Life Insurance Options For People With Tic Disorders

Tics are fast, repetitive, and uncontrollable muscle movements or sounds that can interfere with daily life. They can be simple or complex, and are often sudden. Tic disorders can be provisional, chronic, or Tourette syndrome. While tics are fairly common in childhood, they can also start in adulthood and may be caused by other conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Treatment for severe tics includes behavioural therapy and medication. Life insurance is available for people with mental health conditions, including OCD and ADHD, and factors such as age, physical health, and lifestyle are considered when determining coverage and premiums. Group insurance through an employer and guaranteed life insurance plans are options for those with mental health issues.

What is tic disorder?

A tic is an uncontrolled, sudden, repetitive movement or sound that can be hard to control. Tics that involve movements are called motor tics, and those that involve sounds are called vocal tics. Tics can be either simple or complex. Simple motor tics involve a single muscle group, while complex motor tics involve more than one muscle group and can sometimes appear as if the person is doing the tic on purpose. Simple vocal tics involve one simple sound, while complex vocal tics involve more meaningful speech, such as words or phrases.

Tic disorders are conditions involving the nervous system. They cause individuals to make repetitive, sudden, and rapid sounds or movements, which they may struggle to control. Tic disorders are common, affecting around 1 in 5 children at some point, and typically first appear between the ages of 4 and 6. While tics usually improve with age, they can sometimes be long-lasting or even lifelong if they begin in a person's teens or early adulthood.

There are several types of tic disorders:

• Provisional tic disorder: This is the most common type, with tics occurring for less than a year.
• Chronic (persistent) tic disorder: A less common disorder where tics have been occurring for more than a year. The tics may be motor or vocal but not both.
• Tourette syndrome: A rare disorder where a person has multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic occurring for more than a year.

The exact cause of tic disorders is unknown, but researchers believe that genetics and environmental factors play a role. Tic disorders often run in families and are associated with other mental health conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

While most tics are not serious and do not require treatment, they can sometimes interfere with daily activities and cause frustration. In severe cases, tics can be managed with medications or therapy, especially if they cause pain, interfere with daily functioning, or impact mental health.

How does tic disorder affect life insurance eligibility?

Tic disorders are characterised by uncontrolled sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that can be challenging to manage. Tics can be either simple or complex and may change over time, with some lasting less than a year and others persisting for longer durations. While tics are typically associated with Tourette's syndrome, they can also be caused by other conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

When it comes to life insurance eligibility, tic disorders may have an impact, but the specific effects can vary. Life insurance providers consider various factors when assessing an individual's application, including their overall health, age, physical health, lifestyle, and occupation. Mental health conditions, including tic disorders, can be viewed as a risk factor by insurers, potentially influencing approval decisions and premium amounts.

Insurers often request information about mental health conditions, including the diagnosis date, severity, hospitalisations, frequency of episodes, impact on daily living, and treatment plans. The presence of a tic disorder may lead to higher premiums or, in more severe cases, denial of coverage. However, it's important to note that each insurance company has its own criteria for evaluating mental health issues, and the specific type and severity of the tic disorder will play a role in their decision-making process.

To improve your chances of obtaining life insurance with a tic disorder, it is advisable to shop around and compare quotes from multiple companies. Working with a licensed life insurance agent or broker can be beneficial, as they can guide you towards insurers that are more accommodating of mental health challenges. Additionally, following treatment plans, maintaining consistent employment, and demonstrating overall stability can enhance your eligibility.

While tic disorders can pose challenges in obtaining life insurance, it is not an insurmountable obstacle. By being proactive, seeking appropriate treatment, and exploring various insurance options, individuals with tic disorders can still secure the financial protection that life insurance provides for themselves and their loved ones.

What types of life insurance are available to those with tic disorder?

Tic disorders are characterised by sudden, uncontrollable, and repetitive movements or sounds. These can be either motor tics, which are involuntary movements caused by muscle contractions, or vocal tics, which are unintentional sounds. A combination of both is known as Tourette's syndrome.

