How to Get Health Insurance With GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can alter your lifestyle, but it doesn't have to interfere with your ability to get health insurance coverage. Although you must report all pre-existing conditions to insurance companies when you apply for coverage, suffering from GERD doesn't necessarily mean that affordable insurance is out of reach.

Instructions

• 1

  Opt for group coverage. According to a CNN report, you cannot be excluded from a group insurance plan, such one offered by an employer, because of a pre-existing condition. In some states, those without access to a group plan can form what is called a "group of one." A group of one plan means that insurance companies have to offer you the same prices and benefits they would any larger company. The rules for group of one plans differ from state to state (see Resources).

• 2

  Shop around. State law plays a major role in governing the plans and prices you can find for insurance, but it is always worthwhile to gather information on several different plans and policies. You may find that your GERD does not affect pricing at one company, while another company wants to exclude you from coverage or charge you a higher premium because of your condition.

• 3

  Consider high-risk insurance pools. Although not available in every state, high-risk insurance pools offer are insurance options managed by the state for people who have been denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition. The rules vary depending on where you live (see Resources).