Pre-existing illnesses refer to medical conditions that existed prior to purchasing health insurance. Insurance companies typically have long waiting periods, such as 2-5 years, before covering expenses related to pre-existing illnesses. Without insurance, treatment costs for illnesses like diabetes that develop before purchasing insurance would not be covered during the waiting period. It is important for applicants to disclose any known pre-existing medical conditions upfront, as failure to do so could jeopardize future claims. Coverage for pre-existing illnesses varies by policy but may include waiting periods, exclusions, or extra premiums.

1. Pre-existing Illnesses cover
When an expert advises to buy health insurance early in age, one of the reasons behind it is to
avoid the pre existing illnesses clause.
As one grows older there is greater tendency to acquire age related and lifestyle related
illnesses. Any such illnesses one has before taking health insurance are not covered by the
health insurance policy for a long time. Fact is that many people avoid taking health insurance
because they have a pre-existing condition.
Pre existing illnesses are the diseases, medical conditions or symptoms of them that exist prior
to purchase of health insurance the first time. In most insurance companies there is a long
waiting period before these illnesses can be covered under health insurance. The waiting period
may vary from 2-5 years depending upon the illness and the insurance company norms.
So, if, for example, you have diabetes before you buy health insurance, your hospitalization due
to any medical condition arising from your being diabetic will not be covered during the waiting
period of pre-existing illnesses.
At the time of taking health insurance, it is very important that you disclose any preexisting
medical condition or medical facts about you in your knowledge. If you don’t, it may hamper
future claims that may arise. You may be denied claims not just for the pre existing conditions
but other illnesses or injuries for deliberately hiding relevant information at the time of taking the
policy.
Pre-existing clause is for only those who have a medical condition at the time of taking the <a
href=” http://www.easypolicy.com/general-insurance/health-insurance.aspx”>health
insurance</a>. For any health condition or symptom appearing after the insurance has been
taken, the pre existing exclusion and waiting period is not valid. The waiting period in this case
will be only for illnesses that are under the waiting period or exclusions list for everyone.
Summary of what is considered pre-existing:
1. An ongoing medical or dental condition you are aware of or related complication or
symptoms you have, or are aware of
2. A medical condition that is being, treated or was treated any time before policy purchase
3. Any condition for which you take prescribed medicine
4. Any medical condition for which you have undergone surgery
5. Any condition for which you have referred a medical specialist
6. Any complication or illness arising out of pre-existing illness
Till some time back, pre-existing ailments were not being covered. At times a person was even
denied health insurance if he/she had a medical condition. But now the situation has changed
after intervention of IRDA. There still are certain health insurance policies that do not cover
these diseases altogether, there are others that do cover with conditions applied. Depending
upon the insurance company, pre-existing medical conditions, illnesses or injuries may be
covered with one or more of the following conditions attached:

2. 1. Illnesses may be covered after 2-5 years of continued health insurance
2. Covered after 2-5 years of continued health insurance with no hospitalization of pre
existing illnesses
3. Covered immediately after paying of extra premium
4. All medical conditions other than the pre-existing will be covered
It is always better to check what the insurance company has to offer. One of the most important
things to keep in mind is not to hide any pre-existing condition. Keep healthy, be safe and take
health insurance well in time to avoid exclusions.