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What does travel insurance for existing medical conditions cover?
Fast Cover’s travel insurance policies are available to provide some cover under a range of benefits to help you deal with and take steps to be prepared for many unexpected and unforeseen circumstances arising from your existing medical conditions that may occur before and during your trip.
Please note we can only provide cover for the circumstances and situations covered by your travel insurance policy and listed in your Certificate of Insurance, including your existing medical conditions listed as covered.
This is a summary only. Terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Not all benefits apply to all policies. Read the PDS and TMD before buying.
If you need to cancel your holiday due to an existing medical condition, you could be left with out-of-pocket expenses for non-refundable pre-paid trip bookings you’ve already paid for including flights, accommodation, cruise tickets and tours.*
If you’re no longer able to travel to your destination due to unexpected circumstances covered under your policy that relate to your existing medical condition listed as covered on your Certificate of Insurance, Fast Cover’s travel insurance policy may help protect the non-refundable bookings you've already paid for. You can buy travel insurance for your holiday up to 12 months prior to your departure date. Please note cancellation cover is only available with our Standard Saver, Comprehensive, Domestic Plus, Snow Sports Plus and Frequent Traveller Saver policies.*
Medical emergencies can happen anywhere - even on holidays. We’re here to help with Aussie-based support when you need it most. Fast Cover’s Aussie-based team of experts are available to provide 24/7 support for overseas medical emergencies, including those related to your covered existing medical conditions wherever you are, depending on your situation and location.*
Fast Cover’s International travel insurance policies may include access to our Australian based Emergency Assistance hotline with 24/7 support for unexpected medical emergencies overseas. Our Emergency Assistance team may be able to help arrange experienced medical support services in the event of unexpected circumstances.*
An unexpected trip to a hospital overseas is the last thing you might want on your itinerary. If you experience a medical emergency related to your covered existing medical condition, Fast Cover may be able to help with overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses in some circumstances which are covered under your policy.*
Fast Cover’s International travel insurance policies are available to provide protection against the financial burden of reasonable and unexpected overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses associated with unexpected illness or injuries, incurred by you, for which you are not reimbursed, during your trip overseas.*
If you become seriously injured or sick while travelling overseas, access to emergency medical care could make a huge difference. Fast Cover may be able to help with the cost of getting you to the nearest hospital for emergency medical treatment or even flying you back to Australia, in circumstances covered under your policy.*
In case you are seriously injured or sick while on your trip overseas, including as a result of your covered existing medical condition, Fast Cover’s International travel insurance policies are available to provide cover for your reasonable additional accommodation and travel expenses, medical transfer, evacuation or repatriation if you must be transported to the nearest hospital for emergency medical treatment or be brought back to Australia with appropriate medical supervision. The medical transfer, evacuation or repatriation must first be approved by Fast Cover.*
What does travel insurance for existing medical conditions cover?
Fast Cover’s travel insurance policies are available to provide some cover under a range of benefits to help you deal with and take steps to be prepared for many unexpected and unforeseen circumstances arising from your existing medical conditions that may occur before and during your trip.
Please note we can only provide cover for the circumstances and situations covered by your travel insurance policy and listed in your Certificate of Insurance, including your existing medical conditions listed as covered.
This is a summary only. Terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Not all benefits apply to all policies. Read the PDS and TMD before buying.
If you need to cancel your holiday due to an existing medical condition, you could be left with out-of-pocket expenses for non-refundable pre-paid trip bookings you’ve already paid for including flights, accommodation, cruise tickets and tours.*
If you’re no longer able to travel to your destination due to unexpected circumstances covered under your policy that relate to your existing medical condition listed as covered on your Certificate of Insurance, Fast Cover’s travel insurance policy may help protect the non-refundable bookings you've already paid for. You can buy travel insurance for your holiday up to 12 months prior to your departure date. Please note cancellation cover is only available with our Standard Saver, Comprehensive, Domestic Plus, Snow Sports Plus and Frequent Traveller Saver policies.*
Medical emergencies can happen anywhere - even on holidays. We’re here to help with Aussie-based support when you need it most. Fast Cover’s Aussie-based team of experts are available to provide 24/7 support for overseas medical emergencies, including those related to your covered existing medical conditions wherever you are, depending on your situation and location.*
Fast Cover’s International travel insurance policies may include access to our Australian based Emergency Assistance hotline with 24/7 support for unexpected medical emergencies overseas. Our Emergency Assistance team may be able to help arrange experienced medical support services in the event of unexpected circumstances.*
An unexpected trip to a hospital overseas is the last thing you might want on your itinerary. If you experience a medical emergency related to your covered existing medical condition, Fast Cover may be able to help with overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses in some circumstances which are covered under your policy.*
Fast Cover’s International travel insurance policies are available to provide protection against the financial burden of reasonable and unexpected overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses associated with unexpected illness or injuries, incurred by you, for which you are not reimbursed, during your trip overseas.*
If you become seriously injured or sick while travelling overseas, access to emergency medical care could make a huge difference. Fast Cover may be able to help with the cost of getting you to the nearest hospital for emergency medical treatment or even flying you back to Australia, in circumstances covered under your policy.*
In case you are seriously injured or sick while on your trip overseas, including as a result of your covered existing medical condition, Fast Cover’s International travel insurance policies are available to provide cover for your reasonable additional accommodation and travel expenses, medical transfer, evacuation or repatriation if you must be transported to the nearest hospital for emergency medical treatment or be brought back to Australia with appropriate medical supervision. The medical transfer, evacuation or repatriation must first be approved by Fast Cover.*
Medical conditions and changes in health explained
When taking out travel insurance with Fast Cover, it is important that you understand our definition of the following terms:
medical conditions
pregnancy conditions
changes in health
Understanding how we define these terms may help you complete our medical screening which determines if our policies are able to provide cover for your existing medical conditions. It may also help you to better understand how cover under your policy may apply for medical conditions including existing medical conditions.
