Travel Insurance for People With Heart Problems

A heart problem, unfortunately, is considered a pre-existing condition when it comes to obtaining travel insurance. Typically, pre-existing health conditions are not covered under most visitor and travel insurance policies.

Travel insurance for people with heart problems is still important to have, to cover the unknown risks that could occur during travel that have nothing to do with any pre-existing conditions.

 

Concerns

If you are an older traveler, be aware that Medicare does not cover hospital or other medical costs outside of the United States. Some insurance plans may provide coverage overseas, for “reasonable and customary” hospital expenses, but may not cover a medical evacuation back to the U.S., which can cost $10,000 and upwards.

Many doctors and hospitals abroad insist on a cash payment before they administer treatment, and you may be refused care if you have no insurance. You may not be able to get all the services you need for heart problems or other medical issues if you are traveling in a country with socialized medicine.

All costs incurred for medical treatment and other expenses are ultimately your responsibility as a traveler.

 

Timeline

Ideally, you should visit your doctor four to six weeks prior to your departure date for a pre-travel checkup. Let your doctor know where you are traveling to, in case there are any vaccines that should be received before leaving. If you are on medication, it is best to make sure you have an adequate supply for the duration of your trip, or find out before you leave if you will be able to order more from outside the United States.

Before making any final reservations, it is best to be well informed ahead of time about the area you will be visiting. Factors like weather, climate and altitude could have an adverse effect on someone with a medical condition, such as heart disease. The time to purchase travel insurance for people with heart problems is prior to departure, after trip plans are finalized and physician approval is received.

 

Travel Medical Insurance

When purchasing travel insurance, it is important to note whether your policy includes travel medical insurance (for medical expenses, evacuations and accidents), rather than just travel protection (for a canceled trip, lost luggage or valuables).

Some travel insurance companies will insure travelers with pre-existing health issues, but the insurance may come with several conditions and a higher cost.

For example, Good Neighbor Insurance offers three choices for travel insurance for people with heart problems or other health issues: Total Pre-Existing Coverage, Limited Pre-Existing Coverage or Long-Term Coverage that may include pre-existing conditions.

 

Costs

Costs for travel medical insurance can range from around $133 for a week-long trip to several hundred dollars for a longer excursion.

The cost depends on numerous factors, including but not limited to your age, the severity of your heart problems or other health issues, the area where you are traveling and how long you are staying, the number of people in your travel party and so forth. Travel insurance for people with heart problems may come with a daily rate.

 

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