RACV highlights importance of disclosing pre-existing medical conditions when travelling overseas

RACV is reminding Australians planning international travel to understand the limitations of reciprocal health agreements and check that they have appropriate travel insurance coverage, particularly for pre-existing medical conditions.

While Australia has reciprocal health agreements with several countries including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Italy, these arrangements provide only basic medical coverage and can leave travellers exposed to significant financial risks.

RACV Head of Travel Insurance Judith Gamble said many Australians mistakenly believe reciprocal health agreements will cover all their medical needs while traveling overseas.

"Reciprocal health agreements typically only cover essential medical treatment in public facilities, often with waiting periods," Ms Gamble said.

"What's particularly concerning is that many travellers with pre-existing medical conditions may not realise these conditions are usually excluded from reciprocal coverage altogether."

Key limitations of reciprocal health agreements that travellers should be aware of include:

• Coverage restricted to medically necessary treatment only
• Treatment limited to public hospitals, which may have long wait times
• No coverage for medical evacuation or repatriation
• Prescription medications often not included
• Dental care typically excluded
• Pre-existing conditions generally not covered

"Even minor pre-existing conditions can become serious health events when travelling. Something as common as asthma or high blood pressure could lead to complications that aren't covered under reciprocal arrangements," Ms Gamble said.

“Full disclosure of pre-existing medical conditions is crucial when purchasing travel insurance. Many travellers don't realise that conditions they consider 'under control' still need to be disclosed, including managed high blood pressure, controlled diabetes, or past surgeries,"

RACV Travel Insurance’s online medical assessment process makes disclosure straightforward, with travellers answering a series of questions about their health history to determine eligibility and any additional premium required. The online assessment typically takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

RACV Travel Insurance offers coverage options for travellers with pre-existing conditions subject to medical assessment for conditions including cardiovascular issues, respiratory conditions, diabetes, and pregnancy. Some conditions may be automatically covered without additional premium, while others require assessment and potential premium adjustment.

The expanded coverage comes as international travel continues to rebound strongly post-pandemic, with many Australians taking their first overseas trips in several years and potentially overlooking important changes to their health status during that time.

"We're seeing travellers of all ages, particularly seniors, eager to make up for lost time. Our message is simple: don't let an uninsured medical condition ruin your long-awaited trip. Taking the time to disclose your conditions and arrange appropriate coverage provides greater peace of mind,” Ms Gamble said.

RACV recommends travellers:

1. Consider obtaining travel insurance at the time of booking their trip.
2. Fully disclosing all pre-existing medical conditions during application.
3. Reviewing policy documents carefully to understand coverage limits.
4. Carrying insurance details and emergency contact information at all times while travelling.
5. Monitor smart traveller Travel Advice- Many Policies do not cover travel to a country that is listed as Do Not Travel.

For more information on RACV Travel Insurance and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, visit the RACV website.