Which Health Sharing Plans Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
Most plans accept them but make you wait. CHM has a 6-month waiting period, Medi-Share and Samaritan impose 12 months with phased sharing, and CrowdHealth doesn't cover them at all in year one. Zion is the exception with no waiting period. If you have a serious condition needing immediate coverage, ACA insurance guarantees it from day one — health sharing doesn't.
Most health sharing plans accept members with pre-existing conditions but impose waiting periods of 6–36 months before those conditions are eligible for sharing. Zion HealthShare is the only major plan with no waiting period for pre-existing conditions — sharing begins from month one. CHM has a 6-month waiting period. Medi-Share and Samaritan Ministries impose 12-month waits with phased sharing.
CrowdHealth does not cover pre-existing conditions in year one and phases them in over 4 years ($25K year 2, $50K year 3, $100K year 4+). Presidio Healthcare, which is regulated health insurance (not health sharing), covers pre-existing conditions from day one with no waiting period or limits.
Key Facts
| No waiting period | Zion HealthShare (shared from month one) |
| 6-month wait | CHM (50% first 6 months, 100% after), Sedera (50%/100%) |
| 12-month wait | Medi-Share (phased 25%–100% over 4 years), Samaritan (50% first year) |
| Phased over 4 years | CrowdHealth ($0 yr 1, $25K yr 2, $50K yr 3, $100K yr 4+) |
| Covered from day one | Presidio Healthcare (regulated insurance, not health sharing) |
What Counts as a Pre-Existing Condition in Health Sharing?
Each health sharing plan defines pre-existing conditions differently, but the general standard is any medical condition that was diagnosed, treated, or showed symptoms within a lookback period before enrollment. Common pre-existing conditions include diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, asthma, COPD, heart disease, cancer (current or in remission), autoimmune disorders, and mental health conditions.
Lookback periods vary: CHM uses a 12-month lookback, while Medi-Share and Zion HealthShare use 36 months. A condition that was resolved more than 36 months ago may not be classified as pre-existing under some plans. Pregnancy is generally not treated as a pre-existing condition but has its own separate waiting period (typically 10–12 months from enrollment).
Why Does Zion HealthShare Have No Pre-Existing Waiting Period?
Zion HealthShare (founded 2017, Denver, CO) is the only major health sharing plan that shares pre-existing conditions from month one with no waiting period and no phased sharing schedule. This policy makes Zion uniquely attractive for members with chronic conditions who need immediate cost-sharing support.
The trade-off is that Zion's monthly contributions ($185–$268 for individuals) are higher than CHM ($115–$264), which has the lowest starting price but a 6-month pre-existing wait. Zion offsets risk through its co-share model (10–20% member responsibility) and IUA (Initial Unshareable Amount) options of $500, $1,000, or $2,000. Members with pre-existing conditions who would otherwise face months of uncovered medical costs often find Zion's higher monthly cost worthwhile.
How Does Phased Sharing Work for Pre-Existing Conditions?
Phased sharing is a graduated approach where the plan increases the percentage of pre-existing condition costs eligible for sharing over time. Medi-Share uses a 4-year phase: 25% shared in year one, 50% in year two, 75% in year three, and 100% from year four onward. This means a $10,000 medical bill for a pre-existing condition in year one would only have $2,500 eligible for sharing (minus your IUA).
CrowdHealth uses dollar caps rather than percentages: $0 in year one (no pre-existing coverage), $25,000 maximum in year two, $50,000 in year three, and $100,000 per year from year four onward. Samaritan Ministries shares 50% of pre-existing conditions in the first year, then 100% from year two. CHM and Sedera both use a simpler model: 50% for the first 6 months, then 100% sharing after 6 months.
Should I Choose Insurance Instead If I Have Pre-Existing Conditions?
ACA-compliant health insurance covers all pre-existing conditions from day one — this is federal law under the Affordable Care Act. If you have a serious condition requiring immediate, ongoing treatment (cancer treatment, dialysis, organ transplant recovery, etc.), ACA insurance or Presidio Healthcare provides the most guaranteed protection. Presidio costs $300–$600/month for individuals with no waiting period and regulated protections.
