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Can I get health insurance for visitors with pre-existing conditions?
Planning a trip to Canada with a pre-existing medical condition? This guide covers everything you need to know about health insurance for visitors, including what conditions are considered pre-existing, what is covered, and what isn’t. Learn about stability periods, age restrictions, and important tips for managing your condition while travelling. We also provide advice on what to do if a claim is denied, helping you stay prepared and protected during your visit.
- What is a pre-existing condition?
- Can I get health insurance for visitors to Canada with pre-existing conditions?
- Are all health conditions covered in visitors' health insurance coverage?
- How do insurers determine if they can cover my pre-existing illness?
- What is a stability period?
- What is the cost of visitors to Canada insurance with pre-existing illnesses?
- What isn’t covered by pre-existing condition insurance?
- Which companies cover pre-existing conditions for visitors travelling to Canada?
- Additional tips for visitors with pre-existing conditions
- Get the most competitive quotes for visitor’s insurance covering pre-existing diseases
- Frequently asked questions
Planning a trip to Canada to visit friends or family is exciting, but for visitors with pre-existing medical conditions, it comes with added concerns. Health insurance complexities in a foreign country can be scary, especially since pre-existing conditions might affect coverage.
This comprehensive guide aims to provide clarity on the key aspects of visitors’ health insurance in Canada, particularly for those with existing health concerns. We’ll explore what constitutes a pre-existing condition, what coverage options are available, the premium costs, and strategies to ensure you or your loved ones are adequately protected during your visit.
What is considered a pre-existing condition?
Pre-existing medical conditions refer to any illness, disease, symptom, or injury for which you have been prescribed medication, received treatment, or undergone surgery before the date your insurance went into effect.
Health insurance for visitors to Canada typically limits coverage for pre-existing conditions. This means any related medical expenses might not be covered.
Many insurance companies may offer coverage for pre-existing conditions as long the applicant meets the criteria set by them. This may include the health condition’s stability status, a doctor’s permit, medication history, and more.
What is a serious pre-existing condition?
A serious pre-existing condition is any illness, injury, or health issue that is chronic and lasts for years. Cancer, auto-immune diseases such as lupus, severe allergies, and conditions that require regular medicinal interventions, are all considered to be serious pre-existing conditions.
Serious pre-existing conditions can be life-threatening or those that require individuals to rely on external medicinal support such as insulin injections, stoma bags, etc.
How far back is a pre-existing condition?
Most visitor insurance companies have a look-back period for pre-existing conditions ranging from 90 days to 12 months prior to the policy start date. If you received treatment or were diagnosed with an illness during that period, it may be considered to be a pre-existing condition.
Most insurers have a stability period clause during which no change in medication or health condition should have occurred.
Can I get health insurance for visitors to Canada with pre-existing conditions?
Yes, you can get health insurance for visitors to Canada with pre-existing health conditions. Most insurance companies in Canada offer two policy variants:
- Visitors’ insurance with pre-existing medical conditions
- Visitors’ insurance without pre-existing medical conditions
Some companies such as Allianz, GMS, Tugo, Blue Cross, and MSH International offer visitor medical insurance with an in-built pre-existing condition coverage.
The policy variant options ensure that young and healthy individuals can opt for visitor health insurance without pre-existing condition coverage, which has lower premiums compared to the policies covering pre-existing conditions.
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Are all health conditions covered in visitors’ health insurance coverage?
No, not all health conditions are covered by visitors to Canada health insurance. There are several exclusions and limitations that visitors may come across when looking to purchase visitor health insurance in Canada.
Insurance companies do not cover unstable pre-existing diseases. If there have been any changes to your health condition within a specific time (typically between 90 to 180 days) before the effective start date of your policy, you may not be covered.
It also does not cover any medical emergency wherein the insured individual has willingly ignored any previous medical treatment that may have resulted in the current complication.
What medical conditions do I need to disclose for buying visitor health insurance?
When applying for visitors’ insurance in Canada, you must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions, including chronic illnesses and any conditions you’ve been diagnosed with or treated for in the past.
However, the specific conditions that must be disclosed depend on the insurer and the type of policy. Typically, insurers require disclosure of:
- Chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, asthma)
- Recent surgeries or hospitalizations
- Conditions requiring regular treatment or medication
- Any medical condition that has been diagnosed, treated, or required consultation in the past few years (usually 6 months to 2 years)
Full disclosure is crucial because failure to report these conditions accurately can lead to denied claims or canceled policies in the future.
