Best Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions in 2026
Written By James Clark Author
Reviewed By Steven Benna Editor
Reviewed By Arielle Turriff Product Specialist
Last Updated: January 20, 2026
Key Takeaways
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After analyzing over 100 policies, we found that the best travel insurance plans for pre-existing conditions are offered by: Travel Insured International, Tin Leg, & IMG.
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Finding the right plan with pre-existing condition coverage can make or break whether or not your claim is paid, as not all travel insurance companies cover pre-existing medical conditions.
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Plans have specific eligibility requirements to qualify you for pre-existing condition coverage. Most travel insurance companies require you to buy a plan within 10 to 21 days of your first trip payment or booking to qualify for this coverage.
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Plans that cover pre-existing conditions also have differing look-back periods, typically ranging from 60 to 180 days, which determine how far back insurers review your medical history to decide whether a condition can be excluded from coverage.
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Try our travel insurance quote tool to compare plans and prices from multiple providers at once, or speak with an agent at 1-800-240-0369 for help choosing a plan.
The Top Travel Insurance Plans for Pre-Existing Conditions
After evaluating all providers and plans available in the Squaremouth marketplace, we have selected Travel Insured International as the top company for pre-existing condition travel insurance in 2026. Below are our best pre-existing travel insurance plan recommendations:
- Best for Comprehensive Coverage: Travel Insured International – FlexiPAX
- Best for Medical Coverage Limits: Tin Leg – Gold
- Best for Older Travelers: IMG – iTravelInsured Choice
We evaluated all 20+ providers and over 100 different travel insurance plans available in the Squaremouth marketplace as part of our analysis.
Our top 3 plans were all selected based on the following criteria:
- Have sold over 250 times within the last month
- Include coverage for pre-existing conditions
- Offer primary Emergency Medical coverage
- Meet or exceed our minimum medical coverage recommendations.
We base our decisions solely on Squaremouth marketplace sales data from the previous month to ensure transparency and independence in selecting our travel insurance award winners.
The Best Travel Insurance Plans for Pre-Existing Conditions in Detail
Best for Comprehensive Coverage
Medical / Med Evac Coverage
$100,000 / $500,000Cancellation / Interruption Limits
100% / 150% of trip cost
Comes standard with $100,000 in Primary Emergency Medical coverage, with the option to increase coverage limits to $500,000 through unique Medical Upgrade Bundles
Has one of the longest time-sensitive periods, allowing customers to qualify for coverage up to 21 days after their initial trip deposit
Provides up to $100,000 in reimbursement per person for prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if you’re forced to cancel your trip, as well as coverage for delays, baggage loss, and missed connections
Offers numerous ways to enhance trip protection, including optional benefits like Cancel For Any Reason, Trip Interruption For Any Reason, and Rental Car Damage protection
Travel Insured International’s FlexiPAX plan receives our pick for the best comprehensive travel insurance plan for pre-existing conditions. It offers a generous 21-day time-sensitive period, making it easier for travelers to qualify for coverage for an existing health issue. If a flare-up or medical emergency occurs, the plan will reimburse up to $100,000. Customers who select this plan have comprehensive coverage for the most common travel disruptions, including coverage for cancellations caused by a pre-existing condition. Plus, this plan gives you the option to select from a range of add-ons and policy upgrades during the checkout process.
As well as being our pick for pre-existing condition coverage, FlexiPAX is also our favorite travel insurance plan for international trips, cruises, and family vacations.
Best for Medical Coverage
Medical / Med Evac Coverage
$500,000 / $500,000Cancellation / Interruption Limits
100% / 150% of trip cost
Offers up to $500,000 in Primary Emergency Medical coverage, the highest of any comprehensive plan listed on Squaremouth
Has an adequate eligibility window, allowing customers to qualify for pre-existing condition coverage up to 14 days after their initial trip deposit
Provides medical coverage for over 250 unique sports and activities, making it a great option for thrill-seekers planning a bucket list trip
When it comes to medical protection, no comprehensive travel insurance plan offers more robust coverage than Tin Leg Gold, while also covering pre-existing conditions. The plan comes standard with up to $500,000 in reimbursement for Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation claims. Tin Leg Gold offers pre-existing condition coverage to travelers who purchase the plan up to 14 days after their initial trip payment and meet the other eligibility requirements. While this isn’t as long as other top choices like Travel Insured International’s FlexiPAX plan and IMG’s iTravelInsured Choice plan, it is still an adequate period to buy this coverage.
