I Am Uninsurable Because of Pre Existing Conditions - Now What?

Currently thousands of uninsured, underinsured and uninsurable individuals, just like you, are facing serious health issues. Cancer, stroke, heart disease, heart attack, diabetes, liver disease, AIDS, pregnancy, depression, kidney disease and a host of other health conditions can cause individuals to be declined for health insurance. Looking for uninsurable or pre existing condition healthcare coverage can be a challenge. These individuals have found it almost impossible to find any type of healthcare coverage. Today, even being over-weight is enough reason for some insurance companies to decline your application for healthcare coverage.

Preexisting conditions can sometimes make you uninsurable and will limit your health care choices. However, there are ways to provide you with some type of coverage. By using creative insurance planning, combined with the knowing and understanding of what is available, you can greatly reduce the potential financial strain on you and your family.

Should you find an insurance company that will provide health coverage; you'll quickly discover that this coverage is not cheap. And... the coverage will probably be limited in scope when compared to the coverage for someone with no known health problems. The bottom line is this, whatever coverage you can get, it's probably best to take it until something better comes along.

So... what are my options now that I am uninsurable? Here are a few. Which option you choose to explore is dependent upon your individual situation.

Group Health Insurance

If available, this is by far the best choice for those with chronic health concerns or pre existing conditions. Group health coverage is generally provided by an employer, so usually the employee has little or no choice concerning the features. The principal advantage of group insurance is that coverage is typically available to newly hired employees without any medical questions or concern for a pre existing condition. However, coverage typically ends when the employee's job ends. Basically this is a guaranteed issue health insurance program. Group coverage can sometimes be available, even for the self-employed, if coverage can be obtained through a spouse's employer.

Professional Organizations

This option is mostly overlooked. Some professional organizations offer to their membership, a group insurance program as a fringe benefit. This type of healthcare coverage could be an important way to stay insured. If you have been deemed high risk, uninsurable or have a pre existing condition, check to see if you have access to a membership organization that might offer health insurance for preexisting conditions or for the uninsurable. You may be required to have a certification or a certain career experience to join. However, other professional associations might accept membership from anyone who is interested in joining. Even if the membership fee is a couple hundred dollars a year, it still might be money well spent.

Private Individual Health Insurance

Individuals who have no employer sponsored or professional organization health options, yet they have extensive health care needs and medical expenses, will find that obtaining coverage from the private market may not be a viable option. If coverage is found, premiums charged are often unaffordable. Moreover, insurers can turn down "high risks" individuals for coverage because of an existing or previous illness. As we stated earlier, if you do find an insurance company that will provide you with health coverage, even if it's somewhat limited, it would still be best to take that coverage until a better alternative becomes available.

State Risk Pools

For those with serious medical conditions, some states provide access to private individual health insurance for uninsurable or health plans for uninsurable through a high-risk insurance pool. Consumers in these pools have access to comprehensive private coverage plans, but their premiums can be very high, sometimes costing twice as much as those for private healthcare. Some risk pools may be closed to new enrollments or have a long waiting list. High-risk pools offer an important last resort for people, (1) who have been denied medical coverage because they are too sick, (2) who are paying exorbitant fees for private insurance, or (3) who meet other key conditions outlined by that particular state.

Discount Health Cards

Many companies sell discount health cards to consumers seeking affordable healthcare. The cards claim to save subscribers money by offering discounts on physician visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, dental, vision and chiropractic care. But discount health cards can be confusing, because they are really not insurance. You are still responsible for paying the medical bills yourself. These cards simply offer lower prices on services from the healthcare providers who agree to accept the discount terms. Sometimes, these cards make grossly inflated promises about the expected savings and benefits. Use caution when purchasing these cards as they can cost you more money than you'll save.

Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance

This coverage is ideal for those individuals who find they cannot qualify for or afford other healthcare plans. A Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance plan, also known as a "mini-med" plan, provides a considerable amount of coverage. They are usually very affordable and cover most pre existing conditions after 12 months of coverage. Guarantee issue health insurance is not basic health insurance or major medical coverage. What they do is offer limited indemnity coverage, meaning they pay a defined amount for each service and procedure, such as a doctor's visit, hospital stay, emergency room visit, surgery, accidental death, etc. Usually there are no medical questions or physical exams needed to qualify. You choose your medical provider and the plan pays regardless of any other insurance coverage. These plans are not to be confused with the "discount health cards".