When Travel Insurance May Cover Pre-Existing Conditions

What is a Pre-Existing Medical Condition?

Under an Arch RoamRight travel insurance policy, a pre-existing medical condition is defined as:

“An illness, disease, or other conditions during the 180 day period* immediately prior to the effective date of the insured’s coverage for which the insured or insured’s traveling companion, business partner, or family member: 1) received or received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment; or 2) took or received a prescription for drugs or medicine. Item (2) of this definition does not apply to a condition which is treated or controlled solely through the taking of prescription drugs or medicine and remains treated or controlled without any adjustments or change in the required prescription throughout the 180 day period* before your coverage is effective under the policy.”

*Based on the travel insurance policy you purchase, this lookback period may differ.

What is a Pre-Existing Conditions Exclusion waiver?

Existence of a Pre-Existing Condition generally excludes or prevents coverage for the specified circumstances under a policy. This applies to medical conditions affecting the insured, their traveling companion (insured or uninsured), or either of their family members. A Pre-Existing Conditions Exclusion waiver removes the application of that exclusion to prevent coverage. Please note that the Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion Waiver is not available with all Arch RoamRight plans.

For policies that do offer a Pre-Existing Condition waiver, you must meet all the following conditions:

1. Purchase your travel insurance plan within 21 days of making your first trip payment;
2. Insure the entire non-refundable cost of your trip;
3. Must not be disabled^† from travel at the time your premium is paid; and
4. This must be the first and only booking for this same time period and destination.

^†For definitions, please refer to the travel insurance policy.

How Do You Request a Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion waiver?

With Arch RoamRight, you do not need to request a Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion waiver when you purchase an eligible travel insurance plan. As long as you meet all four of the criteria outlined above and purchase a policy that includes this feature, you will receive this coverage.

If you need to file a claim in relation to a pre-existing condition, you will be ask for proof that supports the fact that you met all of the previously mentioned criteria, as well as documentation that shows your condition was controlled as per the definition in the policy.

What is the Lookback Period for a Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion waiver?

A Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion waiver’s lookback period is the time immediately prior to the effective date of the insured’s coverage in which the illness, disease, or other conditions must remain treated or controlled as defined at the beginning of this post.

For the Arch RoamRight Elite and Preferred plans, the lookback period is 180 days. For the Arch RoamRight Pro and Pro Plus plans, the lookback period is 60 days.

Is There a Maximum Trip Cost When Buying Travel Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions?

The maximum trip cost insurable under the Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion waiver is equal to the maximum insurance trip cost of the travel insurance plan.

For example, the maximum insurable trip cost under the Arch RoamRight Elite plan is $250,000. Therefore, the maximum trip cost that can be insured with a Pre-Existing Conditions Exclusion waiver is also $250,000.

Which Arch RoamRight Plans Can Feature a Pre-Existing Conditions Exclusion waiver?

The Pre-Existing Conditions Exclusion waiver may be available under the Arch RoamRight Elite, Preferred, Pro, and Pro Plus travel insurance plans at no additional cost.

What is an Example of a Condition That May Be Covered under the Pre-Existing Conditions Exclusion waiver?

As stated earlier, the exclusion can be waived if you have a condition that has not required a change in prescription or a recommendation for a test, examination or medical treatment during the lookback period. Common conditions that may meet this criteria include, but are not limited to:

• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Epilepsy
• Lupus
• Sleep Apnea
• Cancer

If you are considering travel insurance and are concerned that your travel plans may be affected by a pre-existing condition that you or a family member has, our customer service team is always ready to help answer your questions. Contact us at 800-699-3845.

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.