If I’m worried about getting an illness that extends past the contract expiration of my short-term health insurance thus getting no coverage would it make sense to try and get another short-term insurance application approved before the other one ends so I will continue to be covered or would they still consider the condition preexisting even though I was approved to begin the new short term insurance policy at the expiration of the old one??? Sorry this one might sound confusing
Originally posted 2010-04-20 04:42:46. Republished by Old Post Promoter
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#1 by ML Attinger, InsuranceGuide101 at April 23rd, 2010
If you currently have short term health insurance, have you contacted the company to see about renewing? Some companies will renew short term health insurance for up to 12 months of coverage.
As for your concern regarding pre-existing conditions, I wouldn’t worry at this point. If you renew with the same health insurance, it shouldn’t be a problem. And since you don’t have something now that could be considered a pre-existing health condition, you don’t have a concern with renewing.
If you can’t renew, I’d either apply for another short term health policy now (to take effect when your current policy ends) or I’d look into my options for permanent health insurance. You may be able to find group rates through professional associations or clubs. If you have a special interest or a professional designation, or if you are self-employed, some professional groups or other organizations may provide group health insurance (that you pay for yourself) as a benefit of group membership. It could be another option for you.
#2 by Suzanne at April 26th, 2010
It’s great that you’re thinking about this now, before you become ill and require care beyond the term of your policy. Many times, you’re unable to renew these policies; insurers can also decline to renew if you’ve filed claims. As such, the condition that was covered during the first policy term is considered a pre-existing condition under the second term and all claims from that date forward will be denied. There is no legal requirement under the Portability provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) that the renewed policy waive your pre-existing condition exclusionary period. The sole determining factor is the policy’s verbiage, so READ your policy CAREFULLY and ask the company questions.
Here’s a quote from Insure.com:
“While many short-term policies are now renewable for up to 36 months, keep in mind that some insurers will refuse to issue you a second or third policy if you filed any claims under your previous short-term policy. Others might offer you another policy, but they will treat any injuries or illnesses that occurred during your previous short-term policy as pre-existing conditions and will not cover treatment related to such conditions.”
IRS statistics tell us that the number one cause of personal bankruptcy is medical bills not covered by health insurance. Instead of placing your financial future in the hands of a short term policy, I strongly suggest you purchase a regular individual policy now. Contact your state insurance commissioner’s office for a list of insurers that offer such policies in your state.
Anecdotally, I can confirm for you that short term policies work this way. I have seen a number of people subject to this terrible situation and all claims under a renewed policy were denied. In retrospect, the low premiums charged for these types of plans are not worth the high financial risk the purchaser places upon him/herself.
I hope this helps.