Finding Health Insurance With A Pre-Existing Condition
By Krista DeKuyper | August 24, 2021 |
One of the reasons that stops people from applying for health insurance is fear that their pre-existing condition will not be covered. Don’t be afraid. There are options out there that allow you to get coverage for your pre-existing condition.
Pre-Existing Condition Definition
A pre-existing condition is any health condition that a person has prior to enrolling in health coverage. Additionally, the person who has a pre-existing condition would have received treatment or diagnosis before enrolling in a new health plan. However the definition of a pre-existing condition varies from insurer to insurer. How it affects the application also depends on the kind of coverage you need. Make sure you read the fine print and disclose your condition.
So why do you need to disclose your condition? The reason why insurance companies ask is so that they can determine the risk to insure you. If you have a more serious condition that requires continuous treatment, it would cost more for the company to keep you covered.
Types Of Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Usually there are two types of pre-existing medical conditions: mild and serious. Mild conditions are considered to be asthma, diabetes or more manageable conditions that don’t have a huge impact on their daily lives
Then there are people who have a more serious medical condition such as survivors of heart disease, stroke or cancer. I.e. conditions that require continuous treatment and check ups with doctors and specialists.
Regardless of the severity of your condition you’ll most likely receive a rated policy that has higher premiums and will generally require a medical test before you’re approved for coverage.
Is Pregnancy A Pre-Existing Condition?
Pregnancy is considered a special pre-existing condition by insurance companies. As such, pregnancy related costs are never covered by health plans if the insured is already pregnant at the time of application. For example, if you purchase a plan six months into your pregnancy and require hospital accommodations, your plan will not cover the costs if it has a pre-existing clause.
Guaranteed Acceptance
One of the most popular health plans that people with pre-existing conditions choose to go with are guaranteed acceptance plans. Inessence, these plans don’t have any medical questions allowing people with medical conditions to easily apply and get accepted for coverage.
In addition to coverage for your pre-existing condition, you’ll also get dental and prescription drug coverage, as well as other core health benefits (vision, chiropractors, physiotherapists etc.). However, these “no medical” health insurance plans have less overall prescription drug coverage compared to medically underwritten plans.
Overall, the issue is guaranteed, you cannot be turned down!
Compare plans by following this link
Conversion Plans
On the other hand, if you have terminated your employee benefits within the last 90 days then you qualify for a special type of no medical health insurance plan called conversion benefits.
Acceptance is guaranteed, and there are no medical questions asked. Watch out however because most conversion plans require you to apply within 90 days of losing your employee benefits.
Two of the most popular group conversion plan is Manulife FollowMe and Manulife Bronze. Check out both our blogs to get an in-depth look into these plans
Next Steps
So what are your next steps?
- Familiarize yourself with the terms of the plan you’re looking at
- Use HealthQuotes Guaranteed Acceptance Quoting Tool!
- If you want expert advice you are also able to contact one of HealthQuotes’ insurance brokers! But ONLY if you want to.
Don’t let your pre-existing condition hold you back from applying for health insurance. If you want more information email us at inquiries@healthquotes.ca
