What is a common stability period accepted by insurers for pre-existing conditions?

A stability period of 90 or 180 days is commonly accepted by insurers for pre-existing conditions. This period allows insurers to assess the health status of an individual before they can claim benefits related to any pre-existing conditions. Insurers typically define a pre-existing condition as a health issue that existed prior to the application for insurance. The stability period is a timeframe in which the individual must not have any symptoms or received treatment for that condition.

By requiring this stability period, insurers aim to mitigate the risk of adverse selection, which can occur when individuals with known, ongoing health issues over-apply for coverage. A 90 or 180-day stability period strikes a balance between ensuring that those with serious, ongoing health issues are not unduly covered while allowing those whose conditions have stabilized to obtain insurance coverage. This reflects standard practices within the insurance industry and helps maintain the integrity and sustainability of insurance pools.