But this doesn’t mean you can’t get approved at the best rating class with the lowest premium possible. How? You first need to understand how life insurance companies handle applicants with high blood pressure. What do they look for? How can you prepare? What is the likely outcome?

Read on to find the answers and get started with your term life insurance application.

What is High Blood Pressure?

The condition itself usually has no symptoms. You can have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. High blood pressure can damage the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of your body. Knowing your blood pressure numbers is important, even when you're feeling fine. If your blood pressure is too high, treatment may help prevent damage to your body's organs.

Blood pressure is measured as systolic and diastolic pressures. Systolic refers to blood pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood. Diastolic refers to blood pressure when the heart is at rest between beats. You most often will see blood pressure numbers written with the systolic number above the diastolic number, such as 120/80 mmHg. Normal blood pressure range is less than 120/ less than 80. Anything between 120-139 /80-89 is considered pre-hypertension. Numbers above 140-159 /90-99 is considered high.

High Blood Pressure Statistics

As of 2010, the following numbers show the significance of high blood pressure:

• About 1 in 3 adults in the United States has high blood pressure.

• About 70% of those with high blood pressure and took medication had their high blood pressure controlled. 

• High blood pressure was listed as a primary or contributing cause of death for 326,000 Americans in 2006

• In 2010, high blood pressure cost the United States $76.6 billion in health care services, medications and missed days of work.

The Impact on Your Life Insurance Policy

When you apply for a life insurance policy, you will have to take a medical exam. During this exam, you will be asked questions about your family history, lifestyle, and smoking and alcohol usage. The person administering the exam will measure your height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure.

 If you have had high blood pressure in the past don't panic. Keep in mind that many people respond well to medications that help lower their blood pressure. If you have successfully lowered your levels, your past levels should have little affect your life insurance costs.

What Life Insurance Companies Look For

Life insurance companies are concerned that those with high blood pressure are taking the proper precautions to keep it under control. A medical history of regular physician checkups is important to the company.

The life insurance company will be looking specifically at:

• How long you have had high blood pressure

• The degree of control as illustrated by medical records, height/weight and lab test results 

• Any other medical conditions present

• Whether you are a tobacco user

How to Prepare for Your Term Life Insurance Application

There are important measures you can take to prepare yourself before applying for term life insurance. Doing so will help your chances of getting approved at the best rating class possible. Use the following tips to put yourself in the best position to win:

• Visit your doctor as often as recommended.

• Follow your doctor’s advice regarding medication and treatment.

• Make sure your medical records are updated regularly. This is crucial! The life insurance company will rate your application poorly if it is unable to determine your level of control.

• Get any other complications under control. For example, if you also have high cholesterol, make sure it is being treated as well!

Our Experience Has Shown …

We’ve helped thousands of people apply for term life insurance and many of those people had high blood pressure. Here are a few things we’ve learned:

• Premiums are generally lower for those who diet and exercise or keep their blood pressure down with medication

• Premiums are generally higher for those who do not follow up with a doctor regularly.

• We recommend getting a policy in force first at a premium rate you can afford. You can then focus on improving the rating class through better control or lab results.

Real Examples from Real Customers

 Good Outcome:

Linda applied for term life insurance when she was 52 years old.

• Diagnosed at age 50

• Blood pressure controlled with medication, diet and exercise

• Outcome: Approved at a Preferred rating class

• Premium: $185 annually

Not So Good Outcome:

Edward applied for term life insurance when he was 55 years old.

• Diagnosed at age 54

• Takes medication, but inconsistent

• Follow up visits show levels up and down

• Outcome: Approved at a Standard rating class     

• Premium: $479 annually

Poor Outcome

Jerry applied for term life insurance when he was 46 years old.

• Never diagnosed with high blood pressure

• Has not seen a doctor in over 10 years

• Paramedical exam results:  170/200 mmHg

• Outcome: Declined

What This All Means to You

The good news about applying for term life insurance when you have high blood pressure is -- yes, you can qualify for coverage! The bad news is the approval and rating class can be very unpredictable and subjective. However, if you follow the advice we’ve provided and, more importantly, discuss your situation with your life insurance agent or broker, you can have a positive outcome.

