Question:
How soon after buying an insuracne policy can I apply to have surgery covered?

I was wondering how soon after I purchase an insurance policy will they cover me having WLS? Is there generally a waiting period?    — Jennifer M. (posted on January 16, 2003)

January 16, 2003
Okay, I'm gonna try this one... Will you have had at least 63 full days of coverage prior to the new policy coming into effect? If you haven't had a lapse of more than 62 days you cannot be held to the "pre-exsisting" clause. Now, your new insurance could have a "waiting period". As above, if you do not have a lapse of 63 days or more than you can apply your past insurance as a kind of "credit" towards the new policy. I'm not sure if you can use time frames less than 12 months for credit, and if you're a late enrolee, then your time requirements is 18 months. From what I understand most insurance types count as creditable insurances (i.e., PPO, HMO, Medicaid, Medicare, COBRA, etc...) If I'm off track someone please let me know, but this is how I understood it. Hope this helps! Take care... Kim
   — Kim K.

January 16, 2003
I thought it was 30 days with no lapse in coverage. No?
   — Leslie F.

January 17, 2003
Put in a search for "HIPPA" (...something about the Health Insurance Portability Act"). There is a government site that explains all of it.... Good luck. Kim
   — Kim K.