Common Myths Surrounding Pre-existing Illnesses
Only diabetes is considered as a pre-existing disease
Diabetes is a pre-existing condition, but not the only one. There are many other diseases such as kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, paralysis and eye problems which have a greater tendency to have pre-existed, and which trace their root cause to either diabetes or hypertension or both.
All health insurance companies have a standard definition for pre-existing diseases
Each health insurance policy has its own definition for pre-existing diseases. According to some policies, a pre-existing disease is that which shows in a person’s past medical history. Some policies have a narrower definition that includes those diseases as pre-existing for which the insured person was treated or was aware of the disease during the last 4 years from the time he signs the proposal form.
Pre-existing diseases are never paid
Even if a person is undergoing active treatment for a pre-existing disease, his bills are paid after a maximum period of 4 years of buying the health insurance policy. This is possible only if one continues with the health insurance policy with the same company for that period. Again, this differs from company to company and policy to policy. Generally, pre-existing diseases are covered after a waiting period of 2 to 4 years.
Changing a company, would mean the pre-existing waiting period is continued
As per the health insurance policy, pre-existing diseases are covered after a waiting period of 4 years. However, if, on completion of 2 years, out of the 4 year waiting period, you change to another health insurance company, then the waiting period of 2 years from the last company will not be counted. However, you need to check out whether the new health insurance company recognizes your track record of continuous coverage from another insurance company too. Some insist on continuous coverage only with them for this purpose.
I can hide my pre-existing disease
An insurance policy is an agreement of utmost faith. So if a pre-existing disease is not revealed in the self declaration form, chances are very high that your claim will be rejected. For this we need to know how the insurance company would come to know that a person has hidden his / her pre- existing illness. When a person is admitted in a hospital, he / she provides the medical background to the concerned doctor, and in this way the insurance company would know that you had a pre-existing disease, which though being aware of, did not declare it. Then, the insurance company will not only reject your claim for that particular hospitalization, but in case you get hospitalized due to something that has nothing to do with your pre existing disease, even then your claims will be rejected. Hence, it is better to mention your pre-existing illness.
Pre-existing disease exclusions are for everyone
The pre-existing exclusions (including the 4 year waiting period) are for those who, at the time of signing the proposal form, have been diagnosed of any health condition, ailment, injury etc. Common cough, cold, fever etc. are not included in these ailments and injuries as they are not long term and do not have side effects.
From this it is clear that pre-existing waiting period is not for healthy people who are without any illnesses. Healthy people will be covered for all illnesses / conditions as are mentioned in the insurance policies.
Get Covered!
No matter what your particular case is, you just cannot go without health care. This can become more costly for you in the long run, especially if you have a pre-existing condition. If you will qualify for the high-risk pool, you’ll want to look into that. If you won’t, then there are still plenty of options for affordable health insurance for pre-existing conditions!
It’s important to not let anything hold you back from getting the care you need. You’ve already been dealt a bad hand with your condition, so it’s time to fight back with some good health care coverage. Do your due diligence and seek out affordable health insurance for pre-existing conditions and you’ll be on your way to living a healthier and happier life!
