Crohn's Impact: Life Insurance And Your Health

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects an estimated 700,000–780,000 Americans. It can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe, and successful treatment is possible. While the exact cause of Crohn's is unknown, population studies have shown that women are more likely to develop it, and it is also more common among smokers. The good news is that it is possible to secure life insurance even if you have Crohn's disease. However, the disease can affect the price of your insurance coverage and the ease of obtaining it.

Severity of Crohn's Disease

The severity of Crohn's disease is a crucial factor in determining life insurance eligibility and costs. Crohn's disease can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe, and advanced cases can make it challenging to find affordable life insurance options. The severity of the disease is assessed by considering several factors, which I will outline below.

Frequency and Duration of Flare-ups:

Underwriters evaluate the frequency and duration of flare-ups or episodes of Crohn's disease. The longer the time since the last flare-up and the less frequent the attacks, the better the chances of securing a life insurance policy at favourable rates. Reaching a five-year milestone without a flare-up can significantly improve your underwriting outcome. On the other hand, a flare-up within the past year may lead to a waiting period or a higher risk rating.

Medications:

The type of medication prescribed for Crohn's disease provides valuable insight into its severity. Medications such as Azulfidine, Cortenema, Cortifoam, Dipentum, Hydrocortisone, Mesalamine, Olsalazine Sodium, Pentasa, Rowasa, and Sulfasalazine are typically used for mild to moderate cases. More potent drugs, such as Humira, Prednisone, Imuran, and Methotrexate, indicate more severe symptoms and complications. The use of these medications will likely result in a sub-standard risk rating and higher premiums.

Surgery:

The need for surgery is another factor that underwriters consider when evaluating the severity of Crohn's disease. Surgeries for Crohn's disease often involve removing affected sections of the intestines to prevent perforation, blockages, abscesses, or bleeding. Underwriters will review medical records to assess the time since the surgery, the success of the procedure, and any complications. A waiting period of at least three to six months after surgery is typically required before applying for life insurance.

Age of Diagnosis:

The age at which an individual is diagnosed with Crohn's disease also plays a role in determining severity. Crohn's disease tends to be a progressive condition, and younger patients may require multiple surgeries throughout their lifetime. As a result, applicants diagnosed at a younger age, especially in their 20s, may face challenges in obtaining affordable insurance coverage.

Treatment History and Complications:

Underwriters will review medical records and treatment history, including the duration and specific medications prescribed. They will also consider any complications arising from Crohn's disease, such as malabsorption, obstructions, perforations, abscesses, and fistulas. A longer period since the last symptoms or successful management of symptoms through treatment will reflect favourably on the underwriting outcome.

In conclusion, while Crohn's disease can impact life insurance eligibility and costs, it is not an automatic decline for coverage. The severity of the disease, as determined by the factors mentioned above, will influence the risk assessment and pricing. Working with a broker or an agent specialising in high-risk life insurance can help individuals with Crohn's disease find the most suitable coverage options.

Treatment History

When applying for life insurance, it is important to disclose your treatment history for Crohn's disease. This includes information such as the medications you are taking, the dosage, and how well the treatment is managing your condition. The insurance company will also want to know if you have had any surgeries related to Crohn's disease and the success rate of these procedures.

The underwriter will review your medical records and run a prescription history check to determine the severity of your condition and the effectiveness of your treatment. They will look at the age of onset and the time since your last symptoms, with longer periods without symptoms being favourable for insurance approval.

If you are taking medications such as Humira, Prednisone, Imuran, or Methotrexate, it indicates more severe symptoms and complications, and your policy will likely be approved at a sub-standard rate. On the other hand, if you are taking medications like Azulfidine, Cortenema, Cortifoam, Dipentum, Hydrocortisone, Mesalamine, Olsalazine Sodium, Pentasa, Rowasa, or Sulfasalzine, which are commonly prescribed for mild to moderate Crohn's, you may have a better chance of getting approved at a higher rate.

It is also important to note that insurance companies will want to see that you are compliant with your treatment plan and are following your physician's recommendations. This includes having regular colonoscopies, especially if you have had Crohn's disease for more than eight years, as it increases the risk of colorectal cancer.