Medical conditions and changes in health explained
When taking out travel insurance with Fast Cover, it is important that you understand our definition of the following terms:
medical conditions
pregnancy conditions
changes in health
Understanding how we define these terms may help you complete our medical screening which determines if our policies are able to provide cover for your existing medical conditions. It may also help you to better understand how cover under your policy may apply for medical conditions including existing medical conditions.
What is a medical condition?
We consider a medical condition to mean any bodily or physical injury, physical defect, illness, disease or other medical or dental condition or sign or symptom of these things that you:
required prescription medication for or has been prescribed medication from a medical practitioner in writing for,
sought or received medical advice from a medical practitioner or other health care professional for,
had tests, investigations, care, treatment or medical attention including surgery for,
been admitted to hospital for (including emergency department or day surgery procedure), or
became aware of or which a reasonable person in the circumstances would have been aware of.
Medical conditions include but are not limited to:
the suffering or treatment of mental illness,
a brain, heart (such as any cardiovascular or coronary heart disease or any condition related to a heart or blood vessels), kidney, liver, respiratory, circulatory (such as high blood pressure, stroke, or transient ischaemic attack), cancer or cancerous condition,
reduced or deficient immune system,
a sign or symptom of the above matters,
an allergy or food intolerance,
a persistent and lasting health condition such as constant pain or long-suffering pain or pain with a pattern of relapse and remission, or
any conditions related to previous and current pregnancy (as detailed below in “What is a Pregnancy Condition?”)
What is a medical condition?
We consider a medical condition to mean any bodily or physical injury, physical defect, illness, disease or other medical or dental condition or sign or symptom of these things that you:
required prescription medication for or has been prescribed medication from a medical practitioner in writing for,
sought or received medical advice from a medical practitioner or other health care professional for,
had tests, investigations, care, treatment or medical attention including surgery for,
been admitted to hospital for (including emergency department or day surgery procedure), or
became aware of or which a reasonable person in the circumstances would have been aware of.
Medical conditions include but are not limited to:
the suffering or treatment of mental illness,
a brain, heart (such as any cardiovascular or coronary heart disease or any condition related to a heart or blood vessels), kidney, liver, respiratory, circulatory (such as high blood pressure, stroke, or transient ischaemic attack), cancer or cancerous condition,
reduced or deficient immune system,
a sign or symptom of the above matters,
an allergy or food intolerance,
a persistent and lasting health condition such as constant pain or long-suffering pain or pain with a pattern of relapse and remission, or
any conditions related to previous and current pregnancy (as detailed below in “What is a Pregnancy Condition?”)
What is a pregnancy condition?
A pregnancy condition means you are pregnant and any of the following circumstances apply to you:
you are experiencing complications with the pregnancy that fall within the definition of complications of pregnancy and childbirth (explained below)
you experienced complications with any previous pregnancy that fall within the definition of complications of pregnancy and childbirth (explained below)
you are having multiple children (e.g. twins, triplets or more), or
your conception was medically assisted (e.g. hormone therapy or IVF)
To understand how cover may apply for pregnancy conditions and complications of pregnancy and childbirth, it is important that you understand what we may consider complications of pregnancy and childbirth.
As per Fast Cover's PDS, complications of pregnancy and childbirth means any condition you have been diagnosed with or treated for in the past or any secondary diagnosis, occurring prior to, during the course of, concurrent with, or as a result of the pregnancy, which may adversely affect the pregnancy outcome including but not limited to the following:
Toxemia (toxins in the blood)
Gestational diabetes (diabetes arising because of pregnancy)
Gestational hypertension (high blood pressure arising because of pregnancy)
Pre-eclampsia (where you develop high blood pressure, carry abnormal fluid and have protein in your urine during the second half of pregnancy)
Ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that develops outside of the uterus)
Molar pregnancy or hydatidiform mole (a pregnancy in which a tumour develops from the placental tissue)
Post-partum haemorrhage (excessive bleeding following childbirth)
Retained placenta membrane (part or all the placenta is left behind in the uterus after delivery)
Placental abruption (part or all the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus)
Hyperemesis gravidarum (excessive vomiting because of pregnancy)
Placenta previa (when the placenta is in the lower part of the uterus and covers part or all of the cervix)
Stillbirth
Miscarriage
Emergency caesarean section
A termination needed for medical reasons
What is a pregnancy condition?
A pregnancy condition means you are pregnant and any of the following circumstances apply to you:
you are experiencing complications with the pregnancy that fall within the definition of complications of pregnancy and childbirth (explained below)
you experienced complications with any previous pregnancy that fall within the definition of complications of pregnancy and childbirth (explained below)
you are having multiple children (e.g. twins, triplets or more), or
your conception was medically assisted (e.g. hormone therapy or IVF)
To understand how cover may apply for pregnancy conditions and complications of pregnancy and childbirth, it is important that you understand what we may consider complications of pregnancy and childbirth.
As per Fast Cover's PDS, complications of pregnancy and childbirth means any condition you have been diagnosed with or treated for in the past or any secondary diagnosis, occurring prior to, during the course of, concurrent with, or as a result of the pregnancy, which may adversely affect the pregnancy outcome including but not limited to the following:
Toxemia (toxins in the blood)
Gestational diabetes (diabetes arising because of pregnancy)
Gestational hypertension (high blood pressure arising because of pregnancy)
Pre-eclampsia (where you develop high blood pressure, carry abnormal fluid and have protein in your urine during the second half of pregnancy)
Ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that develops outside of the uterus)
Molar pregnancy or hydatidiform mole (a pregnancy in which a tumour develops from the placental tissue)
Post-partum haemorrhage (excessive bleeding following childbirth)
Retained placenta membrane (part or all the placenta is left behind in the uterus after delivery)
Placental abruption (part or all the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus)
Hyperemesis gravidarum (excessive vomiting because of pregnancy)
Placenta previa (when the placenta is in the lower part of the uterus and covers part or all of the cervix)
Stillbirth
Miscarriage
Emergency caesarean section
A termination needed for medical reasons
Cover for existing medical conditions
If you have any existing medical conditions, you may be able to apply to include cover for them. Our simple medical screening process can be completed online or over the phone to help you find out if your condition can be covered.
