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As per healthcare standards, a pre-existing condition is defined as any condition for which the patient has sought medical advice or treatment before enrolling for a new medical insurance policy. A pre-existing condition is a medical condition that started before a person’s health insurance went into effect. Some insurance companies do not cover the expenses incurred due to pre-existing diseases. Some examples of pre-existing diseases are:

• Asthma
• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Heart ailments
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Thalassemia

Let’s breeze through a couple of facts about pre-existing diseases that you must know of when it comes to buying an overseas travel insurance plan:

• Insurers are reluctant to provide a cover for pre-existing diseases: The sad truth is that insurance companies are hesitant while offering coverage to a person having a pre-existing diseases. It is because such people are likely to ask for medical help and thus pose a financial risk to the insurance provider.

• The definition of pre-existing condition differs for different insurance companies: While determining a person’s pre-existing diseases, some companies might ask for the entire medical history while others will only look at the records over the last 4 years.

• Insurers look out for conditions that have a long term effect : You need not worry if you have a history in seasonal allergies or prone to cold etc. These are short term problems with miniscule side effects so, that would not be counted under a pre-existing disease.

• Do not hide your pre-existing condition from your insurer :If you were to be hospitalized for some reason and you happen to provide the doctor with your medical records, it is obvious that your insurance company will come to know about your pre-existing condition. This would be a breach of faith because although you were aware of your pre-existing disease, you chose to hide it. This can further lead to a claim rejection.

• Coverage for pre-existing disease can be sought : People with existing health problems can also opt for a medical insurance. The insurance company will require a waiting period during which the doctor visits, treatments and medicines of the person with pre-existing condition will not be covered by the policy. The costs incurred will only be paid for once the waiting period ends. You can find out in detail about your policy coverage by getting in touch with insurance companies that provide travel plans like   Reliance General Travel Insurance plan 

• Switching to a different insurance company in the middle of your waiting period is not a good idea: If you change your insurance company during the waiting period, the new company might not consider the waiting period that you have already served. Depending on the terms of the new insurer, you will have to start afresh. You might be asked to pay a higher premium to reduce the waiting period.

Every policy holder must read their policy documents very carefully to understand the exclusions mentioned in the policy. If you have any pre-existing medical diseases, then you can opt for an additional coverage or buy a pre-existing disease waiver.