Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Life Insurance Considerations And Impacts

Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland in the neck, causing hypothyroidism. It is a treatable condition that does not lower one's life expectancy. While it does not usually affect life insurance eligibility, many people with the disease worry that it might. Those with Hashimoto's disease can generally qualify for traditional term or whole life insurance policies, and in some cases, no-medical exam life insurance policies. However, insurance companies will consider the severity and management of the condition, overall health, treatment history, and compliance with medical care when evaluating applications.

Life insurance eligibility

Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland in the neck. It causes the thyroid to become underactive, leading to a range of symptoms, including fatigue and weight gain. Despite being a treatable condition, many people with Hashimoto's worry about their life insurance eligibility. However, the good news is that it typically does not affect your life insurance eligibility.

• The effectiveness of treatments for Hashimoto's means that most life insurance companies do not consider it a significant risk factor.
• It is important to shop around and compare offers from different life insurance companies. Working with an independent agent or broker who has experience with clients with chronic health conditions can be beneficial.
• When applying for life insurance, be prepared to answer questions about your overall health, lifestyle, date of diagnosis, treatment history, symptoms, and medications.
• The key to obtaining favourable life insurance rates is demonstrating that your condition is well-managed. This includes following prescribed treatments, regularly monitoring thyroid hormone levels, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding high-risk behaviours.
• Individuals with Hashimoto's disease can generally qualify for traditional term or whole life insurance policies, and in some cases, even preferred rates. However, untreated or poorly treated Hashimoto's can lead to complications, which may impact your eligibility.
• If you have cardiovascular issues or other significant complications due to untreated Hashimoto's, this may become the most critical factor in determining your eligibility and rates.
• If you don't qualify for traditional coverage, there are alternative options, such as guaranteed issue life insurance, simplified issue life insurance, and graded death benefit policies.
• If your thyroid condition improves or stabilises over time, you can re-evaluate your policy and potentially lower your premiums by providing medical records demonstrating improved health.

Treatment options

Hashimoto's disease is a common cause of hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. It is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing inflammation and destruction of thyroid tissue. This reduces the thyroid's ability to produce hormones.

The treatment for Hashimoto's disease typically includes hormone replacement therapy with synthetic thyroid hormones, such as levothyroxine or thyroxine. The goal of this treatment is to restore and maintain adequate levels of the thyroid hormone T4 and improve symptoms of hypothyroidism. This treatment is usually taken orally once a day for life. It is important to monitor the dosage to ensure it is at the correct level, as too much thyroid hormone can worsen bone loss and cause irregular heartbeats.

In addition to synthetic hormones, other treatments for Hashimoto's disease may include surgery to remove or alter the thyroid if it is causing pressure symptoms or severe complications. However, this is typically a last resort for severe cases.

The prognosis for Hashimoto's disease is usually excellent with proper treatment, and it does not lower life expectancy. Therefore, it generally does not affect life insurance eligibility.

Complications

Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland in the neck. It is the number one cause of hypothyroidism in the United States, affecting around 200,000 Americans annually. The disease causes the thyroid to become underactive, leading to a range of symptoms, most commonly fatigue and unexplained weight gain.

If left untreated, the disease can have serious consequences. Every function of the body gradually slows down, including heart rate, brain function, and the rate at which food is turned into energy. This can lead to infertility, miscarriage, and high cholesterol. In severe cases, untreated Hashimoto's disease can result in heart failure, seizures, coma, and even death.

Due to the potential for severe complications, life insurance companies will typically ask individuals with Hashimoto's disease a series of questions to assess their risk profile. They will want to ensure that the condition is being properly treated and rule out the possibility of future health risks. Some common questions they may ask include:

• When were you first diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease?
• Who diagnosed your Hashimoto's disease? A general practitioner or a specialist?
• What symptoms, if any, led to your diagnosis?
• Have you been diagnosed with any other pre-existing medical conditions?
• Have you ever suffered a heart attack or stroke?
• What medications, if any, are you currently taking?
• What is your current height and weight?
• Have you been admitted to the hospital in the past two years?
• Are you currently working?
• Have you applied for or received any disability benefits in the past 12 months?

The more information provided that accurately demonstrates good control of the condition, the better the policy terms and lower the premiums. Life insurance companies will be looking for consistent compliance with medical care and effective management of the disease.

Overall, while Hashimoto's disease can cause complications, its treatability and lack of impact on life expectancy mean it usually does not significantly affect life insurance eligibility.

Diagnosis

Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland in the neck. It is the number one cause of hypothyroidism in the United States, affecting around 200,000 Americans annually, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders.

The thyroid becomes enlarged due to a lack of hormones, and the most common symptoms include fatigue and unexplained weight gain. Other symptoms may include joint and muscle pain, heavy menstrual flow or irregular periods, constipation, dry skin, and thinning hair.

If left untreated, the disease can lead to infertility, miscarriage, and high cholesterol. In severe cases, it can result in heart failure, seizures, coma, and even death. However, the symptoms are typically easily recognised by doctors, and effective treatments are available.

The treatment for Hashimoto's disease usually involves taking synthetic hormone medications, such as Levothyroxine or Synthroid, to manage hormone levels and control related problems. In severe cases, special surgeries may be required to remove or alter the thyroid.

Due to the treatability of Hashimoto's disease and the fact that it does not lower life expectancy, it generally does not affect life insurance eligibility. However, many individuals with the condition seem to believe that it will impact their insurance options.

Life insurance rates

People with Hashimoto's disease can generally get life insurance, but the cost and availability of coverage may depend on the severity of the condition and other factors. Here are some key points to consider when thinking about life insurance rates:

• Severity of the condition: The more severe the case of Hashimoto's disease, the higher the risk to the insurance company, which may result in higher premiums.
• Age: Older individuals with Hashimoto's disease may face higher premiums due to the increased risk of complications that come with age.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop Hashimoto's disease and may face slightly higher premiums.
• Treatment: Successfully managing the disease with medication may result in more favourable rates than if the condition is not being effectively controlled.
• Other medical conditions: Those with other health issues in addition to Hashimoto's disease may face higher premiums due to an increased overall health risk.
• Family history: A family history of autoimmune disorders or thyroid disease may also result in higher premiums due to increased risk.
• Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle choices such as smoking, diet, and exercise habits can impact your insurance rates. Non-smokers who maintain a healthy lifestyle will generally receive lower insurance premiums.
• Compliance with medical care: Consistently following your prescribed treatment plan and maintaining regular check-ups can positively influence your insurance rates.
• Type of insurance policy: Different types of insurance policies have different rates. For example, term life insurance is typically less expensive than whole life insurance, which offers additional benefits such as the ability to borrow against the policy's cash value.
• Comparison shopping: Working with a broker or independent agent who has access to multiple insurance companies can help you find the most favourable rates and coverage options.

While these factors can influence your life insurance rates, it is challenging to provide an accurate estimate without considering your specific circumstances. It is recommended to consult with an experienced insurance agent or broker who can guide you through the process and help you find the best coverage options for your needs.

Frequently asked questions