Select who needs cover
Once you've added all travellers, to your policy, you can select those who wish to add cover for any existing medical conditions.
Take a medical screening
Answer a few questions online or over the phone about your health history. This helps us determine if your condition can be covered.
Choose to add cover
We'll let you know if we can provide cover for any existing medical conditions. You can then choose to add it to your policy.
Insurance cover options
At Fast Cover, we have a range of coverage options available for your overseas trip. The options below are a summary of some of the benefits available under the various policies, please see the PDS for full details.
Comprehensive travel insurance is considered as Fast Cover's most popular policy option. It provides the highest level of cover amongst our existing products for the widest range of unexpected situations like overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses, overseas emergency medical assistance, accidental death and loss of income.*
The Standard Saver travel insurance policy provides mid-level cover, such as benefits relating to your health as well as many similar benefits with lower limits like trip cancellation, trip disruption and luggage and personal effects when you travel.*
Our Basics travel insurance policy type is a simple way of taking steps to obtain cover for one of the most important things in life - your health. You can also apply to customise your policy and include cover under the luggage and personal effects benefit up to $2000.*
Insurance cover options
At Fast Cover, we have a range of coverage options available for your overseas trip. The options below are a summary of some of the benefits available under the various policies, please see the PDS for full details.
Comprehensive
Comprehensive travel insurance is considered as Fast Cover's most popular policy option. It provides the highest level of cover amongst our existing products for the widest range of unexpected situations like overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses, overseas emergency medical assistance, accidental death and loss of income.*
Standard Saver
The Standard Saver travel insurance policy provides mid-level cover, such as benefits relating to your health as well as many similar benefits with lower limits like trip cancellation, trip disruption and luggage and personal effects when you travel.*
Basics (medical only)
Our Basics travel insurance policy type is a simple way of taking steps to obtain cover for one of the most important things in life - your health. You can also apply to customise your policy and include cover under the luggage and personal effects benefit up to $2000.*
What does ‘change in health’ mean?
It is important that you understand what change in health means so that you can accurately inform us of any changes in health that may impact the cover your policy is able to provide for your medical condition/s, including any existing medical conditions.
As per Fast Cover's PDS, changes in health means:
the occurrence of any new medical condition after your policy issue date and before the date of departure for your trip,
advice from a medical practitioner that you are not fit to travel, including on your trip,
the stated answers in the certificate of insurance regarding any listed medical condition are no longer correct or up to date,
any change in the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment or medication (including dose) of a listed medical condition,
any change in the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment or medication (including dose) of a medical condition which you had more than 3 years prior to the policy purchase date, or
any unexpected admissions to hospital or surgery for any listed medical condition.
Before the date of departure for your trip, you must have written confirmation from your medical practitioner that you are fit to travel for any changes in health listed as covered on your Certificate of Insurance. The written confirmation does not need to be sent to us, however it may be required in the event of a claim.
What does ‘change in health’ mean?
It is important that you understand what change in health means so that you can accurately inform us of any changes in health that may impact the cover your policy is able to provide for your medical condition/s, including any existing medical conditions.
As per Fast Cover's PDS, changes in health means:
the occurrence of any new medical condition after your policy issue date and before the date of departure for your trip,
advice from a medical practitioner that you are not fit to travel, including on your trip,
the stated answers in the certificate of insurance regarding any listed medical condition are no longer correct or up to date,
any change in the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment or medication (including dose) of a listed medical condition,
any change in the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment or medication (including dose) of a medical condition which you had more than 3 years prior to the policy purchase date, or
any unexpected admissions to hospital or surgery for any listed medical condition.
Before the date of departure for your trip, you must have written confirmation from your medical practitioner that you are fit to travel for any changes in health listed as covered on your Certificate of Insurance. The written confirmation does not need to be sent to us, however it may be required in the event of a claim.
Medical screening for medical conditions
By way of basic overview, we don’t cover any claims that arise from any medical condition or pregnancy condition that existed during:
the period of 3 years prior to your policy issue date, or
the period between the time of your policy issue date and the date of departure for your trip (except for Trip Cancellation Expenses, if your trip needs to be cancelled or rescheduled during this period)
unless we agree to list the relevant medical condition or pregnancy condition as covered on your Certificate of Insurance. This is done through a medical screening process.
If any changes in health occur:
after we have listed any medical condition or pregnancy condition as covered, and
before the date of departure for your trip,
the cover for those listed conditions are automatically excluded from the time the changes in health occurred, unless you undertake an additional medical screening and we agree to list them as covered.
If any changes in health occur (as defined in our PDS) after your policy issue date and before the date of departure for your trip, you need to contact Fast Cover and undertake a further screening to determine what premium adjustment may be required.
This is because we automatically exclude cover for:
any new medical conditions or pregnancy conditions that occur after your policy issue date and before the date of departure for your trip, and
all conditions we have listed as covered on the Certificate of Insurance where changes in health have occurred after your policy issue date and before the date of departure for your trip (other than for a claim under Trip Cancellation Expenses, relating to the cancellation or rescheduling of your trip between the time of your policy issue date and the date of departure for your trip).
If further changes in health occur before the date of departure for your trip, you may need to undertake this screening process more than once as the changes in health exclusion would automatically apply again from the time any further changes in health occur.
Based on the rescreening we may (to the extent permitted by applicable law):
agree to provide cover for the existing listed conditions and add the new listed conditions as covered. You may choose to accept this cover or not. If you do not, you will not be covered in relation to the conditions not listed as covered, or
not agree to provide cover, where based on the changes, our underwriting rules require us to do so.
On being advised of the changes, we will adjust the premium payable (up or down) to reflect the premium that is payable by reason of the changes in accordance with our underwriting rules.
In all of the above cases, if you are not happy with our decision you may exercise your cooling off rights where applicable or cancel the policy before the date of departure for your trip and obtain a refund in accordance with the policy terms.
