Can you get health insurance for pre-existing conditions?

Health insurance for pre-existing conditions

If you’re thinking that there’s no point getting medical insurance because of a previous or continuing health issue, think again. There are different ways you can get health insurance for pre-existing conditions, even with a chronic condition you’ve had for years. It’s definitely worth having a discussion with a good insurance broker.

Here, we take a look at what a pre-existing condition is, and some of the ways you can be covered for one. Plus, what to know before you book your appointment!

What is a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is any medical illness or injury that an individual has prior to securing a health insurance plan. Typically, they are long-term or chronic. Examples include asthma, back issues and diabetes. They can also include cancer when there’s been surgery or other treatment modules in the past. For this reason, many insurers exclude them from the majority of health plans.

While it’s possible to find insurance policies that do offer full coverage for pre-existing conditions, there are many plans that do not.

Another thing to note is that the options for pre-existing conditions are always subject to the insurer’s review and approval. It also depends on the medical conditions being discussed and the nature of the treatment plan.

If you’ve got a chronic or pre-existing condition, here are four things to do:

#1 Check to see if you’ve got pre-existing conditions coverage as part of a group plan

Health insurers will typically cover chronic conditions on certain group plans. Many include a Medical History Disregard (MHD) clause, which means pre-existing conditions are covered unless they are specifically excluded in the policy T&Cs. In fact, many employers provide these types of plans, and some even take extra steps to help employees manage their conditions with regular health screenings and specialised programmes.

As an expat working in Singapore, chances are you’ve got employer-sponsored group health insurance. While group plans can be valuable for covering pre-existing conditions, they often fall short of covering all healthcare needs. This is why it’s worth checking whether your condition is included under the MHD benefits and considering an additional top-up medical policy to cover excess medical costs and ensure more comprehensive protection.

#2 Secure a health plan with a waiting period on coverage

Another option is to look for pre-existing conditions insurance plans that apply a moratorium, or waiting period, on the coverage of your chronic condition. With certain policies you’ll may have to wait a certain amount of time (for example, 270 days) after purchasing the policy before you can claim any treatments for your pre-existing conditions. This allows insurers to reduce their risk as they only start reimbursing claims once you’ve paid your premiums for a specified duration.

#3 Pay a higher premium in exchange for the coverage you need

You can get coverage for your pre-existing or chronic conditions through premium loading. This involves paying a higher premium to the insurer in exchange for pre-existing conditions coverage. Insurers will usually offer premium loading on a case-by-case basis after an extensive consultation process. However, not all insurers offer this option, and some restrict the types of conditions that are eligible.

It’s important to speak with an expert insurance advisor to clarify the policy options available.

#4 Opt for insurance that covers everything apart from pre-existing or chronic conditions

Many people with chronic or pre-existing conditions are offered health insurance plans that exclude these conditions but cover everything else under the policy. This means they can only make claims for medical issues unrelated to those conditions. Depending on your health situation, this might still be a cost-effective option, since you’d only be paying for treatments not connected to your chronic or pre-existing condition.

Find out more

To learn more about coverage for chronic and pre-existing conditions, contact Diot-Siaci Asia. Their advisors can help you compare plans from a range of the top international insurance providers and support you along the way.

Written in collaboration with Diot-Siaci Asia
#B1-52 & #01-50/54 The Riverwalk, 20 Upper Circular Road
6401 9201 | info@asia.diot-siaci.com