Question:
How do I get around the preexisting condition clause?

Hi all! I am 8 months post op and down about 100 lbs. I still have about 50 more to lose though. I have no medical insurance anymore, but I will have it soon. I am starting to look into plastic surgery options for excess skin, and I want to know how I would go about getting around the Pre-Existing clauses. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.    — Wendie G. (posted on September 8, 2003)

September 8, 2003
Pre-existing applies to any condition that you were treated for prior to the insurance being in effect. If you have not been treated for the condition (i.e., seen a doctor, had tests run for that condition, taken any medication for that condition, etc.) then it is not pre-existing. Most insurance companies have a 6/12 pre-existing condition clause. This means if you were treated 6 months prior to your insurance effective date, there would be no coverage for that condition for 12 months after your insurance effective date. So basically, if you haven't went to a plastic surgeon yet or seen any other doctor in regards to the excessive skin problem, it shouldn't be pre-existing. However, your weight loss surgery is totally different because my guess is you probably have been to a doctor for follow up care to the surgery or take prescription vitamins or medications relating to the weight loss surgery. Check out the pre-existing clause and then go back to see what kind of care or medications you've taken in the time period right before the effective date. This will determine what your pre-existing conditions will be. BTW, there is no way around pre-existing since you are no longer covered by any other health insurance. Hope this helps.
   — Patty H.

September 8, 2003
Not an answer but another question concerning this. If you switch from one insuance to another without any lapse in coverage does the pre-existing condition apply?
   — George B.