Each and every policy that you fill out for health insurance requires a health insurance application. The insurance company will look at the details and see if you meet all of the insurance criteria. If you don't meet everything, they have the ability to deny your coverage. Understanding the criteria can make it easier to know if you are eligible for health insurance or not.

You must be a US citizen or a legal resident of the United States in order to be eligible for any health insurance policy. Regardless of what your monthly premium is, part of it is based upon federal regulations and the health care that is afforded to citizens. If you are not a legal resident, then you are not eligible for health insurance in the U.S.

If you are filling out a health insurance application for private insurance, there are more criteria that must be met. Pre-existing conditions must be stated on the application. Most companies have a list of conditions that they will accept. Otherwise, there are two possibilities: They will deny your application or they will have you go on a waiting period.

The waiting period could be as long as 12 months. They will continue to collect your monthly premium during the waiting period and you will be covered. You will not, however, be covered for anything pertaining to your pre-existing condition.

A lapse in insurance must also be stated on the health insurance application. If you have gone for more than 61 days without coverage, it is possible for a company to refuse your application. This is why it is always advised that you maintain insurance, even if you are switching jobs or are in between employment.

Insurance criteria are put in place as a way for health insurance companies to keep it affordable for their current policyholders. There are age requirements and some even include locality restrictions. It's important to meet the criteria in order to get the health insurance that you need.

If you have any pre-existing conditions or are finding it hard to get the insurance that you need, you may need to contact a health insurance agent to assist you. This agent will be your guide to the inner workings of insurance companies. It is their job to know everything there is to know about health insurance and help you with meeting the criteria - or at least explain to you why you don't. There are some insurance companies that are quicker to comply with the federal regulations that are changing, so insurance agents may be able to help you find these quicker than you would be able to on your own.