What are the most common pre-existing conditions?
Some of the most pre-existing conditions are diabetes, heart issues, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, cancer, obesity, asthma, and stroke. Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, etc. are also common pre-existing conditions.
Is anxiety, pre-diabetes, and high blood pressure a pre-existing condition for visitors to Canada insurance?
Yes, anxiety, pre-diabetes, and high blood pressure are usually classified as pre-existing conditions when it comes to visitors’ insurance in Canada. These conditions, being chronic and ongoing, existed before your travel date or before the insurance policy kicks in.
However, insurance companies provide coverage for these conditions based on their stability period. If the conditions have been stable for a specified period of time before your insurance purchase, you may easily get coverage from your company.
Does pregnancy count as a pre-existing condition for visitors to Canada insurance?
Yes, pregnancy is typically considered a pre-existing condition for visitors to Canada insurance. Most travel insurance policies do not cover routine pregnancy care, childbirth, or complications related to pregnancy if the pregnancy was known before purchasing the policy.
This includes routine checkups, abortions, miscarriages, and premature birth. Routine checkups for the child born within the coverage period are also typically not covered.
Some insurers may offer limited coverage for unexpected complications up to 9 weeks before or after delivery at an additional price.
Is arthritis considered a pre-existing condition?
Yes, arthritis is generally considered a pre-existing condition by most insurance providers if diagnosed before purchasing a policy.
Coverage for arthritis depends on whether the condition is stable, meaning it hasn’t worsened or required new treatment within a specified stability period which is often between 90 to 365 days. If it meets the stability criteria, some policies may cover it; otherwise, it may be excluded from coverage.
How do insurers determine if they can cover my pre-existing illness?
Apart from current medical stability, insurers consider several factors such as the severity of a condition, age of the applicant, stability period, and common exclusions to determine whether they can cover your pre-existing illness under a visitor insurance policy in Canada:
- Severity of the condition: The seriousness of your condition plays a crucial role. Severe or high-risk conditions may be excluded or have limited coverage due to the higher likelihood of complications
- Age of the applicant: Age can influence the coverage factor and have an impact on the cost of your policy premium. Young individuals with a pre-existing disease are likely to receive coverage as there is a higher chance for their condition to be under control. However, some companies may not offer pre-existing condition coverage for older individuals. For instance, Travelance does not provide heart and lung condition coverage to individuals above the age of 79.
- Specific exclusions: Every insurance company has a list of specific exclusions in their policies. They will check if your condition falls under these exclusions. For instance, certain chronic diseases or conditions that typically require long-term, expensive treatment may be denied coverage
- Stability period: Insurers also check whether they can cover a pre-existing illness by evaluating the stability period, Typically, if the condition has been stable for a specific period (e.g., 90 or 180 days) before applying for insurance, it may be considered for coverage.
What is a stability period?
A stability period in visitors to Canada insurance refers to a specific time frame during which a pre-existing medical condition must remain unchanged to qualify for coverage. During this period the condition must not have shown any new symptoms, required a change in medication or dosage, needed medical treatment, or resulted in a hospital visit.
The stability period is crucial because it determines whether an insurer will cover medical expenses related to a pre-existing condition during the insured’s stay in Canada. If a condition is considered unstable—meaning there have been recent changes in its management or symptoms—insurance companies may exclude it from coverage.
What is a stable pre-existing condition?
A stable pre-existing condition refers to a medical issue that hasn’t worsened or required new treatments, medications, or hospitalizations for a specified period before purchasing insurance. Stability periods can differ from one insurance provider to another, depending on their policy terms, underwriting process, and specific guidelines.
If the condition remained stable during this period, some policies may offer coverage. However, if the condition had worsened or required intervention during this time, it is typically excluded from insurance coverage.
