An injury occurring, disease contracted, or physical condition which existed prior to the issuance of a health insurance policy. Usually results in an exclusion from coverage under the policy for costs resulting from the condition.
Any injury, disease, or physical condition occurring prior to an arbitrary date; usually used in reference to the date of issuance of a health insurance policy. In some cases, a pre-existing condition results in an exclusion from coverage for costs resulting from the injury, disease, or condition.