Best Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions in 2025

How Much Does Pre-Existing Condition Travel Insurance Cost?

On average, travel insurance with pre-existing condition coverage costs roughly $38/day.

This is based on Squaremouth sales data of 27,000+ travelers that purchased pre-ex coverage in the past 12 months. The average premium for plans with this benefit cost travelers $577 with an average trip length of 15 days.

To give you a concrete example, we got sample quotes for plans including coverage for pre-existing conditions for a 65-year-old married couple taking a 10-day trip to Mexico costing $4,000. The results showed options ranging from just $23 to $66 per day. Adding the pre-existing condition benefit to a policy typically does not increase your premium.

Here are the cost estimates for each plan on our list:

• IMG iTravelInsured Choice: $225.10 for 10 days
• Travel Insured International FlexiPAX: $252 for 10 days
• Tin Leg Gold: $296 for 10 days

It’s important to note that these prices are for example purposes only, and the actual price you will pay for travel insurance depends on your specific trip parameters. Factors like traveler ages, trip costs, coverage limits, and trip length play a large role in determining travel insurance prices.

We recommend getting a quote to see the exact pricing of plan options for your trip.

What is a Pre-Existing Condition Waiver? (With Examples)

A Pre-Existing Condition Waiver is an optional benefit in some travel insurance policies that removes the standard exclusion for pre-existing medical conditions. Without this waiver, most policies won’t cover trip cancellations, interruptions, or medical emergencies related to a known health issue.

To qualify for this waiver, you must meet your plan’s eligibility requirements. The eligibility requirements for our top plans are as follows:

Travel Insured International – FlexiPAX

• Your premium for this policy and enrollment form is received within the 21-day Time Sensitive Period
• You are medically able and not disabled from travel at the time your premium is paid based on assessment of a physician

IMG – iTravelInsured Choice

• Your premium is received during the 21-day Time Sensitive Period
• You and your traveling companion are medically able to travel at the time your premium is paid

Tin Leg – Gold

• The policy is purchased within 14 days of your initial trip deposit
• The booking for the covered trip must be the first and only booking for this travel period and destination
• You are not disabled in a way that prevents you from traveling at the time You pay the premium

Specific eligibility requirements can be found within a policy’s Certificate of Insurance.

Pre-Existing Condition Lookback Period Comparison

The Lookback Period is how the insurance provider determines whether a medical condition qualifies as pre-existing. It’s a set window of time, usually 60 to 180 days before you buy your policy, during which your insurer reviews your medical history for any changes in your health.

Shorter lookback periods reduce the amount of time your medical history is reviewed for pre-existing conditions, making it easier for travelers to qualify for coverage in the event of a medical claim.

All of the plans on our list have some of the shortest lookback periods on the market. Here is how each of these plans stacks up.

Lookback Periods by Plan:

• IMG iTravelInsured Choice: 60 days prior to your Effective Date of coverage.
• Travel Insured International FlexiPAX: 60 days prior to your Effective Date of coverage.
• Tin Leg Gold: 60 days prior to your Effective Date of coverage.

It’s important to note that if you routinely take medication for an underlying condition, the lookback period typically doesn’t apply to conditions that are under control and remain stable without requiring medical intervention.

For example, the TinLeg policy certificate states the following:
“Sicknesses or conditions are not considered pre-existing if the sickness or condition for which prescribed drugs or medicine is taken remains controlled without any change in the required prescription throughout the entire 60-day period ending on the Effective Date and no medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment has otherwise been received.”

In essence, if you had symptoms, received treatment, had a change in medication, or were diagnosed with a condition during the 60-day lookback period, it would typically be excluded from coverage — unless you qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver.

Common Pre-Existing Condition Exclusions

Before you purchase travel medical insurance, it’s important to note that a wide-range of health conditions are not eligible for travel insurance coverage, even with a waiver in place.

Even if you meet a policy’s eligibility requirements, most providers won’t offer coverage if you file a travel insurance claim relating to the following medical issues:

• Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions
• Alcohol or drug-related medical conditions
• Pregnancy

How to Get Pre-Existing Condition Coverage

Unlike the Emergency Medical benefit, Pre-Existing Condition travel insurance is not a standard travel insurance benefit.

To qualify for pre-existing condition coverage on your travel insurance policy, you’ll typically need to meet a few key requirements. While these can vary by provider, here’s what most plans require:

• Buy Your Policy Early: Most travel insurance companies include this benefit only if you purchase your plan within 10 to 21 days of making your first trip payment.
• Insure Your Full Trip Cost: You’ll need to cover 100% of your prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses to be eligible.
• Be Fit to Travel: At the time you buy your policy, you must be cleared for travel — not under medical advice against it, experiencing symptoms, or undergoing treatment that would suggest otherwise.

What to Consider When Buying Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

When shopping for travel insurance plans that include a pre-existing condition waiver, it’s important to note that not all policies are created equal. A few key features can make a big difference in how well you’re protected and how easy it is to use your coverage if you need it.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Age Restrictions: Some plans have age limits, especially for travelers over 65. Always check the policy details. No policies listed above include age restrictions.
• Coverage Amounts: A pre-existing condition increases the likelihood of needing medical care, so look for plans with higher medical coverage limits. Medical coverage can range from $15,000-$500,000.
• Primary vs. Secondary Coverage: Primary medical coverage pays your expenses upfront, without requiring you to file through your health insurance first. This often leads to faster claim resolutions compared to secondary medical insurance.

Is Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Worth It?

If you have any existing medical conditions, then yes, pre-existing condition coverage is absolutely worth considering.

Most travel insurance policies won’t cover medical emergencies or trip disruptions related to a pre-existing condition unless you specifically choose a plan that includes a waiver. So if you have a flare-up or complication while traveling, you could end up paying out of pocket.

The good news? Travelers who qualify usually don’t pay extra for this coverage. That’s why it’s smart to focus only on plans that include pre-existing condition protection if you’re concerned about a health issue affecting your trip.