If you're a diabetic planning a summer vacation, travel insurance is something you'll want to look into. Many travel insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions like type 1 diabetes. However, there are still some options available to you. This blog post will discuss what you need to know about travel insurance for diabetics and how to apply for it. We'll also go over some things you should watch out for when traveling with diabetes.
Do travel insurances cover type 1 diabetes?
Yes, travel insurances do cover type 1 diabetes. Although there are some policies that exclude pre-existing conditions, there are others that do not. When applying for travel insurance, be sure to read the fine print and ask about any exclusions. Make sure you check all other requirements too, such as age limits and travel destinations.
Related article: How to Find Travel Insurance With Pre-existing Conditions?
Travel insurances and pre-existing conditions
Pre-existing medical conditions are any medical conditions you have before buying travel insurance. It includes for example, asthma, arthritis, Crohn's disease, heart disease, respiratory issues, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, allergies, and many others. Type I diabetes is a pre-existing condition. This means that if you purchase travel insurance and then develop diabetes, your policy will not cover it.
You can still get travel insurance if you have a pre-existing condition, but it may be more expensive. Some insurers will not cover certain conditions at all, so it's important to shop around and compare different travel insurance providers' policies before buying.
Here are some general requirements you might want to look out for when you get yourself travel insurance coverage:
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How old are you? Travel insurance policies have age limits.
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Have you been to the doctor recently? Some policies require a medical exam.
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What is your travel destination? Some places are excluded from coverage.
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Are you planning any risky activities? Some activities, like bungee jumping, are not covered, and other activities might require a bigger insurance plan.
Related article: The Ultimate Checklist for Traveling with Diabetes.
Is type 1 diabetes a pre-existing condition?
Yes, type 1 diabetes belongs under pre-existing medical conditions because you had it before you got travel insurance. In other words, your travel insurance policy will not cover if you develop diabetes while on your trip. There are two types of pre-existing diabetes;
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Type 1 diabetes is when your body doesn't produce insulin. This is the most common type of pre-existing diabetes.
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Type 2 diabetes is when your body doesn't use insulin properly.
When you have any pre-existing medical condition, you will need to disclose this when you apply for travel insurance. You will also need to provide medical records and may need to get a medical exam. Some insurers will not cover certain conditions at all, so it's important to shop around and compare different travel insurance providers' policies before buying.
How to choose good travel insurance for type 1 diabetes?
When applying for travel insurance, you must provide basic information about yourself and your medical history. This includes your name, address, date of birth, and contact information. You will also need to disclose your medical condition and any medications you are taking. Be sure to have this information readily available when you start the application process.
Make sure your plan covers pre-existing conditions. Travel insurance policies typically exclude pre-existing conditions, but some do not.
Here's what you should pay attention to;
The look-back period for pre-existing conditions
When getting travel insurance, reviewing the look-back period for pre-existing conditions is important. This is the period that the insurer will review your medical history. If you have a pre-existing condition, you must disclose this when applying for travel insurance. The look-back period is typically 12 months, but it can vary depending on the travel insurance providers.
Deductibles
A deductible is the amount of money you have to pay before your insurance company starts paying out claims. Travel insurance policies typically have a per-person deductible. This means that you will have to pay the deductible for each person on your policy. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and two people on your policy, you will have to pay $1000 before your insurance company starts paying claims.
Coverage waiting period
A coverage waiting period is the amount of time you have to wait after you buy your policy before it goes into effect. This is typically 24 hours, but it can vary depending on the insurer.
Scope of the coverage
Your travel insurance policy will have coverage limits for various expenses, such as medical expenses and trip cancellations. Knowing these limits is important before you buy a policy is important. Otherwise, you may end up with unexpected out-of-pocket costs when the following occurs;
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Baggage loss
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Medication loss or stolen medicine such as insulin
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Trip cancellations
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Hospitalization
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Medical interventions
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Missed flight due to hypoglycemia
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Insulin deterioration because of the heat
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Other expenses related to medication or missed flights
Related article: How to keep insulin cool during a power outage and without electricity?
Cost of diabetes travel insurance
There are various options available for your needs. The cost of travel insurance for type-one diabetes will vary depending on the insurer, your age, and the length of your trip. It's important to compare different policies before buying to ensure you're getting the best coverage for your needs. Be sure the cost/coverage ratio fits you and negotiate where possible.
There are cheap insurances for type 1 diabetes, and there are more expensive ones ranging between 25 USD and 125 USD.
Some travel insurance diabetes providers offer options like;
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Annual travel insurance
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Single trip travel insurance
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Cruise travel insurance
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Pre-existing medical conditions travel insurance
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Travel insurance for the over 60's
Depending on the different options you take in your travel insurance, costs can vary.
Cheaper insurance cover
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The plan maximum limits ranges less compared to a more expensive plan
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The deductible options are often smaller compared to the more expensive plans
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The coverage for hospitalization might offer you fewer benefits
More expensive insurance cover
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Better offerings regarding the maximum limits ranges
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Deductible options are higher
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You are covered for more benefits during hospitalization
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to declare diabetes on travel insurance?
You're not obligated to disclose your diabetes to the insurance. But if you don't, any claim that can be traced back to your undisclosed medical condition in ANY way won't be covered. And insurances always find a way to trace it back to avoid paying.
There might be other questions that you are asked;
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Do you take any medication for your diabetes?
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Have you unexpectedly been admitted to the hospital in the last few years?
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Do you have any other conditions or complications related to your diabetes?
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Do you have high blood pressure or cholesterol?
Related article: Diabetes and Heat: Can hot weather & humidity affect blood sugar?
What are the best travel insurances for diabetics?
There are a lot of different insurance companies like Blue Cross, World Nomads, and Allianz. They all offer travel insurance for type-one diabetes. You can read more about each one of them on their website.
There is no definite answer to this question as it depends on each individual's needs and budget. Some things to consider when choosing an insurance policy are:
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The length of your trip
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The destination(s) of your trip
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The activities you'll be doing while on your trip
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Your age
Does Type 2 diabetes affect travel insurance?
Type-two diabetes is often not considered a pre-existing condition by travel insurance companies. This means you will not have to pay any extra fees or reduce your coverage limits.
However, disclosing your medical conditions to the insurer is always a good idea before you buy a policy. This way, you can be sure that you're getting the best coverage for your needs.
Conclusion
Yes, in most cases, travel insurance does cover type 1 diabetes, but it is considered a pre-existing medical condition. This means that you will have to declare it when applying for travel insurance. Some requirements come with this, such as a waiting period and a look-back period. Be sure to read the fine print and ask about any exclusions before purchasing a policy. When traveling with diabetes, it is crucial to be prepared and have all your medications with you. You should also pack snacks and drinks in case of low blood sugar levels. Traveling with an insulin cooler is also a good idea to keep your insulin cool and safe while on the go. Insulin can deteriorate in heat, so this is an important step.
