Additional FAQ

Q1. What are pre-existing conditions? How do insurance companies determine these conditions?

Ans. Generally, pre-existing conditions include all such medical or physical conditions that cannot occur overnight, including high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and any such condition. However, each insurance plan has its own definition of what is considered a pre-existing condition, hence you are advised to read more about the plan before purchasing the same. Any injury, illness, or medical condition that meets any of the following criteria will be considered a pre-existing condition: a) condition that requires you to seek medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment before the Effective Date of coverage under the policy, 2) condition for which manifestation, medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment was recommended, received, or noticed prior to the Effective Date of coverage under the policy.

Q2. Who determines if it is a pre-existing condition?

Ans. The insurance company evaluates the attending physician's (doctor's and hospital's) statement, past and present medical records, history, and nature of treatment to determine if the condition is pre-existing.

Q3. Why pre-existing conditions are not covered by overseas health insurance plans?

Ans. Travel insurance plans are short terms plans. If they start covering pre-existing conditions, they will end up paying much more than they receive from the premiums they generate, and they will not be able to run their businesses profitable.

Q4. Why should I purchase overseas medical insurance if it does not cover pre-existing conditions?

Ans. Medical and health service costs in the USA and other countries are very high. The costs can be financially devastating especially in case of any emergency or accident and subsequent hospitalization. Travel health insurance is a means to insure against such unforeseen medical emergencies and should not be seen as a means to get medical treatment for existing medical problems.

Q5. I want to get my surgery done for some problem. Will my international travel insurance help?

Ans. No. Such situations come under pre-existing conditions; hence they will not be covered. Also it is one of the major exclusions of travel insurance.

Q6. I want to get a complete physical checkup done while in USA. Will my travel health insurance cover expenses for the checkup?

Ans. No, none of the travel health insurance plans cover physical checkup and any other preventive care.

Q7. I want to have a vision/eye test and get new pair of eyeglasses. Is this covered in the insurance?

Ans. No

Q8. Is pregnancy and prenatal care covered? >

Ans. No