Pre-Existing Diseases In Insurance

Understanding pre-existing diseases (PEDS) in health insurance is crucial because they can affect your coverage and premiums. Pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, are health issues you may already have and know of before purchasing insurance.

- Meghna Maiti

Many policies impose waiting periods before these conditions are covered or may come with higher premiums due to increased risk.

Knowing the limitations, exclusions of your policy, and how your insurance company handles pre-existing conditions will help you make informed decisions, avoid surprises, and ensure you have the necessary coverage when needed or seek an additional coverage if required.

THE COVERAGE

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has recently revised health insurance guidelines, reducing the waiting period for PEDS from four to three years. This has made coverage for PEDS more accessible. There is no coverage for PEDs during the waiting period.