What is a preexisting condition clause?
If your cancer was diagnosed before your policy became effective, this may be considered a preexisting condition. Some plans deny coverage for an illness that was previously diagnosed. Other plans deny coverage for a predetermined length of time (usually 6 months or 1 year) and may even require that an individual be “treatment free” during the waiting period to qualify for coverage. During a preexisting condition waiting period, your insurance company may not pay for any care you receive related to your cancer. As a result of a law passed in 1996, any preexisting condition exclusion period must be reduced by the period of time the individual has maintained health insurance coverage, without a break of 63 consecutive days or more immediately before enrolling in the new health insurance. This could mean immediate coverage and payment for your treatment.
