Can I Reapply for Health Insurance If I Have Been Denied Before?

Applications for individual private health insurance go through a thorough underwriting process. This process reviews your application for coverage and may review your past medical history and records. Based on the findings, the insurer can choose to approve or deny you a policy. Though you have been denied, there is no law preventing you from reapplying for health insurance. Just don't expect the insurer to relent and approve you for coverage in the future.

Pre-Existing Conditions

• Most denials of policy coverage are due to pre-existing conditions. If you have a diagnosed health condition, or even symptoms that caused you to visit a doctor, you may receive a denial of coverage. Some health plans will offer you a policy but exclude coverage for the pre-existing condition. As part of the federal Affordable Care Act, you will have guaranteed government-sponsored insurance options that will cover your pre-existing conditions. Several states administer these plans and in states that do not, the plan is federally administered.

Group Health Insurance

• Group health insurance is coverage you receive under an employer-sponsored plan. If you have been denied individual insurance but have the opportunity to participate in a group health plan, you should jump at the chance. Underwriting for group health insurance considers overall employees' history, not each individual, unless the group is very small. Group health insurance rates are usually more favorable than individual and chances are, your employer will pay a portion of the premium. You can only enroll in group health during an annual open enrollment period, unless you are new to the job or have another qualifying event.

Reapplying for Coverage

• You are free to reapply for individual health insurance at any time. If you have been previously denied, review the reason for the denial. The insurer may state that you are eligible for coverage within a specified time frame. For example, if you had cancer, a common reason for denial, the insurer may request that you have five years of remission before you will be considered for a policy. Agents may suggest you do not bother to apply if you are denied due to a pre-existing condition, as insurers are unlikely to offer you a policy or will require a very large premium.

State Resources

• If you feel you were unfairly denied individual health coverage, you should contact your state department of insurance or commissioner's office. You can file a formal complaint against the insurer. The state will investigate and forward the complaint to the insurer for response. If you have a reasonable complaint, the insurer may change his minds and offer you coverage. At a minimum, your state will have consumer representatives who can provide you with more information about other health insurance options in your area. Visit the National Association of Insurance Commissioners for links to the office in your state.