Idaho Health Insurance

Idaho has more insurance regulations than most states. It's hard to know the details of every law, so we've outlined the most important ones. Familiarize yourself with them so you're more confident and wise in your final health insurance purchase.

This guide:

  • Describes important Idaho health insurance policy regulations.

  • Lists rules Idaho health insurance companies must follow.

Health insurance policies are regulated by each state's own health insurance laws. Idaho health insurance companies and policyholders alike must abide by established insurance laws.

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Idaho health insurance policy provisions

Some of the most important Idaho health insurance laws are the ones that influence the health insurance policy specifically. In Idaho some health insurance policies are standardized, which means Idaho health insurance laws determine the coverage and cost.

Idaho insurance companies are required to offer every individual a choice of three health insurance plans: basic, standard, and catastrophic.

These standardized plans must cover specific benefits and are available year-round to anyone who has previously had Idaho health insurance. There is also an open enrollment period during the year, when everyone, regardless of whether or not you've previously had Idaho health insurance, can purchase a policy.

However, Idaho does not require policies to contain a guaranteed renewability provision. Since this provision, which ensures your right to renew your existing health insurance policy, is so crucial, request it be included in any Idaho health insurance policy you purchase.

Finally, it is lawful for Idaho health insurance companies to exclude coverage for ?pre-existing conditions? for a period of up to 12 months.

The definition of a pre-existing condition varies from state to state. Idaho health insurance laws define it as a condition you received treatment for or were diagnosed for in the six months prior to the beginning of the health insurance plan. Medical costs for these conditions are not covered for the duration of your exclusion period.

However, if you are switching Idaho health insurance and have had continuous coverage, your old coverage can be used to credit the pre-existing condition period of your new plan.

Regulating Idaho health insurance companies

Idaho health insurance laws strictly regulate the cost and availability of standardized health insurance policies. Other Idaho health insurance policies aren't governed by such rules. In these cases, the health insurance company has more freedom. It's important you understand the regulations governing health insurance companies in both cases.

For instance, Idaho health insurance companies can use your health status determines the cost and availability of non-standardized Idaho health insurance. Also, Idaho heath insurance companies are free to refuse you coverage not under these plans.

Additionally, premiums, under all Idaho health insurance plans, can significantly increase with age or declining health. Within limits, Idaho health insurance companies can charge you more due to health, risk, and age among other factors.

Also, at the end of your health insurance policy's term, you usually have the option of renewing it for another term. Some Idaho insurance companies can refuse to renew your health insurance policy if there is no guaranteed renewability provision within the policy.

Temporary Idaho health insurance

There are occasions when you will have breaks between health insurance coverage. During this time, it is important that you obtain some sort of temporary insurance to fill in the gaps in you coverage. In Idaho, temporary health insurance is available in the form of conversion policies.

You are eligible to purchase a conversion policy if you are leaving a group health insurance policy. Conversion policies are required to offer benefits similar to your former plan's benefits. The premiums are often higher, but as far as temporary insurance goes, these plans offer competitive prices.

More ID health insurance help

If you want more help getting the a good health insurance policy, read our guide to health insurance.

Also see the guide to Idaho small business health insurance.

To find out more about ID health insurance laws and regulations, visit the official website of the Idaho Department of Insurance.