Existing Medical Conditions

One minute you’re taking a cruise down the Seine in Paris, the next you’re on your way to hospital dealing with another attack of that chronic condition you’d hoped wouldn’t join you on your holiday. The question is – will your travel insurance provide cover?

Will nib Travel Insurance cover my existing medical condition?

nib Travel plans offer travel insurance cover for more than 40 existing medical conditions, but you should be aware that there are conditions attached to these which you will need to meet in order for them to be covered.

And if you have an existing medical condition that isn’t automatically covered, you can apply to add the condition as a ‘Specified medical condition’ (Not available on the Essentials Plan).

What is considered an existing medical condition?

Simply put it is a condition that, at the time you bought the travel insurance policy, you or a reasonable person in your situation should have known existed. This includes conditions for which you may not be diagnosed but have been experiencing symptoms or are being investigated.

The full definition in the Policy Document further outlines what this means. For example:

• If you’ve had a chronic condition such as diverticulitis on and off for a few years, then it’s likely considered an existing medical condition.
• If you have a family history of heart problems and you’ve been experiencing symptoms of a heart problem, that’s likely an existing medical condition. And you should probably go to the doctor to get it checked out ASAP.

You can view the full definition in the Policy Document. If you’ve still got questions, you can contact us for further help.

What cover is available if my condition is on the list of automatically covered conditions?

You can view the list of automatically covered existing conditions in the Policy Document. We offer cover for more than 40 of our more common conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and common allergies. If your condition is included, and you satisfy all the criteria related to that condition, then you’re covered for events that arise from that condition as part of our standard cover. Exclusions may apply in the event of a claim.

How do I apply to add my condition to my policy?

If your condition is not automatically covered you can apply to add the condition as a ‘Specified Medical Condition’ to our International Comprehensive and Annual Multi Trip plans which will ensure you’re offered cover for events that arise from that condition, although an additional premium and excess may apply. This additional option is not available on the Essentials Plan.

Steps to apply for a Specified Medical Condition to be added to your policy

1. You must be purchasing an International Comprehensive or Annual Multi Trip plan.
2. Once you’ve confirmed the right plan type, you must let us know when buying your policy that you have a medical condition that is not on the list of automatically covered conditions.
3. You’ll then be asked to complete a medical screening which includes some questions about your health. We will then determine if we can offer you cover and, if so, on what terms.
4. If we accept your application, you’ll need to pay an additional premium when you purchase your policy and possibly have an additional excess apply.
5. The condition then becomes a Specified Medical Condition covered under your policy, and the premium and any additional excess that subsequently applies will be shown on your Certificate of Insurance.
6. You’ll then have cover for claimable events that arise from the specified medical condition(s).

What happens if I choose not to get cover for my existing medical condition?

If your condition is not automatically covered under the policy, and you haven’t added it as a specified medical condition, then you’re not covered for any claim that arises from that existing medical condition.

If I’m eligible, what will I be covered for?

If your condition is automatically covered, or we’ve accepted and added it to your Certificate of Insurance as a Specified Medical Condition (Excludes Essentials Plan), you are eligible for cover under our plans. This cover includes:

• Cancellation
• 24/7 Emergency Assistance
• Overseas Medical assistance
• Evacuation to medical facilities
• Repatriation back home to New Zealand

What’s not covered?

Travel insurance is designed to help with those unexpected events that can occur while travelling but doesn’t cover everything – some things we don’t cover include:

• A loss arising from any existing medical condition of you, a member of the travelling party, a non-travelling close relative or business partner, which is NOT automatically covered, which you did not disclose and which is not an accepted Specified Medical Condition.
• Any illness or death that arises from a metastatic or terminal prognosis that was made prior to the issue of the Certificate of Insurance.
• A loss arising from any condition for which you have declined treatment or further investigation recommended by a medical practitioner.
• Any medical treatment or care that is not required as an emergency, or any alternative therapy, health spa or rehabilitation centre costs, unless it has been agreed to by us.
• Elective or cosmetic treatment or surgery that is not medically necessary, or any loss arising from these treatments or their complications.

There are many terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that relate to existing medical conditions. Read your Policy Document carefully and contact us if you have any queries.