Pre-existing conditions are a troubling factor for insurance-seekers everywhere. Because insurance providers base their decisions on an individual’s perceived risk, it can be difficult to secure affordable coverage when you need it most.
However, don’t panic. If you have a pre-existing medical condition such as arthritis, diabetes or fibromyalgia, there are plenty of options available to you. Below, you will find the top three things you need to know when you are searching for pre-existing health insurance.
1. Obtaining health insurance with a pre-existing condition is completely possible.
It may seem like blind reassurance, but it is important to understand from the outset that you can find pre-existing condition plans if you know where to look. Though many patients have been turned away by traditional insurance carriers, you are not automatically doomed to pay for expensive treatments completely out of pocket. Start your search by reviewing your monthly budget and chatting with your doctor about your insurance needs. Your doctor might be able to provide some personalized advice for finding a pre-existing medical insurance plan.
2. Traditional insurance plans might not be the way to go.
Though a comprehensive plan is often the best bet for people who don’t have medical issues, these options can be prohibitively expensive, or unavailable entirely, when it comes to pre-existing conditions. Consider these alternative options:
- Limited Coverage Plans: Frequently referred to as mini-medical insurance, a limited plan is a fantastic way to get affordable insurance for the day-to-day management of your condition. With mini-medical, you will have access to coverage for regular medical appointments, prescription drugs and additional medical supplies. Though the plans are not designed for sudden or catastrophic illnesses, they do cover limited surgical and hospitalization costs.
- Waiting Period Plans: If you need the benefits of comprehensive coverage and you can afford to pay for your pre-existing condition costs for a year or more, ask about the waiting periods on traditional plans. Some providers will cover pre-existing conditions after you have carried the insurance for 12 to 18 months.
3. Your state might be home to affordable health insurance companies for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Depending on where you live, you might have access to insurance providers that deal specifically with pre-existing conditions. One way to access these carriers is by applying to a high-risk pool, which is a private insurance plan that offers coverage to people with medical issues. Insurance coverage varies based on location, and high-risk pools are available in 35 states.
