[OneBytePerGreen]

Happened to me at a small company that was swimming in cash (swank offices).

They told me that if you get seriously ill within the first 60 days, you can sign up for COBRA and be covered from then on through your previous employer's health insurance.

You have 60 days to decide if you want COBRA or not, so even if you don't go for COBRA right away, you are "safe" (sort of) for 60 days. Got diagnosed with cancer on day 59? Sign up with COBRA, pronto.

Implied: If you do get seriously ill right after starting - the new company wouldn't want you working for them anyway.

This is Uh-merica, roll with it ;)