Pre-Existing Conditions & Stability Periods

What Is a Pre-Existing Condition?

A pre-existing condition is any medical condition — illness, injury, or symptom — that existed before the effective date of your travel insurance policy. For Canadian snowbirds, this often includes common conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, asthma, or a history of cancer.

The good news is that many travel insurance policies cover stable pre-existing conditions. The key is understanding how insurers define "stable" — and that's where the stability period comes in.

What Is a Stability Period?

A stability period is the number of days before your departure date during which a pre-existing medical condition must have remained unchanged for it to be covered by your policy. During this period, your condition must not have:

• Worsened or produced new symptoms
• Required a new or changed medication (including dosage changes)
• Required new treatment, tests, or medical consultation
• Resulted in a new diagnosis
• Required hospitalization or a referral to a specialist

If your condition has been stable — no changes at all — for the required period, it is generally covered. If anything has changed, claims related to that condition may be denied.

Common Stability Periods

Insurers typically offer stability periods of:

• 90 days — The most common and easiest to qualify for
• 180 days — Moderate; suitable for most stable conditions
• 365 days — The strictest; required by some policies for certain conditions

The shorter the stability period, the easier it is to qualify — but the policy may cost more. The longer the stability period, the more affordable the premium — but you must have had no changes to your condition for a full year.

How to Determine Your Stability Period

When you purchase a policy, you'll complete a medical questionnaire. The insurer uses your answers to determine your eligibility and which stability period applies. Be completely honest — if you misrepresent your medical history and later file a claim, the insurer can review your medical records and deny the claim, leaving you responsible for the full cost of your medical bills.

Here's how to figure out your stability period:

1. List your conditions — Write down every medical condition you've been diagnosed with.
2. Check the date of the last change — For each condition, note the date of your last medication change, new symptom, new treatment, or doctor visit related to that condition.
3. Count the days — Count from that date to your departure date. If it's been longer than the required stability period, you're likely covered.

Stability Period Waivers

Some insurers offer a stability period waiver — coverage for pre-existing conditions with no stability requirement at all. This is the most comprehensive option, but it comes at a higher premium. If you've had a recent change in your health (a new medication, a new diagnosis, or a recent hospitalization), a stability period waiver may be your best — or only — option for full coverage.

What Happens at Claim Time

If you file a claim related to a pre-existing condition, the insurer may review your medical history. They'll look for any changes to your condition during the stability period. If they find an undisclosed change, they can deny the claim — and you'll be responsible for the full cost of your medical bills.

This is why honesty on your medical questionnaire is so important. It's also why you should keep records of your prescriptions, doctor visits, and any changes to your health in the year before your trip.

Tips for Snowbirds with Pre-Existing Conditions

• Disclose everything — Don't omit a condition to save on premium. An undisclosed condition is an uncovered condition.
• Know your dates — Track the date of your last medication change, new symptom, or treatment for each condition.
• Choose the right stability period — If your condition has been stable for 180 days but not 365, don't buy a 365-day policy.
• Consider a waiver — If you've had a recent change, a stability period waiver gives you the most protection.
• Carry your medication list — Keep a written list of your medications, dosages, and prescribing doctors with you while travelling.

The Bottom Line

Having a pre-existing condition doesn't mean you can't get travel insurance — it means you need to understand the stability period and choose a policy that covers your condition honestly. Take the time to review your medical history, complete the questionnaire accurately, and select the stability period that matches your health status. A policy that truly covers your pre-existing conditions is worth every penny when you need it most.

Learn more about emergency medical coverage or get a quote with reference code SON027.