What is the 60 or 90-Day Look Back Period in a Travel Insurance Policy?
When reviewing claims related to medical issues, many travel insurance plans apply a "look back period"—typically 60 or 90 days before the policy's effective date. During this time, your medical history is reviewed to determine whether an illness or condition existed prior to your coverage starting. This is not the same as being denied coverage for all pre-existing conditions—it simply defines how your plan decides what qualifies as “pre-existing.”
How Does It Work?
The look back period is a specified number of days before your coverage begins. If you were treated for, diagnosed with, or had symptoms of a medical condition during that window, the condition may be excluded from coverage—unless your plan includes a pre-existing condition waiver.
For example:
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Your policy starts on June 1
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The look back period is 60 days
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Your insurer reviews your medical records from April 2 to May 31
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If you were treated for a heart condition during this time, and then have a related issue on your trip, that condition may not be covered—unless you had a waiver
What Counts as a Pre-Existing Condition?
A condition is generally considered “pre-existing” if during the look back period you:
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Had new or changed prescriptions
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Had tests or treatments recommended or performed
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Were hospitalized
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Experienced symptoms that led to medical advice or care
Can I Still Get Coverage?
Yes! Many travel insurance plans offer a Pre-Existing Condition Waiver if you:
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Purchase the policy within 14–21 days of your initial trip deposit
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Are medically able to travel at the time of purchase
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Insure the full cost of your trip
When a waiver is included, the look back period does not apply, and pre-existing conditions may be covered like any other illness.
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Look Back Period | Medical history window (usually 60 or 90 days pre-trip) |
| Applies To | New symptoms, treatments, or diagnoses within that timeframe |
| Can Be Waived? | Yes—if you buy early and meet the plan’s criteria |
⚖️ Important Information
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not guarantee coverage or benefit eligibility. Travel insurance plans vary by provider, and all benefits are subject to the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the policy purchased.
ICI Traveler is not the insurance carrier or claims department and cannot determine claim outcomes. All coverage decisions, claim approvals, and reimbursements are made solely by the licensed insurance company or claims administrator identified in your policy documents.
We encourage every traveler to review their complete policy documents to fully understand their coverage.
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