Are you in the process of shopping for health insurance? If so, you are going to have a much easier time if you are 100 percent healthy. Those with medical conditions often times find it difficult to receive coverage. Even if they are offered a policy the premium could be extremely high.

Generally speaking, any medical problem that could potentially reduce your life expectancy will lead to a higher premium.

Here are 5 of the “Most Expensive” Medical Conditions

1. Heart disease. If you have any damage to your heart, such as a prior heart attack, your health insurance premium is going to be much higher. Even though you may live a long and healthy life from this point on, the risk is too great for insurers.

2. Diabetes. This is a tricky medical condition, as there is more than one type of diabetes. With Type 1 diabetes, it may take several quotes and a lot of shopping around to find the right policy and company. Those with Type 2 diabetes typically find it easier to locate an affordable policy.

3. Cancer. It goes without saying that any history of cancer is going to increase your health insurance premium. Fortunately, if you have been cancer free for an extended period of time – such as five years or longer – you may find it easier to buy a policy. Any history of cancer means a higher rate. That being said, the longer you are cancer free the better off you will be.

4. Obesity. This is a medical condition that many people overlook. They know they are overweight but have no clue that this could affect how much they pay for medical insurance. It is not necessarily the extra weight. Instead, it is the health problems that this can lead to: diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension among others.

5. Pulmonary disease. Do you have a long standing battle with asthma? In this case, you can expect to pay more for health insurance. Although this medical condition can be easy to control, it can also lead to emphysema and chronic bronchitis – both of which are issues that can lead to a shorter life expectancy down the road.

Are you Uninsurable?

Unfortunately, there are medical conditions that will make you uninsurable. No matter how much you shop around, if you are facing one of these issues you will find it impossible to buy a policy:

• AIDS
• Lou Gehrig’s Disease
• Cerebral Palsy
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis

Everybody wants to be healthy. If you are lucky enough to be in perfect health, you are in good position to purchase medical insurance. On the other hand, if you are dealing with one or more of the conditions detailed above you may find it challenging to buy a policy. Even if you find an insurer that is willing to sell you coverage,  your premium will be much higher.