Pre-Existing Disease In Health Insurance: List Of Covered Diseases

By Okbima 27 Apr 2024
pre existing disease

 

A health insurance plan offers benefits to reduce medical bills during emergencies. However, all health insurance plans have pre-existing disease criteria & It can be challenging to buy health insurance with pre-existing diseases. So, In this blog, we have covered its meaning, a list of covered diseases & some tips to buy the best health insurance plans easily.

 

What Is Pre-Existing Disease In Health Insurance?

In health insurance, a pre-existing disease is any medical condition that you have already been diagnosed with before you buy a health insurance policy. In India, the IRDAI defines a pre-existing condition as any illness or condition diagnosed up to 48 months (4 years) before buying the policy.

 

List Of Pre-Existing Diseases Covered In Health Insurance

Here is the pre-existing diseases list which are covered in the health insurance plans in India such as Diabetes, Heart Disease, Cancer, Asthma, Arthritis, etc.

 

Category of Pre-Existing Condition

Examples

Chronic Diseases

Diabetes, Heart Disease, Cancer, Asthma, Arthritis

Mental Health Conditions

Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder

Neurological Disorders

Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Epilepsy

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Back Pain, Osteoporosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis

 

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Waiting Period In Pre-Existing Disease In Health Insurance

The waiting period in health insurance for pre-existing diseases is the time you have to wait after buying a policy before the health insurance companies will cover any medical expenses related to that condition. It's a common clause to manage risk for insurers. Most health insurance plans in India have a waiting period of  2 to 4 years for pre-existing diseases. This means any hospitalization or treatment costs related to a pre-existing condition won't be covered during this time.

However, some health insurance plans might have a shorter waiting period, like 6 months to 1 year, while others might have a longer one more than 4 years for specific diseases. Apart from the pre-existing disease clause, there's a general 30-day initial waiting period applicable to all claims in most policies. No claims are covered during this period, regardless of the condition.

 

Why Do Health Insurance Companies Dislike Pre-Existing Diseases?

Health insurance companies are focused on reducing the risk of paying for expensive medical treatments. Pre-existing conditions can be difficult for insurers because they require additional resources to cover.

  • Higher Costs: People with pre-existing conditions need medical care compared to healthy people. This can cost more to the insurance company in terms of covering treatment & medication.

  • Predictability: Insurance companies need to predict how much money they will have to pay out for medical costs. If people already have health problems, it's harder to predict how much their medical care will cost in the future.

  • Impact on Premiums: Covering pre-existing conditions can increase health insurance costs for everyone. This can increase costs for those who still have insurance.

 

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How Does Pre-Existing Disease Affect Health Insurance?

A pre-existing disease can affect your health insurance like increased premiums, policy coverage, etc.

  • Increased Premiums: If you are already sick, you have to pay higher premiums because insurance companies can expect you to need more medical help.

  • Policy Coverage: Sometimes insurance companies may not cover a pre-existing condition if it is very serious or could cost a lot of money.

  • Limited Coverage Options: Some plans may only partially cover existing health conditions, and they don't have to pay for certain treatments, medicines, or hospital stays related to the condition.

 

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Tips To Buy Health Insurance If You Have A Pre-Existing Disease

Below, we have mentioned some tips to buy health insurance plans, if you already have a pre-existing disease.

  • Research & compare different health insurance plans: Before buying health insurance, research & compare different plans to find one that offers coverage for your pre-existing disease at an affordable premium.

  • Disclose your pre-existing condition: Be honest about your pre-existing condition when applying for health insurance. Failure to disclose this information can denial of coverage or cancellation of your policy.

  • Look for a policy with waiting periods: Some health insurance plans may offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, but with a waiting period before benefits can be claimed.

  • Review the policy carefully: Before buying a health insurance plan, carefully review the policy terms & conditions, including coverage for your pre-existing condition, exclusions, deductibles, and copayments.

 

Read More:

Deductible In Insurance: Definition, Types & Factors Affect Deductible Amount

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Tax Benefits of Health Insurance Plans In India

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, having pre-existing disease makes it hard for people to get health insurance. Insurers may make them wait, pay more, or not cover their conditions. However, you can buy health insurance which may cost higher premiums and a minimum 30 days of waiting period. So, choose the best health insurance plans. For assistance, you can contact “Our Experts”.

FAQs

The specific pre-existing conditions not covered can vary depending on the insurance policy and provider. However, some common examples include terminal illnesses, chronic conditions requiring ongoing treatment, and conditions with a high risk of complications or mortality.

Yes, you can still get life insurance if you have a disease, but it may depend on the type of the condition. Some insurers offer coverage with higher premiums or modified terms to accommodate pre-existing conditions.

Insurance companies know about pre-existing conditions through the application process, where applicants are required to disclose their medical history. They may also verify this information through medical records, past claims, and sometimes medical examinations.

It's important to be honest about your health history when getting health insurance. Not telling the truth can cause problems like not being able to use your insurance, losing your policy, or getting into trouble with the law.

If you fail to declare a pre-existing condition when getting insurance coverage, it could lead to denial of coverage, higher premiums, or cancellation of the policy.

Pre-existing conditions are determined by medical history, prior diagnoses, and ongoing health issues identified before getting new insurance coverage.

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