For moderate pre-existing conditions (managed hypertension, controlled diabetes, stable thyroid conditions), Zion HealthShare's no-waiting-period policy at $185–$268/month can provide significant savings over unsubsidized ACA premiums ($400–$900/month). The key question is whether you need the regulatory guarantee of insurance or are comfortable with the sharing model. Health sharing is not insurance and does not guarantee payment.
Pre-Existing Condition Policy by Plan
| Plan | Accepted | Waiting Period | Phased Sharing | Monthly (Individual) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zion HealthShare | Yes | None | No — 100% from month 1 | $185–$268 |
| CHM | Yes | 6 months | 50% first 6 mo, 100% after | $115–$264 |
| Sedera | Yes | 6 months | 50% first 6 mo, 100% after | $199–$379 |
| Medi-Share | Yes | 12 months | 25% yr 1, 50% yr 2, 75% yr 3, 100% yr 4 | $227–$405 |
| Samaritan Ministries | Yes | 12 months | 50% first year | $220–$495 |
| CrowdHealth | Limited | Phased over 4 years | $0 yr 1, $25K yr 2, $50K yr 3, $100K yr 4+ | ~$140 avg |
| Presidio Healthcare | Yes | None (insurance) | Covered from day 1 (guaranteed) | $300–$600 |
The Bottom Line
Zion HealthShare is the only major health sharing plan that covers pre-existing conditions from month one with no waiting period ($185–$268/mo, 4.8/5 rating). Every other health sharing plan imposes a waiting period of 6–12 months or phases in coverage over multiple years.
If you need guaranteed, regulated coverage for a serious pre-existing condition, Presidio Healthcare ($300–$600/mo) is actual health insurance that covers pre-existing from day one. For moderate conditions where you can accept the health sharing model, Zion offers the best combination of immediate coverage and competitive pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a pre-existing condition for health sharing?
A pre-existing condition is any medical condition diagnosed, treated, or showing symptoms in the 12-36 months before enrollment, depending on the plan. Common examples include diabetes, hypertension, asthma, thyroid disorders, heart disease, and cancer. Each ministry defines the lookback period differently — Zion uses 36 months, Medi-Share uses 36 months, CHM uses 12 months.
Does Zion HealthShare really have no waiting period for pre-existing conditions?
Yes. Zion HealthShare shares pre-existing conditions from month one with no waiting period and no phased sharing schedule. This is unique among health sharing plans. Most competitors impose 6-36 month waiting periods. Zion's policy applies to all accepted conditions regardless of severity.
Can I be denied membership for a pre-existing condition?
Most health sharing plans accept members with pre-existing conditions but may exclude specific conditions or impose waiting periods. CrowdHealth does not cover pre-existing conditions in year one and phases them in over 4 years. Unlike ACA insurance, health sharing plans are not required to accept all applicants or cover all conditions.
How does phased sharing work for pre-existing conditions?
Phased sharing gradually increases the percentage of a pre-existing condition that is eligible for sharing over time. Medi-Share phases at 25% year one, 50% year two, 75% year three, and 100% year four. CrowdHealth limits pre-existing to $0 year one, $25,000 year two, $50,000 year three, and $100,000 year four and beyond.
Is health insurance better than health sharing for pre-existing conditions?
ACA-compliant health insurance covers all pre-existing conditions from day one with no waiting period — this is mandated by federal law. Presidio Healthcare (regulated insurance) also covers pre-existing from day one at $300-$600/month for individuals. If you have a serious pre-existing condition requiring immediate treatment, insurance provides more guaranteed protection than health sharing.
Find Your Best Plan in 60 Seconds
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the health sharing plan that fits your budget, health needs, and preferences.
Want a quick comparison guide?
We'll email you a side-by-side breakdown of pricing, coverage, and what real members say about the top plans.
Free guide + 7-day email series. Unsubscribe anytime.
Related Resources
Last updated: February 2026. Data sourced from ministry websites and verified against plan documents. WhichHealthShare is editorially independent. Some links may be affiliate links.