Best Travel Insurance for Travellers with Pre-Existing Conditions (2023)
Having pre-existing conditions need not stop you from visiting your favourite holiday destinations. Here are three travel insurance plans that cover pre-existing conditions.
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Travel insurance is a handy, cost-efficient way to ensure your ability to afford medical treatment should an illness, accident or emergency occur while overseas.
However, by default, medical insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. So, should a diabetes patient require a trip to the emergency room while visiting another country, they will have to foot the hospital bill out of their own pocket.
As you can imagine, this can be expensive, especially because as a visitor in a foreign land, you won’t be entitled to any subsidies.
Thankfully, insurers have launched travel insurance plans with cover for pre-existing conditions, helping people with long-term health conditions travel with affordable insurance coverage.
Travel Insurance Promotions
No trip abroad is complete without securing the best travel insurance coverage for yourself (and your companions if any). Getting a comprehensive travel insurance plan not only provides protection for personal accident and accidental death, overseas medical expenses, hospitalisation allowance, but also for trip inconveniences like trip delays, cancellations, baggage delays/loss, and more.
To get the most bang for your buck, check out these exclusive travel insurance promotions found only with us on SingSaver!
SingSaver's Best Price Travel Campaign: All successful applicants of participating Travel Insurance products will receive 1x (single trip) or 3x (annual trip) draw chance to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed (up to a maximum of $2,000) and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Valid till 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Travel Insurance | Premium for Individual Cover | Covid-19 Coverage | Promotion |
Starr TraveLead Travel Insurance
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from S$11.05 (for 1 week in ASEAN)
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Yes
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Get up to $50 Grab Vouchers (min. Premium $30) and get 35% off when you use promo code SSVTL35. Valid till 10 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply. Plus, till 31 December, every applicant will also score an Apple AirTag — perfect for keeping tabs on your luggage on your next trip — or a ReboundTag. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw. 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance to win your share your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions! T&Cs apply.
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MSIG Travel Easy
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from S$34.10 (for 1 week in ASEAN)
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Yes
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Enjoy 40% off when you apply for Single Trips and 20% off for Annual Plan plus get up to $38 Grab Vouchers when you purchase now!! Valid till 17 December 2023. T&Cs apply. Plus, till 31 December, every applicant will also score an Apple AirTag — perfect for keeping tabs on your luggage on your next trip — or a ReboundTag. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy up to 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance to win your share your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions! T&Cs apply. |
Allianz Travel Insurance
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from S$34.10 (for 1 week in Asean)
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Yes
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Use promo code SSV50 to get 50% discount, up to $35 Grab Vouchers, and 1x Airalo eSim with up to 3GB data (minimum premium of $60) when you apply NOW! Valid till 8 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
FWD Travel Insurance
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from S$22.50 (for 1 week in Asean)
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Yes
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Use the promo code 12TWELVE to get a 25% discount on Single Trip and Annual Trip plans! Valid till 3 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply. Also receive: 1x Apple AirTag (worth $45) for the first 3,800 applicants. Valid till 5 January 2024. T&Cs apply. Additionally, be included in the following draws below: Best Price TI weekly draw: Enjoy 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply.
101! Milestone Giveaway: Enjoy 1x chance to win your share your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions! T&Cs apply.
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Etiqa (TIQ) Travel Insurance |
from S$39 (for 1 week in Asean)
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Yes
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Single Trip: Use the promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 40% off. Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Use promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 60% off COVID-19 add-on. Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, stand to win S$3,000 in TIQ Travel Insurance Monthly Lucky Draw Campaign 2023 (Fulfillment by TIQ). Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply. |
Singlife Travel Insurance
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from S$46.20 (for 1 week in ASEAN)
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Yes
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Score an Airalo eSIM with up to 3GB data and receive it before you fly when you apply now! Valid till 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
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Allied World Travel Insurance
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from S$45 (for one week in Asean)
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Yes
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Enjoy a 45% discount for Single Trip and 15% discount for Annual Trip when you apply now! Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply |
AIG Travel Guard® Direct
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from S$30 (for 1 week in Asean)
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Yes
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Single Trip: Enjoy 20% off with promo code SS20OFF. Valid till 12 Dec 2023. Additionally get $20 PayNow! (minimum premium of $80). Plus, every 12th customer gets an additional $45 Paynow. Valid till 31 Dec. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Apply promo code SSTGD to receive $200 PayNow! Plus, every 12th customer gets an additional $45 Paynow. Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
Great Eastern Travel Insurance
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from S$52 (for one week in Asean)
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Yes
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Single Trip: Get an 30% discount when you use the promo code TSP30S. Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Get an 10% discount when you use the promo code TSP10A. Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply. Discount is only valid for Elite and Classic plans.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
Seedly Travel Insurance
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from S$49.80 (for 1 week in Asean)
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No
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Receive 25% off and 1x Airalo eSIM worth up to 3GB data when you apply NOW! Valid till 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. Win the equivalent of a return flight for 2 to Bali (via S$600 Klook voucher). T&Cs apply. |
What are pre-existing conditions?
