As you age, it becomes increasingly important to have health insurance coverage to protect yourself from unexpected medical expenses. However, not all health insurance policies cover all necessary services for seniors over 60.
Exclusions for Seniors over 60
Most health insurance policies have exclusions or limitations for certain medical services or conditions. These exclusions can vary from plan to plan, but are usually present to reduce the overall cost of coverage.
For seniors over 60, there are several common exclusions that may appear in health insurance policies:.
1. Pre-existing Conditions
A pre-existing condition is a medical condition that existed before you enrolled in a health insurance policy.
Some health insurance policies may refuse to cover any expenses related to a pre-existing condition, or may impose waiting periods before covering them.
This exclusion is particularly relevant for seniors over 60, as they are more likely to have pre-existing conditions, such as arthritis, heart disease, or diabetes.
If you have a pre-existing condition, it is important to carefully review the policy’s terms and conditions before enrolling.
2. Long-term Care
Long-term care refers to services that provide support and assistance for seniors who are unable to perform daily living activities on their own, such as bathing, dressing, or eating.
Long-term care can be provided in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or at home.
Many health insurance policies do not cover long-term care, or may have limitations on the amount of coverage provided.
Seniors over 60 who anticipate needing long-term care should look into separate long-term care insurance policies to ensure they have adequate coverage.
3. Hearing Aids
Hearing loss is a common condition among seniors, but many health insurance policies do not cover the cost of hearing aids.
Seniors over 60 who need hearing aids should look for policies that specifically cover hearing aids or consider purchasing a separate hearing aid insurance policy.
4. Vision Care
Many health insurance policies do not cover routine eye care, such as eye exams, glasses, or contact lenses.
Seniors over 60 who need vision care should look for policies that specifically cover these services or consider purchasing a separate vision care insurance policy.
Related Article
Understanding Health Coverage for People over 60: What’s Not Included?
5. Mental Health Services
Mental health services, such as therapy and counseling, are often excluded from health insurance policies or have limitations on the amount of coverage provided.
Seniors over 60 who need mental health services should look for policies that specifically cover these services or consider purchasing a separate mental health insurance policy.
6. Dental Care
Dental care, such as routine exams, cleanings, and fillings, is often excluded from health insurance policies or has limited coverage.
Seniors over 60 who need dental care should look for policies that specifically cover these services or consider purchasing a separate dental insurance policy.
7. Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, or herbal medicine, are often excluded from health insurance policies or have limited coverage.
Seniors over 60 who use alternative therapies should look for policies that specifically cover these services or consider purchasing a separate alternative therapy insurance policy.
8. Medical Travel Expenses
Some health insurance policies may not cover medical expenses incurred outside of the policy’s network or outside of the country.
Seniors over 60 who travel frequently or plan to receive medical treatment outside of their network should look for policies that specifically cover medical travel expenses.
9. Experimental Treatments
Experimental or investigational treatments, such as clinical trials, are often excluded from health insurance policies.
Seniors over 60 who are interested in participating in clinical trials should carefully review their policy’s terms and conditions before enrolling.
10. Cosmetic Procedures
Cosmetic procedures, such as plastic surgery or cosmetic dentistry, are usually not covered by health insurance policies.
Seniors over 60 who are interested in cosmetic procedures should consider purchasing separate cosmetic procedure insurance or paying for the procedures out-of-pocket.
Conclusion
As seniors over 60 age, their health insurance needs may change. It is important to carefully review health insurance policies to ensure they cover all necessary services and conditions.
Seniors over 60 who are concerned about exclusions or limitations in their health insurance policies should consider purchasing separate insurance policies or policies that specifically cover the excluded services.
