Sleep Apnea: Does It Affect Your Life Insurance Eligibility?

Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that affects a person's breathing while they sleep. It is characterised by pauses in breathing, which can last from a few seconds to a few minutes, and can cause snoring, gasping for air, and interrupted sleep patterns. The condition is linked to several serious health issues, including heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure, and can increase the likelihood of work-related injuries and motor vehicle accidents. As such, it is considered a pre-existing condition by insurance providers and can impact the cost of life insurance premiums. However, it is still possible to obtain life insurance if you have sleep apnea, and consistent treatment can even result in coverage at a lower-than-average price. The key factors that insurance providers will consider include the severity of the condition, the patient's compliance with treatment, and their overall health and mortality risk.

Life insurance companies' criteria for sleep apnea patients

If you have sleep apnea, you can get life insurance, but the specific criteria you'll need to meet will depend on the insurance company and the severity of your condition. Here are the criteria that life insurance companies typically consider when evaluating applications from individuals with sleep apnea:

• Severity of Sleep Apnea: The cost of life insurance and your likelihood of being approved for coverage are influenced by the severity of your sleep apnea. Mild to moderate sleep apnea that is well-managed through consistent treatment will generally result in more affordable rates. On the other hand, severe sleep apnea, especially if left untreated, may lead to higher premiums or even denial of coverage.
• Treatment Compliance: Life insurance companies view individuals with sleep apnea more favourably if they are actively seeking treatment and adhering to their prescribed therapy. This could include the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines, tongue-retaining devices, or oral appliances. Consistent treatment can help lower your insurance risk and lead to better rates.
• Medical History and Risk Factors: In addition to sleep apnea, insurance companies will consider other medical conditions and risk factors that may be associated with or exacerbated by sleep apnea. These can include obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and depression. Losing weight and managing these co-morbidities can positively impact your application.
• Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) and Oxygen Levels: Sleep apnea is typically diagnosed through sleep studies that measure the Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) or Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI) and oxygen saturation levels. Insurance companies will consider these results in determining the severity of your condition and setting your rates. They usually look for an RDI between 10 and 25 and an oxygen saturation level of 80% or higher.
• Date of Diagnosis and Treatment History: The length of time since your initial diagnosis and your treatment history are important factors. Some insurance companies offer lower rates to applicants who have been diagnosed and consistently treated for sleep apnea for a longer period, as it demonstrates a commitment to managing the condition.
• Follow-up Sleep Studies: Insurance companies may require a follow-up sleep study, such as a titration study, to assess the effectiveness of your treatment. This is particularly important for setting the pressure on your CPAP machine. Complying with these follow-up studies can help improve your chances of getting better rates.
• Height-to-Weight Ratio: If your sleep apnea is caused by or associated with obesity, your height-to-weight ratio will impact the cost of your coverage. Losing weight can be favourable in the eyes of insurance companies.
• Smoking Status: Smoking can worsen sleep apnea and is considered a risk factor by insurance companies. Non-smokers may be offered more favourable rates.
• Other Health Concerns: Any other health concerns or conditions that can make your sleep apnea worse will be taken into account. These could include heart disease, high blood pressure, or other issues.
• Underwriting Process: Life insurance companies use the underwriting process to assess the risk of insuring you. This typically involves a medical exam and detailed questions about your sleep apnea diagnosis, treatment, and overall health.

While having sleep apnea doesn't automatically disqualify you from obtaining life insurance, it is considered a pre-existing condition, and full disclosure of your condition is essential. Remember that criteria and requirements may vary among insurance companies, so it's important to shop around and consult with an independent life insurance broker who has experience in this area.

How to prepare for your insurance application

• Be honest about your condition : It is crucial to be completely transparent about your sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment. Insurance companies will ask for the date of your diagnosis and details of your treatment plan. Failing to disclose this information may result in your application being declined or delayed due to confusion and further inquiries.
• Adhere to your sleep apnea therapyoral appliance or a CPAP machine. Most new CPAP machines have built-in Wi-Fi technology that communicates your sleep data to your medical insurance company, so they can confirm your adherence to the treatment.
• Lose weight if overweight: Losing weight is an important indicator of your commitment to improving your health, especially since sleep apnea is often accompanied by co-morbidities like obesity, high blood pressure, heart conditions, diabetes, and depression.
• Attend follow-up appointments with your sleep medicine specialist: Your sleep medicine specialist can guide your treatment and provide valuable insights. Life insurance underwriters will want to see your medical records, including comments from your doctor regarding your sleep apnea treatment.
• Achieve a low apnea-hypopnea index (AHI): Insurance carriers prefer an AHI of 5 or less per hour, which is considered an indicator of effective treatment.
• Maintain normal oxygen saturation levels: With proper treatment, you should be able to achieve normal oxygen saturation levels of 95-100%. This is particularly important if you have mild to moderate sleep apnea.
• Undergo a follow-up sleep study: This is crucial for setting the pressure on your CPAP machine. It also demonstrates your commitment to managing your condition, which is viewed favorably by insurance companies.
• Improve your overall health: Since sleep apnea can be linked to other health conditions, focus on improving your overall health. This may include managing your weight, controlling high blood pressure, treating heart conditions, and addressing any mental health concerns.
• Be prepared for the insurance application process: The insurance application process typically involves filling out detailed paperwork, undergoing a medical exam, and providing health histories for yourself and your immediate family. Have all the necessary information readily available, including your medical history, lifestyle habits, and financial details.
• Consider working with an independent life insurance broker: An experienced broker can guide you in finding the best rates and policies suited to your specific circumstances, especially if you have a pre-existing condition like sleep apnea.

