Travel Insurance: Question About Pre-Existing Conditions
There is no coverage for pre-existing conditions with a look-back period of 60 days.
By definition, a “Pre-Existing Condition” refers to any accidental injury, illness, or health issue affecting you, your travel companion, or a family member traveling with you for which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received in the 60 days leading up to the effective date of the policy. Conditions or illnesses are not classified as pre-existing if the prescribed medication has remained effective without any changes throughout the 60-day period prior to the effective date, and no medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was received during that time.
If someone has a shunt or pacemaker, does that categorize them as being under constant care, thus automatically constituting a pre-existing condition? Or is it possible that, as long as the implanted device has been functioning properly during the 60-day window, it might not be deemed a pre-existing condition?
In the context of your question regarding travel insurance and pre-existing conditions, whether an implanted medical device like a shunt or pacemaker classifies as a pre-existing condition can depend on several factors outlined in your insurance policy.
Typically, if a person has a shunt or pacemaker and has not experienced any complications or required any medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment in the 60 days leading up to the effective date of the insurance, then it might not be considered a pre-existing condition. The key factors here are that the condition must be stable and under control without any changes in treatment during that time period.
For example, if the individual is not experiencing any problems with the shunt or pacemaker and they are not requiring increased monitoring or adjustments, it could be argued that the condition is stable. However, since these devices typically indicate a history of underlying medical issues, insurers may still categorize them as pre-existing conditions given their nature.
It’s essential to carefully review the specific language in your insurance policy and possibly consult the insurance provider for clarification. They can provide definitive answers based on your specific situation, including the history of care related to the implanted device. Keeping documentation that highlights stability or lack of complications during the relevant period may also be beneficial should any issues arise when making a claim.