I will be quitting my job in a few months and have the following question:

I am currently insured with Blue Shield of California under my employer's plan. Once I quit, I have the option of continuing coverage under Cal-COBRA (under 20 employees) at a pretty high rate or buying my own coverage with a higher deductible. I will be going into a freelance career so I will be paying for my own coverage from now on.

Question: If I apply for individual coverage to start right after my employer's coverage stops (probably an individual policy with Blue Shield) instead of Cal-COBRA, could my new individual policy still discriminate against me for a "pre-existing condition" down the line, even though I would have no gap in coverage? I'm not currently aware of any such condition but one never knows...I'm in my early 40s so no coverage at all is not something I can or want to consider at this point, but will an individual policy amount to the same thing should something that could be considered a pre-existing condition pop up say 6 months into the individual policy.

Any information would be welcome. I am having trouble finding a definitive answer. Thank you for any help!