Travel Insurance and Travellers with a Disability

31 Jan

Written By Vacayit

Is travel insurance essential?

Just like a passport, travel insurance is a fundamental necessity for international travel. While medical expenses stand out as the primary motivation for securing coverage, the unpredictability of travel brings forth various other potential mishaps. From unexpected trip cancellations, inconvenient delays, and the misfortune of lost luggage to more significant challenges like natural disasters and pandemics, unforeseen circumstances can quickly turn a dream vacation into a financial setback. Moreover, it's worth noting that many countries enforce entry requirements, including proof of adequate travel insurance. Thus, beyond being a prudent choice, having travel insurance is often a mandatory prerequisite for international travel.

A disability shouldn’t prevent you from buying travel insurance. However, it may complicate the process and potentially lead to higher costs in securing a suitable policy.

What is a pre-existing condition in the eyes of the insurer?

From an Insurance Product Disclosure Statement and Policy, we learned:

A pre-existing medical condition is an ongoing medical or dental condition:

that has been either diagnosed or documented as a medical or dental condition, and/or
that has received medical or dental treatment from a doctor or dentist:
- 30 days (or 90 days for people 70 years of age or over) immediately before the issue of the policy, or
- 30 days (or 90 days for people 70 years of age or over) immediately before the travel date, or
- during the period of insurance on the original Certificate of Insurance if the policy is an extension or replacement of the original policy. It includes any complication directly or indirectly related to that medical or dental condition.

Is a disability a pre-existing condition?

It depends on the disability and the insurer. Many insurers will automatically cover travellers with limited mobility, cognitive impairments or low to no vision/hearing. However, the classification of pre-existing conditions can introduce a level of ambiguity into the equation, potentially resulting in additional costs for coverage.

In Australia, under the Disability Discrimination Act, insurers must assess the actual risks, rather than make assumptions about disabilities. If you encounter difficulties securing insurance, obtaining a letter from a medical professional can be beneficial. Specifically, if the letter attests that you are unlikely to require medical or hospital treatment during your trip, it may assist in addressing any challenges you face in obtaining the desired coverage.

The potential grey area surrounding pre-existing conditions may trigger extra charges, so it’s advisable to adopt a proactive approach. If you anticipate needing medical coverage for unforeseen accidents or illnesses during your travels, especially those tangentially related to your disability, it is in your best interest to transparently disclose your condition to the insurer. This transparency not only aligns with best practices but also ensures that you have comprehensive coverage when you travel.

Your equipment

Travel insurance policies typically set a maximum payout limit for individual items, with computers and phones often enjoying higher limits compared to other belongings under the same policy. The specified limit for these "other items" generally ranges from $500 to $1,000. It's essential to carefully review the fine print of your insurance policy, as many plans exclude coverage for hearing aids. If you possess valuable items like a high-value wheelchair or hearing aids, it's advisable to secure separate insurance for these specific items to guarantee their protection during your travels.

Your carer

When travelling with a carer, it is advisable to have both individuals on the same insurance policy to ensure coverage in the event of changes to travel plans for either party. This arrangement guarantees protection for both individuals. If you have a paid carer, it's recommended to inquire with your insurer about whether they provide coverage for the expenses of a replacement carer in case your designated carer is unable to travel.