Life Insurance Options For People With Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a serious inflammatory bowel condition that affects an estimated 780,000 Americans. While it is possible to get life insurance if you have Crohn's disease, there are a number of factors that will determine the likelihood of your application being approved and the subsequent premium costs. This includes the severity of your condition, your treatment history, and any resulting complications.

Life insurance application process with Crohn's disease

The life insurance application process can be daunting for individuals with Crohn's disease, but it is possible to secure coverage at affordable rates. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

Step 1: Understand Crohn's Disease Impact on Life Insurance

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Life insurance companies assess applicants with Crohn's disease by evaluating the frequency and severity of symptoms and the overall management of the disease. Untreated or poorly managed Crohn's disease can lead to complications that may impact life expectancy.

Step 2: Gather Medical Information

When applying for life insurance with Crohn's disease, be prepared to provide detailed information about your medical history. Life insurance underwriters will review your medical records and prescription history. They will consider factors such as the severity of your condition, treatment history, frequency of flare-ups, hospitalizations, surgeries, and overall health.

Step 3: Choose the Right Life Insurance Company

Not all life insurance companies view Crohn's disease applications the same way. Some companies specialize in high-risk life insurance and have a better understanding of Crohn's disease. It is essential to shop around and compare rates and underwriting criteria across different insurers. An independent insurance broker specializing in medical conditions can guide you in finding the most favorable terms.

Step 4: Complete the Application

The life insurance application process typically involves completing a questionnaire. Common questions relate to the diagnosis of Crohn's disease, symptoms, medications, hospitalizations, surgeries, and disability status. It is crucial to be transparent and provide accurate and detailed information.

Step 5: Provide Additional Medical Documentation

In some cases, the life insurance company may request additional medical documentation or write to your doctor for more information. They may ask for an Attending Physician Statement (APS), which provides details about your condition and treatment. They may also request blood and urine samples as part of the underwriting process.

Step 6: Understand the Underwriting Outcome

The life insurance company will evaluate your application and medical information to determine your risk profile. This will result in one of the following outcomes:

• Preferred Plus: Extremely rare for applicants with Crohn's disease due to the high chances of future complications.
• Preferred: Possible in rare cases with mild symptoms and no hospitalizations.
• Standard: The best possible rating for most applicants with remission and mild symptoms during flare-ups.
• Table Rating (Substandard): Most applicants with Crohn's disease fall into this category, with rates depending on symptom severity, age of diagnosis, hospitalizations, and ongoing treatment.
• Declines: In cases of severe complications, such as dysplasia on biopsies or sclerosing cholangitis, the application may be declined.

Step 7: Finalize the Policy and Premium

Once you receive the underwriting outcome, you can finalize the life insurance policy. If you are offered a rated policy, remember that you have the option to shop around and get quotes from multiple insurers. The premium you pay will depend on the rating you receive, with higher ratings resulting in lower monthly payments.

Factors affecting life insurance premiums

People with Crohn's disease can get life insurance, but they will likely have to pay higher premiums than the average individual. This is because insurance companies consider individuals with Crohn's disease to be high-risk, and thus, they balance the risk by charging higher premiums.

Time Since Diagnosis

The mortality risk is highest in the first few years after being diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Therefore, the cost of buying life insurance within the first couple of years of diagnosis may be significantly higher than usual. However, as time passes, the chances of getting approved for life insurance increase.

Severity of the Disease

The severity of Crohn's disease varies from person to person. Underwriters will consider whether the disease is mild, moderate, or severe when evaluating the application. The more severe the condition, the higher the insurance rates.

Treatment History

The treatment history of the applicant is also taken into account. This includes the medications prescribed, surgeries performed, and physician follow-ups. Most insurance companies will postpone applications if the applicant has recently undergone surgery to treat Crohn's disease, usually until at least six months have passed.

Frequency of Flare-ups

Life insurance rates improve as time passes between flare-ups. The longer it has been since the last flare-up, the lower the premium is likely to be.

Overall Health

Underwriters will also consider the overall health of the applicant, including any other health conditions they may have. This includes conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Weight Stability

Weight stability is another factor that affects life insurance premiums for people with Crohn's disease. Stable weight or weight loss may result in lower premiums.

Complications and Other Medical Conditions

The presence of any complications or other medical conditions, such as anemia, arthritis, or other inflammatory diseases, can also impact the life insurance premium. The more health pre-conditions are present, the higher the premium is likely to be.

