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Saturday, November 26, 2011

How to Obtain Health Insurance After Cancer

Cancer is a leading disease but fortunately it is becoming more treatable and many more people are surviving. Unfortunately obtaining health insurance after cancer is not easy. Many insurance companies do not feel cancer survivors are eligible for health insurance coverage because of preexisting conditions which leaves many uninsured.

Preexisting conditions means it could be as much as a year before insurance companies will pay any health costs related to any preexisting condition including cancer. The costs can be enormous and many have to pay for these expenses on their own, but obtaining health insurance coverage is not impossible.

Health Today

QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT AN INDIVIDUAL POLICY

There are actions that can be taken to make getting health insurance after cancer more accessible. One of the first things that should be done for those who already have an individual policy is to make a careful inspection of their insurance policy to see what is covered and what is not such as what types of treatments are available? Is selecting their own specialist allowed? and How to go about obtaining a second opinion?

Other questions that should be asked include:

1. What expenses are covered on the policy such as visits to the doctor, surgical procedures and chemotherapy?
2. Can a doctor of choice be consulted?
3. Will it be necessary to go outside the insurance provider to get treatment?
4. Does permission have to be granted by the insurance company before going through treatment?
5. Does the insurance company cover all or at least some of the medical costs?

OTHER COVERAGE OPTIONS

Group coverage is the best option for those who have cancer and are already insured. The rates will be less expensive and coverage will most likely be maintained by a large company rather than with an individual policy, but this option is not always available to everyone.

Another option which is offered by many states are risk pools which are a good way for those with cancer to get insured. Risk pools are designed so that they provide coverage to those considered uninsurable due to preexisting conditions. Requirements must be met and premiums must be paid, but it is a good chance that health insurance after cancer coverage will be granted with risk pools.

BE AWARE OF SCAMS

Desperation sometimes sets in for cancer survivors who are seeking health insurance and they must be aware of scams. There are many dishonest insurance "companies" out there claiming to offer affordable health insurance to cancer survivors. They are mostly found on the Internet and are typically from unknown companies.

Those who become a victim to these types of unscrupulous companies will be held responsible for paying premiums and will also find that if a claim is filed that they are not covered and will be responsible for all costs. A good way to avoid becoming a victim is to seek claims from well-known and reputable health insurance companies.

CONCLUSION

Coverage for those with cancer can be difficult but it is not impossible. Those who conduct research and ask questions will obtain health insurance after cancer.

How to Obtain Health Insurance After Cancer

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