The best life insurance companies for people with sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that affects a person's breathing while they sleep. It is characterised by pauses in breathing, which cause drops in blood oxygen levels, resulting in disrupted sleep patterns and symptoms like snoring. This condition affects over 22 million Americans and can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.

People with sleep apnea can get life insurance, but the severity of their condition will impact the cost of their premiums. Here are some of the best life insurance companies for people with sleep apnea:

Best for mild sleep apnea: Transamerica

Transamerica is one of the oldest and largest life insurance companies, with over 12 million active accounts. It offers competitive rates for term life insurance and the option to skip the medical exam for qualifying applicants, including smokers and people between 60 and 70. Transamerica is a good choice for people with well-controlled sleep apnea and an average height-to-weight ratio, as they offer lower-than-average rates.

Best for moderate sleep apnea: Legal & General America

Legal & General America, also known as Banner Life and William Penn, offers some of the longest term lengths (up to 40 years) and most competitive life insurance rates, even for people with a history of medical conditions. They are a top-rated insurer and are a good option for people with moderate, well-controlled sleep apnea.

Best for severe sleep apnea: Pacific Life

Pacific Life offers some of the lowest rates for term life insurance across age brackets and is more likely to approve individuals with severe sleep apnea compared to other insurers. They also have the most competitive rates for many health conditions.

Cheapest life insurance for sleep apnea: Pacific Life

In addition to having low rates, Pacific Life also has a higher approval rate for individuals with sleep apnea, regardless of the severity of their condition or their height-to-weight ratio.

It is important to note that the cost of life insurance for people with sleep apnea will depend on various factors, including the type of sleep apnea, treatment plan, and overall health. Individuals with mild to moderate sleep apnea who adhere to a treatment regimen are more likely to get approved for traditional life insurance coverage at lower-than-average or average rates.

How to get approved for life insurance with sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that affects a person's breathing while they sleep. It is considered a pre-existing condition for life insurance, and while it does not disqualify you from getting life insurance, it can influence the type of policy you qualify for and the cost of your premiums. Here are some steps to increase your chances of getting approved for life insurance with sleep apnea:

Be open and honest about your condition:

Disclose your sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment information when applying for life insurance. This includes providing details about the date of diagnosis, treatment methods, and any medications you are taking.

Adhere to your sleep apnea therapy:

Follow your prescribed treatment plan, whether it is an oral appliance, CPAP machine, or other recommended therapies. Consistent use of a CPAP machine, for example, can help improve your breathing and lower your insurance risk.

Lose weight if you are overweight:

Sleep apnea is often associated with obesity, and life insurance companies view weight loss as a positive indication of your commitment to improving your health.

Attend follow-up appointments:

Regularly see a sleep medicine specialist to monitor your treatment progress and manage your condition. Life insurance underwriters will want to see your medical records, including comments from your doctor regarding your sleep apnea treatment.

Achieve and maintain normal oxygen saturation levels:

Aim for oxygen saturation levels between 95-100%, which is considered normal and is easily attainable with proper treatment adherence. This will indicate to the life insurance underwriter that your sleep apnea is under control.

Get a follow-up sleep study:

After your initial sleep study, undergo a titration study to help set the pressure on your CPAP machine. This is important for adjusting your treatment and demonstrating your commitment to managing your sleep apnea.

Work with an independent life insurance broker:

Consider consulting an independent life insurance broker who has experience in helping individuals with sleep apnea. They can guide you in finding the best rates and policies that fit your specific needs.

Compare insurance carriers and rates:

Don't assume that one life insurance company's denial means you are disqualified from coverage elsewhere. Different insurers have varying underwriting guidelines and risk tolerances, so it's worth comparing options to find one that suits your situation.

Provide comprehensive medical information:

Gather and provide as much information as possible about your sleep apnea diagnosis, treatment history, and physician recommendations. This gives insurers a more comprehensive view of your risk profile and increases your chances of approval.

Consider guaranteed issue life insurance:

If you are unable to secure traditional coverage due to severe sleep apnea or other health complications, explore guaranteed issue life insurance. This type of policy is available to individuals with pre-existing medical conditions and does not require a medical exam for approval.

What to do if your application is denied

If your life insurance application is denied due to your sleep apnea diagnosis, you can take the following steps:

• Revisit your treatment plan: Consult your doctor to create or adjust your treatment plan to manage your sleep apnea. Once your condition has been under control for a significant period, you can reapply for life insurance.
• Shop for guaranteed issue life insurance: Consider guaranteed issue life insurance, a type of final expense insurance that covers end-of-life expenses such as funeral or medical bills. While this option does not require a medical examination, the coverage amounts are typically lower and more expensive than traditional life insurance.
• Consider group life insurance: Many employers and organizations offer group life insurance coverage as part of their benefits package. While the coverage amounts may be lower, approval is almost guaranteed, and it can be a good option if you are unable to obtain traditional life insurance.
• Seek alternative treatments: If your sleep apnea is severe and you are unable to obtain life insurance, consider alternative treatments such as tongue-retaining devices or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. These treatments can help manage your symptoms and may improve your chances of obtaining life insurance in the future.
• Consult an independent life insurance broker: An independent life insurance broker with experience in sleep apnea cases can help you find the best rates and coverage options given your medical history. They can guide you through the application process and increase your chances of approval.
• Appeal the decision: If you believe the denial of your application was unjustified, you can file an appeal with the insurance company. Provide additional information, such as letters from your doctor confirming your treatment or explaining that your mild sleep apnea does not increase the risk of serious events.

Frequently asked questions