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