The best way to secure international health insurance coverage if you have pre-existing conditions is to participate in a large group insurance policy. But if that’s not possible for you, additional options are available which we will discuss.

Table of Contents

• Expat Health Insurance Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions
• What Is a Pre-existing Condition?
• Common Options If You Have Pre-existing Conditions and Need Insurance
• Can an Insurance Company Decline My Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?
• Relevant Health Insurance Plan Features
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Contact

A pre-existing condition is a medical problem or symptom(s) for which you have received medical treatment, diagnosis, or advice before you sign up for or apply for a health insurance policy.

It’s very important to always be honest and provide accurate information on any insurance applications to avoid rejected claims or a canceled policy. If you have questions or concerns about how to get medical insurance even if you have pre-existing conditions, ask an impartial insurance expert to help you find a suitable policy.

Why Is Finding Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Coverage Hard?

Insurance companies covering someone with a known and current medical condition guarantees an expense that is unlikely to be offset by collected premiums.

Here are solutions we often recommend if you have a pre-existing condition yet need insurance now:

• If you are eligible for a group insurance policy, this may be a great option
• Finding insurance coverage that excludes any coverage for the pre-existing condition
• Waiting period or moratorium on coverage for the pre-existing condition(s) on an individual or family policy
• Coverage including the pre-existing condition(s) with higher annual premiums
• Have a limit on the amount of benefits that can be used toward the pre-existing condition
• Decline any medical coverage for someone with a pre-existing condition

Remember: coverage decisions vary depending on the insurance provider. Working with Pacific Prime allows you to consider options from multiple providers and select the company and policy that best fits your needs and budget.

Exclusion of Pre-Existing Condition

International health insurance companies may cover an expatriate’s medical expenses but exclude the pre-existing condition. This means that insurance will only cover claims unrelated to the pre-existing condition.

Moratorium or Waiting Period

International Health Insurance providers may be willing to cover your pre-existing condition after you have been paying premiums for a pre-determined amount of time or waiting period. This amount of time may be a year or two, and the length of time is determined at underwriting.

A moratorium means that the insurance provider will use a waiting period to determine whether or not coverage is feasible. If you have had no recurrences or did not need any treatment during the moratorium, coverage of your pre-existing condition in the future may be available.

Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage with Higher Annual Premiums

An expat health insurance provider may offer coverage of a pre-existing condition with a higher annual premium. This happens when the insurance provider determines that a higher premium will offset enough financial risk from covering the medical condition during the underwriting process.

Limit of Benefits for Pre-existing Conditions

Expat medical insurance companies may choose to cover a pre-existing condition but provide a lower limit on the benefits that can be claimed related to the pre-existing condition. This decision will be made during underwriting.

International insurance companies often decline to insure an individual with a pre-existing condition. 

But remember: declined coverage from one expat health insurance provider does not necessarily mean all insurance companies will decline coverage.

How an Insurance Broker Can Help With Pre-existing Condition Coverage

Insurance brokers help expats with pre-existing conditions find and compare policies from different international insurance companies at no cost. 

Brokers represent the expat seeking insurance and not the insurance company so that expats can trust advice and recommendations from a broker.

Expats with pre-existing conditions already know that medical treatment and care will be an expense. That means that balancing deductibles, annual benefit limits, and premiums requires a different strategy than one for an expat with no health concerns.

Annual Benefit Limits

Most international plans have a total benefit limit and limits for different categories, such as inpatient versus outpatient expenses. Some insurers also have annual benefit limits per condition.

When you are choosing insurance plans, make sure any limits on benefits are feasible for your pre-existing conditions. Apply for plans with appropriate benefit limits or unlimited benefits to ensure adequate coverage.

Inpatient and Outpatient

Some pre-existing conditions require more specialists and outpatient care than others. Compare the annual outpatient limits and co-pays for seeing your general practitioner and specialists. Also, check that inpatient coverage is sufficient for your condition(s).

Emergency Evacuation

Expats with pre-existing conditions should be especially careful in selecting plans that will pay for emergency medical evacuation.

Be aware that not every country in the world has a public medical emergency transportation service.

Deductibles & Copays (Excess)

Expats with pre-existing conditions are more likely to save money with a higher premium and lower deductibles and copays (excess) if they are able to secure coverage for their pre-existing conditions.

Direct Billing

If you are financially unable to wait for reimbursement, seek out insurers and medical providers with direct billing agreements.

If the hospital, clinic, or provider does not have a direct billing agreement with your insurance company, you will have to pay the medical bill and then file a claim for reimbursement.

Contact for Assistance with Pre-existing Condition Coverage

If you are looking for an impartial insurance expert to help you find and compare policies, you have come to the right place. Contact Pacific Prime online or by calling 1-(626)-600-7089 in the United States. Pacific Prime helps individuals, families, and large groups secure health insurance.

Can I get international health insurance in the Philippines with pre-existing condition coverage?

Expats in the Philippines can get health insurance policies that will either cover their pre-existing conditions, cover their conditions with higher premiums or after a waiting period, or offer medical coverage excluding expenses related to their pre-existing conditions, depending on underwriting.

What is the best expat health insurance for pre-existing conditions?

The best expat health insurance for pre-existing conditions is a large group policy, such as one through your employer. International health insurance policies for large groups are more likely to cover pre-existing conditions than individual or family plans.

Is an HMO or PPO better for pre-existing conditions?

Health Management Organizations (HMOs) have less expensive plans, but Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) have more options to see in-network and out-of-network providers. If your pre-existing condition requires many specialists, consider PPOs for the flexibility.

For further advice on the most appropriate way of covering your pre-existing condition give us a call or contact Pacific Prime here. You can also begin browsing insurance plans using our Quote Comparison Tool to find insurance plans that are perfect for your conditions.