When it comes to healthcare, a lot of people tend to overlook the terms and conditions of their contract, more specifically, the fine print.
This can lead to confusion and frustration down the line, especially when it comes to the ailments included in the contract after a certain amount of time has passed.
In this article, we will take a closer look at what exactly is meant by anticipation and which ailments are included in the contract after two years have elapsed.
What is Anticipation?
Anticipation, in the context of healthcare contracts, refers to the ailments that are not covered by a contract initially but become covered after a certain period of time has elapsed.
This period of time can range anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on the specific terms of the contract.
Ailments Included in the Contract After Two Years
Now that we understand what anticipation is, let’s take a look at some of the ailments that may be included in a healthcare contract after two years have elapsed:.
Cancer
Many healthcare contracts do not cover cancer in the first two years of the contract, but may cover it after that time period has elapsed.
This is because the initial two-year period is known as the waiting period, during which time the insurance company assesses the level of risk associated with a given policyholder. Once this waiting period has passed, the policyholder may be eligible for coverage for cancer-related treatments.
Pre-existing Conditions
After two years have elapsed, it is possible that a healthcare contract may begin covering pre-existing conditions. Pre-existing conditions are defined as any medical condition that existed before a healthcare contract was signed.
Prior to the two-year mark, some insurance companies may not cover these conditions, but after that time period, they may be included in the contract.
Mental Health Issues
Mental health issues may also be included in a healthcare contract after two years have elapsed. Mental health issues can include anything from depression and anxiety to more serious conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
Prior to the two-year mark, some policies may not cover mental health treatment. After that time period, however, policies may begin to cover these types of treatments.
Blood Tests and Screenings
After two years have elapsed, some healthcare contracts may begin covering blood tests and screenings. These tests are important for identifying potential health issues and preventing more serious conditions from developing.
Prior to the two-year mark, some policies may not cover these tests, but after that time period, they may become included in the contract.
Surgical Procedures
Many healthcare contracts do not cover surgical procedures in the first two years of the contract, but may cover them after that time period has elapsed.
This is because surgical procedures can be expensive and insurance companies may need time to assess the level of risk associated with a given policyholder before providing coverage for these types of treatments.
Prescription Medications
After two years have elapsed, some healthcare contracts may begin covering prescription medications.
Prescription medications can be very expensive, and some policies may only cover them after the policyholder has been with the company for a certain amount of time. After the two-year mark, policyholders may become eligible for coverage of prescription medications.
Emergency Services
Emergency services may also be included in a healthcare contract after two years have elapsed.
This can be important for policyholders who may need emergency treatment but have not yet been with the insurance company for a sufficient amount of time to be eligible for coverage of such treatments.
Conclusion
Anticipation is an important concept to understand when it comes to healthcare contracts. After two years have elapsed, many ailments that may not have been covered initially may become included in the contract.
It is important for policyholders to read their contracts carefully and understand the terms and conditions so that they can receive the best possible care.