Your Health, Your Journey: Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

For many, travelling is a chance to explore new destinations or revisit cherished places, creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s a tranquil beach escape, a cultural immersion in an exotic locale on the opposite side of the world, or an adventurous trek through the mountains, the joy of travel knows no age.

Unfortunately, health challenges can arise at any age, and for those managing pre-existing medical conditions — such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, and more — the fear of unexpected medical events while overseas can make travel planning feel daunting. But with the right support, these challenges don’t have to stand in the way of your dream holiday.

With GREAT TravelCare, you can embark on your journey with confidence. This plan offers coverage tailored to include common pre-existing conditions, ensuring you’re protected every step of the way while on holiday.

What Are Pre-Existing Medical Conditions?

Generally, the definition of a pre-existing condition can be understood as any medical condition or illness that an individual has experienced in the past 12 months before their trip¹. Essentially, it's any health issue you already have prior to your trip that might require attention while you're away.

It's also important to note that the definition of pre-existing medical conditions can vary from policy to policy. Not all minor ailments qualify as pre-existing conditions. Insurers typically evaluate pre-existing conditions based on a few factors such as the severity of the condition, current treatment status, recent medical history, and more.

The Potential Risks of Travelling with Pre-Existing Conditions

Travelling with pre-existing medical conditions can present certain risks:

• Medical Emergencies and Treatment Needs: This may include heart attacks, strokes, severe asthma attacks, or the need for urgent medical attention, hospitalisation, or specialised treatment.
• Difficulties Accessing Healthcare: Locating appropriate medical care, finding qualified specialists, or navigating foreign healthcare systems can be challenging — especially if you’re overseas.
• Impact on Travel Plans: Unforeseen medical issues can disrupt travel itineraries, leading to missed flights, cancelled tours, and the need to cut short the trip.
• Aggravation of Existing Conditions: Changes in climate, altitude, or diet can sometimes exacerbate pre-existing conditions.

These potential complications can significantly impact your travel plans and have a considerable emotional toll on both travellers and their loved ones. The fear of the unknown can overshadow the excitement of travel, causing unnecessary anxiety and stress.

However, having pre-existing travel insurance coverage provides peace of mind. Knowing you are protected against some of these medical issues allows you to travel confidently and enjoy your holiday without constant worry. Furthermore, travel insurance may be helpful to mitigate the financial burden of unexpected medical emergencies or treatments abroad. Medical expenses may be costly overseas but with the right coverage, you won't be left to shoulder these costs alone.

GREAT TravelCare’s Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage

Travelling with pre-existing medical conditions can come with some uncertainties. What if a sudden health issue requires you to delay or cancel your trip? Or if you need urgent medical assistance while abroad? With pre-existing travel insurance coverage like GREAT TravelCare, you can rest assured that unexpected medical events won’t disrupt your carefully planned trips.

Note: Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions is available with additional premium as an optional add-on for Gold and Platinum plans. This coverage provides:

• Up to S$200,000 coverage for overseas medical expenses for children or adults below 70 years old.
• Up to S$150,000 coverage for overseas medical expenses for adults 70 years old and above.
• Up to S$15,000 for trip cancellations or disruptions due to pre-existing conditions.

These coverage limits provide valuable financial protection and help you receive medical care and support while travelling.

To better understand how this coverage can benefit you, consider the following scenarios:

Scenario 1: Emergency hospitalisation for a heart condition while abroad

Imagine you're on a dream vacation in Europe, enjoying the sights and sounds of a charming Italian city. Suddenly, you experience chest pains and require immediate medical attention. You're rushed to a local hospital where you are diagnosed with a heart attack. With GREAT TravelCare, your medical expenses, including hospitalisation, surgery, and medication, would be covered up to the policy limits of your selected plan, providing you with the necessary care and alleviating the financial burden of this unexpected medical emergency.

Scenario 2: Trip cancellation due to a flare-up of arthritis or asthma

You've been planning a long-awaited hiking trip in the Swiss Alps when you experience a sudden flare-up of your arthritis or asthma which makes it impossible for you to travel safely and comfortably. With GREAT TravelCare, your trip cancellation expenses, such as non-refundable deposits on flights and accommodation, would be covered up to S$15,000 (50% co-payment) if you’re on the Platinum plan or S$10,000 (50% co-payment) if you’re on the Gold plan. Regardless of your tier, this travel insurance can help minimise your financial losses in the event of a trip cancellation due to your pre-existing condition.

Scenario 3: Trip postponement due to a sudden worsening of a pre-existing condition

Let’s say you’re planning an unforgettable safari trip to Africa and have been diligently managing your diabetes. A week before your departure, your blood sugar levels become too unstable. Your doctor advises against travel due to potential health risks. With GREAT TravelCare's trip postponement coverage, you can reschedule your safari trip and receive reimbursement for non-refundable expenses like flights, accommodations, and tour bookings. For instance, you may claim up to S$3,000 (Platinum) or S$2,000 (Gold) depending on your chosen plan. This allows you to plan your trip for a later date when your health is more stable.

Benefits for Mature & Active Travellers

Travelling should be an enriching experience that allows mature and active adults to explore the world and pursue their passions. However, concerns about pre-existing conditions can sometimes dampen their travel plans and limit their enjoyment.

GREAT TravelCare empowers active travellers by providing the confidence to explore the world without unnecessary worry. With the right coverage, you can:

• Pursue adventurous travel experiences and rediscover old passions: Travellers can enjoy activities such as hiking, diving, or cultural tours previously avoided due to health concerns.
• Gain greater flexibility and freedom: Book trips without worrying about unexpected disruptions or the financial burden of medical emergencies.
• Travel with peace of mind for the whole family: Stress-free travel for family members accompanying them, knowing that the insured traveller is protected.

Explore the World with Confidence: Travel Insurance for Pre-existing Conditions

Travelling is an experience filled with joy, exploration, and cherished memories. It should not be burdened by concerns about potential medical complications. For those managing pre-existing conditions, having the right travel insurance ensures peace of mind and safeguards your journey against unexpected events.

With GREAT TravelCare, you gain the confidence to embark on your adventures knowing that you’re covered for your pre-existing conditions during your travel.

Ready to plan your next worry-free holiday? Learn more about GREAT TravelCare or contact Great Eastern Life today to learn more. Your dream trip awaits!

Footnote:
¹ Pre-existing medical condition refers to:
- any condition, illness, disease, injury, disability or birth defect which you have received medical advice for, been diagnosed with, received medical treatment for, been prescribed drugs for, been hospitalised for or undergone surgery for during the 12 months immediately before the start of the trip; or
- any signs or symptoms that appeared during the 12 months immediately before the start of the trip and for which a cautious person could reasonably be expected to have received medical advice or counselling, undergone investigations, had diagnostic tests, received medical treatment, had surgery, been hospitalised or been prescribed drugs.
For an annual multi-trip policy, any medical condition you have made a claim for in connection with a previous trip will be a pre-existing condition for subsequent trips.

Information correct as at 22 April 2025.