Lupus And Life Insurance: What You Need To Know

It is possible to get life insurance if you have lupus, but there may be challenges along the way. People with lupus can often qualify for a traditional term or whole life insurance policy, but lupus is considered a pre-existing condition that makes the process more complicated and expensive. The best course of action is to cast a wide net and reach out to as many life insurance companies as possible.

Lupus is a pre-existing condition

Lupus is considered a pre-existing condition by life insurance companies. This means that the underwriting process for policyholders with lupus can be complicated and plan options may be limited. The severity of the condition and other lifestyle factors could affect the availability of insurance.

The underwriting process for individuals with lupus involves intensive follow-up questions and a medical examination. It is important to be as truthful and informative as possible during this process. Knowing the typical questions in advance can help prepare you for underwriting. Life insurance carriers will need to know about your medical history, lab results, and review the medical exam. They will also ask about the form of lupus, symptoms, treatment plan, medications, prognosis, and whether you are on disability.

The best life insurance for lupus patients is typically a carrier that specializes in high-risk cases. The agent you select to represent you to the insurance company is important, as agents who specialize in high-risk cases are more likely to become your advocate and help you select an insurer that will approve your application. It is recommended to select an independent agent who works with multiple companies, increasing the likelihood of finding a carrier that will accept your application.

While it can be challenging to find life insurance coverage with a pre-existing condition like lupus, it is not impossible. The availability of life insurance depends on when you were diagnosed and the severity of your symptoms. Term life policies are available to many people with lupus. If you are denied term life coverage, you may still be able to obtain burial insurance or another policy to cover limited expenses.

It is important to note that individuals with lupus should try to get insurance as soon as possible before symptoms increase in severity. Keeping up with medical treatments and avoiding risk factors like smoking and drinking can also help improve your chances of getting affordable life insurance.

Life insurance options for lupus patients

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects about 1.5 million Americans. While it is possible to get life insurance if you have lupus, there are some challenges and complications to be aware of. In this article, we will outline the options available to lupus patients seeking life insurance and provide guidance on navigating the process.

Yes, individuals with lupus can qualify for traditional term or whole life insurance policies. However, lupus is considered a pre-existing medical condition, and as such, qualifying for life insurance may be more difficult and expensive. The underwriting process for individuals with lupus is typically more detailed and intensive, and coverage options may be limited. It is important to note that the availability and cost of life insurance will depend on the severity of your lupus and its impact on your overall health.

Factors affecting life insurance options for lupus patients

• Disease severity and treatment history: The insurance company will consider the severity of your lupus, the treatments you have received, and your prognosis. Mild or well-controlled lupus may qualify for life insurance at standard or slightly higher premiums. More severe or untreated lupus may result in higher premiums or difficulty in obtaining coverage.
• Duration of remission: The length of time you have been in remission and the stability of your condition will be considered. Longer periods of remission without serious complications may improve your chances of obtaining coverage.
• Organ involvement: If lupus has affected major organs such as the kidneys, brain, heart, or lungs, insurers may be hesitant to offer approval or may charge higher premiums.
• Age at diagnosis: If you were diagnosed with lupus before the age of 20, you may face additional challenges in obtaining life insurance. Insurance companies view young people with lupus as riskier to insure due to the potential for symptoms to worsen over time.
• Risk factors: Avoiding risk factors such as smoking, excessive drinking, and excessive sunlight exposure can help minimize lupus symptoms and improve your chances of obtaining affordable life insurance.

Tips for obtaining life insurance with lupus:

• Shop around: Compare rates and policies from multiple insurance companies. Working with a broker or an independent insurance agent can be advantageous as they have access to a wide range of insurers and can help you find the most favorable options.
• Be honest and transparent: Disclose your medical condition and provide accurate and detailed information about your lupus diagnosis, symptoms, treatment history, and prognosis. Non-disclosure or providing false information can result in your policy being denied or terminated.
• Apply early: It is advisable to apply for life insurance as soon as possible after your lupus diagnosis, as the severity of symptoms tends to increase over time.
• Maintain treatment: Keep up with medical treatments and manage your symptoms to demonstrate to insurers that you are taking an active role in controlling your lupus.
• Be prepared for a detailed application process: Individuals with lupus will typically need to provide medical records, undergo physical examinations, and answer extensive questions about their health and lupus-specific details.

Types of life insurance options for lupus patients:

• Term life insurance: This is the most popular choice for families as it offers simplicity and affordability. You can select a specific term length, usually between 10 and 40 years, and the coverage is designed for income replacement.
• Permanent life insurance: This offers lifelong coverage and can include additional features such as whole life insurance, universal life insurance (UL), and guaranteed universal life insurance (GUL). These options may be more expensive and offer more flexibility or additional benefits.
• Guaranteed issue life insurance: If you are unable to qualify for traditional life insurance, guaranteed issue life insurance may be an option. It offers coverage regardless of your medical history but tends to have higher premiums and lower coverage amounts.
• Accidental death insurance: This policy provides a death benefit if you die due to an accident but may not cover death due to illness. It is a more affordable option if you cannot obtain traditional life insurance.
• Group life insurance through your employer: Many employers offer a small amount of group life insurance, which you can take advantage of. You may also be able to purchase additional voluntary life insurance coverage on top of the free group insurance.

