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Does anyone know how medical insurance applications work?

C

CoolTech

Platinum Member
I haven't had medical insurance since on I was on my parents while I was in college up until 1.5 years ago. I went to the emergency room probably 4 times, had a toe surgery and went to the physical therapist. Is there some kind of centralized database where this is all reported or do I just tell them whatever I want to tell them. I mean theyre asking for like 10yrs of medical history in the application, wtf?
 
There is a central database that your application will be compared with. You need to list as much as you can remember.
 
Its better if you get a job with insurance. They don't usually ask about past medical history.

In America, private insurance means that you pay big bucks for coverage, then as soon as you make a claim, they drop you and don't pay the claim. You're better off without.
 
Originally posted by: sixone
There is a central database that your application will be compared with. You need to list as much as you can remember.
Click to expand...

Doesn't that violate the privacy of the patient?
 
Originally posted by: EatSpam
Its better if you get a job with insurance. They don't usually ask about past medical history.

In America, private insurance means that you pay big bucks for coverage, then as soon as you make a claim, they drop you and don't pay the claim. You're better off without.
Click to expand...

yah, thats what im leaning toward, seems like group policies through work are the way to go
 
Originally posted by: Medicine Bear
Originally posted by: sixone
There is a central database that your application will be compared with. You need to list as much as you can remember.
Click to expand...
Never heard of HIPAA have you?
Click to expand...


no, how does this apply (synopsis plz.)
 
Just a guess, but I'm thinking
-If you have a medical problem that is 'interesting', the insurer might get medical records from your doctor.
-If you have filed medical claims in the past, the insurer might have access from other insurance companies.
-Insurers probably care more about chronic illnesses or cancer or severe diseases as opposed to ER visits for accidental injuries.

Choose your lies wisely. 😀 If you don't disclose a pre-existing condition and end up needing health care for it--The insurer might not cover it!

And HIPAA isn't applicable because you agree to disclose information to insurance companies.

Originally posted by: episodic
Ok, you tell them if you have anything wrong with you.

If you do, they won't insure you.

Catch 22.
Click to expand...

Not necessarily, they just charge more. Waaaaaay more. I created a dummy applicant and the premium was 2x more than the final version.
 
Originally posted by: Banana
Just a guess, but I'm thinking
-If you have a medical problem that is 'interesting', the insurer might get medical records from your doctor.
-If you have filed medical claims in the past, the insurer might have access from other insurance companies.
-Insurers probably care more about chronic illnesses or cancer or severe diseases as opposed to ER visits for accidental injuries.

Choose your lies wisely. 😀 If you don't disclose a pre-existing condition and end up needing health care for it--The insurer might not cover it!

And HIPAA isn't applicable because you agree to disclose information to insurance companies.

Not necessarily, they just charge more. Waaaaaay more. I created a dummy applicant and the premium was 2x more than the final version.
Click to expand...

WRONG!
The application is there to figure out if you have a pre-existing condition. If you have one, and do not currently have health insurance, that pre-ex is going to be excluded for 6 months to a year depending on the insurance company.
If you currently have health insurance, you are fine and the pre-ex won't apply (refer to HIPAA).
Basically, don't lie on the app about pre-ex's. If you don't have health insurance, lie on the app, and then go in for treatment on a condition that you've had, you are going to get screwed. I'll use the toe example the OP stated. It will be obvious to a doctor that you had surgery. If that occured in the last 12 months, and you didn't disclose it, then go in for treatment, the insurance company will deny the claims. That means you will be stuck with the full bills.

I used to underwrite group health insurance (about 4 years ago). Just tell the truth on the app. if you don't, you are asking for a lot more trouble than it is worth.


EDIT: There is no secret cental database that is referenced either. Other insurance companies are not consulted. The application is taken to be the truth, and no further research is done. It is what it is.
 
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