无法“续保”的短期健康险，先抛弃脆皮打工人

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the challenges faced by consumers in securing renewals for short-term health insurance, particularly when pre-existing conditions arise, leading to potential financial and emotional distress for families [1][6][21]. Group 1: Consumer Experience - A case study of a parent, Wei Qiao, illustrates the difficulties in renewing short-term health insurance after her child was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, despite having previously paid for coverage [1][16]. - Wei Qiao's experience reflects a broader trend where many consumers face rejection of renewal applications due to minor health issues or lack of full disclosure during the initial application process [6][23]. - The emotional toll on families dealing with health crises is compounded by the bureaucratic challenges of insurance companies, which often provide vague responses to renewal inquiries [1][19]. Group 2: Industry Practices - The insurance industry has adopted a model where short-term health insurance products do not guarantee renewal, a policy that has been reinforced by regulatory guidelines to prevent systemic losses for insurers [21][25]. - Many short-term health insurance plans are marketed with low premiums and high coverage limits, appealing to younger consumers, but often come with significant exclusions and high deductibles that limit actual benefits [18][10]. - The lack of clarity regarding renewal terms and conditions leads to consumer confusion and potential exploitation, as many do not fully understand the implications of "no guarantee of renewal" clauses [13][25]. Group 3: Regulatory Environment - Regulatory bodies have established rules that allow insurance companies to refuse renewals based on health status changes or undisclosed medical history, creating a challenging environment for consumers seeking to maintain coverage [21][23]. - The absence of successful legal precedents for consumers challenging renewal denials indicates a significant power imbalance between consumers and insurance companies [22][24]. - There is a call for regulatory reform to enhance consumer protection and ensure clearer communication regarding the risks associated with short-term health insurance products [25].