Find afford health insurance and
apply for coverage online

Enter ZIP Code:   

Finding Individual Health Coverage with a Pre-Existing Condition

When purchasing health insurance on their own, many consumers are frustrated to learn that, in most states, they may be declined due to pre-existing medical conditions. Only group plans, such as employer-sponsored health plans, and certain government-sponsored options provides guaranteed coverage for persons with a history of serious medical conditions.

What is a Pre-Existing Condition?

A pre-existing condition is a health problem that existed or was treated before you applied for coverage under a new individual of family health insurance plan.

Certain serious conditions, including cancer, heart-disease or insulin-dependent diabetes, may result in an automatic decline by the insurance company. However, there are a number of other common medical conditions thay may not necessarily prevent applicants from obtaining individual or family coverage.

If you are unsure about qualifying for non-group health insurance because of a pre-existing condition, you should contact one of our licensed health insurance agents and ask. Underwriting rules differ across carriers and states, so it's still possible there would be an individual or family health insurance plan that works for you.

Health Care Reform & Pre-Existing Conditions

In 2010, President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which will make health coverage available to all consumers even if they have been denied by private insurance carriers due to a pre-existing condition in the past. However, this particular provision of the health reform law will not go into effect until 2014.

Additional Resources for those with Pre-Existing Conditions

There are additional options availble to consumers with pre-existing conditions:

Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan
Health plan administered by the U.S.Department of Health and Human Services or by your state.

High Risk Insurance Pools
Certain states offer health plans that are similar to the coverage in comprehensive individual health insurance plans for those with pre-existing conditions.