At COTA, we believe that having an existing medical condition shouldn’t get in the way of exploring what the world has to offer. That’s why we consider and assess existing medical conditions to determine whether we can offer cover.
What is an existing medical condition?
An existing medical condition is any medical condition which:
- at the time you buy your policy is:
chronic, or
displaying symptoms; or
under investigation; or
pending follow-up consultation, treatment or surgery; or where these are recommended or planned; or
metastatic; or
terminal; or
- in the six months prior to the time you buy your policy there has been:
treatment by a medical practitioner; or
medication prescribed; or
surgery
Getting cover for existing medical conditions
The good news is that a number of the most common medical conditions are automatically covered as part of our standard cover. These can be found on our list of Automatically covered conditions outlined in the PDS. Customers whose existing medical condition appears on this list, and who meet the criteria for that condition, are covered for events arising from that condition as part of our standard cover.
Even if your existing medical condition isn’t automatically covered, in many cases you may still be able to get optional cover by applying to add them as a specified medical condition when you buy a policy.
Adding a specified medical condition (optional cover)
If you have a medical condition that is not listed as one of our automatically covered conditions in the PDS, you'll need to let us know at the time you buy your policy. You'll be required to complete a medical screening, where we will ask you some questions about your health and determine if we can offer you cover, and if so, on what terms.
After undergoing a medical screening, if your existing medical condition is accepted, we will offer you cover for your condition for an additional premium. If you choose to pay the additional premium, the condition becomes a specified medical condition covered under your policy, and the premium and any additional excess will be shown on your Certificate of Insurance. You’ll then be covered under events that arise from that specified medical condition.
In addition to offering medical screenings in-store and over the phone, COTA has an online self-assessment service. You simply add in your existing medical conditions and answer a few questions to find out straight away whether we can provide cover and on what terms.
Want to discuss this further?
To arrange a quote over the phone, please call our friendly customer service centre on 1300 1300 50.