Does Travel Insurance Cover Pre-existing Conditions?
Most of our policies don’t cover pre-existing conditions, so don’t assume you’re covered.
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As featured in:
For information relating to policies purchased prior to 18 May 2022, please check the Policy Document provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased on or from 18 May 2022 please see below.
If you're worried about how your existing medical condition can affect your trip, make sure you read the policy when you get a quote so there are no surprises.
Existing medical conditions and World Nomads travel insurance
The World Nomads policies for New Zealand residents cover for more than 40 existing medical conditions which are specifically mentioned in the policy, where you meet all criteria for that condition. Terms and conditions and benefit limits apply. For travellers whose conditions aren't listed, or where all criteria are not met, there is no cover.
The good news for New Zealand residents is not only are you covered in some circumstances if you have existing medical conditions that meets the criteria for automatic cover, but you can also be covered in relation to existing medical conditions of a member of your travelling party and your close relatives who are not listed on your policy. This includes cover for:
- Pre-trip cancellation expenses
- Doctor’s visits overseas
- Hospitalisation overseas
- Medication overseas
- Costs to get you home by air if medically necessary.
There is a policy limit for all claims combined that relate to the existing medical condition of a close relative or member of your travelling party. All policies exclude cover for existing medical conditions, so make sure you read through your policy when you go to get a quote.
What's not covered by World Nomads travel insurance?
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. The main things that aren’t covered are:
- Existing medical conditions unless specifically mentioned in the policy and where all criteria is met.
- Any medical expenses in New Zealand, or once you return home.
- Any existing medical condition you had in previous periods of insurance, unless it meetes the criteria for automatic cover.
- The sickness you caught overseas, right before you remembered to buy a policy.
This isn't a full list of what's covered and not covered. There are item limits and conditions that apply, so for more information check out our article on existing medical conditions.
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything, so make sure you’re careful with your planning and you read the Policy Document to make sure you understand what’s included and what’s not, as well as the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. If you have any questions get in touch.
If your existing medical condition isn't covered and you're not worried about covering it, you can still purchase a policy online through World Nomads.
Just be aware there's no cover for any claim made as a result of this condition.
Mosquitos.
Upon arrival to Spain on the 4th of April I had been displaying fever, headache, exhaustion and dizziness. This lasted for a week, so I went to the doctor at the hospital in Malaga, Andalucia where they gave me a consultation and blood test showing results that indicated a mosquito-bourne virus which makes sense as I arrived in Europe from Mexico a week before the symptoms started.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.
- Explorer Plan: Unlimited
- Standard Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
- Have you died?
- Has one of your relos died?
- Has an earthquake damaged your home?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Overseas
Take the pain out of medical costs.
- Explorer Plan: Unlimited
- Standard Plan: $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need medicine?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transport
We'll get you to hospital in a flash
- Explorer Plan: Unlimited
- Standard Plan: $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up overseas?
- Medivac needed home?
- You died overseas?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Standard Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
- Damaged docs?
- Passport pilfered?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Overseas Medical Expenses
- Emergency dental treatment
- 24 hour assistance
- Emergency medical transport & repatriation
- Cancellation costs
- Trip interruption costs
- Compassionate emergency visit home
- Resumption of trip
- Theft or accidental damage to baggage and personal items
- Baggage delay over 12 hours
- Funeral expenses overseas or repatriation of remains
- Personal liability
24/7 emergency assistance
If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
From New Zealand & Overseas:
+61 2 8263 0470 or
+61 2 8292 1470
(reverse charges via an operator from anywhere in the world)
Within Australia (Free call): 1800 611 210
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.