Undeclared Pre-Existing Conditions Are The #1 Reason Travel Insurance Claims Are Rejected – Guide On How To Get Covered

Failing to declare a pre-existing medical condition is the single most common reason travel insurance claims are rejected in New Zealand, according to a comprehensive new guide published by personal finance research website MoneyHub. The guide reveals that the cost difference between insurers for covering the same condition can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars – making comparison essential.

MoneyHub’s research, which assessed how major New Zealand travel insurers handle pre-existing conditions, found that many common conditions including mild asthma, controlled blood pressure, and certain allergies are automatically covered at no extra cost. However, conditions such as heart disease, cancer history, diabetes, and mental health conditions require assessment and can result in significant premium loadings, exclusions, or outright declined cover.

Key findings from the guide include:

• Non-disclosure is the #1 claims killer: Travellers who don’t declare conditions risk having their entire policy voided – not just the related claim
• Price variation is extreme: The additional premium for the same pre-existing condition can differ by hundreds or thousands of dollars between insurers
• Many conditions are auto-covered: Mild asthma, controlled blood pressure, high cholesterol, certain allergies, and coeliac disease are often covered at no extra charge
• Four possible outcomes: Covered at no extra cost, covered for additional premium, exclusion applied, or declined entirely – outcomes vary by insurer
• Unlimited medical cover is essential: A heart attack in the USA can exceed $200,000 – capped policies leave travellers with pre-existing conditions dangerously exposed
• Timing matters: Buying insurance the day you book gives you cancellation protection from that moment – waiting until the week before leaves months unprotected

“Travelling without declaring a known condition isn’t just a financial risk – it can leave you stranded overseas with no support, no claims assistance, and no way home,” said Christopher Walsh, Founder of MoneyHub. “The cost of declaring a pre-existing condition might increase your premium. Not declaring it can cost you everything.”

Walsh urged travellers to compare at least three insurers: “We’ve seen cases where one insurer excludes a condition entirely while another covers it for a reasonable premium. An insurer that declines you does not mean all insurers will decline you. The difference between the cheapest and most expensive quote for the same condition can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars.”

The full guide, including insurer comparisons, case studies, declaration tips, and assessment process guidance, is available at: Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Travel Insurance NZ

About MoneyHub

MoneyHub is New Zealand’s leading independent financial guidance website, offering free research, tools, and guides to help New Zealanders make better money decisions.

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