Do you have to tell insurance about pre-existing conditions?

Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance companies can’t refuse to cover you or charge you more just because you have a “pre-existing condition” — that is, a health problem you had before the date that new health coverage starts. They don’t have to cover pre-existing conditions.

Is there a difference between pre-existing conditions and exclusions?

Insurers have to provide a written notice indicating that a pre-existing condition is applied, and the exclusion period countdown begins immediately after any plan-required waiting period. In some states, insurers may place additional restrictions on whether they can include a pre-existing condition exclusion period.

What counts as a pre-existing condition?

A health problem, like asthma, diabetes, or cancer, you had before the date that new health coverage starts. Insurance companies can’t refuse to cover treatment for your pre-existing condition or charge you more.

What is an exclusion insurance?

An exclusion is a provision within an insurance policy that eliminates coverage for certain acts, property, types of damage or locations. In the past, individual health insurance policies frequently contained exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions.

Can I get health insurance with high blood pressure?

In severe cases of high blood pressure, some life insurers may deny coverage but this is typically not the norm. With research and a willingness to comparison shop, those with high blood pressure may be able to find a form of life insurance coverage that provides the financial protections you or your dependents need.

What are conditions that might be excluded in a health insurance policy?

Use of the hospital room phone or TV, extra pillows and sometimes even Band-Aids are commonly excluded from insurance coverage. Hospital fees can be high, so it’s important to be familiar with your plan’s exclusions. Home care and private nursing expenses are some of the most common excluded expenses.