Like other Tin Leg policies, Gold is great for those with adventurous itineraries, offering protection to more than 250 unique sports and activities.
Best for Older Travelers
Medical / Med Evac Coverage
$100,000 / $500,000Cancellation / Interruption Limits
100% / 150% of trip cost
Has one of the longest pre-existing condition time-sensitive periods on Squaremouth, letting customers qualify for coverage up to 21 days after their initial trip deposit
Includes up to $100,000 in Primary Emergency Medical coverage, double our minimum recommended protection for international travel
Has no age restrictions, making it a great option for senior travelers looking for medical coverage for existing health issues while away from home
IMG’s iTravelInsured Choice policy is another stellar option for pre-existing condition coverage. Unlike many policies imposing age restrictions, iTravelInsured Choice has no age limits, making it accessible for senior travelers who want pre-existing condition coverage.
Additionally, iTravelInsured Choice is one of the few plans to include a 21-day time-sensitive period, giving travelers a better chance of qualifying for coverage compared to plans with shorter windows. This plan provides $100,000 in Primary Emergency Medical coverage and $500,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage, which surpasses our baseline recommendation for trips abroad.
Compare Costs for the Best Travel Insurance Plans for Pre-Existing Conditions
Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions doesn’t automatically make travel insurance more expensive. However, plans that include this usually come with higher medical coverage limits or additional protections, which can increase the overall premium.
Other factors that determine travel insurance premiums include your age, the length of your trip, the cost of your trip, and the number of travelers your policy covers.
We pulled sample quotes to help you get an idea of how much travel insurance plans with pre-existing condition coverage cost. The prices in the table below are based on quotes from a weeklong trip to Mexico.
Plan |
Solo Traveler |
Couple |
Family |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
$135.00 |
$226.00 |
$200.00 |
Get Quotes | |
$152.00 |
$273.00 |
$458.00 |
Get Quotes | |
$90.00 |
$176.00 |
$261.00 |
Get Quotes |
The above prices are examples of a sample quote for a generic traveler profile and destination. The actual price you pay will vary based on your age, trip length, destination, state of residence, and more. We provide these prices for example purposes only. For exact pricing, get a quote using your unique trip details.
Using the scenario above, IMG’s iTravelInsured Choice plan offers the most affordable pre-existing condition coverage for solo travelers and couples. Despite its low cost in relation to other top plans, this iTravelInsured Choice still delivers competitive protection for pre-existing conditions, offering up to $100,000 in medical coverage.
FlexiPAX is among the best value travel insurance policies for families that want pre-existing condition coverage due to its ‘Kids Covered Free’ pricing structure. This plan by Travel Insured International allows parents to insure children under the age of 18 for no additional cost. Kids protected by this policy receive the same coverage as adults, so this is a solid option if you or a child in your family suffers from a pre-existing medical condition.
Tin Leg Gold is the most expensive plan featured in our ‘Best Pre-Existing Condition Travel Insurance’ list across each traveler type. This is due, in large part, to the fact that it offers five times greater Emergency Medical coverage than both FlexiPAX and iTravelInsured Choice. In addition to better medical coverage, Tin Leg also boasts the best customer satisfaction scores on the Squaremouth platform.
Compare Benefits for the Best Pre-Existing Condition Travel Insurance Policies
When traveling with a pre-existing medical condition, having the right insurance in place is especially important. Experiencing a flare-up in a foreign country can be costly, and not all travel insurance policies provide financial protection for pre-existing health issues that may arise during your trip.
When traveling abroad, we recommend plans that offer at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and at least $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage. All plans in our list exceed these coverage limit recommendations.
