Catastrophic Health Insurance: What To Do About Pre-Existing Conditions
So, you’ve been considering catastrophic health insurance. It seems like the perfect solution for your health insurance needs, and you are ready to trade in a high deductible for a low monthly premium. However, before you make such a big decision concerning your health care, you need to make sure catastrophic health insurance will really provide for all your needs.
Catastrophic Health Insurance: What Pre-Existing Conditions Are Covered?
When it comes to catastrophic health insurance, one of the biggest roadblocks individuals come across is pre-existing conditions. These conditions are previously treated illnesses, diseases, injuries, or physical conditions. Typically, a condition is considered to be pre-existing if it has been treated by a doctor or with prescription medications within the last six months before applying for catastrophic health insurance.
Many catastrophic health insurance plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, and this can be detrimental, especially if you have a serious condition such as cancer or heart disease. Even though these illnesses may be considered pre-existing, you still want to receive the proper health care for them.
When you first begin thinking about pre-existing conditions, there are several aspects to keep in mind.
- Is It Covered- Check the fine print on your catastrophic health insurance plan. Some pre-existing conditions are covered, while others are not.
- Coverage Time Limit- While certain conditions may not be covered at first, that does not mean they will never be covered. Take Aetna catastrophic health insurance for example. Their high deductible plan does not cover pre-existing conditions for the first 12 months you have the insurance. However, after this time period has elapsed, you will be covered for these conditions and can seek medical treatment.
- Alternatives- If your pre-existing condition is not covered at all or is only covered after a certain time limit you may need to consider alternatives to help supplement your health care. Does your employer provide health insurance through the company you work for? Some other types of insurance may cover your pre-existing illnesses until your catastrophic health insurance can take over.
Why Choose Catastrophic Health Insurance?
Even if your choice of catastrophic health insurance provides little to no coverage for your pre-existing conditions, it may still be the right health insurance for you. Many times, you can set up what is known as a Health Savings Account (HSA). With an HSA, you can regularly deposit money into the account. If your pre-existing condition demands treatment during the time period in which you are not covered by your high deductible insurance, you can withdraw the money you have saved up in your HSA account to pay for your medical bills.
While the money is still technically from your own pocket, because you have saved it up, it won’t seem like you are taking a huge chunk out of your wallet. You will have the money you require for your health care needs.
When you need the best health insurance coverage for those unexpected events, choose catastrophic health insurance. Be careful though, and make sure you can obtain coverage for your pre-existing conditions.