Acute Onset of Pre Existing Conditions – Complete Guide

Written and researched by Michael Kays (Travel Insurance Expert) | Fact Checked by Danya Kristen (Insurance Agent).

Acute onset of pre-existing conditions is a new rule that allows people with pre-existing medical conditions to enroll in a health plan during the open enrollment period. This change is effective for plans starting on or after January 1, 2020.

Introduction: What is Acute Onset of Pre-existing Conditions?

Acute onset of pre-existing conditions (AOPCCs) occurs when an individual who has a pre-existing condition is exposed to a stressor that triggers the onset of this condition. AOPCCs are not only common in emergency departments, but also in urgent care settings, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation settings.

If you have a preexisting condition, it is especially important to understand the concept of acute onset when buying insurance. Acute onset is defined as a sudden and severe occurrence of symptoms. This can be contrasted with a gradual onset, where symptoms develop slowly over time.

There are a few reasons why it is important to be aware of acute onset of pre-existing conditions when buying insurance.

First, if you have a preexisting condition, your insurer may not cover any treatment related to that condition if it was not diagnosed before your policy began. This is why it is important to disclose all preexisting conditions to your insurer when you apply for coverage.

Second, even if your insurer does cover treatment for a preexisting condition, they may only do so up to a certain limit. For example, your insurer may only cover $5,000 worth of treatment for a preexisting condition in a given year. If you have an acute onset of symptoms that requires more than $5,000 worth of treatment, you would be responsible for paying the difference.

Finally, it is important to be aware of acute onset because it can impact your premium. If you have a preexisting condition that is likely to require treatment, your premium will be higher than someone who does not have a preexisting condition. This is because your insurer will view you as a higher risk and thus charge you a higher premium to offset that risk.

In short, it is important to be aware of acute onset when buying insurance because it can impact what your insurer will cover and how much your premium will be. If you have a preexisting condition, it is especially important to disclose this to your insurer when you apply for coverage.

Recommended Plans

✅ Atlas America

Up to $2,000,000 of Overall Maximum Coverage, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Medical coverage for eligible expenses related to COVID-19, Trip Interruption & Travel Delay.

✅ Safe Travels Comprehensive

Coverage for in-patient and out-patient medical accidents up to $1 Million, Coverage of acute episodes of pre-existing conditions, Coverage from 5 days to 364 days (about 12 months).

✅ Patriot America Platinum

Up to $8,000,000 limits, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Coinsurance for treatment received in the U.S. (100% within PPO Network), Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions covered.

What are some examples of acute onset of pre-existing conditions?

There are many different types of pre-existing conditions that can have an acute onset. For example, a person with diabetes may experience an acute onset of diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a potentially life-threatening condition. Other examples include a sudden heart attack in a person with coronary artery disease, or a stroke in a person with high blood pressure. In each of these cases, the acute onset of the condition can be very serious and even life-threatening.

Short term insurance plans typically do not cover pre-existing conditions. This means that if you have a condition that you are being treated for, or that has flared up suddenly, your short term plan will not cover the costs associated with treatment. This can leave you with a significant financial burden. There are a few exceptions to this rule, however.

If your short term plan is grandfathered in under the Affordable Care Act, it must cover pre-existing conditions. Additionally, some states have laws that require short term plans to cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions. In these cases, your coverage may be limited to a certain dollar amount or number of days.

How do travel insurance plans cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions?

When you purchase a travel insurance plan, you are typically covered for acute onset of pre-existing conditions. This means that if you have a pre-existing condition that is covered by your travel insurance plan and you experience a sudden onset of symptoms related to that condition, you will be covered for the treatment you need.

There are some travel insurance plans that do not cover pre-existing conditions at all, so it is important to read the fine print before purchasing a plan. If you have a pre-existing condition, you may still be able to purchase a travel insurance plan, but you will likely have to pay an additional premium.

What is the definition of a pre-existing condition?

There is no set definition of a pre-existing condition when it comes to travel insurance, but generally, it is any medical condition that you had before buying a policy.

This can include anything from a heart condition to diabetes, and even pregnancy. Some insurers will exclude coverage for any pre-existing conditions, while others may offer limited coverage. It’s important to read the fine print of your policy to see what is and isn’t covered.

Are there any exclusions for pre-existing conditions in travel insurance plans?

Most travel insurance plans will have some exclusions for pre-existing conditions. This means that if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may not be covered for any treatment related to that condition while you are travelling.

It is important to read the fine print of your travel insurance policy to understand what is and is not covered. Some policies may exclude all coverage for pre-existing conditions, while others may only exclude coverage for treatment of a pre-existing condition.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it is important to disclose this to your travel insurance provider when you purchase a policy. Failure to do so could result in your claim being denied.

How can I tell if I have a pre-existing condition?

There are a variety of ways to determine whether or not you have a pre-existing condition. However, some common methods of diagnosis include medical history and physical examination, as well as diagnostic tests such as blood work, X-rays, or MRIs. If you are concerned that you may have a pre-existing condition, it is important to speak with your doctor to discuss your symptoms and concerns.

How do pre-existing conditions affect my health insurance?

Pre-existing conditions can affect your health insurance in a number of ways. First, if you have a pre-existing condition, you may be denied coverage by some insurance companies. Even if you are able to find coverage, you may be subject to higher premiums or other limitations on your coverage.

In addition, pre-existing conditions can affect your ability to obtain certain types of coverage. For example, if you have a pre-existing condition that requires regular medical care, you may not be able to obtain a high-deductible health plan.

Finally, pre-existing conditions can also affect your out-of-pocket costs. If you have a pre-existing condition, you may be responsible for paying all of your medical expenses up to a certain limit, even if you have insurance.

How is acute onset of pre-existing conditions diagnosed?

If you have a pre-existing condition that suddenly becomes worse, it is called an acute onset of a pre-existing condition. For example, if you have diabetes and your blood sugar suddenly becomes very high, or if you have asthma and your breathing becomes very difficult, these would be considered an acute onset of a pre-existing condition.

Acute onset of a pre-existing condition is usually diagnosed based on your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and when they started. They will also ask about your medical history, including any previous diagnoses of pre-existing conditions. Based on this information, your doctor will likely be able to diagnose an acute onset of a pre-existing condition.

What is the best travel medical insurance plan for acute onset of pre-existing conditions?

It is important to do your research and compare different plans to find the one that best suits your needs. When looking for a plan, be sure to consider the following factors:

  • The coverage offered: Does the plan cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions?
  • The deductibles: How much will you have to pay out-of-pocket before the insurance plan starts to cover costs?
  • The copayments and coinsurance: What will you be responsible for paying after the deductible has been met?
  • The out-of-pocket maximum: This is the most you will have to pay for covered expenses in a given year.
  • The network of providers: Make sure the plan you choose includes providers that are convenient for you to see.

By taking the time to compare different travel medical insurance plans, you can be sure to find the one that offers the best coverage for your needs.