Is health insurance available for everyone?

Health insurance is not available for everyone; all policies will cover people who are in good general health, but the vast majority will not insure people with serious existing health conditions and chronic, long-term illnesses. Some policies have age restrictions and many patients will have to undergo a medical before they can be insured. It is best to discuss your individual situation with a representative from the insurance company. In general, health insurance policies are designed to cover private treatment for short-term illnesses that can easily be cured. Health conditions and treatments commonly excluded from private health insurance policies include:

HIV and AIDS
Illnesses caused by drug abuse
Infertility
Illnesses associated to pregnancy
Chronic illnesses such as osteoarthritis
Cosmetic surgery
Gender reassignment surgery
Organ transplants
Advanced cases of cancer
Severe heart disease

Private health insurance may also not be offered to those who regularly participate in dangerous sports or those with dangerous careers.