All of the plans featured below meet our recommended medical coverage amounts, while offering strong Pre-Existing Condition coverage to those who qualify, as well as a host of other in-demand travel insurance benefits. Use the following table to see how coverage for these plans compares side-by-side.
| Travel Insurance Benefit | Travel Insured International FlexiPAX |
Tin Leg Gold |
IMG iTravelInsured Choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Coverage | Up to $100,000 per person | Up to $500,000 per person | Up to $100,000 per person |
| Medical Evacuation Coverage | Up to $500,000 per person | Up to $500,000 per person | Up to $500,000 per person |
| Pre-Existing Condition Time-Sensitive Period | 21 days after initial trip deposit | 14 days after initial trip deposit | 21 days after initial trip deposit |
| Lookback Period | 60 days | 60 days | 60 days |
| Trip Cancellation | 100% of the trip cost | 100% of the trip cost | 100% of the trip cost |
| Trip Interruption | 150% of the trip cost | 150% of the trip cost | 150% of the trip cost |
| Travel Delay | $1,000 per person after a 6-hour delay | $500 per person after a 6-hour delay | $300 per person after a 6-hour delay |
| Missed Connection | $500 per person after a 3-hour delay (Cruise and tour only) | $500 per person after a 3-hour delay | $500 per person after a 6-hour delay (Cruise and tour only) |
| Baggage Loss | $1,000 per person | $500 per person | $1,000 per person |
| Baggage Delay | $200 per person after a 12-hour delay | $200 per person after a 24-hour delay | $300 per person after a 6-hour delay |
When looking for the best pre-existing condition coverage, it’s important to pay close attention to a plan’s Emergency Medical benefit, which determines how much reimbursement the policy provides in the event of a medical emergency, and the time-sensitive period, which indicates how soon you must purchase the plan to qualify for the pre-existing condition waiver. This waiver can also extend to the trip cancellation benefit, allowing you to cancel your trip due to a flare-up or complication of a pre-existing condition and still be eligible for reimbursement.
As the table above shows, all plans offer at least $100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage, which covers pre-existing health issues if you meet specific eligibility requirements. As previously mentioned, Tin Leg Gold offers the highest medical coverage. Time-sensitive periods for these plans range from 14-21 days, with FlexiPAX offering the longest qualifying period of the three plans.
When it comes to coverage for other trip disruptions, coverage is fairly similar. Each option offers 100% trip cost protection if you cancel your trip for a covered reason and provides reimbursement for delays after 6 hours. Both FlexiPAX and iTravelInsured Choice offer up to $1,000 in Baggage Loss protection, compared to the $500 coverage limit found in Tin Leg’s Gold plan.
One key selling point for FlexiPAX is that many of its coverage limits can be increased for a fee during checkout, a feature not commonly available in travel insurance. These policy upgrades can be applied to benefits like Emergency Medical, Medical Evacuation, Travel Delay, Baggage Loss, and Baggage Delay. This is something to consider if you want more peace of mind or require additional coverage in specific areas.
Compare Customer Satisfaction Ratings
When you’re traveling with a pre-existing medical condition, dependable customer support can be just as important as the coverage itself. From understanding eligibility requirements to navigating medical claims, having a responsive provider can make a stressful situation much easier to manage.
To help you evaluate providers, we share verified customer ratings for each insurer on our platform. These ratings reflect satisfaction before, during, and after a trip, giving you a complete picture of how well each company supports travelers with pre-existing conditions.
| Customer Satisfaction | Travel Insured International | Tin Leg | IMG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.4 / 5 | 4.53 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Customer Service Before a Trip | 4.48 / 5 | 4.63 / 5 | 4.32 / 5 |
| Customer Service During a Trip | 4.08 / 5 | 4.07 / 5 | 3.64 / 5 |
| Customer Service After a Trip | 3.73 / 5 | 4.08 / 5 | 3.34 / 5 |
We based the ratings in the above chart on verified customer reviews and rounded them to the nearest decimal. All ratings were valid when we published them, but they may change as new reviews come in.
Based on the table above, Tin Leg demonstrates superior customer service across all stages of travel. Their strong pre-trip support is particularly valuable for travelers with pre-existing conditions, helping ensure that coverage adjustments and questions are handled smoothly before departure.
