Pre-existing Medical Conditions: What You Need to Know
Planning to Bring a Loved One to Canada?
If your parents or relatives are coming to visit you in Canada, especially under a Super Visa, purchasing emergency medical insurance is essential. But what happens if they have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a heart condition?
This is where the concept of pre-existing medical conditions becomes very important.
What Is a Pre-existing Medical Condition?
A pre-existing medical condition refers to any illness, symptom, or diagnosis that existed before the insurance policy started, whether it was formally diagnosed or not.
Even if your loved one feels fine today, their medical history could impact what the travel insurance policy will cover if they need treatment while in Canada.
Is Coverage Available for Pre-existing Conditions?
The short answer: Sometimes.
Many travel insurance plans offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, but there are important conditions attached. The most common is that the condition must be stable for a specific period before the start of the policy.
What Does “Stable” Mean?
Each insurance policy defines "stable" differently, but in general, a condition is considered stable if:
There have been no new symptoms
There has been no change in medication (dosage or type)
There have been no new tests, treatments, or referrals
The condition hasn’t worsened
There’s been no hospitalization or emergency visits
Some policies require the condition to be stable for 90, 120, or 180 days before the policy begins, depending on the age of the insured.
Common Exclusions You Should Know
Travel insurance policies often exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions if:
The condition is not stable within the required time frame
There were recent medication changes
There were pending or recent medical tests
The person has a terminal illness
They are awaiting surgery or test results
They’ve been advised not to travel
What If the Insurance Is Bought After Arrival?
Some policies apply a waiting period (such as 48–72 hours or up to 7 days) if the insurance is purchased after the person has already arrived in Canada. During that period, no claims related to illness will be covered, even if the emergency seems unrelated.
To avoid this, it's best to purchase coverage before arrival in Canada whenever possible.
Tips to Protect Your Loved Ones
Disclose all medical history honestly when applying. Inaccurate information can void the policy.
Choose a plan with coverage for stable pre-existing conditions, especially for older parents.
Understand what “stable” means under the policy you're considering.
Work with a trusted insurance broker to compare options suited to your parents’ age and health.
Final Thoughts
Travel insurance can bring great peace of mind, especially when hosting aging parents or relatives in Canada. But if there are medical conditions involved, choosing the right coverage becomes even more important.
Always take time to review policy wordings carefully, ask questions, and confirm how pre-existing conditions are treated before you buy.
Ready to Get a Travel Insurance Quote?
Make sure your loved ones are protected while visiting Canada, especially if they have any pre-existing medical conditions. Use our quick online tool to compare plans and get a personalized quote in minutes.
Need help? Our licensed advisors are happy to walk you through the options.
Disclaimer
Please note:
Travel insurance coverage for pre-existing medical conditions varies significantly between insurance companies. Each provider has its, different look-back periods (90, 120, or 180 days), and unique eligibility criteria.
The information in this article is meant to provide general guidance only.
Always read the full policy wording and medical questionnaire before purchasing any insurance plan. If you're unsure, ask for clarification or consult a licensed advisor to avoid claim denials or unexpected exclusions.