Getting affordable life insurance

If you have Crohn's disease, you may not qualify for affordable life insurance because of your pre-existing condition. However, it is still possible to get coverage without paying high premiums. Here are some tips for getting affordable life insurance if you have Crohn's disease:

• Don't be discouraged by initial denials: Many people are denied coverage initially because they applied to the wrong company. Different insurance companies have various underwriting guidelines, so if one company denies you, another might approve. It is beneficial to work with an independent insurance agent or broker who knows the landscape and can guide you to a more understanding provider.
• Shop around: Every insurance company has a different set of underwriting criteria, so any increase applied to the premium may vary depending on the company assessing the application. It is recommended to speak to an independent life insurance specialist who has experience helping people with Crohn's disease get coverage.
• Provide detailed information about your condition: When applying for life insurance, be prepared to answer specific questions about your medical condition, such as the age of diagnosis, frequency of flare-ups, surgeries, medications, etc. The more information you can provide, the better the insurance company can understand your individual circumstances.
• Consider a guaranteed issue policy: If you have severe Crohn's disease, a term life insurance policy may not be the best option. Instead, consider a simplified issue whole life policy or a disability policy, which may be more accommodating to your condition.
• Write a letter explaining how you manage your Crohn's disease: It can be helpful to explain to the underwriter the steps you are taking to manage your condition, such as dietary changes, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications. This additional information can help improve your rating.
• Work with an experienced insurance agent or broker: They can help guide you to the most understanding insurance providers and those that are currently the most accommodating to those with Crohn's disease. They can also help you navigate the application process and ensure you are providing all the necessary information.
• Regularly review your life insurance policy: Especially if there are significant changes in your health. As medical treatments evolve and your condition improves, you may qualify for better rates over time.
• Be transparent about your health: It is important to be upfront about your health condition when applying for life insurance. Insurance companies will review your medical records, so it is best to disclose all relevant information from the start.
• Consider other insurance policies: Some policies, like guaranteed issue life insurance, don't require a medical exam. While these may come with higher premiums or lower coverage limits, it is worth exploring all your options to find the most affordable coverage.

Life insurance underwriting with Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects about 1 in 200 Americans. It is characterised by symptoms such as blood in bowel movements, elevated liver enzymes, and iron deficiency (anaemia). While there is no cure for Crohn's, successful treatment allows life insurers to offer coverage.

Underwriting Factors

When applying for life insurance with Crohn's disease, underwriters will consider the following factors:

• Severity of Crohn's (mild, moderate, or severe)
• Treatment history (medications, surgeries, and physician follow-ups)
• Frequency of flare-ups/episodes
• Complications (obstructions, perforations, abscesses, fistulas)
• Overall health and any other health conditions (cancer, diabetes, heart disease)
• Weight stability or loss
• Hospitalisations, ER visits, or surgeries
• Limitation of activities
• Extra-intestinal symptoms
• Age of diagnosis

Application Process

The life insurance application process for individuals with Crohn's disease may involve:

• Completing a detailed medical questionnaire
• Providing medical records and prescription history
• Undergoing a medical exam, including blood and urine samples
• Answering questions about symptoms, treatment, hospitalisations, and impact on daily life
• Waiting for several weeks for the underwriter's decision

Tips for Securing Coverage

To improve the chances of obtaining life insurance with Crohn's disease:

• Stay proactive with your health by having regular check-ups and adhering to treatment plans.
• Maintain detailed medical records, including notes from doctor visits, medications, and hospitalisations or surgeries.
• Work with a specialised broker who understands Crohn's disease and can guide you to insurers with favourable terms.
• Don't settle for the first offer; shop around and get quotes from multiple insurers.
• Be transparent and honest on your application.

Life Insurance Options

There are various life insurance options available for individuals with Crohn's disease:

• Traditional, medically underwritten life insurance with preferred or standard rates
• Traditional, medically underwritten life insurance without a medical exam
• Traditional, medically underwritten rated life insurance
• Simplified issue life insurance
• Guaranteed issue life insurance

Impact on Premiums

Having Crohn's disease will typically result in higher life insurance premiums, often referred to as a medical rating. The increase in premiums will depend on the severity of the condition, treatment history, and overall health. It is important to speak to an independent life insurance specialist who can help find the most favourable rates.

