Getting health cover for pre-existing medical conditions
Past injuries and illnesses can affect what your health insurance covers.
Any major medical event in the last three years can lead to an exclusion. Significant events such as surgery, cancer or a heart attack may lead to a permanent exclusion.
When exclusions can be reviewed
Some exclusions can be lifted if you have no symptoms or treatment for a set period. How long depends on how serious the condition was.
A minor back strain might only need 12 months without symptoms before it can be reviewed. A past breast cancer diagnosis may lead to an exclusion that is never reviewed.
Plans that can cover pre-existing conditions
Two insurers offer plans that can cover existing or past health conditions.
| Plan | What it covers | Main limits |
|---|---|---|
| nib (Easy Health and hospital plans) | Many pre-existing conditions after a three year stand down | Excludes cardiovascular conditions, cancer, hip or knee conditions, back conditions, transplant surgery and reconstructive or reparative surgery |
| Southern Cross UltraCare | Pre-existing conditions after three years | Higher cost at the start. After three years, some members move to a Wellbeing One or Two plan and keep cover for those conditions |
Plan terms change over time. We check the current policy wording for your situation before recommending a plan.
How Finsol can help
We have placed hundreds of health insurance policies over the last decade. We match you with the right plan for your health history and support you through every claim.
Call us on 0800 346 765 or book a free consultation.
Finsol is a financial advisory business founded in Hawke’s Bay in 2010, looking after more than 6,000 clients across New Zealand. This article is general information only and does not take your personal circumstances into account. Product details are a summary. Check the current policy wording with your adviser.
