Health Insurance Updated maximum waiting times for pre existing conditions from 1st May 2015

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snowyb

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There are new maximum waiting times for pre-existing medical conditions since 1st May 2015.
These changes came into effect in conjunction with Lifetime Community Rating from 1st May 2015. Maximum waiting time for new customers re pre-existing conditions is 5 years regardless of your age or provider.
http://www.hia.ie/consumer-information/waiting-periods/new-customer-waiting-periods


Maximum waiting time for upgrading/switching is 2 years, regardless of your age or provider.
http://www.hia.ie/consumer-information/switchingupgrade-waiting-periods


There is also a new definition of a pre-existing condition; From 1 May 2015 a pre-existing condition is defined as:

"“Pre-existing condition” means an ailment, illness or condition, which, in the opinion of a medical practitioner appointed by the undertaking that issued the contract, the signs or symptoms of that ailment, illness or condition existed at any time in the period of 6 months ending on the day on which the person became insured under the contract."

Regards, Snowyb
 
That definition was changed slightly when the legislation was signed;

From 1 May 2015 a pre-existing condition is defined as:

"Pre-existing condition” means an ailment, illness or condition, where, on the basis of medical advice, the signs or symptoms of that ailment, illness or condition existed at any time in the period of 6 months ending on the day on which the person became insured under the contract.
 
Hi Could someone tell me if the new max waiting periods are retrospective? It's possible an elderly relative will require a procedure that may be deemed as a pre existing condition, applicable wait period was 10 yrs due to age at date of taking out original policy so still 3 yrs shy of the 10. Would be great if it's now 5 regardless.
 
snowyb said:
There are new maximum waiting times for pre-existing medical conditions since 1st May 2015.
These changes came into effect in conjunction with Lifetime Community Rating from 1st May 2015. Maximum waiting time for new customers re pre-existing conditions is 5 years regardless of your age or provider.
http://www.hia.ie/consumer-information/waiting-periods/new-customer-waiting-periods


Maximum waiting time for upgrading/switching is 2 years, regardless of your age or provider.
http://www.hia.ie/consumer-information/switchingupgrade-waiting-periods In simple language what is the relevance of the period of 6 months and waiting time of 5 years. I was under impression if a person has an existing pre condition you had to wait for 5 years from date of contract before a claim could be made.


There is also a new definition of a pre-existing condition; From 1 May 2015 a pre-existing condition is defined as:

"“Pre-existing condition” means an ailment, illness or condition, which, in the opinion of a medical practitioner appointed by the undertaking that issued the contract, the signs or symptoms of that ailment, illness or condition existed at any time in the period of 6 months ending on the day on which the person became insured under the contract."

Regards, Snowyb
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unique said:
Hi Could someone tell me if the new max waiting periods are retrospective? It's possible an elderly relative will require a procedure that may be deemed as a pre existing condition, applicable wait period was 10 yrs due to age at date of taking out original policy so still 3 yrs shy of the 10. Would be great if it's now 5 regardless.
Click to expand...

Hi unique,

The good news is that it's 5 years that applies since 1 May 2015. If their renewal date was before May 2015, they will just have to wait until the
next renewal date before procedure is covered. If they renewed their policy since May 2015, cover will apply now, as they have served 5 years already. I confirmed this information with the Health Insurance Authority.

Snowyb
 
snowyb said:
Hi unique,

The good news is that it's 5 years that applies since 1 May 2015. If their renewal date was before May 2015, they will just have to wait until the
next renewal date before procedure is covered. If they renewed their policy since May 2015, cover will apply now, as they have served 5 years already. I confirmed this information with the Health Insurance Authority.

Snowyb[/QUOTE

Thanks Snowyb really appreciate that
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