Pre-existing condition

In the context of healthcare in the United States, a pre-existing condition is a medical condition that existed before a person’s health insurance went into effect. Before 2014, some insurance policies would not cover expenses due to pre-existing conditions. These exclusions by the insurance industry were intended to mitigate adverse selection by potential customers. Such exclusions have been prohibited since January 1, 2014, by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.