Can I Get Critical Illness Insurance if I Have a Pre-existing Condition?
People usually don’t expect to get a critical illness, but unfortunately, sometimes it happens. And with people living longer, they’re more likely to experience a critical illness like a heart attack or stroke. If something like that were to happen to you, critical illness insurance could help ease the financial burden – like deductibles, copayments or coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket medical expenses related to your illness.
Critical illness insurance might be a good purchase for you, but you might be wondering if you can get it if you have a pre-existing condition.
The Balance defines critical illness insurance as “a type of insurance policy that compensates policyholders with a lump sum payment after getting diagnosed with a specific illness that is listed on their insurance policy. Critical illness insurance policies can also be structured to make serial payments based on the policyholder's ongoing medical treatments and condition.”1 The Balance notes that it is important to do research before purchasing this kind of insurance because there are “always conditions before you get your cash payout on a critical illness policy.”
Most of the time, according to the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU), critical illness insurance policies are often “simplified issue” and offer lump sums less than $70,000 (simplified issue means a few medical questions are asked and you qualify for the policy if you can truthfully answer ‘no’ to all questions); policies with benefits of more than $70,000 are often subject to underwriting.2
NAHU also states that there are some “guaranteed issue” policies in group plans, and that you might qualify for a policy in a group plan even if you’ve had cancer, a heart attack, or a stroke in the past.
The bottom line is, you should do your research before purchasing a critical illness insurance policy. Check with the insurance company to see if you still qualify with a pre-existing condition. If you have any questions, contact an independent broker or licensed insurance agent. If you want to know if a critical illness insurance policy is right for you, contact a licensed insurance agent.
Sources:
1. The Balance,What Is Critical Illness Insurance?, 2019
2. NABIP, Consumer Guide to Critical Illness Insurance, 2022
Categories: Critical Illness Insurance, Insurance, Supplement Health Insurance