Here is a detailed chart showcasing the stability periods of various insurance companies in Canada that offer visitors to Canada insurance:
Stability periods for different insurance companies in Canada
| Insurance company | Stability period | Age-based criteria |
| 21st Century | 180 days | Pre-existing conditions are not covered for individuals above 86 years |
| Allianz | 90 days (up to age 59)
180 days (for ages 60-89) |
– |
| Blue Cross | 90 days (up to age 54)
180 days (for ages 55-79) |
– |
| GMS | 180 days up to age 80 | Individuals above 80 years of age cannot purchase GMS visitors insurance at all |
| Manulife | 180 days up to age 85 | Individuals above 85 years of age cannot purchase Manulife visitors insurance at all |
| MSH International | 90 days (up to age 70)
180 days (for ages 71-80) |
– |
| Secure Travel (RIMI) | 90 days (up to age 69)
180 days (for ages 70-84) |
– |
| Travelance | 90 days (up to age 69)
180 days (for ages 70-79) |
Heart, lung, and brain conditions are excluded for ages 70-79 |
| Tugo | 7 days (as an add on rider) 90 days (up to age 59)120 days (from age 60-69)180 days (from age 70 to 85)365 days (86 years of age and above) |
– |
What is the cost of visitors to Canada insurance with pre-existing illnesses?
The cost of visitors’ health insurance can range from $100-$300 with a pre-existing illness depending on several factors, including age, the stability of the condition, the province that they’re visiting, and more. Based on these factors, the price usually varies.
Here’s what you may have to typically pay per month for your visitors to Canada insurance for a 30-day trip to Canada:
Cost of medical insurance for visitors to Canada
| Visitor’s age | Premiums with pre-existing condition |
| 25 years | $92.70/mo. |
| 35 years | $100.20/mo. |
| 45 years | $115.50/mo. |
| 55 years | $129.60/mo. |
| 65 years | $168.60/mo. |
| 75 years | $328.80/mo. |
| 85 years | $453.92/mo. |
*The above premium cost is for a $100,000 coverage for an individual visiting Canada for a 30-day period
What isn’t covered by pre-existing condition insurance?
Pre-existing condition coverage in visitor insurance to Canada often comes with exclusions and limitations. For example certain heart conditions, pregnancy, and any other ongoing treatments.
Many companies may deny coverage for continued treatment, extensive care, diagnostic procedures, or rehabilitation for a chronic illness after the initial emergency has passed. Additionally, any emergency medical expenses arising from undisclosed pre-existing conditions may be denied.
Here’s a list of pre-existing conditions that a visitor insurance provider is unlikely to cover:
- Conditions that worsened, required new treatments, and medications, or had symptoms within a specified period before the trip, usually 90 to 180 days
- routine check-ups, preventive care, and elective treatments related to pre-existing conditions
- Heart condition with insulin-dependent diabetes
- Pregnancy that occurs after the plan is effective
- Any illness that was diagnosed during your policy waiting period
- Any illness that occurs during your side trip
Do any insurers cover pre-existing conditions?
Most insurance companies in Canada provide pre-existing condition coverage as a part of their visitors’ medical insurance policies, either included within the policy or as an optional add-on. Companies like Manulife, Travelance, 21st Century, TuGo, etc are some of the best insurance companies providing pre-existing coverage for visiting non-residents.
PolicyAdvisor works with some of the best companies in Canada that actively provide comprehensive coverage.
- Manulife: Aa a major player in the insurance market, Manulife offers several visitor insurance plans that cover fully disclosed pre-existing conditions with a value of $5 million in coverage benefits
- Travelance: Provides visitors to Canada insurance plans with coverage for stable pre-existing medical conditions. Their Visitor to Canada Emergency Medical Insurance covers certain pre-existing conditions if they have been stable for a specified period, preferably 180 days
- 21st Century: Provides Visitor Health Insurance plans that can include coverage for pre-existing conditions if they have been stable for at least 180 days. Their plans cater to seniors and families, with a maximum coverage of up to 730 days. They also provide companion rates for travelling families
- Secure Travel: Offers medical insurance for visitors to Canada, which may include coverage for pre-existing conditions if stable for a specified time, typically ranging from 90 to 180 days. They offer various plans with competitive rates for travellers
- TuGo: Apart from the standard pre-existing coverage, this insurance company offers an extensive “unstable pre-existing condition” add-on that ensures complete coverage of pre-existing conditions even if the condition has been unstable until a few days before your departure date
Does Allianz cover pre-existing conditions?
Allianz offers pre-existing condition coverage for individuals up to the age of 59 as long as their condition has been stable for a period of 90 days. For individuals aged between 60 to 89 years of age, the pre-existing condition has to be stable for a period of 180 days to receive coverage.
What are my options if my pre-existing condition is not stable?
