Hassle-Free Health Coverage: Preexisting Conditions

Many older people are being treated for some medical problems. These conditions may be significant (high blood pressure, heart conditions, etc.) or minor (such as allergies or mild hearing loss). In any event, for insurance purposes these problems are defined as preexisting conditions.

As with any health insurance policy, you should investigate the coverage limitations for preexisting conditions. First, read through the policy and ask your agent for an explanation. Most Medicare supplement contracts define a preexisting condition as any condition for which the policyholder sought treatment or advice in the six months prior to the effective date of the policy.

Most Medicare supplements have a six month waiting period for coverage of preexisting conditions. Some companies have no preexisting condition exclusion, some impose a 90-day or three month exclusion, but none can be greater than six months.