Having a chronic condition does not simplify your search for life insurance. But with the plans available today, it is common to have several options available once you decide to apply.
Can You Get Life Insurance with A Chronic Illness?
Step one is figuring out which type of chronic conditions are typically considered, and evaluating whether yours qualifies.
Many cancer survivors can now find insurance if the cancer is in remission and has been regularly screened. With cancer, the stage is very important.
Someone who had stage IV cancer is unlikely to qualify for life insurance. Whereas someone with stage I or II may only need to wait for a certain period of time before insurance companies are willing to look at them.
If you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, you aren’t immediately disqualified from getting life insurance.
Even HIV-positive individuals may be able to qualify for life insurance. Though the landscape for these precedents is still evolving as medical knowledge and technology advances.
Policies and underwriting are constantly changing, as is medical technology. So a condition that disqualifies you from life insurance this year may not disqualify you five years from now. Keep checking to be sure you don’t miss out.
Let us help you find the best life insurance companies so you can get the best rates available.
Insurance companies will take many factors into account when it comes to your monthly rate and the issuance of your policy.
One of the most dominant factors is your health and any pre-existing conditions may have been diagnosed with.
However, even with chronic conditions, you can protect your family with a quality insurance policy.
Improve Your Chronic Condition
Your chronic condition may not prevent you from qualifying for standard rates.
Much of this is dependent on what kind of condition you have. But it also involves the amount of time since diagnosis and how well-controlled your condition is.
If you’re a cancer survivor and have been in remission for several years, the better your chances are of qualifying for life insurance. And some people may even qualify for standard insurance rates.
Prove to the insurance companies that you’re taking care of yourself and that your condition is under control. This will greatly increase your chances of getting the life insurance policy you want.
It may mean waiting after your diagnosis to prove that your condition is under control, but if you do, your rates will be much better.
Treat Your Health Condition
One of the main reasons insurance companies are able to insure people with chronic conditions is treatment.
Life expectancies for many of these conditions are significantly longer, thanks to medical advancements.
So life insurance companies no longer have to deny someone simply because of a condition.
Take advantage of the medical technology at your disposal to increase your survival rate and your lifespan.
There are ways to ensure your condition is under control and to show insurance companies that you are taking care of yourself. Do this by sticking to the treatment plan you and your doctor have discussed. This includes attending all appointments and screenings.
Documentation of your good health is key in proving that your condition is well-managed.
Frequent visits to the doctor are important, especially with cancer patients. This will show that the cancer is remaining in remission and that the patient is vigilant in keeping an eye out.
Similarly, someone with heart disease who exercises, eats well, and doesn’t smoke will appear far more favorably to insurance companies than someone who doesn’t take care of their condition or follow instructions from the doctor.
Stay Healthy for Better Rates
You may have a chronic condition, but that doesn’t mean you can’t minimize your health issues in other categories.
The easiest way to do this is to quit smoking or using any other tobacco products. The insurance premiums for a smoker are much higher than a non-smoker.
While smoking isn’t enough to prevent you from getting life insurance, if you’re already dealing with a chronic condition, you don’t want to give the insurance company any more reasons to increase your premium or to believe your health isn’t at its best.
Similarly, other lifestyle choices play a part in qualifying for life insurance. If you’re at risk for developing other chronic conditions, like high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes, don’t wait until you’ve developed the illness to take care of it.
Talk with your doctor about every step you can take to prevent a diagnosis, and don’t put off getting insurance any longer.
Once you find a term life policy that accommodates your chronic condition, don’t wait to buy until other potential health problems crop up. Get it while you’re at your healthiest.
Look at Life Insurance Options
Don’t settle for the first policy you qualify for.
Looking around and getting several different quotes is a great way to get what you want with a premium you can afford.
Companies across the country offer plenty of different types of life insurance.
You wouldn’t buy the first car you looked at, why would you buy the first life insurance quote you get?
Especially if you’re looking for life insurance for seniors. There are burial policies and other types of coverage that exist and they don’t require a medical exam.
Do some research when you’re first looking to get a good idea of what’s out there and what you might qualify for. That way when you are ready to go in-depth with an insurance agent, you’ll already have a list of questions and desires.
Guaranteed acceptance life insurance coverage is available to every applicant no matter their health history or chronic condition
All you have to do is provide some basic information, and then you’ll have life insurance coverage.
There are two main problems with this option, their premiums and the limits on coverage.
These plans are more expensive per coverage dollar compared to a traditional plan with a medical exam.
The other main problem is you’re only going to be able to purchase $25,000 worth of life insurance.
For the vast majority of families, this isn’t nearly enough life insurance coverage. Failing to own the proper amount of life insurance is a mistake you can’t afford to make.
Find a Specialized Health Condition Agent
You’ll want to talk to a specific type of insurance agent that understands the needs of high-risk applicants.
These agents have extensive knowledge of insurance underwriting, especially as it concerns health problems that might get in the way of a standard premium or qualifying for life insurance altogether.
If you’re not sure you can negotiate on your own behalf, find someone who will help you find the right policy and who will help present your information.
Unlike a traditional insurance company, we are an independent insurance brokerage, which allows us to present every plan from many different life insurance carriers across the country. The difference between the two companies could be hundreds of dollars or even the difference in getting approved or declined.
Some companies tend to do more business with high-risk applicants than other companies. Those companies are going to offer you much better rates. You need to find a company that is going to offer you the lowest premiums based on your chronic condition.
Don’t waste hours researching companies or talking to agents on the phone, let our independent brokers do all of the work for you.
Take care of your family with the right life insurance policy. Don’t let your chronic condition stand in your way. Stay healthy, compare your options, and manage your condition with your doctor. That way you can find the policy you want and rest easy knowing your family is protected.
Call us for a quote today at 1-800-712-8519. We know shopping for life insurance can be a tricky purchase, especially if you have a severe pre-existing health condition.
Luckily, we are here to help. If you have any questions about getting life insurance as an applicant with a chronic illness, please contact one of our agents today. We would be happy to answer those questions and connect you with the best possible plan to meet your needs.