And remember, if you are not pleased with the offer you receive, you can always try with another company or put the policy in force and work on improving the rating class through better control and lab results.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for alcoholism include:

• People who begin drinking at an early age are at a higher risk of alcohol dependence or abuse.

• Men are more likely to become dependent on alcohol than are women. However, women are at greater risk of developing some medical complications linked to drinking, such as liver disease.

• The risk of alcoholism is higher for people who have a parent who abused alcohol.

• It's common for people with a mental health disorder such as anxiety or depression to abuse alcohol or other substances.

Statistics

As of 2011, the following numbers show the significance of alcoholism:

• It's reported that 64% of Americans drink alcohol regularly

• Americans spend over $90 billion dollars total on alcohol each year.

• In the United States, every 30 minutes someone is killed in an alcohol related traffic accident.

• About 28% of American adults drink at levels that put them at risk for alcohol dependence and alcohol-related problems.

• About 2 million people ages 12 - 20 are considered heavy drinkers, and 4.4 million are binge drinkers.

• The National Cancer Institute reported that heavy drinking as a lifestyle was the third leading cause of death in the U.S.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment for alcoholism can begin only when the alcoholic accepts that the problem exists and decides that he or she wants to stop drinking. He or she must understand that alcoholism is curable and must be motivated to change. Treatment has three stages:

• Detoxification is the first stage. The alcoholic may need medical attention after discontinuing alcohol use. Detoxing can result in withdrawal seizures, hallucinations and confusion of delirium tremens.

• The second stage is rehab. For most people who suffer from alcohol abuse, rehabilitation is necessary. Rehab involves counseling and medications for the recovering alcoholic to acquire the skills needed for maintaining sobriety. This step in treatment can be done inpatient or outpatient. Either can be effective depending on the patient.

• The third stage is maintaining sobriety. This is arguably the most important step. It requires the alcoholic to be self sufficient and motivated. The key to maintenance is having access to support such as a sponsor or group meetings.

What Life Insurance Companies Look For

Life insurance companies want to see that applicants with a history of alcohol abuse have (1) received full treatment, and (2) have completed regular follow up visits per doctor’s orders.

The life insurance company you apply with will be looking specifically at:

• Your age at diagnosis

• The amount of time since diagnosis

• Elevated liver enzymes

• Drinking and driving convictions

• Length of time since treatment and/or recovery

• The treatment success and adherence to treatment recommendations

• Follow up visits as recommended by doctor

• Whether you are a tobacco or drug user

• Whether you have continued to drink

•  Any other major health problems

How to Prepare for Your Term Life Insurance Application

There are important measures you can take to prepare yourself before applying for term life insurance. Doing so will help your chances of getting approved at the best rating class possible. Use the following tips to get the best possible rate:

• Have all doctors’ name/address/phone available.

• Make sure your doctor(s) has copies of all records regarding the cancer treatment, pathology reports, and follow up reports.

• Have a list of all medications and their dosages available.

• Do not skip any follow up visits with your doctor.

Real Examples from Real Customers

Good Outcome

Samuel applied for life insurance when he was 52 year old.

• Diagnosed at age 39

•  His medical records clearly document his successful treatment.

• No longer consumes alcohol

• Non-smoker

• Outcome: Approved at a Standard Plus rating class

• Premium: $221 annually

Not so Good Outcome:

Danielle applied for term life insurance when she was 42 years old.

• Diagnosed at age 39

• Follow up visits have been favorable

• Non-smoker

• Outcome: Approved for a Substandard Table 2 Rating

• Premium: $344 annually  

Poor Outcome:

Don applied for term life insurance when he was 59 years old.

• Not diagnosed

• Did not believe he had a drinking problem

• Paramedical exam results: elevated liver enzyme count

• This applicant has not seen a doctor in four years

• Outcome: Declined

Conclusion

You can see Samuel had the best outcome because it has been over ten years since he was treated. Receiving regular follow up appointments with his doctor also helped. For Daniele only 2 years have passed since she was diagnosed and treated, and although she had no other medical conditions and good follow up results, this gave her a slightly worse outcome. Don had the poorest outcome. He had an elevated liver enzyme count and was not working toward changing it. This along with his lack doctor visits resulted in the decline of his application.

What This All Means to You

The good news about applying for term life insurance when you suffer from alcohol addiction is -- yes, you can qualify for coverage! The bad news is the approval and rating class can be very unpredictable and subjective. However, if you follow the advice we’ve provided and, more importantly, discuss your situation with your life insurance agent or broker, you can have a positive outcome.

And remember, if you are not pleased with the offer you receive, you can always try with another company or put the policy in force and work on improving the rating class through better control and lab results.

When people spend time in the sunlight, the melanocytes make more melanin and cause the skin to tan. This also happens when skin is exposed to other forms of ultraviolet light like tanning booths. If the skin receives too much ultraviolet light, the melanocytes may begin to grow abnormally and become cancerous. This condition is called melanoma.

Risk Factors

Melanoma can happen to anyone. You could get melanoma regardless of your gender or age. But certain factors put you at increased risk:

• Ultraviolet light exposure

• Atypical, or dysplastic, moles

• Multiple benign moles

• Fair complexion

• Family history

• Conditions and medications that suppress the immune system

Statistics

As of 2011, the following numbers show the significance of cholesterol:

• The National Cancer Institute estimated that 70,230 people in the United States would be diagnosed with melanoma

• And that 8,790 would die from this cancer

• Annual spending on melanoma treatment was estimated to be about $1.9 billion in 2010

• The incidence rate of melanoma is steadily increasing.

Treatment and Prevention

The American Cancer Society recommends professional skin examinations every three years for people between the ages of 20 and 40 and once a year for people above 40 years of age. Try to examine your skin once a month, using a mirror to check hard-to-see places. Get to know your skin and call your doctor if you notice any changes.

The best way to prevent skin cancer is to reduce your exposure to sunlight. Try to avoid prolonged sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm when the ultraviolet light is most intense. Protect the skin by wearing hats and sunscreen and avoid tanning beds.

To treat melanoma, the skin cancer and some surrounding tissue has to be removed. The amount of skin removed depends on how deep the melanoma has grown. If the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, these lymph nodes may also be removed. Treatment becomes more difficult when the melanoma has spread to other organs. You may also receive:

• Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells. It is usually given if the melanoma has returned or spread.

• Immunotherapy medications such as interferon or interleukin to help your immune system fight the cancer. They may be used along with chemotherapy and surgery.

• Radiation treatments to relieve pain or discomfort caused by cancer that has spread.

What Life Insurance Companies Look For

Life insurance companies want to see that applicants with a history of melanoma  have (1) received full treatment, and (2) have completed regular follow up visits per doctor’s orders.

The life insurance company you apply with will be looking specifically at:

• Your age at diagnosis

• The amount of time since diagnosis

• The stage and grade of cancer

• The tumor size

• Any lymphatic node involvement

• Whether metastasis is present

• The mitotic rate, or  how rapidly the cancer cells are dividing

• Whether there is ulceration, or a missing  layer of the melanoma

• Whether there was any recurrence of cancer following recovery

• Length of time since treatment and/or recovery

• The treatment success and adherence to treatment recommendations

• Follow up visits as recommended by doctor

• Whether you are a tobacco/drug/alcohol user

• Any other major health problems

How to Prepare for Your Term Life Insurance Application

There are important measures you can take to prepare yourself before applying for term life insurance. Doing so will help your chances of getting approved at the best rating class possible. Use the following tips to get the best possible rate:

• Have all doctors’ name/address/phone available.

• Make sure your doctor(s) has copies of all records regarding the cancer treatment, pathology reports, and follow up reports.

• Have a list of all medications and their dosages available.

• Do not skip any follow up visits with your doctor.

Real Examples from Real Customers

Good Outcome

Kevin applied for life insurance when he was 52 year old.

• Diagnosed at age 48

• He has no family history of melanoma

•  His medical records clearly document his successful treatment.

• Annual checkups with the dermatologist have all been normal.

• Non-smoker

• Outcome: Approved at a Standard Plus rating class

• Premium: $294 annually

Not so Good Outcome:

Robert applied for term life insurance when he was 45 years old.

• Diagnosed at 40

• Had a 3 mm melanoma with ulceration removed

• Follow up visits with the dermatologist have been favorable

• Non-smoker

• Outcome: Approved at a Substandard Table 2 rating plus a flat extra of $10 per thousand for three years.

• Premium: $1,296 annually

Poor Outcome:

Jacob applied for term life insurance when he was 55 years old.

• Diagnosed at 53

• Treated for melanoma metastatic to three lymph nodes.

• A parent and sibling died from melanoma

• This applicant has not seen a doctor for eighteen months

• Outcome: Declined

Conclusion

You can see Kevin had the best outcome, due to a low-stage melanoma that was caught early and treated. Receiving regular follow up appointments with his doctor also helped. Robert’s melanoma was more extensive, and although he had no other medical conditions and good follow up results, the thickness of his cancer gave him a worse prognosis. Finally, Jacob had the poorest outcome. His melanoma was the most severe and he had a family history of melanoma. This along with his lack of routine follow ups resulted in the decline of his application.

What This All Means to You

The good news about applying for term life insurance when you have melanoma is -- yes, you can qualify for coverage! The bad news is the approval and rating class can be very unpredictable and subjective. However, if you follow the advice we’ve provided and, more importantly, discuss your situation with your life insurance agent or broker, you can have a positive outcome.

And remember, if you are not pleased with the offer you receive, you can always try with another company or put the policy in force and work on improving the rating class through better control and lab results.

Sources: American College of Physicians, Mayo Clinic

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

• Air passage is squeezed by an obstruction, such as swollen tonsils, a large tongue, or simply the closing of the soft tissue of the throat as the muscles relax.

• Can also be caused by excess weight or by anatomical proportions of the jaw.

 Central Sleep Apnea

• The brain fails to signal to the muscles that control breathing

• Heart disease is a contributing factor

Complex Sleep Apnea

• A combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea

Risk Factors

Sleep apnea may occur if you're young or old, male or female. Even children can have sleep apnea. But certain factors put you at increased risk:

• Being overweight

• Neck circumference greater than 17 inches

• Naturally having a narrow airway

• Being male, or over age 65

• Family history

• Use of tranquilizers, sedatives or alcohol

• Smoking

• Prolonged sitting

• Heart disease

• Hypertension

• Stroke or brain disorders

Statistics

As of 2010, the following numbers show the significance of sleep apnea:

• 4-9% of middle aged men

• 2-4% of middle aged women

• 80-90% of people with sleep apnea are undiagnosed

Treatment and Prevention

 Listed below are several ways to treat and prevent sleep apnea:

• Many people with sleep apnea are treated successfully with a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. A CPAP is a device that is worn during sleep that maintains positive air flow by preventing collapse of the throat.

• Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, cessation of tobacco/alcohol use, and avoidance of caffeine or sedatives may help.

• Some patients undergo surgery to remove excess tissue from the soft palate to try to relieve symptoms.

• Sleeping on the side of the body rather than the back is helpful for some.

What Life Insurance Companies Look For

Life insurance companies are concerned that those with sleep apnea are taking the proper precautions to keep it under control. The life insurance company will be looking specifically at:

• Current, favorable sleep study to prove that treatment is working

• Consistent use of the C-PAP machine (if prescribed)

• Good response to treatment

• Consistent follow-ups with the doctor to be sure the C-PAP is working

• Associated medical diagnosis or risk factor, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, depression, stroke or obesity

• No sleep-related accidents while driving

The rating class offered by insurance companies on applicants with sleep apnea will depend on the severity of the disorder, results of sleep studies, symptoms, treatment, response and compliance with treatment, number of years since last symptoms, and the overall health and mortality risk of the applicant.

Untreated sleep apnea is often rated poorly or may even be declined for coverage, as are patients who have sleep apnea but do not comply with the doctor’s treatment recommendations. The insurance company will be looking for proof in the medical records that treatment advice is followed and is successful.


How to Prepare for Your Term Life Insurance Application

• Follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations.

• Complete a post-treatment sleep study as proof that the treatment is working.

• Attend regular follow up visits with your doctor and request up to date treatment notes to verify your compliance and success with the treatment.

                                                       
Real Examples from Real Customers

Good Outcome

Juan applied for life insurance when he was 52 year old male

• Diagnosed at age 46

• He was diagnosed via a sleep study and was prescribed nightly use of a CPAP machine.

• He uses the CPAP machine every night, and visits his doctor 2ce per year to follow up on his sleep apnea.

• His medical records clearly document his continued use and successful treatment, and they also show a post-treatment sleep study that support this.

• Non-smoker

• Outcome: Approved at a Preferred rating class

• Premium: $219 annually

Poor Outcome:
Don applied for term life insurance when he was 45 years old.

• Diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea when he was 43 years old

• His doctor prescribed nightly use of a CPAP machine and smoking cessation.

• He tried using the CPAP but didn’t like it so he discontinued use.

• Has not returned to see a doctor regarding the sleep apnea.

• Smoker

• The insurance company postponed his application until he has completed a current sleep study to prove that his sleep apnea is no longer a concern.

• Outcome: Declined

Conclusion

With sleep apnea, compliance and proof of successful treatment is key. Almost all of the problems that arise trying to get approved for life insurance with sleep apnea are due to non-compliance or lack of follow up with the treating physician.

What This All Means to You

The good news about applying for term life insurance when you have sleep apnea is -- yes, you can qualify for coverage! The bad news is the approval and rating class can be very unpredictable and subjective. However, if you follow the advice we’ve provided and, more importantly, discuss your situation with your life insurance agent or broker, you can have a positive outcome.

And remember, if you are not pleased with the offer you receive, you can always try with another company or put the policy in force and work on improving the rating class through better control and lab results.

Sources: American College of Physicians, Mayo Clinic

You can improve your chances of being approved at the best rating class with the lowest premium possible. How? You first need to understand how life insurance companies handle applicants with high cholesterol. What do they look for? How can you prepare? What is the likely outcome?

Read on to find the answers and get started with your term life insurance application.

What is Cholesterol?

You may be surprised to find out that not all cholesterol is bad. Cholesterol is simply a substance created and used by our bodies to keep us healthy. Some of the cholesterol we need is produced in the body naturally while some of it comes from the food we eat.

There are two types of cholesterol: HDL, the good cholesterol, and LDL, the bad cholesterol. It is important to understand the difference and to know your levels of each. Too much or too little of one type can put you at risk for heart disease, heart attack or stroke.

A cholesterol screening measures your level of HDL and LDL.  HDL cholesterol helps keep the LDL cholesterol from getting lodged into your artery walls.  A healthy level of HDL may also protect against heart attack and stroke, while low levels of HDL (less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women) may increase the risk of heart disease.  

LDL cholesterol is produced naturally by the body, but many people inherit genes from their families that cause them to make too much. LDL cholesterol circulates in the blood and at high levels can clog arteries, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke.

If you need to increase your HDL to your reach your goals, studies show that regular physical activity can help your body produce more HDLs.  Reducing trans fats and eating a balanced, nutritious diet is another way to increase HDL.  If these measures are not enough to increase your HDL to goal, your doctor may prescribe a medication to increase your HDLs. If high blood cholesterol runs in your family, lifestyle modifications may not be enough to help lower your LDL blood cholesterol.

Everyone is different, so work with your doctor to find a treatment plan that's best for you.

Cholesterol Statistics

As of 2010, the following numbers show the significance of cholesterol:

• Approximately one in every six adults16.3% of the U.S. adult population has high total cholesterol. The level defined as high total cholesterol is 240 mg/dL and above.

• People with high total cholesterol have approximately twice the risk of heart disease as people with optimal levels. A desirable level is lower than 200 mg/dL.

• For adult Americans, the average level is about 200 mg/dL, which is borderline high risk.

• More women than men have high cholesterol in the United States.

The Impact on Your Life Insurance Policy

When you apply for a life insurance policy, you will have to take a medical exam. During this exam, you will be asked questions about your family history, lifestyle, and smoking and alcohol usage. The person administering the exam will measure your height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure. In addition, you will have to give a sample of your blood, which will be tested for your cholesterol and lipid levels, among other things.

 If you have had high cholesterol in the past don't panic. Keep in mind that many people respond well to medications that help lower their cholesterol levels. If you have successfully lowered your levels, your past levels should have little affect your life insurance costs.

What Life Insurance Companies Look For

Life insurance companies are concerned that those with high cholesterol are taking the proper precautions to keep it under control. A medical history of regular physician checkups is important to the company.

The life insurance company will be looking specifically at:

• How long you have had high cholesterol

• The degree of control as illustrated by medical records, height/weight and lab test results 

• Any other medical conditions present

• Whether you are a tobacco user

How to Prepare for Your Term Life Insurance Application

There are important measures you can take to prepare yourself before applying for term life insurance. Doing so will help your chances of getting approved at the best rating class possible. Use the following tips to put yourself in the best position to win:

• Visit your doctor as often as recommended.

• Follow your doctor’s advice regarding medication and treatment.

• Make sure your medical records are updated regularly. This is crucial! The life insurance company will rate your application poorly if it is unable to determine your level of control.

• Get any complications under control. For example, if you also have high blood pressure, make sure it is being treated as well!

Our Experience Has Shown …

We’ve helped thousands of people apply for term life insurance and many of those people had high cholesterol. Here are a few things we’ve learned:

• Premiums are generally lower for those who diet and exercise or keep their cholesterol down with medication

• Premiums are generally higher for those who do not follow up with a doctor regularly.

• The most favorable outcomes will have an HDL ratio below 4.0  and a total cholesterol level between 150 and 200.

• We recommend getting a policy in force first at a premium rate you can afford. You can then focus on improving the rating class through better control or lab results.

Real Examples from Real Customers

Good Outcome:

Lee applied for term life insurance when he was 52 years old.

• Diagnosed at age 49

• Diagnosed with high cholesterol

• Cholesterol controlled with medication, diet and exercise

• Outcome: Approved at a Preferred rating class

• Premium: $495 annually

Not So Good Outcome:

Christopher applied for term life insurance when he was 55 years old.

• Diagnosed at age 54

• Diagnosed with high cholesterol

• Takes medication, but inconsistent

• Follow up visits show levels up and down

• Outcome: Approved at a Standard rating class     

• Premium: $1,345 annually

Poor Outcome

Marilynn applied for term life insurance when she was 46 years old.

• Never diagnosed with high cholesterol

• Has not seen a doctor in over 10 years

• Paramedical exam results: cholesterol level of 352; Chol/HDL ratio of 6.1

• Outcome: Declined

What This All Means to You

The good news about applying for term life insurance when you have cholesterol is -- yes, you can qualify for coverage! The bad news is the approval and rating class can be very unpredictable and subjective. However, if you follow the advice we’ve provided and, more importantly, discuss your situation with your life insurance agent or broker, you can have a positive outcome.

And remember, if you are not pleased with the offer you receive, you can always try with another company or put the policy in force and work on improving the rating class through better control and lab results.

Tips for avoiding high cholesterol.

Sources:  Wikipedia, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Hepatitis B

This disease is caused by the hepatitis B virus, and is spread by contamination with infected bodily fluids, such as blood and sexual secretions. The virus replicates in the liver, which can cause liver enlargement and inflammation, abdominal problems, and several other maladies. The illness can be acute (lasting 6 months or less) or chronic. Vaccination is available against this virus.

Hepatitis C

Caused by the hepatitis C virus, this disease is also spread by contamination with bodily fluids. The disease can be acute in which the body successfully fights off the virus in 6 months or less,  or chronic, which can last several years, decades or a lifetime. Like hepatitis B, hepatitis C causes inflammation and damage to the liver. Sever liver damage, liver failure, cirrhosis, and hepatic cancer can result after infection with this virus, though typically this doesn’t happen for several decades. There is no permanent cure or vaccine for hepatitis C.

A person may not know they are infected with hepatitis B or C for many years, possibly decades. Some infected people do not find out about their disease until they apply for life insurance.  


Statistics

• The CDC estimates up to 4.4 million Americans are living with a chronic hepatitis infection.

• 800,000 - 1.4 million Americans are living with a chronic infection caused by hepatitis B.

• 2.7 - 3.9 million Americans are living with a chronic infection caused by hepatitis C.

• Approximately 3,000 deaths per year are associated with liver disease caused by hepatitis B.

• Approximately 12,000 deaths per year are associated with liver disease caused by hepatitis C.

 
Treatment and Prevention

Vaccination against hepatitis B is available, however there is none for hepatitis C. Protect yourself from infection by avoiding contact with bodily fluids. Some helpful guidelines to follow to lessen the likelihood of infection are as follows:

• Be certain any needles or medical equipment that will be used on you have been properly sterilized.

