What is covered and excluded by a travel medical insurance plan will depend on the travel insurance company. Here are some common exclusions.
Pre-existing conditions
How pre-existing conditions are covered will vary by travel insurance company, and one insurer might define a “pre-existing condition” differently than the next. Some insurance companies will take a look at your past medical history to determine if a condition was present during a period that could range from 90 days to one year ago, depending on the policy.
Your travel insurer will require you to meet certain requirements before it will cover expenses due to a pre-existing medical condition. For example, Blue Cross will not pay out due to a pre-existing medical condition for anyone aged 54 and under who during the three months prior to the effective date of insurance coverage had:
- Any medical condition that is not stable (and each insurer has its own definition of “stable”).
- Any heart condition for which you have used nitroglycerine more than once in a seven-day period for chest pain.
- Any pulmonary condition for which you have been treated with home oxygen.
If you have a pre-existing condition, it’s critical to read the policy exclusions very carefully.
Intoxication and drug use
Travel medical insurance typically won’t cover emergency medical costs due to intoxication or drug use. For example, if you become intoxicated and fall off the balcony, your travel medical insurance won’t cover the cost of your injuries.
Dangerous activities
Some travel medical insurance policies won’t cover expenses that result from activities such as mountain climbing, skydiving or parasailing. If you plan to engage in activities like this, work with a travel insurance agent to compare adventure travel insurance plans to make sure your particular activity will be covered.
Other exclusions
Other typical exclusions to travel medical insurance include:
- Routine medical examinations, such as vaccinations or immunizations.
- Obesity or weight modification, such as intestinal bypass surgery.
- Cosmetic surgery
- Organ or tissue transplants.
- Corrective devices and medical appliances, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- Pregnancy, childbirth or related complications.