It is a common that insurance companies do not cover pre-existing condition. Typically, pre-existing conditions will be excluded with little or no chance of them being covered, even after a number of treatment-free years.

Fortunately, the British insurer, Aviva, applies what the industry calls the ‘Moratorium Underwriting‘ to its MyShield plans, as part of a series of policy enhancements since Aug, 2007.

Applicants for its MyShield plans no longer need to declare their medical history when they sign up, but will instead be given instant approval. This is on the condition that they are not employed in certain occupations and have not been rejected for health or life insurance previously. As a result, if a person with pre-existing condition signs up for the plan, and the illness returns after a five-year absence, it will be covered.

However, For five continuous years from the coverage start date, he must not have, in relation to a Pre-Existing Condition,:

• experienced symptoms; or
• sought advice or tests from a Physician, a Specialist or Alternative Medicine Provider (including checkups for that Pre-Existing Condition); or
• required treatment or medication; or
• received treatment or medication

There are also a list of pre-existing illnesses that are permanently excluded from coverage. These include stroke, kidney failure and all forms of cancer except skin cancer.

Nevertheless, the product is still very helpful for people with minor medical condition or accident before.