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Worst timing possible... Travel insurance help

I leave may 30 for a three week vacation my first time in Europe. Last week I developed stomach pains, Dr thinks gallbladder attack. Waiting on ultrasound this Wednesday to know more, some blood work came back abnormal too. Things seem to have calmed down this week and my Dr is great about preparing me with meds "just in case" but what the heck am I going to do about "previous condition"? Any ideas for Canadian TRAVEL INSURANCE?

Posted by
5836 posts

You will need to read the fine print. I have never need to claim but have purchased Travel Guard insurance in the past.
https://www.travelguard.com/pre-existing-medical-waiver/

may qualify you for the pre-existing medical condition exclusion
waiver. With the waiver it's possible to be covered for some medical
issues on your trip, despite your pre-existing condition.

To qualify for this waiver, certain conditions need to be met
including:

Purchasing the travel insurance with your first trip deposit, or
shortly thereafter as explained in the policy; The amount of coverage
purchased equals all prepaid, non-refundable trip payments or
deposits, and the cost of any subsequent arrangements added to the
same trip are insured by the date of payment or deposit for the
additional arrangements; You are medically able to travel when your
travel insurance policy is purchased. To ensure you’ve purchased the
coverage needed for your trip, including coverage for your
pre-existing medical condition, please read your policy’s description
of coverage closely. Should you have any questions about the waiver,
call us 24/7 at 1.800.826.4919.

Posted by
2393 posts

Did you purchase insurance and are unsure if your policy or do you need last minute insurance that will cover the pre-existing condition?

Most policies require purchase within 14 - 15 days of initial trip deposit to cover pre-existing conditions.

Let's hope it is a simple solution.

Posted by
2768 posts

If you already have a policy, this should be covered. I've used my insurance for a similar situation - illness shortly before a trip, doctor verifies that it is unsafe to travel. If you don't already have a policy, it is unlikely you can buy one now that covers the prior condition. Usually these need to be bought within a few weeks of booking the trip, and at the time of purchase you would need to be in good shape to travel (i.e. you have a recurrent condition but it is not active at the time of purchase of the policy).

Posted by
101 posts

Thx all. Another lesson for others.... I had an annual travel medical insurance policy that was still valid for a few months after I booked my flights. This has since expired and my thinking was to wait and purchase another year to start at the beginning of this trip since it won't me needed before I leave. I did not purchase cancellation insurance which is too late to do now. I'm feeling a little better but crap not the way I wanted to be excited prior to this trip!
Oh and it looks like the plans I've seen say you need to be stable 30 days prior to departure which is already too late. Will ask my travel agent for help tomorrow.

Posted by
2047 posts

We also used TravelGuard health insurance (we needed insurance fir a visa) and were suprised at their reasonable rates. They are very professional and fast.

Posted by
23297 posts

You take out travel and health insurance when you are well. From an insurance viewpoint, it doesn't make sense to take out insurance after become sick.

Posted by
101 posts

Good news I was able to purchase a preexisting condition ryder and will be covered as long as my condition is stable for 7 days prior to departure which I will be. Such a relief.