What to Know Before You Apply Individual Health Insurance Policy

What to Know Before You Apply Individual Health Insurance Policy

Everyone needs health insurance. But applying for an individual health insurance policy is often a tricky ordeal. Dates of doctor visits, phone numbers, medications and dosage, names of physicians, diagnoses and clinic addresses are all essential data for most standard applications--it's enough to make someone faint!

Insurance companies check over your application with a fine-tooth comb, scrutinizing every single line of information you provide. But don't freak out just yet--the information below will give you a leg up on the individual health insurance policy application process.

Individual Health Insurance Policy - Information You'll Need to Apply

Most insurance companies ask the same basic questions during the individual health insurance policy application process:

Name, home address, marital status, Social Security number

Medical history

Other health insurance policies, if any, by which the applicant is covered, including Medicaid or Medicare

Date the coverage should take effect

Whether or not the applicant has been previously denied health coverage or had their policy cancelled. If yes, applicants may be asked to provide specific details

In some cases, specifics regarding past physicians, doctor visits, diagnoses, and medication prescribed will be requested

Finding Medical Records

If you are unsure of your complete medical history, it is recommended that you obtain your medical records to use as a reference. Your individual health insurance policy application may be delayed or denied if you produce inaccurate information, so make certain your information is accurate. You may be asked to produce a written request to your physician's office in order to obtain your records, and you will likely be charged a fee for processing these records.

Falsifying Your Individual Health Insurance Policy Application is Illegal

At the end of the individual health insurance application, you will be asked to electronically sign your application and agree that all the information you provide is accurate. False information or dishonest responses can result in your insurance policy being denied or terminated, so providing truthful answers during the application process will save you a ton of hassle later.

Pre-Existing Conditions

A pre-existing condition is a condition, physical or mental, for which medical advice, care, or treatment is provided before you enroll in a policy. Even if you are accepted for an individual health insurance policy, your pre-existing condition may be excluded from coverage. Should a pre-existing condition be purposely omitted from information you provide during the application process, your application may be denied or cancelled.

Laws concerning pre-existing conditions vary by state. Contact a local health insurance agent for details.

If Your Individual Health Insurance Policy Application is Denied

If your application is denied, or if your premiums are too high, help may still be available. Several states offer assistance to those who are rejected due to medical conditions or pre-existing conditions. If your application is accepted but with a high premium, there may be state programs available to help ease the financial burden.

Medicaid (for low-income and disabled people), prescription drug assistance, high-risk pool coverage, and other programs may be able to help. Contact your state insurance department to see what programs are available to you.