Can You Buy Travel Insurance With Pre-Existing Conditions in Singapore?
The good news: having a stable medical condition doesn’t have to stop you from travelling. You just need to pick from the right travel insurance policies (and add-ons) that do cover pre-existing conditions—either as standalone plans or optional add-on riders.
Key Terms to Know
| Term | What It Means | |
|---|---|---|
| TermPre-Existing Condition | What It MeansA medical condition you were diagnosed with or treated for before the trip | |
| TermMedical Stability Clause | What It MeansRequires your condition to be stable for a defined period (e.g. 6 months) | |
| TermOptional Rider | What It MeansAdd-on coverage that you pay extra for | |
| TermExclusion Clause | What It MeansSpecific conditions or events the insurer will not cover | |
| TermWaiting Period | What It MeansA time you must wait after buying before coverage begins | |
| TermUnderwriting | What It MeansThe insurer reviews your health condition before approval | |
| TermAutomatic Approval | What It MeansNo underwriting; coverage is granted immediately if you meet basic criteria |
What is Considered a Pre-Existing Condition?
According to most insurers, a pre-existing condition refers to:
"Any injury, illness, disease, or condition for which the insured has received diagnosis, treatment, medication, or advice within a specified look-back period (e.g. 6 to 12 months) before the policy start date."
Common pre-existing conditions include:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Heart conditions
- Cancer (in remission)
- Asthma
- Kidney or liver conditions
These are usually covered only if stable, and with additional premiums or endorsements. That said, each insurer may have different definitions or classifications of what’s considered a “stable condition”, so it’d be in your best interest to check your policy’s terms properly.
Meanwhile, common condition exclusions include:
- Illness or injury related to alcohol or drug abuse,
- Complication-free pregnancy or childbirth,
- Dementia, anxiety, and/or
- Pandemic-related issues
are usually unrecognised and not covered by travel insurance.
Which Travel Insurance Plans in Singapore Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
With that said, here are some of the most comprehensive travel insurance plans currently available, each offering unique features, specific limits, eligibility and exclusions to suit various medical and travel needs.
| Travel insurance plan | Coverage type | Overseas medical coverage | Eligible conditions | Things to note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex | Optional add-on rider |
Standard: Up to S$75,000 Elite: Up to S$100,000 Premier: Up to S$150,000 |
Asthma, hypertension, diabetes, cancer (in remission), heart disease | No annual plan option and COVID-19 coverage under pre-ex plans |
| Income Enhanced PreX | Standalone plan |
Basic: Up to S$500,000 Superior: Up to S$500,000 Prestige: Up to S$1 million |
Diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, asthma, heart conditions | 25% co-payment on applicable claims Lower claim caps for senior travellers |
| FWD Travel Insurance | Optional add-on rider | Up to S$150,000 (including medical evacuation) | Allergies, asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, arthritis, lung disease, stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, eczema, etc. | 50% co-payment applies on all pre-ex claims Trip cancellation/postponement covered under pre-ex plans |
| Singlife Travel | Optional add-on rider |
Lite: Up to S$50,000 Plus: Up to S$100,000 Prestige: Up to S$150,000 |
Allergies, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, eczema, epilepsy, heart attack, high blood pressure, lung disease, and stroke | Includes chiropractor and/or Chinese physician treatment overseas, hospital allowance, and travel inconvenience benefits |
| Tiq Pre-Ex plans | Standalone plan |
Entry: Up to S$75,000 Savvy: Up to S$125,000 Luxury: Up to S$150,000 |
Asthma, diabetes, hypertension, heart conditions (if stable) | All pre-ex tiers include adventure sports coverage No COVID-19 cover and no follow-up treatment within Singapore |
| HL Assurance Travel Protect360 | Optional add-on rider |
Silver: Up to S$50,000 Gold: Up to S$75,000 Platinum: Up to S$100,000 |
Asthma, diabetes, hypertension | Includes up to S$50,000 emergency medical evacuation (depending on tier) |
Eligibility Criteria: Travel Insurance With Pre-Existing Coverage
Eligible scenarios
- ✅ Condition is stable: No recent flare-ups, medication changes, or hospitalisations (typically within 6–12 months)
- ✅ Fit to travel: Not travelling against medical advice
- ✅ Condition is declared: Full disclosure is required during purchase
- ✅ Age limits apply: Some plans may cap coverage at age 70 or 75
Ineligible scenarios
- ❌ Terminal illness or advanced-stage cancers
- ❌ Awaiting surgery or recent hospital admission
- ❌ Recently changed medication due to symptom flare-ups
💡 MoneySmart Tip: Always check the policy wording or call the insurer’s hotline for borderline cases.
