A medical condition you had, or had symptoms or treatment for, before buying the policy. Each policy sets its own definition and look-back period, and treats these conditions in its own way: excluded, covered once declared, or covered only for a sudden worsening.
How it reads in a policy
What to check
- The definition and the look-back period.
- The declaration questions, answered fully.
- Whether relatives’ conditions affect cancellation cover.
Read the policy wording before you buy: what’s covered, the limits, the excess and the exclusions.
Questions
What does pre-existing condition mean in travel insurance?
A medical condition you had, or had symptoms or treatment for, before buying the policy. Each policy sets its own definition and look-back period, and treats these conditions in its own way: excluded, covered once declared, or covered only for a sudden worsening.
Where do I find the pre-existing condition in my policy?
In the policy wording, usually in its definitions and the section it belongs to; your own numbers are in the schedule of cover.
Related words
The three insurers
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Updated 2026-10-24.