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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For information relating to policies purchased before 13 July 2021, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased from 13 July 2021 please see below.
World Nomads policies don't cover pre-existing conditions. So if you're worried about how your pre-existing condition can affect your trip, make sure you read the policy carefully when you get a quote so there are no surprises.
Pre-existing conditions and World Nomads Travel Insurance
Please note that World Nomads policies do not offer coverage for any claims arising from pre-existing medical conditions, which affect you, your traveling party, a close relative, or other people upon whom your trip depends.
Is Coronavirus a pre-existing medical condition?
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is subject to the same ‘pre-existing medical condition’ definition as all other medical conditions. This definition is outlined in your policy and applies to you, your traveling party, a close relative and any other person upon whom your trip depends.
Added benefits if COVID-19 derails your next trip
We know customers want added confidence when traveling and that includes coverage for events relating to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result, we’ve introduced travel insurance which offers cover for some COVID-19 related events pre-trip, and while traveling.
If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while overseas, your benefits may include:
- 24/7 access to our Emergency Assistance team, who can help you access local medical care;
- Medical costs including hospitalization;
- Evacuation or repatriation if deemed medically necessary by us and in consultation with your attending physician.
If you have purchased the Explorer Plan, you may have some coverage for trip cancellation events which are outside of your control and caused by:
- You or a member of your traveling party being diagnosed with COVID-19.
- Your close relative back home being hospitalized or dies due to COVID-19.
- You or a member of your traveling party who are permanently employed as a healthcare worker, residential care worker or law enforcement officer having pre-approved leave cancelled due to COVID-19.
Our article ‘What’s Covered for Coronavirus’ explains some of the benefits available if you get COVID-19 and need urgent assistance.
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:
- Pre-existing medical conditions unless specifically mentioned in the policy.
- Any medical expenses once you return home.
- Any medical condition you had in previous periods of insurance.
- 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 terms, conditions and exclusions that apply, so for more information check out our article on pre-existing medical conditions and read your Policy Wording carefully before you buy.
If your pre-existing 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.
New Diagnosis in Mexico.
I realized I had forgotten a medication (clonazepam) which I take for insomnia. I visited a doctor in Mexico City the next day and got a prescription for the medication. However, he also diagnosed me with a condition that I was not aware of (hyperthyroid) and suggested that the medication would help with the condition on a short-term basis. He suggested that I get a blood test for hyperthyroid, which I just did in Boston.
J Davis. US Nomad in Mexico.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Protection
Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation before you leave home.
- Explorer Plan: USD $10,000
- Standard Plan: USD $5,000
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Overseas Medical Insurance
Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling overseas.
- Explorer Plan: Unlimited, up to 12 months
- Standard Plan: USD $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
We'll get you to hospital quickly.
- Explorer Plan: USD $500,000
- Standard Plan: USD $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.
- Explorer Plan: USD $3,500
- Standard Plan: USD $2,500
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- 24 hour Emergency Assistance
- Emergency Medical Transport
- Repatriation & Travel Expenses
- Pre-Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Resumption of Trip
- Travel Delay
- Missed connection (Explorer)
- Hijacking (Explorer)
- Baggage & Personal Items
- Passport & Travel Documents
- Personal Liability
- Rental vehicle insurance excess (Explorer)
- Personal accident (Explorer)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are 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?
Phone:+353 21 237 8008 or +353 21 237 8003 (calls are not toll free. You can claim your itemised call costs)
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.