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Does US Health Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?

Writer's picture: Ahsan MalykAhsan Malyk

Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance companies cannot deny coverage or charge additional fees just because you have a "pre-existing medical condition, i.e. health problems you had before starting your new health plan.


The only exception to existing coverage rules is exempt personal health insurance. This is something you buy yourself, not through your employer. No need to cover existing conditions.


Health insurance companies can no longer charge you or your child extra for pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or cancer, or deny coverage because you are pregnant. , the benefits of this condition cannot be limited. Once you have insurance, you cannot refuse treatment for pre-existing conditions.


Pre-existing disease and acute onset of pre-existing disease


In the world of insurance, “pre-existing illness” and “acute onset of pre-existing illness” are two different things. The main difference is that in some companies he does not provide the first insurance, whereas in others he does provide the second.

prerequisite


Travel insurance companies refer to the disability or illness as a 'pre-existing medical condition'. This is a medical condition that was treated or diagnosed (whether you were aware of it or not) prior to purchasing the Policy. This may include conditions such as:


  • Chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease physical disability.

  • visual or hearing impairment;

  • Mental illness, such as mental illness.


Because travel medical insurance is intended to cover medical emergencies that occur while you are in the United States and is not intended to replace medical care that you would have received in the event of illness, most companies It does not provide coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. Or more medical conditions in your home country.


Is pregnancy pre-existing?


No, in most cases, pregnancy is not considered a pre-existing condition like diabetes or cancer.


You are insured when:


Unexpected injury, complication, or illness as a result of pregnancy.


You are not insured when:


A normal pregnancy without complications such as a doctor's visit and a normal delivery.


If you are pregnant and want to purchase travel insurance, you should check with your provider to confirm your coverage amount.


Acute onset of pre-existing illness


Acute onset of the preexisting disease is an unexpected, immediate recurrence of a previous condition that occurs suddenly, without warning, progresses rapidly over a short period of time, and requires immediate medical attention.


Pre-existing conditions that have progressed over time (and conditions that exist during travel insurance coverage) are not covered by pre-existing conditions of acute onset and are unlikely to be covered by your purchased plan.


However, the exact terms vary by plan.


What are the existing conditions covered by travel insurance?


If you are deaf, blind, or have a mobility impairment requiring a wheelchair, you may be covered if you have not required medical assistance or treatment in the past year. Pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, pulmonary disease, epilepsy, and cardiovascular disease are also covered if they are stable for a certain period of time.


In other words, if your condition is considered "stable", you will have less trouble finding travel insurance with adequate coverage. In this case, you will have to pay extra to cover the illness. and you may be asked to provide a medical certificate.


Medical conditions that are unstable, incurable, or have a high risk of complications or death are not covered.


Can I get travel insurance if I have a mental illness?


Finding a travel insurance company that actively covers treatment for anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions can be difficult, but not entirely impossible.


If your travel insurance company offers mental health coverage, you may be asked first to undergo an assessment to determine your condition before you travel. We may offer compensation if you are fine and can prove that you have had no mental health issues in the last 1-5 years.


Another example of where travel insurance companies offer mental health coverage is when the mental illness manifests itself while traveling.


Should I report a disability to my travel insurance company?


Technically, you don't have to tell your travel insurance company about your disability. Disclosure means we can charge additional policy fees, which may be considered high risk.


However, if you are concerned that your disability will require treatment abroad or you will have to cancel your trip, you must disclose this. Failure to do so may result in the travel insurance company refusing to accept claims made in connection with disability or pre-existing conditions.


What companies provide insurance for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions in the United States?


Of course, travel insurance policies vary depending on the country you live in and where you travel. Additionally, not all travel insurance covers disability or pre-existing medical conditions.


You can purchase travel insurance through local travel insurance companies such as:


  • AXA Assistance USA.

  • HTH travel insurance. Seven corners travel insurance.

  • Benefits of Travelex Insurance.

  • Travel Safe Insurance.

  • Traffic International.

  • USI affinity.

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