How do insurance companies determine pre-existing conditions?
Asked by: Marianna Kessler | Last update: June 24, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (75 votes)
What type of insurance can be denied due to pre-existing conditions?
Coverage for pre-existing conditions
All Marketplace plans must cover treatment for pre-existing medical conditions. No insurance plan can reject you, charge you more, or refuse to pay for essential health benefits for any condition you had before your coverage started.
How are pre-existing conditions determined?
How are pre-existing conditions determined? A pre-existing condition is typically when you have received treatment or diagnosis before you enrolled in a new health plan.
How far back is a pre-existing condition?
A pre-existing medical condition is a disease, illness or injury for which you have received medication, advice or treatment or had any symptoms (whether the condition has been diagnosed or not) in the five years before your joining date. Health insurance doesn't usually cover 'pre-existing conditions'.
Can insurance decline preexisting conditions?
Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance companies can't refuse to cover you or charge you more just because you have a “pre-existing condition” — that is, a health problem you had before the date that new health coverage starts. They also can't charge women more than men.
How Do Insurance Companies Determine Pre-Existing Conditions? - InsuranceGuide360.com
What is the waiting period for pre-existing diseases?
Almost all health insurance plans cover pre-existing diseases after a waiting period of usually 2 to 3 years. This implies that any hospitalization expenses related to the declared ailments can be claimed only after 2 to 3 successful years with the insurer.
Can an insurer exclude coverage for a pre-existing condition?
Health insurers can no longer charge more or deny coverage to you or your child because of a pre-existing health condition like asthma, diabetes, or cancer, as well as pregnancy.
How far back does pre-existing condition last?
A group health plan can count as pre-existing conditions only those conditions for which you actually received (or were recommended to receive) a diagnosis, treatment or medical advice within the 6 months immediately before you joined that plan. This period is known as the “look back” period.
Is high cholesterol considered a pre-existing condition?
Does high cholesterol count as a pre-existing medical condition? Yes. High cholesterol is considered a pre-existing medical condition by insurance companies, along with similar conditions like high blood pressure.
Is anxiety considered a pre-existing condition?
In the health insurance world, a pre-existing condition is any injury, sickness or condition that exists before the date an insurance policy takes effect. Examples include asthma, diabetes, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and so on.
How do insurers find out about pre-existing conditions?
To determine if a condition is pre-existing, insurers examine medical history, treatment records, and diagnosis reports. They may use “look-back periods,” which are specific timeframes—typically six months to a year before coverage begins—to review medical history.
Is GERD a pre-existing condition?
It may, as GERD is considered a pre-existing condition and could potentially lead to higher premiums or difficulty finding coverage. However, each insurance company has their own underwriting guidelines and some may not consider GERD to be a significant risk factor.
What is the 6 12 pre-existing condition limitation?
If it's a 6/12, then the insurance company will look back 6 months for a pre-existing condition for any claim filed in the first 12 months. If the condition was pre-existing during the look back period, then the insurance company can deny the claim.
What counts as a pre-existing condition?
A “pre-existing condition” is a health condition that exists before someone applies for or enrolls in a new health insurance policy. Insurers generally define what constitutes a pre-existing condition. Some are obvious, like currently having heart disease or cancer.
Will my new insurance cover an old medical bill?
Conclusion: Will My Insurance Cover an Old Medical Bill? Your insurance will only cover an old medical bill if that insurance was in effect on the date medical services were provided. If you did not have health insurance in effect on the date of service, any new insurance won't pay for that old medical bill.
Can I buy health insurance and use it immediately?
Many, but not all, short term health insurance plans can take effect the day after your application is received.
What are 2 harmful medical conditions associated with high cholesterol?
If you have high cholesterol, you have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. That can include coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. High cholesterol has also been tied to diabetes and high blood pressure.
What pre-existing conditions disqualify you from life insurance?
- Anxiety and depression.
- Asthma.
- Diabetes.
- Heart disease.
- High blood pressure.
- High cholesterol.
- HIV.
- Obesity.
What is a stable pre-existing condition?
Stability refers to the requirement of a policy, that there be no changes in a medical condition for a period of time.
What is a waiting period for a pre-existing condition?
The time period during which a health plan won't pay for care relating to a pre-existing condition. Under a job-based plan, this cannot exceed 12 months for a regular enrollee or 18 months for a late-enrollee.
Are blood clots a preexisting condition?
Certain people are genetically disposed to blood clots, putting them at higher risk of a pulmonary embolism, so a family history can help your doctor identify the issue. Additionally, preexisting conditions like heart disease, interstitial lung disease, COVID-19, or many forms of cancers can make clotting more likely.
Do pre-existing conditions cost more?
Not if you're buying a Marketplace plan. These plans are not allowed to charge you more based on your health status or pre-existing condition.
Do any insurers cover pre-existing conditions?
In some cases, you'll also need to give the insurer access to your medical records. The insurer can then decide if they want to insure you or not for a pre-existing condition. So, you may be able to get insurance for a pre-existing medical condition that is excluded with Moratorium underwriting.
Can I be denied health insurance because of a pre-existing condition reddit?
It's been over a decade. Obamacare got rid of the pre-existing conditions and a bunch of other things. It also created a marketplace where people who don't get insurance through their employer can buy insurance that meets the requirements of the law (we say that it's ACA-compliant).
How do insurance companies determine pre-existing damage?
Adjusters often rely on photographic evidence from before and after the accident. Comparing these can help determine whether damages were pre-existing. Expert assessments. Sometimes, insurance companies will employ the expertise of mechanics or collision repair specialists to assess the vehicle's condition.