If your pre-existing condition does not meet the stability criteria, you can look for specific additional riders or add-on options that offer coverage for unstable pre-existing conditions for an additional charge. Although these riders do not fall under the category of standard visitors to Canada insurance policy, companies like Tugo may offer these plans.
If you’re unable to get coverage for your pre-existing condition you may have to go forward with your visitors’ to Canada policy with the understanding that your unstable conditions or related illnesses will not be covered.
This may put a significant financial strain on you so it’s ideal to start saving up in advance and have an emergency fund handy before you depart.
What if pre-existing conditions are not declared?
If you don’t declare your pre-existing condition when purchasing visitors to Canada insurance, any claims related to that condition will likely be denied.
Non-disclosure is considered a breach of the insurance contract, which can lead to policy cancellation, leaving you without coverage for any medical expenses incurred during your stay.
Additional tips for visitors with pre-existing conditions
If you’re visiting Canada with pre-existing conditions, here are some additional tips to help ensure your trip is safe and worry-free:
- Complete a physical examination: Schedule a check-up before your trip to assess the stability of your condition and get updated medical records for emergencies
- Carry all your medications: Bring enough medication for your trip, plus extra for delays, in original packaging along with a copy of your prescriptions
- Build an emergency fund: Set aside funds for unforeseen medical expenses not covered by insurance, especially if your condition requires unexpected care
- Keep your insurance provider informed: Update your insurance provider on any health changes before traveling to ensure your coverage remains valid
These tips will help you better manage your pre-existing conditions while enjoying your trip to Canada with greater confidence and security.
Get the most competitive quotes for visitor’s insurance covering pre-existing diseases
While you have all the information that you may need, purchasing the best visitors’ medical insurance can seem to be pretty daunting. You have to assess your needs, make a calculated assessment of your preferred coverage amount, apply for the policy, undergo the screening process, and more.
Schedule a call with one of our expert advisors and get the most competitive visitors’ health insurance rates to keep you financially secure while in Canada!
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my pre-existing condition gets worse while I’m in Canada?
If your pre-existing condition flares up while you’re in Canada, your insurance will typically cover related medical expenses if your policy specifically includes coverage for stable pre-existing conditions.
Most policies require the condition to have been stable for a certain period before your trip. If the condition wasn’t stable before your trip or is excluded, you will need to pay out-of-pocket for any treatment or care received during your visit.
Are there any age restrictions for visitors’ insurance with pre-existing condition coverage?
Yes, there are often age restrictions for visitors’ insurance with pre-existing condition coverage. Many insurance providers limit coverage for pre-existing conditions to visitors under a certain age, typically between 69 and 79 years old, depending on the insurer.
However, companies like TuGo, Secure Life, Manulife, etc provide coverage until 85 years of age. As age increases, the risk associated with pre-existing conditions also rises, leading insurers to impose stricter terms, higher premiums, or outright exclusions for older visitors.
What should I do if my insurance claim is denied due to a pre-existing condition?
If your insurance claim is denied due to a pre-existing condition, first review the policy to check if your visitors’ health insurance plan had a pre-existing condition coverage. Contact your insurer for a detailed explanation and gather supporting documentation like medical records.
If you believe the denial is incorrect, submit a formal appeal with additional evidence. Consider consulting an insurance specialist or lawyer in special cases of unlawful denial.
I am in good health. Do I need to buy coverage with pre-existing conditions?
No, if you are in good health and have no medical conditions that require ongoing treatment, you may not need to buy coverage specifically for pre-existing conditions. However, it’s important to evaluate your health history and potential risks.
If you have had past health issues, consider purchasing a plan that includes pre-existing condition coverage for added peace of mind.
Should you buy visitor insurance for your parents even if they are healthy?
Yes, you should consider buying visitor insurance for your parents even if they are healthy. Unexpected medical emergencies can happen at any time, and healthcare costs in Canada can be very high for non-residents.
Visitor insurance helps to avoid significant out-of-pocket expenses and ensures that your parents receive necessary medical care if needed.
- A pre-existing condition is any illness, disease, symptom, or injury for which you were prescribed medication, received treatment, or underwent surgery before the date your insurance went into effect
- Conditions like anxiety, diabetes, and high blood pressure are usually considered pre-existing
- Insurers often exclude unstable conditions from visitors to Canada insurance, so it’s essential to review your policy’s specifics
- Disclose all medical conditions accurately, carry necessary medications, build an emergency fund, and know the steps to take if a claim is denied
