I gave her a copy of my latest medical report which gave me a clean bill of health. In fact, my medical check-ups for the last five consecutive years (inclusive of scans and ECG) have shown that I have no medical issues whatsoever! However, in 2002, I slipped during a hike and suffered from a herniated disk.
Shortly after that, she said that upon checking with her company, she was informed that I have to undergo a MRI at my own expense to confirm that my back is alright. She said that the exclusion on my back remains and that the exclusion will be removed if I undergo an MRI AT MY OWN EXPENSE to prove that my back has recovered completely.
I have been boiling mad at this scenario because:
- My accident that led to my back injury happened in May 2002.
- I did not undergo any surgery then and was only hospitalised for ONE DAY.
- I did not make any medical claim with this policy then as it was covered under my husband's company's medical insurance.
- I did not make any claims in post-admission visits to the surgeon because there were NONE.
- Since May 2002, I have not been admitted to any hospital, neither have I made any medical claims on my medical policy with that insurance company. I have been very healthy till now.
- I have had no issue with my back from May 2002 till now and have been very mobile, active in sports, hiking and even travelling so often.
Now if I am still immobilised by my back, I would not live such an active lifestyle!
It is REALLY unfair that the insurance company slaps such an exclusion and expects me to PAY FOR A MRI MYSELF AND BE EXPOSED TO UNNECESSARY RADIATION just so I can increase my premium for extra coverage.
If they pay for the MRI, it would be a bonus BUT, knowing that I am fine, I would NOT expose myself to extra doses of radiation. WOULD YOU?
However, if it absolutely insists that I undergo the MRI, I am willing to do so under protest provided the company bears the FULL cost because of the circumstances.
I sincerely hope that insurance companies will put an end to this discriminatory treatment and put its customers FIRST instead of profits and self-preservation motives!
According to THIS SITE:
A pre-existing condition can affect your health insurance coverage. If you are applying for insurance, some health insurance companies may accept you conditionally by providing a pre-existing condition exclusion period.
Although the health plan has accepted you and you are paying your monthly premiums, you may not have coverage for any care or services related to your pre-existing condition. Depending on the policy and your state’s insurance regulations, this exclusion period can range from six to 18 months.
In my case, my injury occurred more than ten years ago and it is TOTALLY UNFAIR!
TO We must understand that insurance companies exisit for their own benefits FIRST and foremost! And for their share-holders. In the event one has to make a claim for medical insurance they will try their utmost best to disqualify your claim and not to pay you! Luckily for me I don't really need private medical insurance - I hope I can rely on the NHS when I need to.