What Is Stable Pre-Existing Condition Coverage?

A traveler may have a medical condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, before a trip begins. The condition may be under control before travel but suddenly worsen during the trip.

Stable pre-existing condition coverage is a travel medical insurance benefit for sudden flare-ups of a managed pre-existing condition that was stable before travel, with no worsening symptoms or major changes in treatment.

Coverage may apply when the condition unexpectedly worsens and requires urgent medical care. Coverage does not apply to routine treatment or ongoing management of the pre-existing condition.

How does stable pre-existing condition coverage work? 

Stable pre-existing condition coverage may pay for certain medical expenses if a pre-existing condition suddenly worsens during travel. The condition must have been stable before the trip. The flare-up must usually be sudden and unplanned. The required medical care must be urgent and medically necessary. 

The insurance plan determines if the condition was stable and if the flare-up qualifies for coverage. Medical records may be required to show the change in the traveler’s condition and the need for urgent treatment. 

Safe Travels Complete is an example of a plan that offers stable pre-existing condition coverage. It may cover eligible medical expenses when a stable condition suddenly flares up and requires urgent care. 

What is a pre-existing condition? 

A pre-existing condition is a health problem that existed before the insurance coverage began. A traveler may have high blood pressure controlled with medication before buying coverage. Another traveler may have diabetes that requires regular monitoring. A traveler may have an existing heart condition diagnosed before coverage started. 

What does “stable” mean for a pre-existing condition? 

A stable pre-existing condition is a medical condition that is managed and under control before travel. The traveler has not experienced worsening symptoms or a major change in treatment before the trip. For example, a traveler with high blood pressure may have followed the prescribed treatment and remained free of worsening symptoms before travel. 

The insurance plan determines if a pre-existing condition meets its definition of stable. Any stability requirements depend on the insurance plan's terms. 

What is a flare-up, and how is it different from an acute onset? 

A flare-up happens when a managed pre-existing condition becomes active again or suddenly worsens and requires medical care. For example, a traveler with controlled high blood pressure may experience a sudden spike during the trip and need urgent treatment. 

An acute onset of a pre-existing condition is a sudden, unexpected medical emergency involving a condition that existed before coverage began. A flare-up is a return or worsening of symptoms from a managed, stable condition. Acute-onset coverage focuses on sudden, unexpected medical emergencies. 

What does stable pre-existing condition coverage cover? 

Stable pre-existing condition coverage may cover medical care for a flare-up of a pre-existing condition that was stable before travel. Depending on the plan and the medical situation, covered care may include: 

• Physician visits related to the flare-up 
• Emergency room treatment 
• Hospital care 
• Diagnostic testing
• Prescription medication related to the flare-up 

What does stable pre-existing condition coverage not cover? 

Stable pre-existing condition coverage does not cover routine or maintenance care for a pre-existing condition. Coverage may not apply to: 

• Scheduled doctor visits 
• Regular medication refills 
• Long-term disease management 
• Planned procedures 
• Expected progression of the pre-existing condition 
• Continued treatment for the same condition without a new sudden flare-up 
• Treatment recommended before coverage began 
• Care received during a trip taken mainly to get treatment for the pre-existing condition 

How do the pre-existing condition deductible and maximum work? 

A pre-existing condition deductible is the amount the traveler pays toward covered pre-existing condition expenses before the plan starts paying its share. Some plans use a separate deductible for pre-existing condition expenses instead of the regular medical deductible. 

A pre-existing condition maximum is the highest amount the plan may pay for covered pre-existing condition expenses. The amount is part of the overall policy maximum. It does not add extra coverage on top of the policy maximum. 

Which plan offers stable pre-existing condition coverage? 

Safe Travels Complete offers stable pre-existing condition coverage. It is available to eligible travelers through age 89. It may cover certain qualifying flare-ups of a stable pre-existing condition during travel. It does not cover routine checkups, maintenance treatment, or ongoing care for the condition.