Health Insurance for Individuals, Families, Seniors, Self Employed and Small Businesses

What health conditions will cause a health insurance company to deny application?

There are many medical conditions that may cause an insurance company to automatically deny or not approve your application. These may include the following:

* Health problems for which you have not seen a doctor;
* Health problems that a doctor cannot explain;
* Health problems for which you have not completed treatment.

An insurance company may also automatically deny your application for the health conditions below. There may be other health conditions that are not on this list.

* AIDS;
* Pregnancy, pregnancy of your spouse or significant other, planned surrogacy or adoption in process;
* Cancer, under treatment;
* Sleep Apnea;
* Severe mental disorders, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or psychopathic personalities;
* Heart disease;
* Renal failure or Kidney Dialysis;
* Diabetes with complications;
* Cirrhosis;
* Multiple Sclerosis;
* Muscular Dystrophy;
* Systemic Lupus Erythematous;
* History of transplant;
* Lymphedema;
* Current infertility treatment;
* Hepatitis;
* Hemochromatosis.

What will cause an insurance company to offer me insurance at a higher premium rate or limit the products or benefits I can get?

Insurance companies may offer you insurance at a higher premium and/or limit the products or benefits you can purchase if you had a health problem in the past but you have recovered or you have been without symptoms for some time. Insurance companies will also do this for minor health problems that you had in the past or may currently have. Insurance companies argue that these conditions pose a risk that it will cost more for your health claims than if you were completely healthy. Each application and insurance company is different. An insurance company may charge a higher premium or limit the products offered for the health conditions below. There may be other health conditions and time frames that are not on this list.

* Stroke, after 10 years with no reoccurring problems;
* Allergies, while testing is in process;
* Ear infections, controlled with medications;
* Lymefs disease, without symptoms after one year;
* Breast Implants (non-silicone);
* Ringworm;
* Joint sprain or strain, recovered and no restrictions;
* Migraine headache, mild and infrequent with no emergency room visits;
* Mild depression.

Will a health insurance company look at my height and weight when I apply for insurance?

Yes. Insurance companies usually look at your height and weight when they decide to offer insurance. They may offer you insurance at a higher premium rate or refuse to insure you if you are overweight or obese. Some insurance companies use a measurement called the Body Mass Index (BMI) to decide. If your BMI is above 39, most insurance companies will not offer you insurance. If your BMI is 30-39, an insurance company may offer you insurance at a higher premium. If you have health problems because of your weight, such as diabetes or heart disease, an insurance company may refuse to insure you, even if your BMI is under 30.

Can a health insurance company look at my smoking and drinking history when I apply for insurance?

Yes. Insurance companies may look at smoking and drinking history when they decide whether to offer insurance.

The following chart summarizes underwriting information that health insurance companies have filed with the Department of Insurance.

AB 356: Summary of Underwriting Information filed re conditions for which no insurance coverage will be offered, application will be denied, or higher premium may be charged or benefit may be limited

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