But besides these ineligible scenarios, even if your travel insurance plan covers pre-existing conditions, there are certain scenarios that are outright excluded.
What’s not covered (even with pre-ex cover)
- ❌ Undeclared conditions: If you didn’t declare your condition during application, claims may be denied
- ❌ Unstable conditions: Recent changes in medication, treatment, or symptoms can void coverage
- ❌ Experimental treatments: Treatments not approved by medical authorities
- ❌ Routine check-ups: Non-emergency doctor visits, tests, or follow-ups overseas
- ❌ Mental health or pregnancy-related conditions (varies by insurer)
For example, imagine you have high blood pressure and recently changed your medication 2 weeks before your trip. If you’re hospitalised overseas for a stroke, your claim may be denied due to the condition being deemed "unstable".
Does pre-existing conditions coverage include COVID-19?
COVID-19 coverage is not automatically treated the same as pre-existing condition coverage. While it may be built into the base travel insurance policy or offered as an optional add-on (similarly to pre-existing condition coverage), you should never assume it’s included. Even if COVID-19 cover is present, it doesn’t necessarily extend to complications arising from an existing medical condition.
Thus, you should check these key questions:
- 1. Is COVID-19 medical cover included at all? Most comprehensive plans should include it by default.
- 2. Does COVID-19 coverage extend to your pre-existing condition? Some policies exclude complications or flare-ups from existing chronic conditions, even if triggered by COVID-19.
Examples:
- ✅ Covered: Hospitalisation due to COVID-19 complications, if explicitly included in policy.
- ❌ Not covered: You have diabetes and get hospitalised due to COVID-related complications, but your plan excludes chronic illness exacerbations.
How Much Does Travel Insurance With Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage Cost?
Expect to pay more for plans that cover pre-existing conditions. Premiums are generally higher due to the added risk. They are largely dependent factors like:
- Age of traveller,
- Destination (Asia vs worldwide),
- Trip duration,
- Severity and type of pre-existing medical condition, and
- Coverage tier (basic vs comprehensive plan).
For reference, the estimated premium for a 1-week round-trip to Thailand can cost between S$70.50 to $120.50 (under MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex plan) or S$85.25 to $126 (under Income Enhanced PreX).
Best Travel Insurance With Coverage For Pre-Existing Conditions
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Singlife Travel Lite
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$250,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total Premium Total Premium
S$55.9655% Off - S$25.18
Get CASH or REWARDS:
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with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
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MSIG TravelEasy Standard
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$250,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total Premium Total Premium
S$5560% Off - S$22
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T&Cs Apply
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Tiq Entry
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$200,000
- Travel Cancelation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$2,000
- Total Premium Total Premium
S$4055% Off - S$18
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and many more on top of existing discounts with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
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FWD Premium
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$200,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$7,500
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total Premium Total Premium
S$33.0145% Off - S$18.16
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• Enjoy 45% off Single Trip plans and 40% off Annual Travel plans with code FWDGSS. Valid from 8 to 9 Jun 2026.
• Plus, get a $50 eCapitaVoucher from FWD with an Annual Travel Insurance with PreX add-on
INCOME Standard Classic
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$250,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total Premium Total Premium
S$59.6070% Off - S$17.88
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• Enjoy up to 70% off on Standard Per-trip travel plans. Ts&Cs apply.
• Enjoy 25% off on PreX Per-trip travel plans. Ts&Cs apply.
Discounts valid from 9 to 11 Jun 2026, 9:00AM
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HL Assurance Travel Protect360 Basic
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$150,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total Premium Total Premium
S$5060% Off - S$20
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• AND S$30 Revolut cash reward
and many more with eligible premiums spent.
T&Cs apply.
Plus, enjoy 60% off on Single Trip and 50% off on Annual Plan Travel Insurance plans!
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How to Declare & Purchase Travel Insurance With Pre-Existing Condition Coverage?
Check pre-existing condition coverage: Add-on or standalone?
Decide on which plan type you prefer, and then use our MoneySmart travel insurance comparison tool to narrow down your choices.
Gather your medical history
- Diagnosis
- Treatment dates
- Medications
- Recent test results
Apply for travel insurance plan via MoneySmart
You’ll be redirected to our MoneySmart Rewards Form to enter your email address to qualify and track the status of your MoneySmart exclusive sign-up reward, if any.
