Once you have decided on the individual health insurance plan you want to apply for, the least favorite part of the process for most people begins...completing the dreaded health insurance application.  Since individual health coverage is medically underwritten (which means you must qualify based on health), the health history questionnaire is often a source of confusion and at the very least, much effort.  Let's take a closer look at the part of the health insurance application that provides the carrier with important medical information it needs to make a decision.

What is the health history questionnaire?

Although it differs from California health carrier to carrier, it is usually a series of yes/no questions for various health conditions, symptoms, and treatment over a period of time (say 10 years or lifetime).  Make sure to read the section very carefully and answer each question correctly.  There is generally a catch-all question in case you have something that did not fit very well within the scope of the other questions.  Make sure any pre-existing condition you have somehow accounted for.  Some people assume they are in good health and then rush through with "no"s only to have their application delayed due to questions incorrectly answered.  This is especially true for the female questions relating to previous menstrual cycles as a "no" answer means either pregnancy, menopause, nursing, etc.  Essentially, something that needs to be addressed. 

Health history questionnaire detail section

You usually have a follow-up section where you give more detail on "yes" answers to the health questionnaire.  This section can be a source of delay for the application process if not completed accurately and fully.  This area typically includes condition, beginning/end date (or ongoing), doctor information, treatment rendered and results.  Make sure to account for all sections.  You usually put the question number next to the corresponding detail.  There may be one or more questions that can be summed up with one detail section.  Some carriers also require a section where the last physician visit needs detailed information.  Prescription will often have a separate section as well.

The problem with missing health information

If information is left off the application, it can cause the coverage to be rescinded at a later date.  You want to make sure that all pertinent health history information is listed in the correct section.  Do not assume that a given issue is no longer an issue.  Provide the information and let the carrier make that decision.  It does you no good to get approved for a plan only to have it rescinded later when you really need the coverage because pre-existing conditions and/or treatment was not listed on the app.  Everyone has medical history.  People with prior issues qualify for coverage every day.  The carrier is primarily concerned with recent and ongoing medical situations or serious situations in the past.  Provide all information and let them make a decision.  There's nothing worse than to have coverage rescinded.  Handle the application correctly up front to insure your coverage.  As for dates and doctor information, research and provide the information as best possible.  The carrier can request medical records if they want to look deeper into a given situation. 

Medications and the questionnaire

Some doctors will give out samples of a given medication.  People ask us if this needs to be listed on the application since it is not really a prescription per se.  We instruct that it should be listed on the application.  Try to give as much detail regarding the usage as possible (perhaps the applicant never actually took the medication).  Even if the applicant never used it, it should still be listed to protect the integrity of your policy. 

Other important concepts to help you understand your California health insurance quote are:
 

Question on the individual health insurance application
Individual health insurance underwriting
Enrolling for Individual health coverage in California
Download the health application or apply online
What can delay your individual health application
Options for people who do not qualify


To run your instant health insurance:

California Individual Family health insurance quote
California group health insurance quote