Louisiana Health Insurance

Louisiana has fewer health insurance regulations than most states. Still, it's important to familiarize yourself with them, so you're more knowledgeable, confident and wise in your purchase.

This guide:

  • Describes Louisiana health insurance policy regulations

  • Lists rules Louisiana health insurance companies must follow

Health insurance policies are largely regulated by each state's own health insurance laws. Louisiana health insurance companies and policyholders alike must abide by established insurance laws.

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Louisiana health insurance policy provisions

Some of the most important Louisiana health insurance laws are the ones that influence the health insurance policy itself.

For instance, Louisiana health insurance laws eefine the pre-existing condition exclusion period. Medical conditions are considered to be pre-existing if you were either treated for or diagnosed with a condition in the 12 months prior to a health insurance policy's effective date.

Louisiana health insurance laws state that pre-existing conditions can be excluded for a specific amount of time, but never longer than 12 months. This means that during the exclusion period the health insurance company does not have to pay for any medical treatment relating to the pre-existing condition.

When switching plans, your old Louisiana health insurance coverage can be used to credit a pre-existing exclusion period required by your new plan as long as you have had continuous health insurance coverage.

Also, every Louisiana health insurance policy has a guaranteed renewability provision, which states that at the end of your health insurance policy's term, you always have the option of renewing it for another term.

Regulating Louisiana health insurance companies

In Louisiana, health insurance companies cannot cancel your health insurance coverage or refuse you renewal of your policy on the grounds of illness. This does not mean, however, that any Louisiana health insurance policy you apply for must be approved. Any Louisiana health insurance company can deny your original application, it's the request for renewal that they cannot refuse.

In other words, your health status determines the cost and availability of any Louisiana health insurance. This means your premiums can significantly increase with age or declining health. However, Louisiana health insurance laws do limit these costs somewhat to protect the consumer.

Temporary Louisiana health insurance

There are times when you may have a break in your Louisiana health insurance. During these time its advisable to purchase a temporary Louisiana health insurance policy.

Although these policys may cost more and offer less coverage, it provides adequate coverage for short durations when you need it most. Almost as important, it keeps your coverage continuous, protecting you from having to fulfill any new pre-existing condition requirements. Temporary Louisiana health insurance is available from select Louisiana health insurance companies. Call your State Department of Insurance for a free listing.

More LA health insurance help

If you want more help getting a good health insurance policy, read our guide to health insurance.

Also see the guide to Louisiana small business health insurance.


To find out more about LA health insurance laws and regulations, visit the official website of the Louisiana Department of Insurance.