A pre-existing condition for travel insurance refers to any injury, illness or medical condition that resulted you in seeking treatment, experiencing symptoms or taking medication.
Such pre-existing conditions usually include cancer, stroke, heart conditions, asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, high blood pressure and more, not limited to this list.
However, not all travel insurance offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, while some limit the pre-existing conditions they cover. It's best to check the policy document of the travel insurance you're planning to purchase.
When a travel insurance covers you for your pre-existing conditions, this means that any medical expenses you seek because of your ailments will be covered, though usually the coverage has a sub-limit of how much you can claim.
Some travel insurance also lets you claim for any travel disruptions due to pre-existing conditions, while some require co-payment.
Travel Insurance Plans that Cover Pre-existing Conditions
Product |
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Apply |
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![]() Tiq Travel Pre-Ex Entry - Asean
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- Covers all pre-existing medical conditions
- No upper age limit
- Covers single trips, up to 30 days each
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From S$93
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![]() MSIG Standard Pre-Ex Plan (For Pre-existing Conditions)
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- Covers all pre-existing medical conditions
- No co-payment or excess for medical bills due to acute onset of pre-existing conditions
- No upper age limit
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From S$64
|
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Bonus mention: NTUC Income Enhanced PreX
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Covers all pre-existing medical conditions
- Offers up to 50% reimbursement for trip changes or cancellations due to pre-existing conditions (Enhanced PreX Superior and Prestige only)
- No upper age limit
- Premiums start from S$78
*Premiums are calculated based on a 5-day trip to Thailand
TIQ's travel insurance does not offer a separate plan for pre-ex plan exactly, you're just able to indicate if you or your travel buddies have pre-existing conditions.
TIQ also covers all pre-existing conditions like diabetes, stroke, cancer, asthma, epilepsy, eczema and more, as long as your illness is stable and under control. Similar to MSIG's pre-ex plan, TIQ's pre-ex plan does not cover for COVID-19 as well.
They offer three plan tiers — Entry, Savvy and Luxury, with the Luxury plan offering the highest coverage.
If you opt for the Luxury plan, you'll receive coverage of up to S$1,000,000 for overseas medical expenses, with a sub-limit of up to S$150,000 for your pre-existing conditions (adults below 70). For adults above 70, you'll receive up to S$75,000 coverage, with a submit of S$50,000 for pre-existing ailments.
There's also overseas hospital income if you need to be hospitalised, allowing you to claim up to S$200 for every 24 hours, up to S$20,000. The pre-ex sublimit is capped at the same amount.
SingSaver's Exclusive TIQ Travel Insurance Promotion:
Single Trip: Use the promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 40% off. T&Cs apply. Valid till 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Use the promo code TIQSINGSAVER to enjoy a 60% discount on your COVID-19 add-on when you apply. Fulfillment by TIQ. Valid till 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy up to 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply.
Plus, stand to win S$3,000 in TIQ Travel Insurance Monthly Lucky Draw Campaign 2023 (Fulfillment by TIQ). Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply.
Key in the promo code under the coupon code section on the next page after selecting your destination and dates. The prices shown are before discounts.
Receive coverage for trip cancellations, medical expenses, and more when you purchase the COVID-19 Rider. T&Cs apply.
One of the best plans to get if you have pre-existing conditions is the MSIG Pre-Ex travel insurance plan because it covers all pre-existing conditions, offers high coverage and has no age upper limit.
Some pre-existing conditions they cover include asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart conditions, stroke, cancer, lupus and more. However, do note that the plan does not cover terminal illness, HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and its related conditions, and mental illness.
They offer three plan tiers — Standard, Elite, Premier. Do note that their pre-ex plans do not cover for COVID-19.
