Why You Must Disclose Pre-existing Conditions To Your Insurer
A common mistake that people make when purchasing health insurance is not disclosing the pre-existing illnesses to the insurance company. This is usually done because people fear their ailments will lead to policy rejections or increased premiums. However, what many do not realize is that this can often be counterproductive in the long run. In case there is a medical emergency that pertains to such a pre-existing condition your claim can be rejected. Rather, if you are open about your pre-existing illnesses health insurance companies provide coverage for it but with some terms and conditions involved. In this article, we will explain exactly how this works.
What is a Pre-existing Illness?
Pre-existing illnesses are those that the policyholder/s already had before the tenure of the insurance policy began.
How Does Health Insurance Provide Coverage for Pre-existing Illnesses?
Health insurance plans come with a predetermined waiting period. Depending on your policy there is a waiting period, which can be between 1 to 4 years. If there are any medical complications or emergencies that arise due to pre-existing conditions during this period they are not covered by the policy. However, after this waiting period is over the policy allows for complete compensation for healthcare costs incurred for such conditions, but in keeping with the terms and conditions of the insurance policy.
Why Should You Not Hide Your Pre-Existing Illnesses While Buying Health Insurance?
When you purchase a health insurance policy the premium is decided by the insurance company who assesses the risk and accepts your proposal accordingly. The assessment of your health is made through the information you are required to provide in the proposal form. These agreements are based on utmost good faith and hiding your existing conditions is a breach of this faith. Hence, if a complication does arise from this condition and is not disclosed to the insurance company earlier your claim can reject your claim as you have breached the agreement. Thus, opting to inform the insurance company about your pre-existing health conditions is a wise choice. Moreover, since coverage is available after the waiting period it is more cost-effective in the long run.
Takeaway
In a nutshell, though many people fear that their policies will be rejected or their premiums will become unaffordably high if they disclose pre-existing health conditions this is not the case. Moreover, it is crucial to mention this to the insurance provider. This is because the proposal is made by calculating the risks and not disclosing important details such as pre-existing conditions is a breach of the agreement. This could mean rejection of claims relating to such conditions proving to be ineffective for you in times of crisis. On the other hand, by informing your insurance provider you can receive compensation for such costs after the waiting period. Having health insurance is important and now purchasing it is easier than ever before. Comparing health insurance companies, the plans they offer, checking the network of cashless mediclaim hospitals, calculating premiums, and even renewing existing policies can all be done online with a few clicks. For more articles on health insurance click here.
Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard
