Minnesota Health Insurance

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

This guide:

  • Describes Minnesota health insurance policy regulations

  • Lists rules Minnesota health insurance companies must follow

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

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Minnesota health insurance policy provisions

Some of the most important Minnesota health insurance laws are the ones that influence the health insurance policy specifically. In Minnesota, there are limitations on pre-existing conditions and their exclusion periods. Medical conditions are considered to be "pre-existing" if you were treated for or diagnosed with them in the six month period immediately before the beginning of your health insurance plan.

Pre-existing conditions, by Minnesota health insurance laws, can only be excluded for a maximum of 12 months. Additionally, when switching plans, your old Minnesota health insurance can be used to credit any pre-existing exclusion period required by your new plan if you have had no breaks in your health insurance coverage.

Finally, all Minnesota health insurance policies must contain a guaranteed renewability provision. This provision ensures that at the end of your Minnesota health insurance policy's term, you always have the option of renewing it for another term. At no time can your policy be canceled because you have fallen ill or have had an accident.

Regulating Minnesota health insurance companies

Minnesota health insurance laws allow health insurance companies to operate within their own discretion when it comes to price and availability.

This means that when deciding the price of your Minnesota health insurance and whether to even offer you a policy, your health insurance company can base their decision on your health status.

Also, in Minnesota, health insurance companies have no limits to how much they can charge for a health insurance policy. The price can jump because of health and age.

However, HMOs established for at least two years are required to have an open enrollment period of two weeks each year. During this time anyone, regardless of age, health status, or any other factor, can purchase a Minnesota health insurance policy from these HMOs.

Temporary Minnesota health insurance

If you have recently left a fully insured group policy and you have used up your COBRA continuation coverage, you are eligible to obtain conversion health insurance in Minnesota. These policies are your best option in terms of temporary health insurance.

Minnesota conversion policies must cover certain benefits, which are decided by the state. Also, the price of these conversion policies are controlled by the state.

More MN health insurance help

If you want more help getting a good health insurance policy, take our free health insurance internet course.

Also see the guide to Minnesota small business health insurance.


To find out more about MN health insurance laws and regulations, visit the official website of the Minnesota Department of Commerce.