What is a "guaranteed issue" health insurance policy?

A "guaranteed issue" health insurance policy is designed to be issued to applicants regardless of their health status or medical history. This means that an insurer cannot deny coverage based on an individual’s health conditions, prior illnesses, or other medical factors. This type of policy is often particularly important for individuals who have pre-existing conditions or for those who may otherwise struggle to find coverage due to their health issues.

The purpose of guaranteed issue policies is to ensure that all individuals have access to health insurance, thereby promoting inclusivity and supporting those who need healthcare coverage the most. This is particularly relevant in contexts like certain government programs or during specified enrollment periods where insurers are mandated to provide coverage without imposing health-related exclusions or waiting periods.

In contrast, policies that require a comprehensive medical examination or exclude pre-existing conditions would typically allow an insurer to base their approval or denial of coverage on an applicant's health status, which is not the case with guaranteed issue policies. Moreover, limiting coverage to specific groups, such as students, does not align with the principle of guaranteed issue coverage.