Diabetes Health Insurance

Generally, a traditional insurance company will have a lengthy waiting period before they will pay anything for diabetes treatments. And, the cost of the premium will be considerably higher than for those who do not have diabetes. However, with some work, you should be able to find health insurance that will fit your budget.

Traditional Health Insurance

If you can afford traditional health insurance, that is usually your best course of action. Try to get traditional health insurance even if you have to wait a prescribed period of time before the benefits start covering expenses, because in the long run you'll pay less. Also, if you have insurance, never to let it lapse.

Medical Discount Programs

If you are self-employed, or if you are waiting for your medical coverage to kick in, you may consider an inexpensive medical discount program. Medical discount programs are not insurance, but they do provide discounts on health care and supplies.

The program negotiates with certain health care providers so their members can get services and medical care at highly discounted rates. As a member, you will need to pay for your medical care and services up front, but you will pay less for those services than if you are not a member of the program. These services are usually pretty widespread, as doctors like getting paid up front and not having to hassle an insurance company for payment. And, most programs are fairly inexpensive to join, from $50 to $100 per year. This is not as good as having health insurance, but it definitely takes the bite out of expenses while you are waiting for your insurance plan to start paying some of the medical bills. And it is certainly cheaper than not having any health insurance at all.

High Risk Pools

Most states have created high risk insurance pools which target patients who have lost insurance coverage, but who desperately need medical care. This may be an option if the term 'medically uninsurable' has been applied to you. While you may be denied coverage for this plan, the limitation is restricted to a 12-month period. Acceptance is nearly always guaranteed, but the premium costs are usually quite a bit higher than plans offered by insurance companies. There is, however, a cap on the amount of money a patient may be charged for insurance. The National Association of Health Underwriters web site is a good place to start researching the high risk pools coverage for your state.

Medicare, Medigap

Medicare doesn't pay for most expenses, however, if you apply for a Medigap policy within the first six month of becoming eligible for Medicare, the program cannot deny the additional coverage because of diabetes.

Finding health insurance after you have been diagnosed with diabetes is a daunting, yet not impossible task. You do need to be smart and do your homework.