Denied Travel Insurance? The "Pre-Existing" Trap in BC Claims
With travel costs rising in 2026, insurers are becoming more stringent in reviewing medical records during the claims process.
Most travel insurance denials in BC do not happen because of what occurred on the trip, they happen because of what was on your medical record before you left.
Common reasons for denial:
• The "Stability" Clause: Most BC policies require your health to be "stable" for 90 to 180 days before travel. Even a minor change in medication dosage can technically reset this stability clock.
• Medical Record Backtracking: If you make a large claim, for example for a heart attack abroad, insurers will often review your history for years. If they find a single "liver issue" or "high blood pressure" note you forgot to disclose, they may deny the entire claim for misrepresentation.
• Unforeseen Events: Insurance only covers emergencies. If you travel against a government advisory or for a "routine" follow up, you likely are not covered.
The Takeaway
If your claim has been denied, do not take the insurer’s "no" as the final word. We review policy wording and medical history to determine if a denial is truly legally sound.
This blog post provides general information and is not intended as legal advice. Laws change frequently, please contact DuMoulin Boskovich LLP for advice specific to your situation.
Related Service