preauthorization

American  

[pree-aw-ther-uh-zey-shuhn] / priˌɔ θər əˈzeɪ ʃən /

especially British, preauthorisation, or pre-authorization

noun

1. an act or instance of authorizing or giving official permission for something in advance, especially of authorizing a charge to an account before supplying goods or services.

   The surgeon can request preauthorization on your behalf to see if your insurance will cover the procedure.

   All car rentals are subject to a $2,500 credit card preauthorization.

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Etymology

Origin of preauthorization

First recorded in 1935–40; pre- ( def. ) + authorization ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

preauthorization

They pay directly to either bypass complicated or lengthy preauthorization processes, or because their health-insurance plans don’t cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 17, 2026

They also did not present a warrant or any preauthorization allowing for an immigration raid on private property.

From Slate ● Oct. 2, 2025

That’s changing since she switched to a new medical supply company and Medi-Cal has debuted its new preauthorization process, amid a broader revamp of its pharmacy system.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 13, 2023

The medications are often not covered by private health insurance or subject to strict preauthorization requirements.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 11, 2023

A third said he needed preauthorization, noting, "It's a $3 pill, and we're not going to get preauthorization on a weekend."

From Salon ● Jul. 30, 2023