Pre-existing condition

Pre-existing condition is a term used in the medical insurance industry to describe any health condition that a person had before the start of an insurance coverage. These conditions can range from chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart disease, to conditions like pregnancy or a previous surgery.

Definition

A pre-existing condition is defined as any health condition for which a person has received medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment before enrollment in a new health plan. This can include both physical and mental health conditions.

Impact on Insurance Coverage

In many countries, insurance companies can refuse to cover treatment for pre-existing conditions, or charge higher premiums. This can make it difficult for people with such conditions to get affordable health care. However, laws vary widely from country to country. In the United States, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage or charging more because of a pre-existing condition.

Examples of Pre-existing Conditions

Examples of pre-existing conditions can include, but are not limited to:

• Asthma
• Cancer
• Cerebral Palsy
• COPD
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Heart Disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Pregnancy
• Sleep Apnea

See Also

• Health Insurance
• Affordable Care Act
• Chronic Disease

Pre-existing condition Resources
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