Unfortunate circumstances can take place suddenly without any intimation. As such incidences are unpredictable, one may never be prepared for them. Such incidents do not just impact people mentally, but it also impacts them financially. While you can never predict when an unfortunate circumstance might take place, you can take measures to have financial back up from the economic costs of emergencies.
One such measure is investing in life insurance. It has become easier to buy this insurance by yourself. However, people with pre-existing medical conditions are not aware of the impact their health condition has on their insurance policy. What is pre-existing medical condition? What impact does it have your term plan? Keep reading to get a better understanding.
What are pre-existing illnesses?
Before we get to pre-existing illnesses, lets us first understand this: what is life insurance? It is a type of policy in which the insurer and the insured get into an agreement. As per this agreement, the insurer will provide financial compensation to the dependents of the insurer in the event of the insured’s untimely demise. The pay out that the dependents would receive is based on the policy that insured purchased.
Now getting to pre-existing illness. The definition of pre-existing illness is an illness that a person has been diagnosed with before they purchase a life insurance. Asthma, diabetes, and heart diseases are considered to be pre-existing illnesses by the insurer. Do read the policy document carefully to know which diseases are pre-existing illnesses according to the insurer.
What impact do they have on your insurance?
When you are diagnosed with or being treated for illnesses such as diabetes or cancer, the cost of their treatment is exorbitant. If something unfortunate were to happen to you due to either of these illnesses, the compensation amount that insurer is required to pay would be higher. This means a higher financial risk for the insurer as most people with pre-existing illnesses file a claim for compensation.
When you opt for this insurance, your insurer will require you to go through a medical check-up. This is to ensure your fitness. They might also ask for your medical history and whether you are suffering from illnesses. If you declare that you are suffering from an illness, the insurer will consider this as a pre-existing illness. The insurer will adjust the life insurance premium accordingly, which means you might end up paying more for your policy.
Things to keep in mind about pre-existing illnesses
- Always declare whatever illnesses you are suffering from to your insurer before you purchase the policy. Not only does this maintain transparency between you and your insurer, but you will not face complications in the future, i.e., during claim process.
- Ask your insurer about the waiting period if you have pre-existing medical condition. While there is usually a shorter waiting period compared to health insurance, it is always better to discuss about this with your insurer to avoid confusion. Waiting period means covering the medical expenses yourself before the insurer will compensate you for. Asking your insurer beforehand about this would be beneficial for you.
- An illness that is diagnosed 4 years before the purchase of the policy is termed as a pre-existing illness by the insurer. However, discuss with your insurer about the pre-defined duration for such medical conditions and if they impact your application process.
- Even if your application is approved and you get the insurance, do not stop with the treatment. Continue with the treatment and keep your insurer updated with any progress.
Conclusion
If you are suffering from a pre-existing medical condition and wish to purchase life insurance, you can easily do so. You can discuss about this in detail with your insurance advisor. Alternatively, you can contact your insurer to get specific information about it.
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