Pre-existing Condition
A pre-existing condition is a health issue or illness an individual had before a new health insurance policy starts. It significantly influences coverage.
Impact on Coverage
Many policies don’t cover pre-existing conditions immediately, often imposing waiting periods before benefits apply.
Common Examples
Typical examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, or ongoing treatment for a past injury.
Look-back Periods
Insurers often use a “look-back period” to review medical history for a specific timeframe (e.g., 6 months to 5 years) to identify such conditions.
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