Family Medical Insurance FAQs

Questions are Normal

Insurance is a complex issue, and it is completely normal to have questions about the way medical insurance works. Others have most certainly asked the questions you have already, though, and we provide answers here for your convenience:

• What If There is a Pre-Existing Condition in My Family: If there are pre-existing medical conditions in your family such as cancer, diabetes or other diseases, there is no reason for you to go without insurance. There are programs available that cater specifically to persons with pre-existing conditions. The premiums are usually substantially higher, but if your condition is chronic or requires regular attention from a physician, there are options for you to stay insured to keep those costs down.
• What Factors Affect My Premium Rate?: Premiums are based on many conditions that are set by underwriters in the insurance agency. Factors such as your age, sex, whether or not you smoke and family medical history are common for determining insurance rates. If you have any questions about how a premium quote you are given were decided, you can learn more by asking the insurance company for a detailed underwriting report on your case.
• Why are Women Charged More for Medical Insurance Than Men?: Because women, particularly those in their child-bearing years, tend to take better care of themselves medically, which means seeing a doctor more often, requiring regular exams (pap smears and mammograms), and are less likely to ‘shrug off ‘ a doctor’s visit if their body gives them warning signs that something isn’t quite right.
• I/My Spouse is Pregnant. Can We Get Insurance to Cover the Birth?: Probably not – unless you can get into a group plan offered by your employer. Most medical insurance plans impose a nine-month waiting period before any maternity/childbirth expenses will be covered.
• Do I Have to Get Coverage For My Entire Family?: If you have reasons for wanting to exempt certain family members from being covered by a plan you can certainly do so. Reasons for wanting to exempt family members may include: other coverage (such as through an employer), or health status and situation that make coverage unnecessary.
• How Long After Filling Out an Application Before Coverage Begins?: That depends on what plan and insurance provider you select. Once you have filled out the detailed application and submitted it, however, if you are approved you can be covered in as little as two weeks.
• Are There Any Up Front Costs to Getting Coverage?: There will probably be an initial premium payment requested by your insurer before coverage begins, yes. This amount will vary based on the type of coverage and provider you select.

View our Insurance Buying Tips so you can make the right choice for your family's medical insurance.