Life insurance quotes with Crohn's disease

If you have Crohn's disease, you may be wondering how this will impact your life insurance quotes. The good news is that having Crohn's disease doesn't disqualify you from getting life insurance. However, it may affect your quotes, and the extent of this impact will depend on several factors related to your condition and overall health.

Factors Affecting Life Insurance Quotes with Crohn's Disease

When assessing life insurance applications from individuals with Crohn's disease, insurance companies typically consider the following factors:

• Severity of the condition: The more severe your Crohn's disease is, the higher your life insurance rates are likely to be. This includes considering the severity of symptoms, the age at which you were diagnosed, and whether your condition is ongoing or in remission.
• Treatment: The type of treatment you are undergoing will also impact your life insurance quotes. This includes the specific medications you are taking, whether you have had surgery, and how well your condition is managed through treatment.
• Frequency of flare-ups: The frequency and timing of flare-ups or episodes will also be taken into account. The longer the time since your last flare-up, the more favourable your rates are likely to be.
• Hospitalisations: Any hospitalisations, emergency room visits, or surgeries related to your Crohn's disease will be considered.
• Overall health: Insurance companies will also want to understand your overall health beyond just Crohn's disease. This includes understanding your weight stability, any extra-intestinal symptoms, and any other medical conditions you may have, such as anaemia, arthritis, or other inflammatory diseases.

Tips for Getting Life Insurance with Crohn's Disease

• Stay proactive with your health: Consistently manage your condition through regular medical check-ups and adherence to treatment plans. This not only promotes better health but also signals to insurance companies that you are actively managing your condition.
• Maintain detailed medical records: Keep notes from doctor visits, a record of medications taken, and any relevant hospitalizations or surgeries. Such records provide a comprehensive picture of your health and allow insurance underwriters to understand the progression and management of your disease.
• Work with a specialised broker: Consider working with a broker who specialises in helping individuals with medical conditions find suitable life insurance policies. They will have in-depth knowledge of which insurance companies offer the most favourable terms for applicants with Crohn's disease.
• Shop around: Don't settle for the first quote you receive. Rates can vary significantly between insurance companies, so it's worth getting quotes from multiple sources to find the most affordable option for your specific circumstances.
• Be transparent: When applying for life insurance, it's crucial to be upfront and honest about your Crohn's disease and any other relevant health information. Non-disclosure of medical information could result in your policy being voided.

Life Insurance Options with Crohn's Disease

While having Crohn's disease may impact your life insurance options, there are still a variety of policies you can consider:

• Traditional, medically underwritten life insurance: This is the most likely option for individuals with Crohn's disease. You may qualify for preferred rates if your condition is mild and well-managed, or you may receive standard rates or a table rating (substandard) if your condition is more severe.
• Simplified issue life insurance: You may also qualify for this type of insurance, which typically involves answering limited questions about your medical condition.
• Guaranteed issue life insurance: This type of policy does not require a medical exam, and you can always qualify for it even with Crohn's disease. However, it may come with limitations and higher premiums.

Sample Life Insurance Quotes with Crohn's Disease

• Male, 32 years old, non-smoker, single flare-up, short period of steroid use, in remission for 4 years, no other health issues: This individual was able to obtain a Preferred rating and a rate discount by submitting a letter describing his healthy lifestyle, solid work history, and perfect medical records, including his steroid use.
• Female, 42 years old, non-smoker, ongoing symptoms of diarrhoea and mild bleeding, hospitalised 4 years ago: This applicant had fairly severe symptoms and initially had trouble receiving anything better than a rated policy. However, by working with a company that specialised in applicants with Crohn's disease and providing additional context on her improved condition, she was able to upgrade to a Standard rating.

Life Insurance Companies for Crohn's Disease

When it comes to finding life insurance with Crohn's disease, it's important to work with insurance companies that have a good understanding of this condition. Here are some companies that have been recommended by various sources as being favourable for individuals with Crohn's disease:

• Corebridge Financial
• Prudential
• Banner Life
• North American
• Minnesota Life
• Mutual of Omaha
• Nationwide
• John Hancock
• Protective
• Corebridge
• Legal & General America (also known as Banner Life and William Penn)
• Lincoln Financial
• Pacific Life
• Transamerica
• AIG (American General)
• Ameritas
• American National (ANICO)

While having Crohn's disease may present some challenges when applying for life insurance, it is certainly possible to secure coverage and affordable rates. The key is to be proactive about managing your health, work with specialised brokers, and shop around to find the most suitable insurance company for your specific circumstances.

Frequently asked questions