Overall, the insurance company will evaluate your treatment history to assess the risk and determine the cost of your premiums. The more severe your condition and the less effective your treatment, the higher your insurance rates are likely to be.

Flare-ups/Episodes

The frequency of flare-ups is a key consideration for insurance companies when assessing applications from people with Crohn's disease. The more frequent the flare-ups, the higher the premiums will be.

Most insurance companies will want to know the date of your last flare-up or episode. The longer it has been since your last flare-up, the better. If you can go five years without a flare-up, you may be offered a policy at the insurer's second- or third-best rates. However, if you have suffered a flare-up within the past 12 months, you may need to wait 12 months before applying, as most insurers will have a 12-month waiting period following a flare-up.

The number of attacks in the past three years will also be taken into account.

If you are experiencing only mild symptoms, you may be able to secure a policy at standard rates or with a small increase in premiums. However, if you are experiencing more severe symptoms and/or regular flare-ups, you will likely pay increased premiums due to the higher risk.

If you are taking medication to manage your Crohn's disease, this will also be taken into account. Medications like Humira, Prednisone, Imuran, and Methotrexate indicate more severe symptoms and will result in your policy being approved at a sub-standard rate.

If you are awaiting surgery as a result of your condition, your application may be postponed until you have made a full recovery.

Complications

In addition to these physical complications, Crohn's disease can also lead to anaemia, severe malnutrition, kidney stones, gallstones, and liver disease. These conditions may prevent you from qualifying for life insurance altogether, depending on their severity and your overall health. It is important to note that insurance companies will also consider your overall health and any other pre-existing conditions when evaluating your application.

The severity of your Crohn's disease plays a significant role in determining your life insurance eligibility and rates. If you have advanced or severe Crohn's disease, it can be challenging to find affordable life insurance options. The medications you are prescribed will also be taken into consideration, as they indicate the complexity and severity of your condition. For example, medications such as Humira, Prednisone, Imuran, and Methotrexate are typically prescribed for more severe cases and will result in a "rated" policy, meaning your policy will be approved at a sub-standard rate.

The timing of your application is also crucial. Most insurance companies will postpone your application if it is made within a certain timeframe after a flare-up or surgery. This timeframe can vary but is typically between 3 to 6 months. The longer it has been since your last flare-up or treatment, the better your chances of securing more favourable rates.

Overall Health

• Weight Stability: Insurers evaluate whether the applicant has experienced weight stability or loss. Dramatic weight loss or fluctuations can indicate nutritional deficiencies and poor health, affecting the insurance rates.
• Symptoms and Severity: The severity of Crohn's disease symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weight loss, and fever, plays a significant role in determining insurance rates. Mild cases with infrequent flare-ups may have a lesser impact on premiums.
• Frequency of Flare-ups: The frequency of Crohn's flare-ups is an important consideration. Less frequent flare-ups, such as once every few years, may result in lower insurance rates. Insurers typically look at the number of attacks in the past three years.
• Treatment: The type, medication, and dosage of treatment for Crohn's disease are considered. Medications like steroids, immunosuppressives, and alpha inhibitors indicate more severe symptoms and can lead to higher insurance rates or a rated policy.
• Hospitalizations, ER Visits, and Surgeries: Any hospitalizations, emergency room visits, or surgeries related to Crohn's disease are taken into account. Multiple surgeries or frequent hospitalizations may result in higher rates or postponement of the application.
• Limitations of Activities: Crohn's disease can impact an individual's ability to perform certain activities or work. If the condition limits daily activities, it may affect the insurance rates or approval.
• Complications and Other Medical Conditions: The presence of other health issues, such as anemia, arthritis, or other inflammatory diseases, in addition to Crohn's disease, can increase the insurance rates. The overall health of the applicant, including any pre-existing conditions, is assessed.

In summary, the overall health of an individual with Crohn's disease is carefully evaluated by insurers when determining eligibility and rates for life insurance. The severity of symptoms, frequency of flare-ups, treatment methods, hospitalizations, and any associated health complications are all crucial factors in the underwriting process.

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