Getting a terminal diagnosis is a difficult situation, particularly for those without health insurance coverage. With the rising costs of healthcare paying the bills can bankrupt a family. Finding health insurance for the terminally ill may seem to be an insurmountable problem, because most insurers would deny coverage to someone with a fatal diagnosis. However, there are healthcare companies that will insure ill patient for a price. While they may be more expensive, the alternative would end up costing far more for the families left behind.
Pre-existing Coverage
Soon, medical companies will no longer be allowed to refuse coverage for a pre-existing condition. Terminal illnesses would be considered pre-existing conditions. Insurers can, however, put a restriction on the coverage and the premium rates may be high. The patient may also be required to pay a large deductible or co-payment for any services or treatments related to the condition. A waiting period of 1-2 years may also be imposed on any death benefits payouts to make sure that all the medical bills are paid first.
Medicare and Medicaid Coverage
Government-sponsored Medicare and Medicaid are another option for health insurance for the terminally ill. This coverage can offset some of the costs that are incurred due to a medical condition. While the benefits will not be as good as a private health insurance plan, the savings may help. Private health insurance could possibly be used in conjunction with the government plans in order to provide the policy holder with ways to survive more comfortably at the end-of-life stage.
What a Health Insurance Plan for the Terminally Ill may Cover
A terminal illness insurance plan may cover transportation to medical appointments, any medical treatments and procedures, medications, in-home care, nurse’s visits, car or home modifications related to dealing with the fatal condition and more. Depending on the policy coverage, it may also cover burial expenses or other death related costs. It is important to read through the policy to determine what will and won’t be covered. This way there will be no surprises when an expense claim is denied.
Finding the Right Terminal Illness Health Insurance Plan
Many times hospitals or hospices will work with patients to determine what type of terminal illness health insurance coverage that they are eligible for. Often there is a type of coverage that has been overlooked. They will help the patient or the family to fill out any forms, turn in applications and explain the process. There are also government agencies that can help you understand your options. It is also possible to get a quotation from leading insurance providers through our website.
A terminal illness creates many hardships. However, there does not necessarily have to be a financial hardship as well. By getting terminal illness health insurance in place you are protecting your family and loved ones from the crushing debt that can be left behind from medical costs resulting from your condition. If there is not a suitable private health insurance plan, there are many government plans that can help provide insurance coverage as well.