Is high cholesterol a pre-existing medical condition?
Asked by: Prof. Brenden Dooley I | Last update: December 1, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (32 votes)
Is cholesterol a pre-existing disease?
Yes - any medical condition that exists within 48 months before applying for health insurance is considered a pre-existing disease. So - cholesterol will be considered as a PED.
Is high cholesterol considered a medical condition?
High cholesterol—also known as hyperlipidemia—is a common condition where the body has unusually high level of fats in the blood. These fats include low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides. They are both absorbed into our bodies from cholesterol-rich foods such as red meat and dairy.
Can I get health insurance with high cholesterol?
High cholesterol may increase health insurance premiums as it is considered a pre-existing condition. Insurers view it as a potential risk factor for complications, leading to slightly higher costs to offset future claims.
Can you get denied life insurance for high cholesterol?
It's unlikely that you'll be declined life insurance due to having high cholesterol, however if you have other medical conditions, smoke or are overweight (when combined with high cholesterol) then this could affect your eligibility.
These common medical conditions are considered 'preexisting'
Is high cholesterol a pre-existing condition for insurance?
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.
What pre-existing conditions are not covered?
Is there health insurance for pre-existing conditions? Choosing a health plan is no longer based on the concept of a pre-existing condition. A health insurer cannot deny you coverage or raise rates for plans if you have a medical condition at the time of enrollment.
Can you live with high cholesterol and still be healthy?
Can you have high cholesterol and still be healthy? Yes, you can have a low risk of heart disease with higher-than-average cholesterol, according to Dr. Cannon. If you don't have any other risk factors, your overall risk for cardiovascular problems may be very low even if you have high cholesterol.
Is high cholesterol covered by insurance?
High Cholesterol and Critical Illness Cover
In addition, while most medical plans provide coverage for hospital and medical expenses arising from this critical illness, many of the expenses are not covered. Purchasing critical illness cover when you have high cholesterol, is similar to getting life insurance.
What are the 5 signs of high cholesterol?
- Heart attack. As you no doubt know, a cholesterol problem is going to bring on heart problems. ...
- High Blood Pressure. High blood pressure is a sign to look out for, too. ...
- Diabetes. ...
- Chest pain or angina. ...
- Stroke. ...
- Pain while walking.
What is the best drink to lower cholesterol?
- Green tea is a powerful antidote to high cholesterol. ...
- Soy milk may help both good and bad cholesterol. ...
- Pomegranate juice can break down bad cholesterol. ...
- Red wine could help reduce high cholesterol. ...
- Beet juice may just beat high cholesterol levels.
Why is my total cholesterol high but everything else normal?
There are a few potential reasons why your total cholesterol could be high when your LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol levels are normal: - Triglycerides: This is another type of fat in your blood that can contribute to high total cholesterol levels.
What counts as a pre-existing medical condition?
You may have gone for tests, scans or other investigations before you had health insurance and only received a diagnosis later. It applies to any medical condition that you saw your doctor about the five years before the start date on your health insurance.
Is cholesterol a medical condition?
High cholesterol is a condition in which you have too many lipids (fats) in your blood. It's also called hyperlipidemia or hypercholesterolemia. Your body needs just the right amount of lipids to function. If you have too many lipids, your body can't use them all.
Is high cholesterol a medical diagnosis?
Your healthcare provider will diagnose you with high blood cholesterol based on your medical and family history, a physical exam, and a blood test of your cholesterol levels.
What is the number one food that causes high cholesterol?
The worst foods for high cholesterol, given their high saturated fat content, include: Red meat, like beef, pork, and lamb, as well as processed meats like sausage. Full-fat dairy, like cream, whole milk, and butter.
What are the facial signs of high cholesterol?
What do cholesterol deposits look like on your face? Facial cholesterol deposits may present as painless, soft-to-firm yellowish patches or bumps on the eyelids called xanthelasmas. These patches may occur around the eyes and typically have a waxy appearance.
How far back do insurance companies look for 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.
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 Medicare refuse to cover pre-existing conditions?
Yes. Medicare Advantage (MA) plans won't reject your enrollment if you have a preexisting condition.
What are 10 warning signs of high cholesterol?
- Nausea.
- Numbness.
- Slurred speech.
- Extreme fatigue.
- Chest pain or angina.
- Shortness of breath.
- Numbness or coldness in extremities.
- High blood pressure.
How do I bring my cholesterol down?
- Maintain a healthy weight. Overweight and obesity raise levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol. ...
- Get regular physical activity. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your cholesterol and blood pressure levels. ...
- Quit smoking. ...
- Limit alcohol. ...
- Work with your health care team.
Should you drink a lot of water before a cholesterol test?
Water plumps the veins up, making it easier for the technician to find them, and, as a result, making for a smoother blood draw. Water will also help keep your blood pressure from dropping. Ask your doctor what you're allowed to drink before your test.