HIPAA accepted overseas health insurance plan

HIPAA stands for US Federal “Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act” of 1996. This act tries to prevent discrimination against US citizens by limiting the use of pre-existing conditions clauses in International Medical Insurance plans. These clauses are often used to deny cover or to charge extra when a new member joins a group plan.

HIPPA guarantees the right of groups to renew. This prevents insurance company denying a policy to a small group because of one sick group member. The problem with HIPAA and COBRA , is that beyond mandated 18 months, you may have a very hard time getting insured if you happen to develop a medical condition and are unable to get employment with a firm that has a HIPAA group program.

Unfortunately, the US does not offer its citizens complimentary medical insurance, and with the extremely high cost of medical services, it is the number one cause for people to file bankruptcy. Even with acts such as HIPAA and COBRA in place, unless you get hired by a firm with HIPAA plans, you might find it impossible to buy health insurance in US that will cover your pre-existing conditions.