Medical screening for medical conditions
By way of basic overview, we don’t cover any claims that arise from any medical condition or pregnancy condition that existed during:
the period of 3 years prior to your policy issue date, or
the period between the time of your policy issue date and the date of departure for your trip (except for Trip Cancellation Expenses, if your trip needs to be cancelled or rescheduled during this period)
unless we agree to list the relevant medical condition or pregnancy condition as covered on your Certificate of Insurance. This is done through a medical screening process.
If any changes in health occur:
after we have listed any medical condition or pregnancy condition as covered, and
before the date of departure for your trip,
the cover for those listed conditions are automatically excluded from the time the changes in health occurred, unless you undertake an additional medical screening and we agree to list them as covered.
If any changes in health occur (as defined in our PDS) after your policy issue date and before the date of departure for your trip, you need to contact Fast Cover and undertake a further screening to determine what premium adjustment may be required.
This is because we automatically exclude cover for:
any new medical conditions or pregnancy conditions that occur after your policy issue date and before the date of departure for your trip, and
all conditions we have listed as covered on the Certificate of Insurance where changes in health have occurred after your policy issue date and before the date of departure for your trip (other than for a claim under Trip Cancellation Expenses, relating to the cancellation or rescheduling of your trip between the time of your policy issue date and the date of departure for your trip).
If further changes in health occur before the date of departure for your trip, you may need to undertake this screening process more than once as the changes in health exclusion would automatically apply again from the time any further changes in health occur.
Based on the rescreening we may (to the extent permitted by applicable law):
agree to provide cover for the existing listed conditions and add the new listed conditions as covered. You may choose to accept this cover or not. If you do not, you will not be covered in relation to the conditions not listed as covered, or
not agree to provide cover, where based on the changes, our underwriting rules require us to do so.
On being advised of the changes, we will adjust the premium payable (up or down) to reflect the premium that is payable by reason of the changes in accordance with our underwriting rules.
In all of the above cases, if you are not happy with our decision you may exercise your cooling off rights where applicable or cancel the policy before the date of departure for your trip and obtain a refund in accordance with the policy terms.
How does medical screening for existing medical conditions work?
We understand that all travellers are different and may have some existing medical conditions. Following a medical screening, Fast Cover may be able to provide travel insurance with cover for existing medical conditions affecting travellers in case the unexpected happens before, or during your trip. Below is some useful information to help you prepare to complete our medical screening.
Having a full picture of your health before you travel allows Fast Cover to determine whether our travel insurance policies can provide cover for your existing medical condition/s. If an unexpected situation happens before or during your trip arising from your existing medical condition that you didn’t tell us about, you may not be covered and your policy general exclusions would apply.
You will need to complete a medical screening if you would like cover for any existing medical conditions. You can complete a medical screening for:
Any medical conditions that you have or have had, during the period of 3 years prior to your policy purchase date
Any changes to your health that occur after your policy purchase date and before the date of departure for your trip
Any new medical conditions you experience or develop after you buy your policy and before the date of departure for your trip
You will need to complete our simple medical screening online or over the phone with our Australian based customer service team who can help guide you through the questions you need to answer. See our simplified steps on how to complete the medical screening process below.
Disclosing medical conditions when you apply for cover
If you have or have had any medical conditions during the period of 3 years prior to your policy issue date, you need to complete Fast Cover’s online or over the phone medical screening process as part of your application for cover.
Disclosing changes in health after purchasing
If you experience any changes in health (as defined in our PDS) after your policy issue date and before the date of departure for your trip, you need to contact Fast Cover and undertake a further medical screening to determine if we can still provide cover for your medical condition and what premium adjustment may be required.
Keep in mind, if you experience any changes in health before the date of departure for your trip, you must have written confirmation from your medical practitioner that you are fit to travel for any changes in health listed as covered on your Certificate of Insurance. You may need to provide this in the event of a claim.
Once you have completed the initial medical screening as part of your policy application online or over the phone with the help of our Aussie based team, we will tell you whether or not we are able to provide cover in relation to the existing medical conditions you disclose.
If you would like the cover for the approved conditions to be added to your policy you will need to pay the additional premium we apply for the cover, by the time required. We will then list the conditions as covered on your Certificate of Insurance. If we do not list any such conditions as covered, or you do not disclose any such conditions, there is no cover provided in relation to them.
If we are not able to provide you with cover for your medical conditions or we are able to provide you with cover for your medical conditions but you choose to not pay the additional premium to have cover for the medical conditions, they will be listed on the Certificate of Insurance as declared, but not covered.
You will need reasonable knowledge of all of your medical conditions, pregnancy conditions and/or changes in health, which include but are not limited to, the names of your medical conditions or pregnancy conditions. Check with your medical practitioner if you are unsure of the name because you will not be able to complete the medical screening if you only know the medication you are taking or the treatment you are receiving.
Some medical conditions may be interconnected, you must declare all of your medical conditions, pregnancy conditions or changes in health, regardless of whether or not you:
want cover for them, or
consider them treated, dormant or under control, or
do not consider them important or related to any of your other conditions.
If you do not declare all of your medical conditions or pregnancy conditions, you may not have cover for your medical conditions or pregnancy conditions that are listed as covered on your Certificate of Insurance.
Medical conditions or pregnancy conditions that are approved for cover by Fast Cover will be listed on the certificate of insurance as a covered condition, whilst those that are not approved for cover or which you choose to decline cover for, will be listed on the certificate of insurance as an excluded medical or pregnancy condition.
Depending on the policy you choose, you may still have access to other benefits that are unrelated to your existing medical condition that is excluded, such as cover for unexpected emergency medical and hospital expenses. However, cover for any situations arising from or relating to the existing medical condition that is excluded would not be covered by the policy.
If you require cover for an existing medical condition that we are unable to cover, you may wish to contact the Insurance Council of Australia to assist you in finding a specialist travel insurer who may be able to cover your condition.
Any medical conditions that you have which fall within the 3 years prior to policy issue date and for any changes in health, between the time of policy issue and the date of departure for your trip, that you have not declared and are not listed on your certificate of insurance will not be covered under your policy.
