Final answer:
A previous health issue before the issuance of a health insurance policy is known as a preexisting condition, which can affect insurance coverage and costs.
Step-by-step explanation:
A previous injury, disease, or physical condition that existed before the health insurance policy was issued is called a preexisting condition. Insurance companies have frequently used these as factors to determine if an individual is high risk, which could result in higher premiums or denial of coverage altogether. Before the Affordable Care Act (ACA), this practice contributed to the challenge of escalating healthcare costs and increased the number of uninsured Americans who, without access to affordable healthcare, often relied on emergency rooms for treatment—the most expensive form of healthcare.