Medical underwriting is a review of your previous medical history. Some health care providers use underwriting during their vetting process to decide whether to enroll certain prospective members, what to charge, and if there should be a waiting period before coverage starts. 

When Underwriting Might Be Required

If you are currently enrolled in Medicare and wish to add Medigap, a Medicare Supplement, to your plan, the private insurance company you wish to use may require medical underwriting before you may join their policy. 

If you apply for a Medigap plan after your open enrollment period, underwriting may be required. The insurer has the right to review your medical history and make decisions accordingly. They may decide to refuse to sell you a policy, or they may offer to sell you coverage at a higher premium due to your health. 

How to Avoid Medical Underwriting 

To avoid medical underwriting, you may enroll in any Medigap plan that is available in your area during the Medigap Enrollment Period. This enrollment is the first six months after you are eligible in Medicare. During this Open Enrollment Period, you may choose any Medigap plan to enroll in, and your acceptance to the plan is guaranteed. However, as a prerequisite, you must be enrolled in Original Medicare, Part A and Part B. 

There are other instances when you may be able to join a Medigap plan without medical underwriting. This would be the case if your insurance company goes out of business, your insurer commits fraud, or you are given "guaranteed-issue right" to a Medigap plan for any other reason.