Pre-existing Conditions - Frequent Questions

1. What are pre-existing conditions? Can you provide examples?

If you have a medical problem which exists at the time you enroll in or purchase your health insurance, that medical problem becomes a pre-existing condition. Insurance companies deny coverage for such medical conditions for a period of time. Diabetics, blood pressure, chronic back pain, high cholesterol, kidney stones, skin problems, or any other similar medical conditions are some examples of pre-existing conditions THOUGH THEY ARE UNDER CONTROL WITH MEDICATIONS.

2. My dad is 78 years old and he has no known heart problems. If my Dad get heart attack within a few days of coverage, does this considered as pre-existing condition?

Yes. Unfortunately, most insurance companies interpret heart attack as pre-existing due to the existence of risk factors before the coverage starts. The risk factors can be hypertension, etc.

3. Why pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage?

No insurance company can afford to cover these sure losses with the premium and no policy holder is willing to pay for the cost of such coverage. The insurance premiums are determined on the basis of probabilities and not sure or near certain events. Hence there is no insurance company that would cover the pre-existing conditions for the US Citizens or residents today unless you have an employer paid group program. Many insurance companies in the US will not even underwrite coverage if pre-existing conditions are found in medical reports. The Consult a Doc Program of India Network Foundation is designed to help visitors with non-emergency nature problems related to pre-existing or new problems.

4. What is this "Pre-existing Condition Rider? How does work?

Pre-existing condition rider is an add on option for India Network members who wish to insure their visitors or themselves. This rider when purchased would cover life threatening emergency situations due to any pre-existing health problems. The rider DOES NOT COVER day today lab tests, x-rays, prescriptions, or doctor visits related to pre-existing conditions. If you have non-emergency nature of sickness, you may make use of India Network Foundation cost effective Consult a Doc program.

6. Are there any other companies that provide some coverage for pre-existing conditions?

Multinational Underwriters provide limited coverage for pre-existing conditions. The India Network Rider Program is much broader and provide blanket coverage for pre-existing condition related emergencies. Please read the policies carefully before you signon. The Multinational program does not require any