Haemochromatosis: Life Insurance Considerations And Impacts

Haemochromatosis is a genetic condition that causes the body to absorb too much iron from food. This excess iron is then deposited in organs such as the liver, pancreas, heart, and joints. While the condition is treatable, there is no cure, and if left untreated, it can be fatal. As a result, those diagnosed with haemochromatosis may find themselves facing higher life insurance premiums or even have their application declined. However, it is still possible to find affordable life insurance options, and the impact on premiums and insurability depends on several factors, including the severity of the condition, the effectiveness of treatment, and the impact on the patient's daily life.

Life insurance for haemochromatosis patients

Haemochromatosis is a genetic condition that causes an iron overload in the body. This can lead to organ damage and other serious health issues. It is a treatable but incurable condition.

Haemochromatosis patients can get life insurance, but the terms will depend on the severity of their condition and its impact on their life. If the condition is well-controlled and has little impact on their ability to work and perform day-to-day activities, life insurance may be available at normal terms. If the symptoms and treatments are more severe, or if there are additional complications, the insurer may offer life insurance at non-standard terms, meaning increased premiums.

When applying for life insurance, haemochromatosis patients will likely be asked about their treatment, including whether they have regular therapeutic phlebotomy and how often, and the results of liver function tests. They may also be asked about any organ damage and other significant health issues.

Most life insurance premiums are calculated based on the term of the policy and the applicant's age and health. Haemochromatosis patients should speak to an expert advisor to ensure they get the fairest price.

There are several ways haemochromatosis patients can reduce their monthly premiums:

• Speak to an advisor or broker with access to the whole market
• Consult a specialist advisor who knows which insurers are best for haemochromatosis patients
• Quit smoking – premiums can be reduced 12 months after stopping
• Improve your lifestyle, for example, by reducing weight or alcohol consumption

Haemochromatosis patients can get several different types of life insurance, including:

• Term life insurance (family protection) – pays out a lump sum to your family if you die during the policy term
• Mortgage life insurance (mortgage protection) – usually cheaper than family protection as the cover reduces with your mortgage balance
• Family income benefit – pays out an income to your family rather than a lump sum

Critical illness cover

Haemochromatosis is not usually considered a severe medical condition, so it will not attract a payout from critical illness cover. However, haemochromatosis can lead to other serious or life-threatening medical problems, including:

• Liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer
• Heart problems, including congestive heart failure
• Diabetes
• Arthritis

If you are diagnosed with a serious medical condition as a result of your haemochromatosis, your critical illness cover may pay out.

When applying for critical illness cover, insurers will be interested in your treatment, the results of your liver function tests, and your ferritin levels. They may also ask for permission to speak with your GP to confirm your medical history.

Income protection

If you have haemochromatosis, income protection might be available to you at standard terms. This is most likely if your symptoms are well-controlled and you have not developed any secondary conditions.

The insurance provider will be particularly interested in any time off work you've had due to haemochromatosis. Your application will most likely need to be supported by a report from your GP, detailing your symptoms, medications and treatments.

If your haemochromatosis symptoms are quite strong, or you require a lot of regular medical intervention, income protection may be offered at non-standard terms. This would typically include an increase to the premium or an exclusion for claims relating to haemochromatosis.

If you find that income protection is not available to you, or you do not like the terms that are offered, it could be worthwhile considering Accident, Sickness and Unemployment Cover. This type of cover will pay a monthly income replacement for 12-24 months if you are unable to work due to injury, long-term disability or involuntary redundancy. Accident, Sickness and Unemployment policies are not medically underwritten, meaning that your haemochromatosis will have no bearing on the policy acceptance terms. However, any claim that you place will exclude any pre-existing conditions, including haemochromatosis.

Haemochromatosis as a pre-existing condition

Haemochromatosis is a condition caused by a build-up of iron in the blood. This excess iron is deposited in the body's organs, mainly the liver, pancreas, heart and joints, and can be toxic. If left untreated, the condition can be fatal. However, haemochromatosis is treatable, and most people who have been diagnosed with the condition will live a normal lifespan.

When applying for life insurance, it is important to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions, including haemochromatosis. This is because the insurer will likely ask for details of regular medication and tests that you have had in the last five years. If your condition is well-controlled and has little impact on your ability to work and carry out day-to-day activities, you may be offered life insurance at normal terms.

However, if your symptoms and treatments for haemochromatosis are strong, or you have developed additional complications, the insurer may offer life insurance at non-standard terms, which means that your premiums will be increased. If your symptoms are not stable and you have many complications, some insurers may decline your application altogether. In this case, you may need to consider a guaranteed issue policy or a graded death benefit policy.

If you are applying for critical illness cover, this may be available to you at standard terms if your haemochromatosis is well-controlled and mild. However, if your condition is more severe, critical illness cover may be offered at non-standard terms, with an increased premium or exclusion of conditions linked to haemochromatosis.

Income protection may also be available to you at standard terms if your symptoms are well-controlled and you have not developed any secondary conditions. However, if your symptoms are strong or you require regular medical intervention, income protection may be offered at non-standard terms, with an increased premium or exclusion of claims relating to haemochromatosis.

Haemochromatosis and insurance denial

Haemochromatosis is a condition caused by a build-up of iron in the blood. This excess iron can be toxic to the body, especially when it builds up in vital organs such as the liver, heart, and pancreas. If left untreated, the condition can be fatal.

For those with haemochromatosis, insurance denial or increased premium rates are common. In a study of 126 subjects with haemochromatosis, 25 (20%) described 28 incidents of insurance denial or increased premium rates, which they attributed to their diagnosis. Of these incidents, 16 (57%) involved life insurance, eight (29%) involved health insurance, and four (14%) involved disability insurance.

The likelihood of being denied insurance or charged higher rates depends on several factors, including the age at diagnosis, the degree to which the condition has affected the individual, and the success of treatment in controlling iron levels. If diagnosed early and responding well to treatment, a "standard" rating is possible. Otherwise, individuals may face higher ratings or complete denial of coverage.

To evaluate an individual's condition, insurers typically request the following information:

• Date of diagnosis
• Details of regular therapeutic phlebotomy and frequency
• Results of liver enzyme tests
• Presence of any organ damage
• Other significant health issues

Frequently asked questions