The underwriting process for lupus patients

Lupus is a widespread disease in the US, with over 1.5 million Americans diagnosed with some form of the disease. While it is possible to get life insurance if you have lupus, the underwriting process can be intensive and thorough.

The underwriting process involves evaluating an applicant's health and other risk factors. This includes asking about medical history, conducting a short physical examination, and sometimes requesting additional tests or records. The underwriter will also need to review the medical exam and blood and urine analysis.

When applying for life insurance with lupus, expect intensive follow-up questions about your medical history and lab results. Knowing the typical questions in advance can help prepare you for the underwriting process. Here are some questions underwriters might ask:

• When were you first diagnosed with the disease?
• Have you been hospitalized as a result of lupus or had any major complications?
• What form of lupus did your doctor diagnose you with?
• What symptoms have you encountered?
• When and how long was your longest bout with symptoms?
• How frequently do your symptoms flare up?
• What parts of your body have been affected?
• If you are currently being treated, describe your treatment plan.
• What type of medications are you taking?
• Have you used other types of treatment in the past?
• What is your doctor’s prognosis about your lupus?
• Have you filed for or are you on disability because of lupus?

How lupus impacts insurance premiums

It is possible to get life insurance if you have lupus, but there may be challenges. Lupus is a pre-existing condition that can make it more difficult to qualify for a traditional life insurance policy. The condition's impact on insurance premiums will depend on its severity, treatment history, and prognosis. Here's how lupus can affect insurance premiums:

Impact on Insurance Premiums

• Higher Premiums: Individuals with lupus will often face higher insurance premiums than those without pre-existing conditions. The increase in premiums is due to the higher risk associated with insuring someone with a chronic illness.
• Severity of Lupus: The severity of lupus plays a significant role in determining insurance premiums. People with mild or well-controlled lupus may qualify for insurance at standard rates or slightly higher premiums. On the other hand, individuals with more severe forms of lupus or those who have not responded well to treatment may face significantly higher premiums or even difficulty in obtaining coverage.
• Medical History and Prognosis: Insurance companies will consider an applicant's medical history, symptoms, treatment history, and prognosis when evaluating their application. They will look at the date of diagnosis, symptoms such as rash, joint pain, and fatigue, and the effectiveness of previous treatments. The prognosis, which predicts the likely course of the disease and the chances of recovery, is also a crucial factor.
• Risk Class Assignment: Life insurance companies assign risk classes to applicants, ranging from Preferred Plus (the best offer) to Standard. Individuals with lupus are often placed outside these classifications and are given a table rating, which helps offset the costs of insuring someone considered risky. This table rating further increases the premiums for individuals with lupus.
• Underwriting Process: When applying for life insurance, individuals with lupus undergo a thorough underwriting process, where insurers evaluate their health and other risk factors. This process includes questions about medical history, physical examinations, and sometimes additional tests or records. The information gathered during underwriting influences the assigned risk class and, consequently, the insurance premiums.
• Comparison Shopping: It is advisable for individuals with lupus to compare rates from multiple insurance companies, as rates can vary. Working with an independent broker can be advantageous as they have access to various insurers and can help find the most favorable rates.

What to do if your application is declined

What to Do if Your Life Insurance Application Is Declined

If your life insurance application is declined, you may still have some options. Here are some steps you can take:

• Try Other Life Insurance Options: If you applied for traditional life insurance, such as term or whole life, and were denied due to your medical condition, consider alternative options such as guaranteed issue life insurance or accidental death insurance.
• Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance: If you are between 50 and 80 years old, final expense life insurance, also known as guaranteed issue life insurance, may be available to you. This type of insurance does not involve medical underwriting, so it can be an option if you were declined due to a health issue. Keep in mind that final expense life insurance typically has lower coverage amounts and higher premiums than traditional life insurance.
• Accidental Death Insurance: If traditional life insurance is not an option, accidental death insurance may be worth considering. This type of policy provides a death benefit if you die due to an accident. However, it does not provide coverage for death due to illness.
• Employer-Provided Life Insurance: Many employers offer a small amount of group life insurance, which you can take advantage of. You may also be able to purchase additional life insurance coverage on top of the free group insurance without going through underwriting. This is known as voluntary life insurance, and it often allows you to buy coverage up to 3-5 times your salary.
• Try Applying Again Through a Broker: If you initially applied through a captive agent, consider applying again through an independent broker. Captive agents only work for a single insurance company, while brokers have access to multiple companies. The reason for your denial at one company may not be an issue at another. Working with a broker can help you find an insurer that is more likely to approve your application.
• Compare Quotes and Shop Around: Compare quotes from different insurance companies and shop around for the best rates. An independent insurance agent can assist you in comparing policies and finding the most suitable option for your needs.
• Work with a Specialist Agent: It is recommended to work with an independent agent who specializes in high-risk cases and can advocate for you. They will have relationships with multiple insurance companies and can help you navigate the underwriting process.
• Consider Final Expense Insurance or "Guaranteed Issue" Policies: If you cannot be approved for a fully underwritten policy due to your lupus condition or other health issues, your agent may suggest final expense insurance to cover burial costs or "guaranteed issue" life insurance policies. While these options are more expensive than traditional life insurance, they do not have health requirements and can provide some coverage.

Frequently asked questions