Nisha Shah Nisha Shah Asked 8 months ago

What is considered a preexisting condition for health insurance?

My parents are looking into health insurance, but they have a few existing conditions like diabetes. We're trying to understand what exactly is considered a 'preexisting condition' by insurance companies here in India.

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8 answers

Pooja Hegde Pooja Hegde Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago
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Based on my experience with PCOS, any illness or health condition that you already have before buying the policy is considered a pre-existing condition. I had to declare my PCOS, and there is usually a waiting period of 2 to 4 years before they cover it. It is best to be honest on the forms.

Sneha Patil Sneha Patil Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

I am looking to buy my first insurance policy. Is something like minor asthma or high BP also considered a pre-existing condition? I am a bit scared that they might reject my application if I mention these.

Rajesh Mehta Rajesh Mehta Joined Jan 2026 8 months ago

Any chronic disease like diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid diagnosed before the policy start date is a pre-existing condition (PED). My tip is to never hide these during proposal submission; otherwise, the insurance company will reject your claim during hospitalization. Just accept the waiting period, it's worth it.

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Karthik Subramanian Karthik Subramanian Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

Do not trust anyone who says minor conditions don't count as PEDs. Insurers have strict guidelines, and anything diagnosed within 48 months prior to the policy issue is a pre-existing condition. Verify the exact clause with your insurance agent or the IRDAI website directly.

Rohan Malhotra Rohan Malhotra Joined Jan 2026 8 months ago

Any medical condition diagnosed or treated in the last 4 years is a pre-existing condition. In metro cities, policies are digitized now, so they can easily pull up your medical history via your Aadhaar or past claims. Just be transparent and buy a plan with a lower waiting period.

Meera Sen Meera Sen Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

I panicked so much when I had to declare my mild thyroid issue as a pre-existing condition, thinking my policy would be rejected. But actually, it is very normal! Most insurers just put a 3-year waiting period on it and cover everything else from day one. Don't worry at all.

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Anil Deshpande Anil Deshpande Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

Simple words, if you had a disease before buying the policy, it's a pre-existing condition. Don't try to act smart by hiding it. Declare it, pay the extra premium if required, and get peace of mind. It is better than getting your claim rejected in an emergency.

Sita Deshmukh Sita Deshmukh Joined Apr 2026 7 months ago

A pre-existing condition is basically any health issue you already have, like diabetes or joint pains. While keeping a healthy lifestyle and drinking herbal tea helps manage these, you must disclose them to the insurance company so that your hospital claims are processed smoothly later.

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