Thereafter, you may proceed to fill up and submit your travel insurance application form. At this stage, do remember to fully disclose all pre-existing medical conditions if you have any.
Submit supporting documents (if requested)
Wait for approval or underwriting
Some plans may be auto-approved, while others may take longer to be reviewed.
Who Should Consider Travel Insurance With Pre-Existing Condition Cover?
So now begs the question, do you need additional pre-existing medical condition coverage in your travel insurance? Not everyone needs it, but for some travellers, it’s essential.
You should consider it if you:
- Have a chronic illness like diabetes, heart disease, or asthma
- Are a cancer survivor or undergoing follow-up care
- Recently had surgery or hospitalisation
- Are on long-term medication for any condition
- Are aged 65 and above with age-related conditions
Example:
If you take daily medication for hypertension and suffer a stroke while overseas, a standard travel plan may reject your claim. A pre-ex cover plan could cover hospitalisation, tests, and evacuation.
Without proper coverage, you may have to pay these costs out-of-pocket:
- Overseas hospital bills
- Emergency evacuation costs
- Post-hospitalisation follow-up
Key Checklist: What to Know Before Buying Travel Insurance With Pre-Existing Medical Cover
| Type of Pre-ex cover | Coverage scope | Waiting period | Age limits | Medical stability clause | Exclusion traps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Some plans impose a 30-day or 60-day waiting period after purchase | Many plans cap pre-ex cover at age 70–75. | Some require that your condition has been stable for 6–12 months. | Watch for clauses like “no cover if condition was symptomatic within 12 months”. |
FAQs About Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions in Singapore
What are pre-existing condition exclusions under travel insurance?
- Most travel insurance plans in Singapore do not cover pre-existing conditions, unless purchased as an optional rider or explicitly stated as part of the standalone plan. It will be stated in the policy wording under "exclusions".
These conditions are illnesses that you are aware of and/or receiving treatment for, before departing for your trip. Some examples of such conditions include asthma, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, hypertension, eczema and so on. Is there any travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions in Singapore?
- Yes. Currently there are several insurers providing such plans and they include MSIG TravelEasy® Pre-Ex, Income Insurance Enhanced PreX® (formally known as Income) and Etiqa Pre-Ex. 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?
- Yes. Several insurers now provide such plans — including MSIG TravelEasy® Pre‑Ex, Income Enhanced PreX®, and Etiqa’s Tiq Pre‑Ex.
These policies tend to carry higher premiums than regular plans, but they permit overseas medical expenses arising from declared, stable pre-existing conditions. How can I get travel insurance with pre-existing condition coverage for my trip?
- You can purchase one via our MoneySmart travel insurance comparison tool to carefully compare your coverage and get the best premiums and sign-up rewards!
Alternatively, you may also consider applying via the insurer’s mobile app or website.
Do remember that pre-existing coverage may come as an add-on rider or integrated into a plan tier. Always review the policy wording before confirming purchase. Does travel insurance cover cancer remission?
- Yes, but only under specific policies. MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex and Income Enhanced PreX cover cancer remission if it meets the stability criteria. FWD Travel Insurance and Tiq by Etiqa’s Pre-Ex plans also include cancer in remission as add-on coverage if declared and stable.
But in most cases, standard plans tend to exclude it. What is the best travel insurance plan with pre-existing medical coverage for diabetes?
- Travellers with diabetes should consider Income Enhanced PreX, which is built for chronic conditions, or MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex, which also accepts stable diabetes cases. Otherwise, FWD and Tiq by Etiqa also cover diabetes under pre-existing conditions add-on, with maximum limits capped at $75,000 and S$150,000 respectively.
Is there one-way travel insurance with health cover?
Yes, you can use the MoneySmart Travel Insurance Comparison Tool to compare benefits, premiums, and coverage for pre-existing conditions across providers.
What should I do if my claim is denied?
- Ask your insurer for a written explanation.
- Check if the denial was due to non-disclosure, instability, or exclusions.
- Escalate unresolved cases to FIDReC (Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre Ltd.) for independent mediation.
Is pregnancy covered under pre-existing condition plans?
- No, pregnancy and related complications are usually excluded by all major travel insurers in Singapore, unless stated otherwise.
Does travel insurance with pre-existing medical cover include mental health conditions?
- No, mental health conditions are generally excluded, even in pre-existing conditions policies.