This means that if you do not declare any medical conditions, including new medical or pregnancy conditions or changes in health that occur after your policy is issued and before you leave for your trip, there will be no cover unless you contact us to complete a new medical screening and we agree to provide cover for an adjusted premium.
You do not need to declare and complete a medical screening for any changes to your listed, covered existing medical conditions or new medical conditions that arise during your trip, as these will be considered as unexpected circumstances which are covered under the benefits available on your policy, subject to policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations. However, if you have a Frequent Traveller Saver policy, you must declare any changes in health that occur after your policy purchase date, including changes in health that happen during or after your first trip and before your following trips commence. For Frequent Traveller Saver policies cover for Trip Cancellation Expenses begins from the start date as specified on your Certificate of Insurance.
How does medical screening for existing medical conditions work?
We understand that all travellers are different and may have some existing medical conditions. Following a medical screening, Fast Cover may be able to provide travel insurance with cover for existing medical conditions affecting travellers in case the unexpected happens before, or during your trip. Below is some useful information to help you prepare to complete our medical screening.
Having a full picture of your health before you travel allows Fast Cover to determine whether our travel insurance policies can provide cover for your existing medical condition/s. If an unexpected situation happens before or during your trip arising from your existing medical condition that you didn’t tell us about, you may not be covered and your policy general exclusions would apply.
You will need to complete a medical screening if you would like cover for any existing medical conditions. You can complete a medical screening for:
Any medical conditions that you have or have had, during the period of 3 years prior to your policy purchase date
Any changes to your health that occur after your policy purchase date and before the date of departure for your trip
Any new medical conditions you experience or develop after you buy your policy and before the date of departure for your trip
You will need to complete our simple medical screening online or over the phone with our Australian based customer service team who can help guide you through the questions you need to answer. See our simplified steps on how to complete the medical screening process below.
Disclosing medical conditions when you apply for cover
If you have or have had any medical conditions during the period of 3 years prior to your policy issue date, you need to complete Fast Cover’s online or over the phone medical screening process as part of your application for cover.
Disclosing changes in health after purchasing
If you experience any changes in health (as defined in our PDS) after your policy issue date and before the date of departure for your trip, you need to contact Fast Cover and undertake a further medical screening to determine if we can still provide cover for your medical condition and what premium adjustment may be required.
Keep in mind, if you experience any changes in health before the date of departure for your trip, you must have written confirmation from your medical practitioner that you are fit to travel for any changes in health listed as covered on your Certificate of Insurance. You may need to provide this in the event of a claim.
Once you have completed the initial medical screening as part of your policy application online or over the phone with the help of our Aussie based team, we will tell you whether or not we are able to provide cover in relation to the existing medical conditions you disclose.
If you would like the cover for the approved conditions to be added to your policy you will need to pay the additional premium we apply for the cover, by the time required. We will then list the conditions as covered on your Certificate of Insurance. If we do not list any such conditions as covered, or you do not disclose any such conditions, there is no cover provided in relation to them.
If we are not able to provide you with cover for your medical conditions or we are able to provide you with cover for your medical conditions but you choose to not pay the additional premium to have cover for the medical conditions, they will be listed on the Certificate of Insurance as declared, but not covered.
You will need reasonable knowledge of all of your medical conditions, pregnancy conditions and/or changes in health, which include but are not limited to, the names of your medical conditions or pregnancy conditions. Check with your medical practitioner if you are unsure of the name because you will not be able to complete the medical screening if you only know the medication you are taking or the treatment you are receiving.
Some medical conditions may be interconnected, you must declare all of your medical conditions, pregnancy conditions or changes in health, regardless of whether or not you:
want cover for them, or
consider them treated, dormant or under control, or
do not consider them important or related to any of your other conditions.
If you do not declare all of your medical conditions or pregnancy conditions, you may not have cover for your medical conditions or pregnancy conditions that are listed as covered on your Certificate of Insurance.
Medical conditions or pregnancy conditions that are approved for cover by Fast Cover will be listed on the certificate of insurance as a covered condition, whilst those that are not approved for cover or which you choose to decline cover for, will be listed on the certificate of insurance as an excluded medical or pregnancy condition.
Depending on the policy you choose, you may still have access to other benefits that are unrelated to your existing medical condition that is excluded, such as cover for unexpected emergency medical and hospital expenses. However, cover for any situations arising from or relating to the existing medical condition that is excluded would not be covered by the policy.
If you require cover for an existing medical condition that we are unable to cover, you may wish to contact the Insurance Council of Australia to assist you in finding a specialist travel insurer who may be able to cover your condition.
Any medical conditions that you have which fall within the 3 years prior to policy issue date and for any changes in health, between the time of policy issue and the date of departure for your trip, that you have not declared and are not listed on your certificate of insurance will not be covered under your policy.
This means that if you do not declare any medical conditions, including new medical or pregnancy conditions or changes in health that occur after your policy is issued and before you leave for your trip, there will be no cover unless you contact us to complete a new medical screening and we agree to provide cover for an adjusted premium.
You do not need to declare and complete a medical screening for any changes to your listed, covered existing medical conditions or new medical conditions that arise during your trip, as these will be considered as unexpected circumstances which are covered under the benefits available on your policy, subject to policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations. However, if you have a Frequent Traveller Saver policy, you must declare any changes in health that occur after your policy purchase date, including changes in health that happen during or after your first trip and before your following trips commence. For Frequent Traveller Saver policies cover for Trip Cancellation Expenses begins from the start date as specified on your Certificate of Insurance.
Examples of cover for medical conditions and situations
Depending on the policy you take out with Fast Cover and your circumstances, different benefits may apply to you regarding your medical conditions.
