In New Hampshire health insurance for individuals and their families is underwritten.  The rates and availability of health insurance in New Hampshire is based the 5 criteria below.  The major carriers in New Hampshire use 4 rate classes: Preferred Non-Tobacco; Preferred Tobacco; Standard Non-Tobacco; and Standard Tobacco.

1. Age - older people have a higher incidence of claims than younger people and require higher premiums for coverage

2. Number of people covered - whether coverage is offered solely to the individual or if coverage will also be extended to family members and dependents

3. Health history - primarily used in underwriting individual insurance plans, a history of disease or illness will impact whether a particular insurance company will offer insurance, and if so in which rate class the applicant will be placed in

4. Occupation - some occupations involve more risk of injury or illness due to the nature of the work and thus require a higher premium

5. Lifestyle - whether a person smokes or engages in a hazardous hobby which exposes the individual to a greater degree of risk or disease, illness, or potential for accident.

At one time, insurance companies had the ability to exclude certain pre-existing conditions.  This practice was called “placing a rider or an exclusion” on the policy.   At this time, in New Hampshire, this process not allowed. 

The only time a particular pre-existing condition can be excluded is in the event an applicant has had a gap of insurance greater than 63 days in the previous 18 months.  In this circumstance, the pre-existing condition may only be excluded for up to 9 months.