[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve ever had a health insurance plan, you\u2019ve probably heard the term \u201cpre-existing condition.\u201d While policies vary, a pre-existing condition is generally any health issue or diagnosis a person had before enrolling in a new health plan.<\/p>\n
For example, if you were diagnosed with asthma before enrolling, that asthma would generally be considered a pre-existing condition. The same applies to conditions such as diabetes, surgeries, or other ongoing care needs.<\/p>\n
While many health insurance plans now cover pre-existing conditions, the concept remains important when evaluating healthcare options. At Zion HealthShare, we use the term “pre-membership medical conditions” to describe conditions that existed before a member joined the community.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/zionhealthshare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Pre-Existing-Blog_Post-1.png” alt=”Thinking About Joining a Healthshare?” title_text=”Thinking About Joining a Healthshare?” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(251,216,114,0.5)” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
A pre-membership medical condition is anything where a member has experienced one or more of the following: been examined, been diagnosed, taken medication, had symptoms, a personal history of or known increased risk of conditions that may arise or worsen in pregnancy, or received medical treatment within the 24 months prior to their membership start date.<\/p>\n
Sharing requests related to pre-membership medical conditions are only eligible for sharing if the condition was regarded as cured and did not require treatment or present symptoms for 24 months prior to the membership start date.<\/p>\n
Zion HealthShare allows anyone who meets the general membership requirements to join, regardless of their health status. However, certain pre-membership medical conditions may affect which medical expenses are eligible for sharing within the community (more on that later).<\/p>\n
We use different terminology because Zion HealthShare is not health insurance and does not \u201ccover\u201d medical expenses in the traditional sense. Instead, eligible medical expenses may be shared among members.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Assuming our guideline requirements are met, we make exceptions for three common chronic conditions: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. These exceptions are not automatic and are considered on a case-by-case basis.<\/p>\n
Here are the requirements that must be met for the exclusion:<\/p>\n
To learn more about exclusions, our official Pre-Membership Medical Conditions Guidelines<\/a> document is a helpful reference.<\/p>\n For pre-membership medical conditions, Zion HealthShare applies a structured phase-in approach. This helps balance access for members while maintaining fairness across the community.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how it works:<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve been an active member for four years or more, you may be eligible for sharing up to $125,000 in any 12-month membership period. This maximum amount resets each membership year per sharing request.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Becoming a member of a health-sharing community like Zion HealthShare has certain advantages. It might be a great option depending on your health needs, financial situation, and expectations for managing medical expenses. In fact, new research indicates that more freelancers are exploring health shares<\/a> in 2026.<\/p>\n For many members of health-sharing communities, monthly costs are often lower than traditional insurance premiums, and the pricing structure is often more transparent. Our members often find that healthshare membership guidelines are much easier to follow than insurance plans. They also appreciate the community-based model that allows members to contribute to other members’ medical needs rather than pay premiums to an insurance company.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re on the fence about joining, take a look at the Member Guidelines and consider your current health conditions and treatment needs, as well as your broader healthcare priorities. Each healthshare is different; for example, some offer discounts on medications, while others do not share toward prescription costs at all.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/zionhealthshare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Pre-Existing-Blog_Post-2.png” alt=”Questions People Ask Before Joining” title_text=”Questions People Ask Before Joining” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(251,216,114,0.5)” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/ol>\n [\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ admin_label=”Megan McDonough” module_id=”author” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f4f2f0″ custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#e4e2e0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/zionhealthshare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Megan-McDonough-scaled.jpg” alt=”Dan Deceuster” title_text=”Megan McDonough” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”250px” max_width_tablet=”250px” max_width_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_alignment=”center” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”15px” header_4_font=”Inter Tight|–et_global_body_font_weight|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#747270″ header_4_font_size=”16px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nHow the waiting period and phase-in structure work<\/h2>\n
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Factors to consider ahead of joining<\/h2>\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR<\/h4>\n
Megan McDonough<\/h2>\n