Nursing School Insurance and Pre-Existing Condition

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Hello,

I am looking into potentially becoming a nurse if I can. Early this past year, I was diagnosed with an illness that kind of came out of left field. It's definitely taken it's toll on me a bit (I've been out on leave for almost half a year already because of said illness), but it's also made me think of becoming a nurse. Right now I am doing some preliminary research on programs and schools, primarily ABSN and AMSN programs since I have a BA already.

In doing research, it seems that all the schools require students be insured and also carry during clinicals. I was just wondering for those of you who might have a pre-existing condition, how did you handle these insurance requirements? Do most schools have SHIP that don't factor in pre-existing conditions? I know it may vary for each school, but for those of you who have a pre-existing condition and elected to go with a SHIP, have you found it to be sufficient? Also, how much do you pay per year for the SHIP?

Do any of you just rely on COBRA from a previous job? I am employed right now and have a pretty good insurance plan especially since my company contributes to the monthly premium. However, without the company contribution, it will be rather expensive.

Anyway, lots of things to think about on my end, but just trying to do my due diligence and see if becoming a nurse is possible. Thanks in advance.

*Edit* To the board moderator, wasn't sure if this is the right forum to post, so please move as necessary and my apologies.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/ Tele/ DOU.

I carried insurance for application purposes, than I dropped it. I think a bunch of my classmates did the same.

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The is not determined by your physical health. It's like car insurance, there if you screw up. In terms of health insurance, I thought the portability of healthcare act prevented insurance companies from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions. Most schools should offer their students a basic health insurance plan for a nominal fee.

I'm not sure what insurance the previous poster is talking about in terms of dropping, but I would never drop the malpractice insurance. It was $37 for 1 year with 1 mil/ 6 mil limits.

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Oncology.

I have a pre-existing condition (Hodgkin Lymphoma Stage 2B 3+ years in remission, pericardial effusion) and I was still able to get health insurance recently as I just started nursing school through United Healthcare. You might pay more but you can still get it. If you don't mind me asking, how much would you pay out of pocket? I pay $175/month for 80/20. I only fill one prescription (BC) and it costs me $10 a month. When I did my original undergrad at FSU about two years ago I was also able to get student insurance. It was $745 for 8 months. I had full coverage; however, there was a pre-existing condition clause in my underwriting saying that they would not cover me for incidents relating to my pre-existing condition. However, they paid for all my prescriptions and doctor appointments as well as referrals. I actually had some issues relating to my PEC that they did end up paying for - GERD, muscle pain, etc.

Are you married? Getting married? I'm assuming since you didn't mention it that isn't an option. I'm getting married in October and at that point I can get on my husband's health insurance for free.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/ Tele/ DOU.
The malpractice insurance is not determined by your physical health. It's like car insurance, there if you screw up. In terms of health insurance, I thought the portability of healthcare act prevented insurance companies from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions. Most schools should offer their students a basic health insurance plan for a nominal fee.

I'm not sure what insurance the previous poster is talking about in terms of dropping, but I would never drop the malpractice insurance. It was $37 for 1 year with 1 mil/ 6 mil limits.

Humm Health Insurance, I think that's the main concern of the original poster not that your referring to.

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Thanks for the replies everyone, they're much appreciated. @Deredain, are you referring to COBRA? Under COBRA, I'm almost absolutely positive I would qualify to continue to receive healthcare from my current employer for a period of 18 months from my last day or work. In answering your question futureprice, I currently pay $100 a month out-of-pocket for a 90/10 PPO, but that includes my company's monthly $500 contribution. If i continued coverage under COBRA, my monthly out-of-pocket cost would be about $600 a month. It's great coverage, but I think would be too steep to continue during school and is the reason I am wondering if a SHIP would be viable (in terms of cost and coverage) or if anyone else with a PEC has been successful in getting non-SHIP insurance with reasonable coverage and price.

@futureprice, Does your school offer SHIP and does it have any clause regarding a PEC? I am glad you were able to find coverage for what seems to be a rather pretty good premium considering everything. My would be PEC is a grade II brain tumor. Would you be able to PM me regarding the specific terms? A friend of mine who also has a PEC, hasn't had any luck finding coverage and his COBRA coverage will be running out soon so I am going to mention United Healthcare to him. I am not married to the dismay of my folks (haha) and don't see myself anytime soon.

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Humm Health Insurance, I think that's the main concern of the original poster not liability insurance that your referring to.

What type of health insurance did you have through nursing school? Was it a SHIP or non-SHIP coverage?

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Oncology.

I can't PM yet. You can email me at [email protected] though. My school doesn't have a SHIP though they did give us options if we needed it.

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I can't PM yet. You can email me at [email protected] though. My school doesn't have a SHIP though they did give us options if we needed it.

Thanks. I'll send you an email.

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Specializes in Psychiatry, ICU, ER.

Often, insurances come with a time rider on them. For instance, my insurance at UT excludes all PEC's until you've been insured by them for a year, in which case normal benefits apply.

Also, check your state laws on this issue.

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Jwrands:

Google for 'health insurance' on the website of the schools where you want to apply. If there is a school policy, the terms of that policy or a link to the insurance company provide will be provided. At my University, there is a student health policy with approximately 7000 members (it is open to all students regardless of school or degree). In the case of my university, the information on the SHIP is on the Student Health Office website.

Health insurance policies very from insurance company to insurance company, state to state, and particular group to group. I encourage you to look at the details and terms of a specific policy and not rely on second-hand reports from this board when you are making important decisions concerning your potential health coverage and whether or not to pursue education.

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Hi UVA Grad Nursing, thanks for the advice. Yes my next step is to start contacting prospective schools regarding their SHIP. Some school websites provide a lot of detail regarding their health insurance coverage and cost and others not so much. So hopefully once I get to that point of contacting the schools directly, I'll have a better understanding of each school's health insurance policies. Just wanted to post here to see what people who've been there/done that decided to do during their time in school.

Would you happen to know off-hand if your University's student health insurance covers students with a pre-existing condition? Also, are you referring to University of Virginia? Thanks.

@apocatastasis Thanks for the info, it's good to know.

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