Should I add Goose's 'Unstable Pre-existing Condition' coverage?

Travel insurance provided by Goose covers most stable pre-existing medical conditions.

We offer an optional ‘Unstable Pre-existing Condition’ coverage for up to $10,000,000 in medical expenses (per traveller) for any condition deemed ‘unstable’. 

Please be aware that any condition which arises or worsens in the 7 days prior to travel will not be covered, regardless of whether or not this rider is purchased.

How do I know if my condition is considered ‘stable’?

The period during which your medical condition must have been stable (the required 'stability period') varies depending on your age. For Medical insurance:

• Travellers 59 years old and younger should purchase this additional coverage ONLY if travelling for 35 days or more outside of their home province. Coverage is already included for unstable conditions for younger travellers taking shorter trips (under 35 days) 
• Travellers 60 and older: conditions must be stable for 180 days, or it’s considered ‘unstable’

What makes a condition ‘unstable’? If any of the following occur:

• If the condition gets worse, as determined by your Doctor
• If any new symptoms appear or something new is discovered
• If any existing symptoms become more severe or occur more frequently
• If medical treatment changes
• If there is any alteration in medication
• If any new medical treatment is recommended or received.

Note that expenses related to active cancer treatment are not coverable while you're travelling out of province, even if this additional rider is purchased. More info on how cancer can impact your coverage can be found here: I've been diagnosed with Cancer - will this affect my travel insurance coverage?

Additionally, if a traveller has been referred to a Specialist for further diagnostic testing, or if surgery has been planned or recommended, this policy will not pay for emergency expenses incurred related to the condition.

For annual multi-trip policies, if your medical conditions become unstable during the coverage year but you hadn't added this rider when you initially bought the policy, you can add the Unstable Pre-existing Condition rider to an existing annual policy on a mid-term basis provided you are in your home province when you make the request to add. The additional premium required for this rider is charged per traveller as required and is not pro-rated if added mid-term.

As always, please refer to the policy wordings or speak with a licensed Goose representative for further details at 1-888-374-6673.