Rita,

You are going to hate my answer, but it all depends on the company. Some ins. cos do have a preexisting clause that is usually for the term of a year. Others have no preexisting clause and allow you to sign up no questions asked. It is a question that will definitely need to be ask when the new job is a possibility.
Ask to see the insurance booklet or pamphlet that most companies have. Talk to the HR person that handles insurance matters regularly. Call the actual insurance company and ask specific questions...they usually have customer service reps to help you. Ask for a copy of the actual insurance policy documents...pages and pages but the answers are there.

Also remember that COBRA (good for 18 months) is a possibility at least temporarily...its is expensive but not as expensive as a major medical event.


Hope this helps, Deb