Travelling with a Pre-existing Conditions (2022)– Which Travel Insurance Should I Choose?
Most run-of-the-mill travel insurance plans exclude pre-existing conditions. This means, if you need to seek medical treatment or be sent home due to a known medical condition (e.g. diabetes) during your travels, you will not be compensated. That sounds severe. Well, if you currently have a stable medical condition, that shouldn't deter you from travelling. You simply need to choose from a small handful of policies that cover pre-existing conditions. Let's take a look at them.
Travel Insurance That Covers Pre Existing Conditions Singapore
Looking for a travel insurance plan that would cover you for all medical expenses and emergency evacuation costs, even those of pre-existing medical conditions?
Best insurance for pre-existing medical conditions
NTUC Enhanced PreX Travel Insurance
NTUC Enhanced PreX Travel Insurance Plans (Basic, Superior, Prestige)
| Benefit | NTUC Enhanced PreX Basic | NTUC Enhanced PreX Superior | NTUC Enhanced PreX Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal accident | $200,000 | $200,000 | $500,000 |
| Overseas medical expenses (due to pre-ex conditions) | $150,000 | $150,000 | $3,00,000 |
| Medical Expenses in Singapore | $25,000 | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Overseas hospital allowance | $200 a day, up to $20,000 | $200 a day, up to $20,000 | $200 a day, up to $50,000 |
| Trip cancellation | $10,000 | $10,000 | $15,000 |
| Emergency medical evacuation (due to pre-ex conditions) | $150,000 | $150,000 | $300,000 |
MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex Standard Travel Insurance
MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex Travel Insurance Plans (Standard, Elite, Premier)
| Benefit | MSIG Standard Plan | MSIG Elite Plan | MSIG Premier Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Accident | $150,000 | $200,000 | $500,000 |
| Overseas medical expenses (due to pre-ex conditions) | $75,000 | $100,000 | $150,000 |
| Post-trip medical expenses | $25,000 | $50,000 | $75,000 |
| Overseas hospitalisation | $200 per day, up to $20,000 | $250 per day, up to $37,500 | $300 per day, up to $60,000 |
| Trip cancellation | $5,000 | $10,000 | $15,000 |
| Emergency medical evacuation (due to pre-ex conditions) | $100,000 | $150,000 | $200,000 |
Etiqa TiQ Pre-Ex Travel Insurance
Etiqa TiQ Pre-X Travel Insurance Plans (Entry, Savvy, Luxury)
| Benefit | TIQ Pre-Ex Entry | TIQ Pre-Ex Savvy | TIQ Pre-Ex LUXURY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal accident | $150,000 | $300,000 | $500,000 |
| Overseas medical expenses (due to pre-existing conditions) | $75,000 | $125,000 | $150,000 |
| Post-trip medical expenses | Not covered | $7,500 | $10,000 |
| Overseas hospitalisation benefit | $200 per day, up to $5,000 | $200 per day, up to $10,000 | $200 per day, up to $20,000 |
| Trip cancellation | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Emergency medical evacuation (due to pre-existing conditions) | $150,000 | $200,000 | $250,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pre existing condition exclusion?
- Many travel insurers do not cover pre-existing conditions. It will be stated in the policy wording under "exclusions". Pre-existing medical conditions are injuries or illnesses that you are aware of and/or receiving treatment for, before departing for your trip. Some examples of such pre-existing conditions include asthma, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, hypertension, eczema and so on.
Is there any travel insurance that covers pre existing conditions?
- Yes. Currently there are 3 such plans: NTUC Enhanced PreX Travel Insurance, MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex Standard Travel Insurance and Etiqa TIQ Insurance Pre-Ex Travel Insurance. The premiums are higher than regular plans, but they provide overseas medical expenses that cover pre-existing conditions.
How much does it cost to buy pre-existing travel insurance?
- The premium for MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex (Standard) starts from $38 for a 3-day trip in Southeast Asia. The same duration and destination would cost you $54 for the NTUC Enhanced PreX Travel Insurance (Basic) plan and $62 for Etiqa TIQ Insurance Pre-Ex Travel Insurance (Entry) plan. It costs more for higher tiers.