A 'pre-existing condition' provision in a health policy generally allows the insurer to:

Explanation

A pre-existing condition provision lets the insurer limit or exclude benefits for a medical condition that existed (was diagnosed or treated, or would have prompted a prudent person to seek care) before the policy's effective date, typically for a defined waiting period after which the condition is covered. It is not a general right to cancel the policy whenever a claim is filed, and it does not let the insurer refuse all accident coverage. Health policies pay medical or disability benefits, not a death benefit, so raising a death benefit for previously treated illnesses is inapplicable.