Buying health insurance if you have pre-existing conditions: It’s doable!

What if I find out about a pre-existing condition after taking out health cover? 

Insurers differ in how they define pre-existing conditions and whether or not your knowledge of a health issue will impact future claims. It’s best to contact your insurance adviser to discuss your policy wording as soon as you learn about your condition.

Can you change health insurance providers or plans with pre-existing conditions? 

While you can change health insurers or switch plans, you need to consider how it may affect your cover for existing medical issues.

Medical conditions developed after taking out your new policy are generally covered. If you switch to a new insurer or plan, your current medical issues may be considered pre-existing conditions and subject to exclusions, waiting periods, or a higher premium.

Tips for getting the best medical cover if you have existing health issues

Several major health insurance providers in New Zealand offer cover for pre-existing conditions but may impose limitations. Here are some tips to keep in mind when applying:

• Disclose your medical history upfront - failing to mention a health issue may mean the insurer will deny future claims.
• Inquire about the possibility of getting cover for your pre-existing conditions.
• Consider starting with a health insurance policy which excludes your pre-existing conditions but covers everything else.  When your health issues are resolved, request to have these exclusions lifted.
• Look into group health insurance plans, through an employer or association, that may offer better terms.
• Work with an insurance broker, such as Policywise, to compare plans from the best health insurers and negotiate with them on your behalf.
• Keep your existing cover while applying for a new policy, as gaps can reset exclusion periods.
• Read your policy and membership certificate, and ask questions about your insurer’s definition of pre-existing conditions, what’s covered, and what’s excluded.
• Ask about reducing stand-down periods or getting exclusions reviewed if you've been symptom and treatment-free for many years.

How can Policywise help?

Policywise can provide more information about pre-existing conditions and help you find and compare the best covers for your health circumstances. Our insurance advisers can also negotiate with insurers to get you good medical cover, and assist you during claim time.

Policywise is a 100% free service which tells you which health and life insurance plans best fit those with pre-existing conditions. We offer fast, comprehensive, and easy-to-understand comparisons of all leading providers, and a simple summary recommending which insurer is right for your situation.

Not all insurance policies are the same. Policywise can help you sort out the duds, avoid the lemons, understand the fine print and exclusions, and get the right insurance for you and your family.

We make the important decision of where to buy your insurance super easy. We’ll answer your questions, provide experienced advice, quotes, and comparisons, and manage all the back and forth throughout the application process. Taking out your cover through us means you'll have our lifetime support and claims advocacy. We can also take care of lodging any claims on your behalf and back you up if the going gets tough.

Check out the reviews on our homepage for how other New Zealanders have found our service because now is the time to get your health insurance sorted. Give your family or someone you love the most outstanding financial support possible. Book a 5-minute callback with Policywise today; our service is fast and free.