Travel Insured International offers solid pre-trip and during-trip assistance, making it a reliable choice for travelers who value consistent support. They are also the only provider on this list to offer complimentary concierge services during a trip, which can assist in making dinner reservations, purchasing event tickets, or booking a golf tee time.
IMG has the lowest overall scores of the providers featured above, particularly during and after travel, which may pose challenges for travelers who require immediate assistance or claims support. Providers with lower scores in these categories may not be as efficient as others when it comes to communication or processing reimbursement requests.
How Reliable Are the Best Pre-Existing Condition Travel Insurance Providers?
Our product team carefully reviews every travel insurance plan before it goes live on our platform to ensure it comes from a reputable provider with a strong track record of supporting its customers. Every policy sold on our site is also protected by our Zero Complaint Guarantee, ensuring that claims are handled fairly and transparently.
Below, we show the A.M. Best and Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings for the leading pre-existing condition travel insurance plans. These independent scores provide insight into each provider’s financial stability and commitment to customer service.
| Reliability | Travel Insured International FlexiPAX |
Tin Leg Gold |
IMG iTravelInsured Choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underwriter | United States Fire Insurance Company | Starr Indemnity & Liability Company | SiriusPoint America Insurance Company |
| A.M. Best Rating | A (Excellent) | A (Excellent) | A- (Excellent) |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A++ | A+ |
All providers listed are well-respected within the industry and by third-party organizations. Each plan holds a strong AM Best financial strength rating of at least A- (Excellent) or better, which indicates they can fulfill their claim obligations. All providers also maintain a BBB score of A+ or better, scores only given to insurance companies that routinely respond to customer complaints promptly and effectively.
Whether you choose Tin Leg, Travel Insured International, or IMG, you can purchase coverage knowing you’re backed by a financially stable, customer-focused provider, which is especially important if you’re traveling with pre-existing conditions.
Which Travel Insurance Plan is Right for Me If I Want Coverage for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions?
Many plans found on Squaremouth offer some form of protection for pre-existing medical conditions. However, this coverage is usually only available if you meet certain eligibility requirements. The right pre-existing condition coverage for your trip will depend on your budget and coverage needs.
For more pre-existing conditions plans, we recommend using your trip details to find additional quotes on Squaremouth and applying the ‘Pre-existing Medical’ filter to your results.
- If you’re traveling with young family members or want highly customizable coverage, FlexiPAX is an excellent choice. Families can take advantage of the policy’s “Kids Covered Free” feature, which can deliver significant savings, making it one of the best value pre-existing condition plans available. The plan also offers extensive customization through add-ons such as Cancel For Any Reason and Rental Car Damage Protection, along with optional upgrades to increase coverage limits for specific benefits. On top of that, Travel Insured provides concierge services throughout your trip, adding an extra layer of support while you’re away from home.
- For travelers seeking high medical coverage and exceptional customer support, we recommend Tin Leg’s popular Gold policy. With up to $500,000 in Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation coverage, it offers some of the most robust built-in medical protection available in a comprehensive travel insurance plan. The policy is backed by the highest-rated provider on our platform and one of the few insurers with a customer satisfaction rating above 4 out of 5 for claims handling. Tin Leg Gold does, however, have the shortest time-sensitive period out of any plan featured in this list, which could impact your ability to qualify for pre-existing condition coverage.
- If you’re looking for great value pre-existing condition coverage, consider iTravelInsured Choice by IMG. As touched on earlier, this plan provides relatively affordable overseas medical protection, especially for solo travelers and couples. In addition, it offers one of the most generous time-sensitive periods on our platform, allowing you to qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver up to 20 days after your trip deposit date. One potential drawback of this plan is the below-average customer satisfaction scores received for post-trip customer support.
FAQs: Buying Travel Insurance Plans with a Pre-Existing Condition
How Much Does Pre-Existing Condition Travel Insurance Cost?
Pre-existing condition coverage is typically only available in comprehensive travel insurance plans. On average, comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for pre-existing medical conditions costs roughly $38 per day.
