How to Apply for Individual Health Insurance With Pre-existing Conditions

Individuals with a pre-existing condition many times assume automatically that they will be unable to obtain a individual health insurance policy. In reality, depending on the pre-existing condition, a consumer normally is able to find at least some level of coverage. However, there will be some policy limitations and exclusions that are significant. By understanding how to apply for individual health insurance when you have a pre-existing condition, you optimize your chances for getting the coverage you need.

Instructions

• 1

  Shop around and review different individual health insurance policy options. Different policies take different approaches to pre-existing conditions. Some insurance companies permanently exclude coverage for a pre-existing condition. Other insurers preclude coverage for a pre-existing condition for a set period of time (oftentimes two years).

• 2

  Select those policies and companies that offer individual health insurance policies that eventually provide coverage for a pre-existing condition.

• 3

  Prepare an application for an individual health insurance policy.

• 4

  Disclose fully your pre-existing condition. Never intentionally fail to disclose information requested in a health insurance application. Failing to disclose or providing false information will result in the cancellation of your insurance coverage if discovered. A cancellation of this nature makes it nearly impossible for you to obtain insurance coverage from another company in the future.

• 5

  Emphasize in your disclosure how long ago you confronted the pre-existing condition. The underwriting department (the division of the insurance company that reviews your application) is more likely to approve an application if the health issue is from your past rather than a chronic or ongoing issue.