Rhode Island Health Insurance

Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island health insurance policy regulations.

  • Lists rules Rhode Island health insurance companies must follow.

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

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Rhode Island health insurance policy provisions

Some of the most important Rhode Island health insurance laws are the ones that influence the health insurance policy specifically.

For one, Rhode Island health insurance companies must include a guaranteed renewability provision in any Rhode Island health insurance policy that is issued. This policy provision states that, as long as premiums have been paid, your insurance company cannot deny you continued coverage.

Also, Rhode Island health insurance policies can include a provision with a pre-existing condition exclusion period of no more than 3 years. During this period, your health insurance company is not responsible for reimbursing you for any expense related to the pre-existing condition.

States have different definitions for pre-existing conditions. Rhode Island health insurance laws consider condition to be pre-existing if you received medical treatment for them in the 36 months prior to the beginning of the plan.

Regulating Rhode Island health insurance companies

Understanding the laws limiting Rhode Island health insurance companies is especially important in making sure your health insurance company continues to honor your original contract. Rhode Island health insurance companies and the cost of health insurance is not too strictly limited.

First, Rhode Island health insurance companies cannot deny your health insurance if you have had prior continuous coverage of more than 12 months. If you fit this category, Rhode Island health insurance companies cannot impose a new pre-existing condition period either.

Otherwise, Rhode Island health insurance companies are allowed to use your health status to determine the cost and availability of health insurance. This means any Rhode Island health insurance company can refuse to sell you health insurance.

Furthermore, the cost of Rhode Island health insurance can vary due to your health status, age, family size, and the type of policy you purchase.

However, once you have a policy, your health insurance cannot be canceled because you have fallen ill.

Temporary Rhode Island health insurance

If you have breaks in your health insurance coverage, it is recommended that you purchase temporary health insurance. In Rhode Island, purchasing a conversion policy is an option if you are leaving a fully insured group policy.

Although the price may be higher and the coverage less than your old Rhode Island health insurance policy, conversion policies offer adequate insurance in times when you have breaks in between your coverage.

More RI health insurance help

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

Also see the guide to Rhode Island small business health insurance.


To find out more about RI health insurance laws and regulations, visit the official website of the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation.