Heart Disease: Usaa Life Insurance Underwriting Process And Duration

USAA offers life insurance to military personnel, veterans, and their families, as well as the general public. The company provides term, whole, and universal policies with flexible coverage and age restrictions. While most policies require a medical exam, some, like the Essential Term and Guaranteed Whole Life policies, do not. The medical exam is non-invasive and can be done at home, taking less than 30 minutes. It includes measuring height and weight, blood and urine samples, checking pulse and blood pressure, and an electrocardiogram (EKG). The results, combined with medical history, driving records, and hobbies, help determine the insurance rate. Heart disease is a risk factor considered during underwriting, and it may lead to higher premiums or denial of coverage.

USAA life insurance medical exams

What to Expect from a USAA Life Insurance Medical Exam

USAA contracts paramedical companies to conduct the medical exam, which can be done at your home or another location of your choice. The examiner will take some basic health measurements and samples, including:

• Height and weight
• Blood and urine samples
• Pulse and blood pressure
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)

The examiner will also ask questions about your medical history and any health conditions you may have. These questions, along with the test results, help identify risk factors such as body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, HIV or other immune disorders, and elevated glucose or blood sugar levels.

How to Prepare for a USAA Life Insurance Medical Exam

To get the best results, USAA recommends:

• Getting a good night's sleep before the exam
• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Avoiding alcohol and caffeine before the exam
• Wearing loose-fitting clothing to facilitate blood drawing
• Refraining from exercising right before the exam

USAA Life Insurance Options Without a Medical Exam

While USAA typically requires a medical exam, there are some life insurance options they offer that do not require one:

• Essential Term insurance: Available for those aged 21 to 35, with coverage up to $100,000.
• Guaranteed Whole Life insurance: Available for ages 45 to 85 (50 to 75 in New York), with coverage from $2,000 to $25,000.
• Final expense insurance: Available for ages 45 to 85 (50 to 75 in New York), with a maximum benefit of $25,000.

USAA also waives the medical exam requirement for deploying military members to expedite their coverage.

How long does underwriting take?

The underwriting process for USAA life insurance can take up to a few weeks. However, there are ways to speed up the process. Staying on top of your application status and responding promptly to any updates or requests for information can help avoid delays. Scheduling your medical exam as soon as possible and having all the necessary details, such as recent doctor visits and medical history, readily available can also expedite the process.

The medical exam itself, which is typically required for life insurance policies, takes about 30 minutes and can be conducted at a location of your choice, including your home or workplace. This exam is similar to an annual physical and is usually free of charge. The results from the medical exam, along with other factors such as your medical history, driving record, and hobbies, will be used to determine your health classification and calculate your premium rates.

It's important to note that the time required for underwriting can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the company's processes. USAA specifically mentions that applications that require lab work or medical records will take longer to process. Therefore, it's advisable to be proactive and prepared throughout the underwriting process to ensure a smoother and potentially faster experience.

Heart disease risk factors

When it comes to life insurance, USAA may require a medical exam to be conducted before providing coverage. This is a simple, non-invasive evaluation that gives the insurance company a snapshot of your health and helps determine your rate. The exam includes a few simple tests and questions, including measuring height and weight, blood and urine samples, checking pulse and blood pressure, and an electrocardiogram (EKG).

Heart disease is a common condition that often goes unnoticed until it is too late. It is important to recognize the factors that increase your risk for heart disease. These risk factors can be divided into two categories: major and contributing. Major risk factors have been proven to increase the likelihood of heart disease, while contributing risk factors can lead to an increased risk. The more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to develop heart disease.

• High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure increases your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. It is important to get your blood pressure checked regularly and make lifestyle changes or take medication to control it.
• High Blood Cholesterol: High levels of cholesterol can clog your arteries and raise your risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack. Lifestyle changes, medicines, and a healthy diet can help lower cholesterol levels.
• Diabetes: Heart problems are the leading cause of death among people with diabetes, especially Type 2 diabetes. It is important to get tested for diabetes and keep it under control through a healthy diet, exercise, weight management, and medication.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of heart disease as it is linked to other risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can lower these risks.
• Smoking: Smoking increases your risk of heart disease and peripheral vascular disease. It raises your heart rate, tightens arteries, and can create irregularities in the timing of heartbeats, making your heart work harder. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to lower your risk.
• Physical Inactivity: People who are not physically active have a higher risk of heart attack compared to those who exercise regularly. Even moderate-intensity exercise, such as light gardening or walking, can lower your risk.