Example: A 30-year-old traveller bought a Comprehensive international travel insurance policy to cover herself on a solo holiday to Vietnam. She completed a medical screening and applied to include cover for her existing medical condition. Fast Cover was able to include cover for her existing medical condition, and it was listed as ‘Covered’ on her Certificate of Insurance. During her overseas trip in Vietnam, she experienced a medical emergency as a result of her covered existing medical condition, resulting in the need for her to be medically evacuated to the nearest hospital for emergency medical treatment. The medical evacuation was first approved by Fast Cover.
Claims Assessment: Under the Overseas Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Expenses benefit, the traveller can submit a claim for the cost of the medical evacuation to transport her to the nearest hospital for emergency medical treatment for the claims team to assess further under the policy terms and conditions.
Please Note: This example is purely fictional and is for illustrative purposes only. As each individual's circumstances are different, our Claims team will assess each claim on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms and conditions, and Certificate of Insurance.
Example: A 70-year-old senior traveller bought a Domestic Plus policy to cover herself and her husband on a couple’s holiday to visit their grandchildren in the Gold Coast during the September school holidays with activities including theme parks, going to the beach and hiking. She completed a medical screening and applied to include cover for her existing medical condition. Fast Cover was able to include cover for her existing medical condition, and it was listed as ‘Covered’ on her Certificate of Insurance. Two days before the couple was due to depart on a flight from Sydney to the Gold Coast, the wife experienced a medical situation as a result of her covered existing medical condition, resulting in the need to cancel the couple’s holiday.
No Cover: Fast Cover is unable to provide cover for medical emergencies and medical expenses incurred within Australia because medical expenses are covered by Medicare and/or your private health insurance. In this instance, the costs of the surgery would likely be covered by Medicare and possibly their private health insurance policy, but not their domestic travel insurance policy.
Claims Assessment: However, under the Trip Cancellation Expenses benefit of the Domestic Plus policy, the wife can submit a claim for the cost of the flights, hotel or theme park tickets that cannot be refunded or credited for the claims team to assess further under the policy terms and conditions as the trip was cancelled due to a covered existing medical condition.
Please Note: This example is purely fictional and is for illustrative purposes only. As each individual's circumstances are different, our Claims team will assess each claim on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms and conditions, and Certificate of Insurance.
Example: A 70-year-old senior traveller bought a Domestic Plus policy to cover herself and her husband on a couple’s holiday to visit their grandchildren in the Gold Coast during the September school holidays with activities including theme parks, going to the beach and hiking. Two days before the couple was due to depart on a flight from Sydney to the Gold Coast, the wife fell and broke her leg, requiring surgery, and resulting in the need to cancel the couple’s holiday.
No Cover: Fast Cover is unable to provide cover for medical emergencies and medical expenses incurred within Australia because medical expenses are covered by Medicare and/or your private health insurance. In this instance, the costs of the surgery would likely be covered by Medicare and possibly their private health insurance policy, but not their domestic travel insurance policy.
Claims Assessment: However, under the Trip Cancellation Expenses benefit of the Domestic Plus policy, the wife can submit a claim for the cost of the flights, hotel or theme park tickets that cannot be refunded or credited for the claims team to assess further under the policy terms and conditions as the trip was cancelled due to an unexpected injury.
Please Note: This example is purely fictional and is for illustrative purposes only. As each individual's circumstances are different, our Claims team will assess each claim on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms and conditions, and Certificate of Insurance.
Any advice is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the PDS as eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply.
Examples of cover for medical conditions and situations
Depending on the policy you take out with Fast Cover and your circumstances, different benefits may apply to you regarding your medical conditions.
Example: A 30-year-old traveller bought a Comprehensive international travel insurance policy to cover herself on a solo holiday to Vietnam. She completed a medical screening and applied to include cover for her existing medical condition. Fast Cover was able to include cover for her existing medical condition, and it was listed as ‘Covered’ on her Certificate of Insurance. During her overseas trip in Vietnam, she experienced a medical emergency as a result of her covered existing medical condition, resulting in the need for her to be medically evacuated to the nearest hospital for emergency medical treatment. The medical evacuation was first approved by Fast Cover.
Claims Assessment: Under the Overseas Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Expenses benefit, the traveller can submit a claim for the cost of the medical evacuation to transport her to the nearest hospital for emergency medical treatment for the claims team to assess further under the policy terms and conditions.
Please Note: This example is purely fictional and is for illustrative purposes only. As each individual's circumstances are different, our Claims team will assess each claim on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms and conditions, and Certificate of Insurance.
Example: A 70-year-old senior traveller bought a Domestic Plus policy to cover herself and her husband on a couple’s holiday to visit their grandchildren in the Gold Coast during the September school holidays with activities including theme parks, going to the beach and hiking. She completed a medical screening and applied to include cover for her existing medical condition. Fast Cover was able to include cover for her existing medical condition, and it was listed as ‘Covered’ on her Certificate of Insurance. Two days before the couple was due to depart on a flight from Sydney to the Gold Coast, the wife experienced a medical situation as a result of her covered existing medical condition, resulting in the need to cancel the couple’s holiday.
No Cover: Fast Cover is unable to provide cover for medical emergencies and medical expenses incurred within Australia because medical expenses are covered by Medicare and/or your private health insurance. In this instance, the costs of the surgery would likely be covered by Medicare and possibly their private health insurance policy, but not their domestic travel insurance policy.
Claims Assessment: However, under the Trip Cancellation Expenses benefit of the Domestic Plus policy, the wife can submit a claim for the cost of the flights, hotel or theme park tickets that cannot be refunded or credited for the claims team to assess further under the policy terms and conditions as the trip was cancelled due to a covered existing medical condition.
Please Note: This example is purely fictional and is for illustrative purposes only. As each individual's circumstances are different, our Claims team will assess each claim on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms and conditions, and Certificate of Insurance.
Example: A 70-year-old senior traveller bought a Domestic Plus policy to cover herself and her husband on a couple’s holiday to visit their grandchildren in the Gold Coast during the September school holidays with activities including theme parks, going to the beach and hiking. Two days before the couple was due to depart on a flight from Sydney to the Gold Coast, the wife fell and broke her leg, requiring surgery, and resulting in the need to cancel the couple’s holiday.