When it comes to life insurance for those with tic disorders, there are several options available. Here are some types of life insurance that may be suitable:

Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period, typically ranging from 10 to 30 years. It is generally more affordable, particularly for younger individuals who are otherwise in good health. This type of policy may be a good option for those with tic disorders, depending on their age and overall health.

Permanent Life Insurance

Permanent life insurance, such as whole life insurance or universal life insurance, offers coverage for an individual's entire life as long as they continue to pay the premiums. It tends to be more expensive than term life insurance, but it includes an investment component that allows the policy to build cash value over time. This option may be less appealing to those with tic disorders due to the higher cost.

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

Guaranteed issue life insurance is an option for individuals who have been previously denied coverage due to their health conditions. This type of policy does not require any health questionnaires or medical exams, making it accessible to those with tic disorders. However, the death benefits are usually capped at a lower amount, and there may be a waiting period before beneficiaries can receive the full benefit.

Group Life Insurance

Group life insurance is offered by employers and is often an inexpensive and straightforward option. It does not require medical underwriting, making it accessible to those with health conditions like tic disorders. However, the policy is only active while the individual remains employed by the company offering the coverage.

When considering life insurance, it is important to shop around and consult with a licensed agent or broker who can provide guidance based on your specific circumstances. It is also crucial to be honest about your health conditions on the application to avoid issues with your policy in the future.

What are the treatment options for tic disorder?

Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that are hard to control. They can be motor or vocal, and simple or complex. Most tics are temporary and tend not to last more than 3 months at a time. They can get worse when a person is stressed, sleep-deprived, excited, or has consumed caffeine.

There is no cure for tics, but there are ways to lessen their impact:

• Avoid focusing on the tic.
• Avoid stressful situations.
• Get enough sleep.
• Don't hold back the tic.
• If a friend has a tic, don't call attention to it.

In some cases, tics can be severe enough to interfere with a person's daily life and require medical treatment. Medication may be prescribed to manage the symptoms, but it is important to note that medication does not cure tics and may only reduce them by up to 50%. The decision to treat tics is based on the impact they have on an individual's quality of life.

There is a behavioural therapy called Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT) that has been shown to reduce tics in many children and adults. This therapy is often used in conjunction with medication for the best results.

For children with tics, it is recommended to provide a supportive environment and help them feel loved and accepted despite their tics. Encouraging stress reduction, physical activity, good sleep, and a healthy diet can also help manage tics.

How does tic disorder affect mental health?

Tic disorders are a spectrum of neurological conditions that cause people to perform tics—uncontrolled, sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that can be hard to control. Tics can affect any part of the body, including the face, shoulders, hands, and legs, and can be either motor or vocal. Motor tics involve body movements, while vocal tics involve sounds.

Tic disorders can have a significant impact on mental health. People with tic disorders are more likely to experience other mental health conditions, including:

• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Substance use disorder
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Anxiety disorders
• Learning disorders

The presence of tics can be a source of embarrassment and social anxiety, affecting self-esteem and the ability to interact with others. The unpredictable nature of tics can also lead to increased stress and anxiety, as individuals may worry about when and where a tic will occur and how others will react. This, in turn, can make the tics worse. Additionally, the effort required to suppress tics can build up tension, leading to a stronger urge to release it through the tic.

Anxiety and stress are common triggers for tics and can make them more frequent and intense. Emotional stress, in particular, can make it harder to control tics. Tics often become more pronounced when the body is relaxed or the individual is alone, and they can interfere with daily life and social interactions.

Tic disorders can also lead to:

• Increased risk of mental health problems such as anxiety, mood disorders, learning difficulties, and sleep problems
• Thoughts of self-harm in extreme cases
• Anger-management issues
• Physical pain, such as headaches

The impact of tic disorders on mental health can be managed through various strategies, including:

• Behavioural therapy, such as habit reversal training and comprehensive behavioural intervention for tics (CBIT)
• Medication, especially if the tics are severe and interfere with daily life
• Self-care practices, such as avoiding stress and fatigue, getting enough sleep, and engaging in relaxing activities
• Support from family, friends, and educational institutions
• Joining support groups and connecting with others who have tic disorders

Frequently asked questions