There are also contributing risk factors for heart disease that you may not be able to control, such as age, sex, race, ethnicity, and family history. However, by controlling the major risk factors and making lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

USAA life insurance options

USAA life insurance is available to the general public, although most of its other insurance products are only available to members of the military, veterans, and their immediate family members. USAA offers term, whole, and universal life insurance policies.

Term Life Insurance Options

USAA offers two options for term life insurance: Level Term V and Essential Term. Level Term V is available until the age of 70, with coverage amounts ranging from $100,000 to $10 million. It includes extra benefits for military members, such as coverage during war, guaranteed coverage after leaving the military, and a $25,000 cash payment for expenses caused by severe injuries. Essential Term does not require a medical exam but is only for those aged 21 to 35 and expires when the policyholder turns 39. Coverage is capped at $100,000, and it is not available in Arizona or New York.

Whole Life Insurance Options

USAA offers two types of whole life insurance: Simplified Whole Life and Guaranteed Whole Life. Simplified Whole Life can be applied for up to the age of 85, with fixed payments and coverage ranging from $25,000 to $10 million. It requires a health questionnaire and a free medical exam. Guaranteed Whole Life is available without underwriting for those aged 45 to 85 (50 to 75 in New York) and generally pays within 24 hours of death. Coverage ranges from $2,000 to $25,000, and payments never increase.

Universal Life Insurance Options

USAA offers one universal life insurance option, the Universal Life Accumulator policy, which is available up to the age of 85. It is more flexible than whole life insurance, as the policyholder can change things such as the premium payment schedule or the death benefit. It is also more expensive than term life insurance but less costly than whole life insurance. It requires a health questionnaire and a medical exam and is not available in New York.

Other Options

USAA also offers policies that do not require a medical exam, such as instant issue life insurance, which provides competitive rates and ample coverage options with instant approval. Additionally, USAA typically waives the medical exam requirement for deploying military members to expedite their coverage.

Heart disease and insurance options

Heart disease can be a serious condition that requires lifelong monitoring and treatment. Here are some insurance options to consider if you or a loved one is affected by heart disease:

Health Insurance Options

Employer-Provided Health Insurance

If you have heart disease, obtaining health insurance coverage through your employer is often the best option. Most large companies offer group health plans at reasonable rates, even if you have a pre-existing condition like heart disease. When selecting an employer-provided plan, ensure it provides access to cardiologists experienced in treating heart disease. Be cautious when changing jobs or policies, as certain exclusions or waiting periods may apply before receiving full benefits under a new plan.

Affordable Care Act (ACA)

The ACA, passed in 2010, ensures that all Americans can obtain health insurance, regardless of pre-existing conditions, including heart defects. The ACA prohibits insurers from charging higher premiums or discriminating based on health status or gender. Young adults can remain on their parents' insurance plan until the age of 26. You can explore insurance options through the Health Insurance Marketplace on Healthcare.gov or through your state's Marketplace. These plans must meet minimum requirements and cover essential health benefits such as hospital care, prescription drugs, and preventive care.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a federal-state partnership that provides free or low-cost health coverage for individuals and families with low incomes or disabilities. Each state has its own Medicaid program with varying eligibility requirements. With the implementation of the American Rescue Plan, Medicaid now offers more comprehensive and affordable coverage, making it easier for those with heart disease to access quality healthcare.

Life Insurance Options

Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance is often a more affordable option, especially when purchased through a group such as an employer. It typically requires less medical information to enrol and can provide financial protection for your loved ones in the event of your death. However, be sure to compare policies from different companies, as their considerations for congenital heart disease may vary. Reapplying as an adult, even if denied coverage as a child, may increase your chances of obtaining life insurance.

USAA Life Insurance

USAA offers life insurance products to the general public, including term, whole, and universal policies. While their life insurance is available to everyone, their other insurance and financial services are primarily for U.S. military members, veterans, and their families. USAA's policies have flexible coverage options and age restrictions. Some policies may require a medical exam, while others, like the Essential Term and Guaranteed Whole Life policies, do not. The cost of USAA life insurance depends on various factors, including age, health, and lifestyle.

Disability Benefits

If you are a heart disease survivor, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, which provide a monthly financial benefit. Additionally, receiving disability benefits for at least 24 months makes you eligible to enrol in Medicare, regardless of your age. People with severe disabilities, including certain heart conditions, can also qualify for the Social Security Compassionate Allowances program, which expedites access to disability benefits.

It is important to carefully consider your specific needs and budget when selecting an insurance plan that is right for you and your heart condition.

Frequently asked questions