No Cover: Fast Cover is unable to provide cover for medical emergencies and medical expenses incurred within Australia because medical expenses are covered by Medicare and/or your private health insurance. In this instance, the costs of the surgery would likely be covered by Medicare and possibly their private health insurance policy, but not their domestic travel insurance policy.
Claims Assessment: However, under the Trip Cancellation Expenses benefit of the Domestic Plus policy, the wife can submit a claim for the cost of the flights, hotel or theme park tickets that cannot be refunded or credited for the claims team to assess further under the policy terms and conditions as the trip was cancelled due to an unexpected injury.
Please Note: This example is purely fictional and is for illustrative purposes only. As each individual's circumstances are different, our Claims team will assess each claim on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms and conditions, and Certificate of Insurance.
Any advice is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the PDS as eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply.
Tips for travel insurance
Discover useful travel insurance tips from travel insurance expert, Fast Cover’s CEO Dean Van Es.
Choose a Travel Insurance Provider with Emergency Assistance Support
“Our job is to get you back to Australia, to your family, safe and sound as soon as possible. Firstly, to get you healthy and stable, and then to get you home as soon as possible and there’s a whole team that works behind the scenes to do that.”
Travel insurance isn’t just about money, it’s about having a reliable team with real emergency support and a trusted network of hospitals and doctors to help in a crisis. Fast Cover’s Aussie based Emergency Assistance team is available 24/7.
When Things Get Serious, You Need the Right Help
“If you get injured, you need help, and you need it quick. You need the right help and someone like us to guide you through that.”
"Which hospital are you going to go to in Bangladesh? That’s a really good question. We know."
In a foreign country, it’s hard to know who to call, where to go, or who to trust. With Fast Cover’s International travel insurance policies, you get access to experienced teams who can guide you to the right care quickly. When you're injured overseas, speed and local knowledge can make all the difference.
Choose a Travel Insurance Provider Who Cares
"We have values, the first one is help first, that’s why we exist, and it all flows from there.”
Buying travel insurance should never be about just ticking a box. From your first quote to your final claim, Fast Cover focuses on making your experience smooth, supportive, and human. It's not just what’s covered, it’s how you're looked after when things go wrong.

Tips for travel insurance
Discover useful travel insurance tips from travel insurance expert, Fast Cover’s CEO Dean Van Es.
Choose a Travel Insurance Provider with Emergency Assistance Support
“Our job is to get you back to Australia, to your family, safe and sound as soon as possible. Firstly, to get you healthy and stable, and then to get you home as soon as possible and there’s a whole team that works behind the scenes to do that.”
Travel insurance isn’t just about money, it’s about having a reliable team with real emergency support and a trusted network of hospitals and doctors to help in a crisis. Fast Cover’s Aussie based Emergency Assistance team is available 24/7.
When Things Get Serious, You Need the Right Help
“If you get injured, you need help, and you need it quick. You need the right help and someone like us to guide you through that.”
"Which hospital are you going to go to in Bangladesh? That’s a really good question. We know."
In a foreign country, it’s hard to know who to call, where to go, or who to trust. With Fast Cover’s International travel insurance policies, you get access to experienced teams who can guide you to the right care quickly. When you're injured overseas, speed and local knowledge can make all the difference.
Choose a Travel Insurance Provider Who Cares
"We have values, the first one is help first, that’s why we exist, and it all flows from there.”
Buying travel insurance should never be about just ticking a box. From your first quote to your final claim, Fast Cover focuses on making your experience smooth, supportive, and human. It's not just what’s covered, it’s how you're looked after when things go wrong.

Do I need travel insurance for my existing medical conditions?
We understand that unexpected medical situations and factors outside of your control could change your travel plans and leave you with out-of-pocket expenses. Travel insurance can help to better prepare you to deal with unexpected and unforeseen situations that could impact your travel plans should the unexpected happen. Please consider your personal and financial circumstances and T&Cs of our PDS before you decide to get travel insurance.
Here are some medical situations which you might consider when deciding if you need travel insurance for your existing medical conditions and whether your travel insurance policy can provide cover for these situations:
If you need to cancel your trip due to an existing medical condition, you could be left out-of-pocket for non-refundable pre-paid trip bookings. You may wish to check if your travel insurance policy can provide cover for trip cancellation expenses if you need to cancel your trip due to your existing medical condition/s.
If you experience an unexpected emergency with your existing medical condition on your overseas trip, access to an Aussie-based team of experts that provide 24/7 support for overseas medical emergencies could make a huge difference. Consider if your policy includes access to a 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team to help arrange experienced medical support services in the event of unexpected circumstances.*
Consider if your travel insurance policy can provide cover for emergency medical and hospital expenses if you experience an emergency related to your existing medical condition while overseas. Make sure to read the PDS to see the terms and conditions of cover.
Consider if your travel insurance policy can provide cover for your reasonable additional accommodation and travel expenses, medical transfer, evacuation or repatriation if you experience a medical emergency related to your existing medical condition and need to be transported to the nearest hospital for emergency medical treatment or be brought back to Australia with appropriate medical supervision.
Do I need travel insurance for my existing medical conditions?
We understand that unexpected medical situations and factors outside of your control could change your travel plans and leave you with out-of-pocket expenses. Travel insurance can help to better prepare you to deal with unexpected and unforeseen situations that could impact your travel plans should the unexpected happen. Please consider your personal and financial circumstances and T&Cs of our PDS before you decide to get travel insurance.
Here are some medical situations which you might consider when deciding if you need travel insurance for your existing medical conditions and whether your travel insurance policy can provide cover for these situations:
If you need to cancel your trip due to an existing medical condition, you could be left out-of-pocket for non-refundable pre-paid trip bookings. You may wish to check if your travel insurance policy can provide cover for trip cancellation expenses if you need to cancel your trip due to your existing medical condition/s.
