This article was last updated and fact checked on June 9, 2022 by Mani Karthik.
It can be difficult to find affordable health insurance if you have pre-existing medical conditions. However, there are a few companies that specialize in providing coverage for those with pre-existing conditions. In this article, we will take a look at the three top health insurance companies for pre-existing conditions.
In this article...
What is health insurance for pre-existing conditions?
Pre-existing condition health insurance is a type of insurance coverage that helps to pay for medical care and expenses for individuals who have been diagnosed with a medical condition before they apply for and enroll in a health insurance plan.
When traveling to USA, travel insurance is much recommended.
Two great plans are, Atlas America and Safe Travels USA.
However there are other choices like these, as well.
How are pre-existing conditions defined?
Pre-existing medical conditions are defined as any medical condition that was diagnosed or treated before the effective date of a person’s health insurance policy. A condition, illness, or injury that has not been diagnosed or treated in the past 12 months.
Is it hard to get insurance with a pre-existing condition?
There is no one answer to this question as it can vary depending on the insurance company and the pre-existing condition in question. Some insurance companies may be more willing to cover someone with a pre-existing condition than others, and some pre-existing conditions may be more difficult to insure than others.
For example, here are some travel insurance plans that cover pre-existing medical conditions.
1. Allianz Global Assistance Classic
2. CSA Travel Protection Platinum
3. Travelex Insurance Services Ultimate
4. Travel Insured International Worldwide Trip Protector Plus
5. John Hancock Travel Protection Essential
How to get the best coverage for pre-existing conditions
If you have a pre-existing condition, there are a few things you can do to get the best coverage possible.
First, make sure you shop around and compare different insurance plans. There are a variety of plans available, and each one has different coverage levels.
Second, ask your doctor for recommendations on which plan would be best for your specific condition. They may be able to provide you with some insight that you didn’t consider.
Questions to ask the insurance company before buying insurance
- What is the definition of a pre-existing condition by your company/plan?
- Does the policy cover any pre-existing conditions? List them out if yes.
- What is the process for filing a claim for a pre-existing condition?
- What documentation do I need to provide to prove that my condition is a pre-existing condition?
- Are there any exclusions or limitations on coverage for pre-existing conditions?
- What happens if I have another pre-existing condition in the future?
- What happens if my pre-existing condition worsens while I’m covered under your policy?
Best Travel Insurance Plans for Pre-Existing Conditions
Not all travel insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions. So, if you’re making plans to visit the US for your next vacation, here are some travel insurance plans that cover pre-existing conditions.
Best health insurance for visitors to USA with pre-existing conditions
Patriot America Plus
This is a comprehensive plan ideal for visitors to the US, offered by International Medical Group (IMG). This plan is renewable and cancellable. It offers coverage of up to $500,000 against eligible medical expenses up to the policy maximum. It is meant for people with below 70, with pre-existing medical conditions.
Atlas America
The Atlas America travel insurance plan is designed to protect U.S. citizens and residents who travel outside of the United States. The plan provides medical coverage for unexpected illnesses and injuries, evacuation and repatriation, and travel assistance services. Acute onset of pre-existing conditions (including cardiac) is covered up to the policy maximum ($50,000 or $100,000) for ages 70 to 79 years.
This insurance is a health plan for individuals, families, and small businesses.
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive
The Safe Travels USA Comprehensive travel insurance plan offers protection for trip cancellations, interruptions, delays, medical emergencies, and more. It also provides 24/7 assistance from a team of travel experts. A network of over 200 U.S. doctors, nurses, and certified medical technicians offers immediate travel care to those who need help from overseas.
Inbound USA
This is another limited plan with low cost and limited benefits. It offers fixed and limited coverage of up to $130,000 for acute onset of pre-existing conditions to non-US citizens under the age of 70. The plan pays a fixed amount per incident, up to the policy maximum. Inbound USA is administered by Seven Corners.
What to do if you can’t get insurance with a pre-existing condition
If you have a pre-existing condition and are having trouble getting insurance, there are a few things you can do. First, try to find a job that offers health insurance benefits.
If you’re self-employed, look into getting a health insurance policy through the Affordable Care Act. If you’re not covered by employer-sponsored insurance, your state’s insurance department may have a program that will cover you.
If that’s not an option, you may qualify for a policy through the individual health insurance market. If there is no coverage available to you, your insurer must pay whatever is necessary to treat your pre-existing condition, up to $1 million per illness or injury.
Will Medicaid help cover pre-existing conditions?
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicaid does cover pre-existing conditions. In fact, CMS states that, “all Medicaid plans must provide coverage for treatment of pre-existing medical conditions.”
But, Medicaid is only available for US citizens and legal residents. It is not available for visitors/tourists to USA.
What are the out-of-pocket costs for travel insurance for pre-existing conditions?
There is no one definitive answer to this question, as the out-of-pocket costs for travel insurance for pre-existing conditions can vary depending on the insurer and the specific condition in question.
However, some insurers may charge higher premiums for coverage of pre-existing conditions, and some may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions altogether.
It is important to compare different travel insurance policies and read the fine print carefully before purchasing a policy to make sure that it meets your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a pre-existing medical condition for health insurance?
A pre-existing condition is a medical condition that occurs while buying health insurance. Pre-existing medical issues include hypertension, diabetes, thyroid, asthma, and depression.
Is there any travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions?
Yes. Travel insurance plans like Inbound USA, Atlas America etc may cover pre-existing medical conditions.
Can I get travel insurance with a pre-existing condition?
Yes, you can get travel insurance with a pre-existing condition, provided the condition is covered and listed by the insurance company.
What pre-existing conditions are not covered?
Pre-existing conditions like AIDS, Cancer, etc are often not covered by travel insurance companies.
What counts as a pre-existing medical condition?
Any medical condition that exists before the purchase of a travel insurance policy is covered as a pre-existing condition.
Do you have to declare a pre-existing condition?
Yes, you have to proactively declare pre-existing conditions during the purchase of a travel insurance policy.