This figure is based on Squaremouth sales data from travelers who purchased pre-existing condition coverage over the past 12 months. For a typical 15-day trip, the average premium for a plan with this benefit is around $577.
The cost of pre-existing condition coverage can vary depending on several factors:
- Trip length and cost: Longer trips or more expensive travel plans generally increase premiums.
- Medical coverage limits: Plans that include pre-existing condition coverage often come with higher medical limits, which can result in a higher overall premium.
- Traveler age: Older travelers with multiple pre-existing conditions may see higher rates due to the increased risk of a flare-up while traveling.
While the average daily cost provides a useful benchmark, individual premiums can vary widely depending on your trip details and personal health profile. We recommend getting a quote to see exact pricing for plans that meet your needs and provide the coverage you want.
Compare Pre-Existing Condition Waivers by Policy
A Pre-Existing Condition Waiver is an optional benefit in some travel insurance policies that removes the standard exclusion for pre-existing medical conditions. Without this waiver, most policies won’t cover trip cancellations, interruptions, or medical emergencies related to a known health issue.
To qualify for this waiver, you must meet your plan’s eligibility requirements. The eligibility requirements for our top plans are as follows:
Travel Insured International – FlexiPAX
- Your premium for this policy and enrollment form is received within the 21-day Time Sensitive Period
- You are medically able and not disabled from travel at the time your premium is paid, based on the assessment of a physician
Tin Leg – Gold
- The policy is purchased within 14 days of your initial trip deposit
- The booking for the covered trip must be the first and only booking for this travel period and destination
- You are not disabled in a way that prevents you from traveling at the time you pay the premium
IMG – iTravelInsured Choice
- Your premium is received during the 21-day Time Sensitive Period
- You and your traveling companion are medically able to travel at the time your premium is paid
Specific eligibility requirements can be found within a policy’s Certificate of Insurance.
Pre-Existing Condition Lookback Period Comparison
The Lookback Period is how the insurance provider determines whether a medical condition qualifies as pre-existing. It’s a set window of time, usually 60 to 180 days before you buy your policy, during which your insurer reviews your medical history for any changes in your health.
Shorter lookback periods reduce the amount of time your medical history is reviewed for pre-existing conditions, making it easier for travelers to qualify for coverage in the event of a medical claim.
All of the plans on our list have some of the shortest lookback periods on the market. Here is how each of these plans stacks up.
Lookback Periods by Plan:
- Travel Insured International FlexiPAX: 60 days prior to your Effective Date of coverage.
- Tin Leg Gold: 60 days prior to your Effective Date of coverage.
- IMG iTravelInsured Choice: 60 days prior to your Effective Date of coverage.
It’s important to note that if you routinely take medication for an underlying condition, the lookback period typically doesn’t apply to conditions that are under control and remain stable without requiring medical intervention.
For example, the Tin Leg policy certificate states the following:
“Sicknesses or conditions are not considered pre-existing if the sickness or condition for which prescribed drugs or medicine is taken remains controlled without any change in the required prescription throughout the entire 60-day period ending on the Effective Date and no medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment has otherwise been received.”
In essence, if you had symptoms, received treatment, had a change in medication, or were diagnosed with a condition during the 60-day lookback period, it would typically be excluded from coverage — unless you qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver.
What to Consider When Buying Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions
When shopping for travel insurance plans that include a pre-existing condition waiver, it’s important to note that not all policies are created equal. A few key features can make a big difference in how well you’re protected and how easy it is to use your coverage if you need it.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Coverage Amounts: A pre-existing condition increases the likelihood of needing medical care, so look for plans with higher medical coverage limits. Medical coverage can range from $15,000-$500,000. If you have a pre-existing condition, we recommend a plan with at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and at least $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.
- Age Restrictions: Some plans have age limits, especially for travelers over 65. Always check the policy details. No policies listed above include age restrictions.
- Primary vs. Secondary Coverage: Primary medical coverage pays your expenses upfront, without requiring you to file through your health insurance first. This often leads to faster claim resolutions compared to secondary medical insurance.