What are ‘chronic or pre-existing’ conditions?
These are terms defined by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) which insurers must adhere to.
A chronic condition is defined as one that is long term and requires ongoing monitoring and treatment. It cannot be cured but it can be alleviated. It is likely to be life-long and requires you to be specially trained on how to deal with it. Examples of chronic conditions include:
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Eczema
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Angina and heart disease
Pre-existing conditions are those which you have had prior to taking out a health insurance policy, usually 5 years beforehand. These are conditions to which you have received advice, medication and/or treatment. These include the above mentioned and also include:
- Cancer
- Depression and anxiety
- Disability
- Epilepsy
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- High cholesterol levels
- Stroke
Private Medical Insurance Guide:
- Guide to Private Health Insurance
- What is private health insurance?
- What types of private Health insurance are available?
- How do I buy private health insurance?
- How do I choose the right cover?
- What does my health insurance cover include?
- What are pre-existing conditions?
- What will affect my premiums?
- Can private medical insurance cover older people?
- Will I need to provide details of my health?
- How can I reduce the costs?
- Can I have private treatment through the NHS?
- Will my cover be affected if I am disabled?
- How do I make a claim?
- How is private health insurance controlled?
- What if I want to change to a new insurance company?
- Can I be covered while abroad?
- What does ‘self-paying’ patient mean?