For the Pre-Ex Premier plan, you'll get overseas medical coverage of up to S$1,000,000 for adults below 70, with a sub-limit of S$150,000 for pre-existing conditions.
For emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, the coverage is at S$1,000,000 for all plans, with a sub-limit of up to S$200,000 if its due to pre-existing conditions. This means that under the Pre-Ex Critical Care, you'll get up to S$350,000 coverage for the Premier plan.
The plan also offers coverage for mobility aid reimbursement of up to S$5,000 for adults, and even maternity medical expenses overseas of up to S$3,000.
SingSaver's Exclusive MSIG TravelEasy Insurance Promotion: Receive up to S$38 in Grab vouchers and get 40% discount for Single Trip and 20% off on Annual Trip plans when you apply NOW. T&Cs apply. Plus, till 31 December, every applicant will also score an Apple AirTag — perfect for keeping tabs on your luggage on your next trip — or a ReboundTag. T&Cs apply.
Apply now and you'll automatically be enrolled in our lucky draws:
- Best Price Travel Insurance Weekly Draw: Get up to 3x chances to win 1x flight ticket reimbursement & 12x Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP (worth S$480). T&Cs apply.
- 101! Milestone Giveaway: Enjoy 1x chance to win your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic weekly lucky draw, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week! T&Cs apply.
MSIG TravelEasy has been enhanced to provide better travel protection with over 50 benefits and COVID-19 coverage.
NTUC Income Enhanced PreX does things a bit differently from the other two. There are four sections that require co-payments of claims if it's due to your pre-existing conditions — cancelling your trip, postponing your trip, shortening your trip and trip disruption all require a 50% co-payment by the insurer.
But as with the other claims, there is no co-payment involved.
There are three tiers — Basic, Superior and Prestige. Getting a Prestige plan will entitle you to up to S$500,000 for adults under 70 with a sublimit of S$100,000 for pre-existing conditions, and up to S$300,000 for adults over 70 with a sublimit of S$150,000.
The same sublimits apply for emergency medical evacuation and repartriation.
The plan offers overseas hospitalisation allowance of S$200 for every 24 hours up to S$20,000 and a sublimit of S$100 for every 24 hours up to S$3,000.
1. Pre-ex travel policies cover four main areas
Coverage for pre-existing conditions in travel insurance plans mainly covers four areas: overseas medical expenses, hospitalisation cash, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of mortal remains.
Unless otherwise specified, the other benefits included in your travel plan will not apply when you need to make a claim due to a pre-existing condition.
As an example, if you need to cancel your trip due to a particularly bad eczema flare-up, you may not be able to get a refund for your plane tickets or pre-ordered attraction tickets, even if your travel insurance plan offers trip cancellation benefits.
You will only be able to receive reimbursement if your plan specifically allows it, as is the case with NTUC Income Enhanced PreX, highlighted above.
2. You cannot use them to seek medical treatment overseas
Pre-ex travel policies will only cover your medical expenses in case of a medical emergency arising from a pre-existing condition.
However, if you choose to go for treatment overseas, your pre-ex travel insurance plan won’t cover you, and your claims will be voided.
Instead, what you need is a worldwide medical insurance plan that would cover you when seeking medical consultation and treatment in another country.
3. There are restrictions and limitations to note
Like with all insurance plans, pre-ex travel insurance comes with restrictions and limitations, and it is important to familiarise yourself with them, so as to avoid voiding your coverage.
At a very basic level, all pre-ex plans require that pre-existing conditions must be stable and under control.
This means that you should ensure you have sufficient medication with you at all times; this means bringing extra. If a relapse occurs because you ran out of medication halfway through your trip, your insurer may deny your claim.
Another precaution to take is to get permission from your healthcare provider – in writing – clearing you for your trip. Otherwise, your insurer may withhold coverage if they deemed you not medically fit for your trip.
Some insurers may also impose a limit on the duration of your trip for travellers with pre-existing conditions. If your policy contains this clause, be sure to observe it stringently, or your policy may be voided.
4. When in doubt, go for higher coverage
Yes,pre-ex travel plans will cost more, but the whole point of getting one is to ensure those with pre-existing conditions can travel with peace of mind.
This means that you should always err on the side of caution, and go for a plan with higher coverage. When it boils down to it, having more insurance than you need is always better than having less, and then scrambling to make up the difference from your own pocket.
But that doesn't mean you should blindly splurge on the most expensive and extensive plan you can find either. Make an estimate based on your own past experience, or check with your healthcare provider and/or insurer for guidance.