What Is a Pre-Existing Condition Waiver?
A Pre-Existing Condition Waiver is a special benefit in travel insurance that helps cover health problems you already had before buying the insurance. Normally, travel insurance won’t pay for anything related to an illness or condition you had before your trip like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
But if your plan includes a Pre-Existing Condition Waiver, it means your old health conditions can still be covered during your trip, as long as you follow the rules (like buying the plan soon after booking your trip).
How to Qualify for Pre-Existing Condition Waiver in Travel Insurance?
Not everyone automatically qualifies for a Pre-Existing Condition Waiver you have to meet certain rules set by the travel insurance company.
- Many travel insurance plans offer a waiver of the pre-existing medical condition exclusion if you purchase your policy within 14 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit. However, the iTravelInsured Travel LX plan gives you more flexibility and allows you to qualify for the waiver if buy the iTravelInsured Travel LX insurance within 24 hours of your final trip payment. This flexibility provides travelers the ability to buy trip cancellation insurance with pre-existing conditions coverage up to the final trip payment. This provides valuable peace of mind and greater medical coverage for seniors with existing health conditions.
- Insure your full trip cost - You need to cover 100% of your prepaid and non-refundable trip costs under the same policy.
- Be medically fit to travel - You must be well enough to travel when you buy the policy meaning you aren’t hospitalized or advised not to travel by your doctor.
🌍 Pre-Existing Condition Waiver Insurance Reviews
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“ It was very helpful to speak to someone about our policy choices. Your website is relatively easy to use and to navigate to find the information. ”
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🌍 Which is the Best Pre-existing Condition Waiver Insurance Plans?
Most travel insurance plans offer a Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion Waiver if you purchase the plan soon after making your initial trip payment. The purchase window varies slightly by plan and provider.
Here’s how it works across the featured plans:
- iTravelInsured Choice: Waiver available if purchased within 21 days of initial trip payment. Look-back period: 60 days.
- iTravelInsured LX: Waiver available if purchased within 24 hours of the final trip payment. Look-back period: 60 days.
- Pathway Plus: Waiver included when purchased within 14 days of the initial trip deposit. Look-back period: 180 days.
- Pathway Premium: Waiver available if purchased within 14 days of the first trip payment. Look-back period: 180 days.
- Travelex Ultimate: Waiver available if purchased within 15 days of the initial trip payment. Look-back period: 60 days.
- Trip Protection Choice: Waiver available if purchased within 21 days of initial trip payment. Look-back period: 60 days.
Purchasing your plan early through American Visitor Insurance not only secures your Pre-Existing Condition Waiver but also ensures you’re protected if your health or travel plans change unexpectedly.
💰 How Much Does Pre-Existing Condition Travel Insurance Cost?
The cost of trip cancellation insurance varies based on your age, trip duration, and trip cost. Affordable plans start around $32 for a 15-days trip with a $1,000 trip cost. The table below shows the average trip insurance rates by age, helping travelers find the best trip cancellation coverage that fits their budget and travel needs.
| Plan Name | Trip cancellation | Age 20 | Age 40 | Age 60 | Age 70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathway Plus | 100% of Trip Cost (Up to a Max. of $50,000) | $32 | $43 | $70 | $98 |
| Itravelinsured Choice | 100% of Trip Cost | $39 | $50 | $73 | $110 |
| Pathway Premium | 100% of Trip Cost (Up to a Max. of $100,000) | $43 | $56 | $90 | $126 |
| Travelex Ultimate | 100% of Trip Cost (Up to a Max. of $50,000 | $57 | $69 | $91 | $125 |
| Trip Protection Choice | 100% of your nonrefundable Trip Cost up to $100,000 | $65 | $87 | $118 | $118 |
| Itravelinsured LX | 100% of Trip Cost | $102 | $114 | $138 | $171 |
✈️ Which Travel Insurance Is Best for Last-Minute Trips with Pre-Existing Conditions?
If you’re booking a trip at the last minute and still want coverage for pre-existing conditions, iTravelInsured Travel LX is one of the best options. Unlike many plans that require you to purchase insurance within 10–21 days of your first trip payment to qualify for a waiver, Travel LX allows you to secure the Pre-Existing Condition Waiver if you buy the plan within 24 hours of your final trip payment.
This flexibility makes it ideal for spontaneous or last-minute travelers who might otherwise miss the waiver deadline. In addition, it offers Trip Cancellation coverage up to $150,000, providing robust protection for luxury or extended trips.
What is the Key Differences in Travel Insurance benefit Pre-Existing Condition vs Pre-Existing Condition Waiver ?
| Feature | Pre-Existing Condition | Pre-Existing Condition Waiver |
| Coverage | Usually not covered by standard travel insurance | Covered, but only if you qualify for the waiver |
| When It Applies | Applies automatically if you have any prior medical condition before the policy start date | Applies only when you buy your insurance early (within 14–21 days of booking your trip) and meet the insurer’s conditions |
| Eligibility Requirements | No special requirements it’s simply a health issue that already exists | Must buy insurance soon after your first trip payment, insure the full trip cost, and be medically fit to travel |
| Purpose | Identifies health issues that may not be covered by insurance | Removes the exclusion so your pre-existing conditions can be covered |
| Benefit for Travelers | limited coverage and increase financial risk if a condition flares up | Provides peace of mind and protection for travelers with medical history |
| Cost | No extra cost but uncovered conditions can lead to high expenses | Many plans offered by American Visitor Insurance include a Pre-Existing Condition Waiver at no additional cost, provided you buy your policy soon after booking your trip and meet the plan’s terms |
What Does Pre-Existing Condition Waiver Travel Insurance Cover?
A Pre-Existing Condition Waiver in travel insurance allows coverage for medical conditions you already had before your trip. With eligible plans, like American Visitor Insurance, it can cover:
- Medical Emergencies: Treatment, hospital stays, and doctor visits for flare-ups of existing conditions.
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption: Reimbursement for non-refundable flights, hotels, or tours if a pre-existing condition forces you to cancel.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: Transport to the nearest suitable medical facility if needed.
- Follow-Up Care Abroad: Prescriptions or continued treatment while traveling.
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❓Best Pre-Existing Condition Waiver insurance – FAQs
- Medical emergencies and hospital visits related to existing conditions
- Trip cancellation or interruption due to your condition
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Follow-up care or prescriptions abroad
No. Only eligible plans, like many offered by American Visitor Insurance, include a Pre-Existing Condition Waiver. You must meet the policy requirements to use it.
Yes. To qualify, you generally must buy your policy soon after making your first trip payment usually within 14–21 days. Buying early ensures eligibility for the waiver.
Most plans, At American Visitor Insurance, include the waiver at no additional cost if you meet the purchase timeline and eligibility rules.
No. The waiver must be added at the time of purchase and within the allowed time window.
Without a waiver, most travel insurance policies exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, which can leave you financially responsible for medical emergencies or lost trip costs.