In response to a letter from one of our valued readers on the provision of medical insurance for persons with Diabetes, ‘Diabetes Today’ has sought to provide the much needed information related to the procedure and surrounding issues for applying for health insurance.

Two observations made by persons with diabetes on the issue are that there is an issue with availability and the affordability of the coverage. On one hand, people must qualify for individual health insurance based on health status, and those with diabetes are considered "uninsurable" and so will be turned down. In other cases coverage is offered regardless of health status, but people with health problems can be charged more, which raises the issue of affordability.

According to Manager of the Employee Benefits Department of Guardian Life of the Caribbean Ltd, Winfield King, persons seeking insurance can inquire about a health insurance policy which is available on an individual or group basis (for instance in the case of a firm providing coverage for its employees) or a life insurance policy.

Health insurance, frequently referred to as medical insurance, is a policy that pays for medical expenses. It is sometimes used more broadly to include insurance covering disability or long-term nursing or custodial care needs. In each case, the covered groups or individuals pay premiums to help protect themselves from high or unexpected healthcare expenses.

Whereas life insurance is a contract between the policy owner and the insurer, where the insurer agrees to pay a sum of money upon the occurrence of the insured individual’s or individuals' death or other event, such as terminal illness or critical illness. In return, the policy owner agrees to pay a stipulated amount called a premium at regular intervals or in lump sums.

“Diabetes is considered a preexisting condition and as such would not be covered under a standard medical insurance policy. This does not however mean that persons living with diabetes cannot receive medical or life insurance coverage. The decision for approval is based on the efficient management of the diabetes. Once, this has been proven, individuals can apply for a medical insurance policy which would provide coverage for all conditions except for diabetic related cases. If coverage is provided under a group medical insurance policy all conditions inclusive of the diabetes will be covered. The second option is to apply for a life insurance policy, pay an additional premium and have all conditions covered. In the event that the person is diagnosed with diabetes following the medical or life insurance coverage the condition would not be considered preexisting and the individual would be fully covered,” explained Winfield King.

Medical insurance provides a way for diabetics to control their diabetes through doctor’s visits, insulin and/or medications and other important types of medical treatment necessary to treat their diabetes and accompanying medical issues. In addition, since diabetes is oftentimes a lifelong illness, medical care is therefore constant and health insurance is becomes essential. Below are a few things to look for when choosing a health insurance plan to cover your medical needs. Some of these include:

• Look for a policy, which covers all possible treatment needs for the medical condition of diabetes.
• Check to ensure that the health insurance plan covers treatments associated with accompanying medical conditions often associated with diabetes.
• Consider pharmaceutical needs such as medications and insulin shots and find a health insurance plan, which covers a good amount, if not all, of the costs associated with those prescriptions.