Travel Insurance For People With Special Needs

Most health insurers do not automatically cover pre-existing medical illnesses or medical conditions, however it's not always the case for traveler's insurance

By: Dream Team Media

If you have special needs you must ensure that your special circumstances are covered by the insurance policy you choose.

Pre-existing medical conditions
Most insurers do not automatically cover pre-existing medical illnesses or medical conditions. However traveler's can apply for coverage for their pre-existing illness via an application, which is, then subject to approval and possible payment of a premium. Keep in mind there are illnesses and conditions that will not be covered under any circumstances. Some insurers offer automatic insurance coverage for common illnesses/conditions such as tinnitus, asthma or stable high blood pressure but the onus is on the traveler to check because conditions can apply. For example if you are on a hospital waiting list for treatment for your illness or condition you may not be covered. Sometimes insurers will offer you a policy that excludes claims caused by your condition or they may not offer a policy because of the destination of your travels.

What is a pre-existing medical condition?
In general they are usually defined as any chronic or ongoing medical or dental condition for which you have received treatment or advice within a specified time prior to the policy being issued or any chronic or ongoing medical condition, illness or disease that's been medically documented prior to departure.

If the insurer does agree to cover you it is recommended you get it in writing. There may be an additional premium. Also check the excess in relation to a claim relating to the pre-existing condition. If you cannot get travel insurance for your condition it is still important to get travel insurance for other claims.

Pregnant Women
Most policies will cover pregnant women on application but you might be charged an additional insurance premium for prior complications.

The cut-off point for coverage during pregnancy varies from 26 weeks to ‘no time limit', with 26 weeks being the norm. Many policies cover unforeseen complications of the pregnancy during that time period, but they don't all cover the medical costs of a premature baby.

Some charge an additional premium. Policies do not cover full-term birth. A few policies don't cover you if you buy a policy and depart on your journey without knowing you are pregnant.

Older Travelers
Most of the policies offered have special conditions for older travelers. Some will require the payment of an extra premium while others will not offer cover after a specific age such as 75.

Most will require a medical assessment; some will charge a higher premium or extra fee. Others have no fee but have an extra excess for medical claims.

Adrenalin Seekers & Adventure Travelers
It is very important to check what activities you are covered for and more importantly what activities you are not covered for. Most amateur sports are covered however there are exclusions. Exclusions can include mountaineering using ropes, base jumping, running with the bulls, snowboarding and professional sports. All product disclosure statements will outline the specific ‘adventures' which are covered. Be aware that an extra premium may apply and read the conditions.

Single Parents traveling with children
If you are a single parent or adult traveling alone with several children most policies will cover the children for the single premium. However, some only allow cover for two dependent children traveling with one parent. It is important to check the age limits for children traveling with one parent.

Duo policies
These are policies that enable two people to travel together under the same policy. Make sure you check the restrictions because some may only allow you to travel with a spouse or family member others may require you to have the exact itinerary whereas others may allow you to spend 50% of time together.

Working while overseas
Working and traveling is a cost effective way of financing your trip. However some policies don't cover you for manual labor or an accident that has happened while working. Policies that do provide cover usually don't charge an additional premium but a few do.

As always make sure you check and double-check what you are buying. It is very important to understand the conditions and restrictions found in the product disclosure statement before you travel. It is essential for you to check all the small print on your policy before you make a decision. Read many policies carefully before making a decision and make sure you understand exactly what you are covered for and more importantly what you are not covered for.

Source: Travel Insurance For People With Special Needs

Vacation Insurance... Saves Your Money, Time And Frustrations!

What Should You Look For In A Travel Insurance?
Planning to rent a car or go bungee jumping? Here's a quick guide on what you should look for in your travel insurance

By: Jonathan Tan

Don't forget your vacation insurance before you take off for any travel. I am very serious when it comes to travel insurance, I do not want to take any chances, I grew up in a family with my mother as a sole bread winner, my Dad passed away when I was 10 years old without any insurance. Life was very very difficult then. So the same goes with vacation insurance too!

It can cost you an extra few thousands of dollars if the cruise or tour operator goes bankrupt, or if you need to shorten your vacation due to sickness or injury.

Quick Tip: The biggest myth would be that your normal health insurance covers you when you are away, or that since many travelers visit an area or region, access to medical care is easy or affordable.

Here's a quick guide to understanding what a good vacation insurance should cover for any travel.

1. Travel Curtailment If you or an immediate family member becomes seriously ill or is injured during the vacation most vacation insurance companies would reimburse you for the unused portion of the vacation.

2. Travel Cancellation You would be reimbursed if the cruise line or tour operator goes out of business. It would also reimburse you if you have to cancel the vacation due to sickness, a death in the family or other calamity listed in the insurance policy. Travel cancellation is very different from a Cancellation Waiver that many cruise and tour operators offer. Waivers are relatively inexpensive. They provide coverage if you have to cancel the trip, but they have many restrictions. They must be purchased when you book the trip and will usually not cover you immediately before departure. Most importantly, waiver is not insurance.

3. Personal Liability Personal Liability is important in case of legal liability, arising out of one's negligence in causing a third party injury (or death) and/or third party property damage. Some traveler insurance companies even insure against the loss or theft of golfing equipment and laptops.

4. Luggage/Baggage/Flight Delay This feature comes along with a 'Time' excess, meaning that the traveler insurance companies only compensate when the delay exceeds a certain time frame. The limit for loss of luggage/baggage/flight varies, usually with a cap for individual items

5. Price of Vacation Insurance also known as Premium - Premium Computation For 'per-trip' policies, the premium payable hinges considerably on the number of days of travel, the country of destination and choice of plan. For example, if you are from Europe, a vacation in USA warrants a much higher premium than a trip within Europe for the same number of days. Some traveler insurance companies provide the option of higher limits of coverage at of course, a higher premium. If price is of concern, it is advisable to keep on hand the premium schedule from a few traveler insurance companies for comparison before you activate your insurance before each trip.

6. Claim Procedure I consider this the most important aspect of buying a vacation insurance. All traveler insurance companies will require you to lodge your claims within a certain time frame. You would be required to complete and submit a claim form, which can be obtained from the traveler insurance company.

In almost all instances, your claims must be accompanied by relevant documents, such as medical receipts for medical reimbursement or hospital cash; a police report for loss of money or personal documents; an official letter from the airline in cases of flight or luggage delay and loss of luggage if within custody of the airline. In all cases, call up and inform your traveler insurance company immediately for necessary advice.

There you are... now with a basic knowledge of vacation insurance, you are equipped to choose the best suited to your travel needs and you are all set to fly!

Source: Vacation Insurance... Saves Your Money, Time And Frustrations!