If you experience an unexpected emergency with your existing medical condition on your overseas trip, access to an Aussie-based team of experts that provide 24/7 support for overseas medical emergencies could make a huge difference. Consider if your policy includes access to a 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team to help arrange experienced medical support services in the event of unexpected circumstances.*
Consider if your travel insurance policy can provide cover for emergency medical and hospital expenses if you experience an emergency related to your existing medical condition while overseas. Make sure to read the PDS to see the terms and conditions of cover.
Consider if your travel insurance policy can provide cover for your reasonable additional accommodation and travel expenses, medical transfer, evacuation or repatriation if you experience a medical emergency related to your existing medical condition and need to be transported to the nearest hospital for emergency medical treatment or be brought back to Australia with appropriate medical supervision.
What medical conditions or situations are not covered by travel insurance?
Travel insurance cannot cover every type of medical condition and situation. You should also be aware of other exclusions relating to medical conditions that may impact the policy you purchase. It’s important to know not just what your travel insurance covers, but also what it doesn’t, so you can choose the right policy for your needs. As with all policies, many medical conditions, situations and activities will have terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits that you need to be aware of and consider before buying travel insurance.
These are examples only. Read the PDS and TMD before buying. Claims are assessed individually in accordance with your policy, PDS and Certificate of Insurance.
At Fast Cover, we do not cover any claims under our policy benefits arising from any:
1. Medical condition or pregnancy condition that existed during the period of 3 years prior to your policy issue date which is:
not listed as a covered condition on your Certificate of Insurance, or
listed as an excluded condition on your Certificate of Insurance.
2. Medical condition or pregnancy condition which was listed as a covered condition on your Certificate of Insurance on the issue date of the policy, but changes in health have occurred after the issue date of the policy and before the date of departure of your trip, unless:
Before the date of departure for your trip, you complete a new medical screening after the changes in health occur, and
We have agreed to list the changes in health as a covered medical condition or pregnancy condition on your Certificate of Insurance (and you have paid the applicable premiums).
Please note, point 2 does not apply to claims under our Trip Cancellation Expenses benefit, relating to the cancellation or rescheduling of your trip between the time of your policy issue date and the date of departure for your trip.
There are exclusions that may apply for routine medical, dental, chiropractor, physiotherapist or prenatal check-ups and visits, even if your medical condition is approved for cover by us following a medical screening.
Cover is not available for cosmetic treatments, or for any complications or other claims arising from such procedures or treatments, even if your medical condition is approved for cover by us following a medical screening.
Cover is not available for medical treatment undertaken against the advice of any medical practitioner.
Cover is not available for you to travel to seek medical advice, treatment, review or clinical trials.
Cover is not available for planned medical procedures or other non-emergency medical treatments or for any complications or other claims arising from such procedures or treatments, even if your medical condition is approved for cover by us following a medical screening.
Cover is not available for undiagnosed conditions where you were aware of, or a reasonable person in your circumstances reasonably should have been aware of:
the change, signs or symptoms (including but not limited to: pain or discomfort anywhere on your body, persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath or unexplained bleeding), or
the change and had not sought medical opinion, or
was advised by your medical practitioner that the cause cannot be defined and/or it is still under investigation.
If any of the above examples or situations apply to you, and you require cover for your trip, you may wish to contact the Insurance Council of Australia to assist you in finding a specialist travel insurer who may be able to cover your condition.
As each individual’s circumstances are different, we will assess each claim on a case by case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms and Certificate of Insurance.
What medical conditions or situations are not covered by travel insurance?
Travel insurance cannot cover every type of medical condition and situation. You should also be aware of other exclusions relating to medical conditions that may impact the policy you purchase. It’s important to know not just what your travel insurance covers, but also what it doesn’t, so you can choose the right policy for your needs. As with all policies, many medical conditions, situations and activities will have terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits that you need to be aware of and consider before buying travel insurance.
These are examples only. Read the PDS and TMD before buying. Claims are assessed individually in accordance with your policy, PDS and Certificate of Insurance.
At Fast Cover, we do not cover any claims under our policy benefits arising from any:
1. Medical condition or pregnancy condition that existed during the period of 3 years prior to your policy issue date which is:
not listed as a covered condition on your Certificate of Insurance, or
listed as an excluded condition on your Certificate of Insurance.
2. Medical condition or pregnancy condition which was listed as a covered condition on your Certificate of Insurance on the issue date of the policy, but changes in health have occurred after the issue date of the policy and before the date of departure of your trip, unless:
Before the date of departure for your trip, you complete a new medical screening after the changes in health occur, and
We have agreed to list the changes in health as a covered medical condition or pregnancy condition on your Certificate of Insurance (and you have paid the applicable premiums).
Please note, point 2 does not apply to claims under our Trip Cancellation Expenses benefit, relating to the cancellation or rescheduling of your trip between the time of your policy issue date and the date of departure for your trip.
There are exclusions that may apply for routine medical, dental, chiropractor, physiotherapist or prenatal check-ups and visits, even if your medical condition is approved for cover by us following a medical screening.
Cover is not available for cosmetic treatments, or for any complications or other claims arising from such procedures or treatments, even if your medical condition is approved for cover by us following a medical screening.
Cover is not available for medical treatment undertaken against the advice of any medical practitioner.
Cover is not available for you to travel to seek medical advice, treatment, review or clinical trials.
Cover is not available for planned medical procedures or other non-emergency medical treatments or for any complications or other claims arising from such procedures or treatments, even if your medical condition is approved for cover by us following a medical screening.
Cover is not available for undiagnosed conditions where you were aware of, or a reasonable person in your circumstances reasonably should have been aware of:
the change, signs or symptoms (including but not limited to: pain or discomfort anywhere on your body, persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath or unexplained bleeding), or
the change and had not sought medical opinion, or
was advised by your medical practitioner that the cause cannot be defined and/or it is still under investigation.
If any of the above examples or situations apply to you, and you require cover for your trip, you may wish to contact the Insurance Council of Australia to assist you in finding a specialist travel insurer who may be able to cover your condition.
As each individual’s circumstances are different, we will assess each claim on a case by case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms and Certificate of Insurance.









