premiums, deductibles, and policy limits no hidden charges or confusing fine print.
  • Nationwide PPO Network: Access a large network of PPO healthcare providers in the U.S. for cashless treatment and faster claim settlements.
  • 24/7 Expert Assistance: Our licensed agents are available around the clock to help you select the right plan, understand pre-existing condition terms, renew coverage, or file claims while abroad.
  • Peace of Mind for Every Traveler: Whether you’re a senior, long-term visitor, or a traveler managing chronic conditions, American Visitor Insurance ensures safety, security, and financial protection wherever you go.

📜 Visitor Insurance FAQ Disclaimer for Pre-Existing Conditions

American Visitor Insurance and/or its associates have tried to answer these frequently asked questions to the best of our knowledge. However we make no guarantee regarding the accuracy of our answers. The exact answers for some of the questions can change periodically as insurance companies change their plans/policies. AmericanVisitorInsurance is not liable for any problem resulting from the content on this FAQ. If you do not agree with the terms of this disclaimer, please do not use any information in this FAQ..

Insurance questions, comments, suggestions, inquiries about this site, please contact us!

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