Travel Insurance

A Stability Period Exclusion is a common clause in Emergency Travel Medical Insurance policies. This exclusion refers to a specified period before the start of your trip during which any medical conditions must remain stable for coverage to be provided.

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Key Points to Understand:

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Definition of Stability:

A condition is considered stable if there have been no new symptoms, no changes in medication or treatment, and no new diagnoses or test results indicating the condition has worsened.

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Duration of the Stability Period:

The length of the stability period can vary between insurance providers, typically ranging from 90 to 180 days before the commencement of your trip.

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Implications of the Exclusion:

If your medical condition has not been stable for the required stability period, any claims related to that condition may be denied. This includes situations where the condition worsens or requires medical attention while you are traveling.

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Examples:

• If you have a chronic condition like diabetes or hypertension, it must remain controlled and unchanged for the entire stability period before your travel for it to be covered under your policy.
• If you recently experienced a heart attack or had surgery, you need to ensure that your condition is stable for the specified period to avoid exclusion.

Importance for Travelers:

Understanding and adhering to the stability period exclusion is crucial for ensuring your emergency travel medical insurance is valid. It is advisable to review your medical history and potentially consult with your physician to confirm that your conditions meet the stability requirements of your insurance policy.

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Tips for Compliance:

• Pre-Trip Check-Up: Schedule a medical check-up well before your trip to verify the stability of any existing conditions.
• Policy Review: Carefully read the terms and conditions of your travel medical insurance policy, paying close attention to the stability period and any related exclusions.
• Consult Your Insurance Advisor: If you have any questions or concerns about how the stability period exclusion might apply to your situation, consult with your insurance advisor for personalized guidance.

Understanding the Stability Period Exclusion helps ensure that you are fully covered in the event of a medical emergency during your travels.

Travel insurance usually doesn't cover trips to places where the Canadian government, through Global Affairs Canada, has advised against travel. This includes warnings against all travel or non-essential travel issued before your policy starts. Before you buy travel insurance and before your trip, it's a good idea to check the Government of Canada's Travel and Tourism website for any travel advisories. Also, make sure to read your travel insurance policy's terms and conditions to confirm that it covers your destination.

You can view the Government of Canada Travel Advisories at the following URL: Travel advice and advisories - Travel.gc.ca

Travel insurance coverage can be influenced by travel advisories, such as government warnings or media reports about severe weather, civil unrest, or disease outbreaks at your destination. Many policies include a "known events" clause. This means if an event (like a volcanic eruption) is already known when you buy your insurance, you might not be covered for claims related to that event. For instance, if you buy a policy after a travel warning is issued and then need to cancel your flight because of that event, your claim could be affected. However, claims for unrelated medical expenses are usually assessed based on your policy's terms and conditions, regardless of the travel advisory.

Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. For instance, it usually doesn't pay for issues related to high-risk pregnancies, activities like motor racing or stunts, and pre-existing medical conditions that aren't stable. It's important to read your policy to know these exclusions. If you're unsure about what's not covered or need more information about your policy's specific rules and limits, you can always contact your advisor for help.