travel insurance masterIf you have a pre-existing medical condition, understanding your travel insurance options before you book can help you avoid unexpected coverage gaps later.
AXA Travel Insurance offers a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver through its AXA Explorer Select and AXA Explorer Elite plans for eligible travelers. When you purchase your plan within 14 days of your initial trip deposit and meet the required eligibility criteria, the standard exclusion for pre-existing medical conditions may be waived.
Here's what travelers should know before purchasing coverage.
Why Pre-Existing Conditions Matter in Travel Insurance
A pre-existing medical condition generally refers to an illness, injury, or other health condition for which you received treatment, medical advice, medication, or a diagnosis before your travel insurance plan takes effect.
Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, high blood pressure, or a recent surgery may all be considered pre-existing, depending on your medical history and your plan's terms.
Without the appropriate coverage, medical expenses or trip cancellations related to a pre-existing condition may not be covered. That's why it's important to understand your options before you travel.
How AXA's Pre-Existing Condition Waiver Works
AXA Explorer Select and AXA Explorer Elite include a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver for travelers who meet specific eligibility requirements. Rather than automatically excluding eligible claims related to a pre-existing condition, the waiver allows those claims to be considered under the terms of the plan.
To qualify for the waiver, all of the following conditions must be met:
- Your plan premium and enrollment form must be received within 14 days of your initial trip deposit.
- You and any traveling companion must be medically able to travel and not disabled from travel when the premium is paid, based on a physician's assessment.
Both requirements must be satisfied for the waiver to apply. Purchasing within the required timeframe alone does not guarantee eligibility. Terms and availability may vary by state.
Why Timing Can Make a Difference
When purchasing travel insurance, timing can influence more than just when your coverage begins. Certain benefits, including pre-existing condition waivers, may be available only if you purchase your plan within a specified timeframe.
For AXA Explorer Select and AXA Explorer Elite, travelers who purchase their plan within 14 days of their initial trip deposit and meet the required medical eligibility criteria may qualify for the Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver. Missing that purchase window could mean the waiver is no longer available, even if the plan includes the benefit.
If you're planning a trip and have an existing medical condition, reviewing your coverage options early gives you more time to understand your benefits, confirm your eligibility, and make informed decisions before you travel.
Benefits Offered by AXA Explorer Select and Explorer Elite
For eligible travelers, the Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver is just one part of the value offered by AXA Explorer Select and AXA Explorer Elite. These plans also include benefits that can help if covered medical or travel disruptions occur during your trip.
Benefits may include:
- Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver: When you meet the 14-day Time Sensitive Period and medical eligibility requirements, claims related to a pre-existing condition may be considered under the terms of the plan rather than automatically excluded.
- Emergency Medical Coverage: Coverage for eligible emergency medical expenses, including hospital treatment and medication, if a covered illness or injury occurs during your trip.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: Coverage for transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility, or back home, if a covered medical emergency requires evacuation.
- Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption: Reimbursement for eligible non-refundable trip costs if a covered medical event forces you to cancel or interrupt your trip.
- 24/7 Global Assistance: Access to AXA's global assistance network for support with medical emergencies, referrals to local medical facilities, and coordination of care while traveling.
Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and benefit limits of your plan.
Who Tends to Benefit Most From This Coverage
AXA Explorer Select and AXA Explorer Elite may be worth considering if you:
- Manage a chronic condition such as diabetes, asthma, or a heart condition.
- Are traveling with a companion who has an existing medical condition.
- Have recently undergone a medical procedure or experienced a change in prescription medication.
- Want travel protection that considers eligible claims related to pre-existing medical conditions when the waiver requirements are met.
Choosing the Right Travel Insurance
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, purchasing travel insurance early can make an important difference. AXA Explorer Select and AXA Explorer Elite offer eligible travelers access to a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver when the required conditions are met, along with benefits that can help protect your trip if the unexpected happens.
Before purchasing, review your policy's terms, conditions, exclusions, benefit limits, and state-specific provisions to determine whether the plan is right for your travel needs.
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