• Use protection during intercourse.

• Do not share razors or toothbrushes with other people.

• If you are a health care worker, use infection control procedures at all times.

Depending on the type and severity, treatments for hepatitis B and C include viral medications, vaccination, liver transplant, or simple follow ups with your doctor to monitor the condition.

What Life Insurance Companies Look For

Life insurance companies want to see that people with hepatitis (1) have received or are receiving treatment, and (2) have completed regular follow up visits per doctor’s orders. Also important is the presence of necessary lifestyle changes, such as no alcohol and tobacco use.

• Viral load

• Liver function tests

• Liver disease

• Cirrhosis

• If a liver biopsy, CT scans or ultrasounds have been done, and results

• Infection with more than one virus (for example co-infection with hepatitis D)

• Amount of time that has gone by since diagnosis and initial infection

• Other diseases present (such as cancer or HIV/AIDS)

• Age when diagnosed and infected

• Regular follow up visits with physician and adherence to treatment plan

• If the illness is acute (lasting 6 months or less) or chronic

• If fully recovered, and if so how long since recovery

• Smoking status

• Alcohol use

How To Prepare For Your Term Life Insurance Application

Educate yourself, be sure that you know the diagnosis and severity of your illness before applying, as well as your latest liver function test results and viral loads. Insurance companies tend to get uneasy when an applicant is not well informed of their illness, as it could indicate lack of follow up with doctors or a reduced desire to manage the illness.

Visit your doctor to make sure that your medical records are up to date, including all the testing that is routinely performed for a hepatitis illness.

Call your insurance agent first, and ask to get estimates from several insurance companies before choosing which to apply with. Your agent can put together a summary based on your specific diagnosis and latest lab findings to get preliminary quotes. This can save you months in the long run.

Our Experience Has Shown

As expected, fully recovered cases of hepatitis will be rated most favorably. A preferred rating class can be expected for someone who is fully recovered from hepatitis B or C, and who has had normal viral loads and normal liver function tests for at least 2 years (assuming no other medical conditions or ratable impairments). Keep in mind that there are many other factors that go into determining and underwriting class (such as family history, cholesterol levels, driving record, etc...), so each insurance company will give case-by-case approvals.

In the case of chronic hepatitis illness, depending on the factors listed above, the expected outcome could be anywhere from a standard rating class to a decline. Liver disease and cirrhosis are generally declined (depending on severity), however be sure to talk to several insurance agents before throwing in the towel. There are plenty of options for applicants that are declined for standard life insurance policies, such as Accident-Only policies and Guaranteed Issue life insurance policies.


Real Examples From Real Customers

Good Outcome

Daniel applied for term life insurance when he was 45 years old.

• Diagnosed at age 42

• Diagnosed with Hepatitis B

• The infection lasted for 3 months and he fully recovered with no residual effects. 

• Outcome: Approved at a Preferred rating class

• Premium: $376 annually

Not So Good Outcome

Kathlyn applied for term life insurance when she was 42

• Diagnosed at age 37

• She was unable to recover from the infection and now suffers from chronic illness.

• Her liver enzymes are mildly elevated and her viral load is still considered to be low.

• Does not have cirrhosis of the liver

• Does not use alcohol

• Outcome: Approved at a Substandard Table 5 rating class

• Premium: $1,311 annually

Poor Outcome

Pam applied for term life insurance when she was 33

• Diagnosed at age 27

• She was unable to recover from the infection.

• Her liver has mildly elevated enzymes.

• Does not have cirrhosis of the liver

• Does not use alcohol

• Smoker

• Outcome: Declined

What All This Means For You

The good news about applying for term life insurance when you have hepatitis is -- yes, you can qualify for coverage! Your outcome and resulting premium cost will depend greatly on a number of factors, including the type of hepatitis, your treatment history, the level of control, follow up, your medical history and more. While you can control the outcome to some extent through good follow up and lifestyle habits, other uncontrollable factors will come into play when the life insurance company reviews your application.

As always, please discuss your situation with your life insurance agent or broker, and provide as much information as you can. They will help direct you to the best life insurance company based on your individual circumstances. And if you are not pleased with the offer you receive, you can always apply with another company.

Let’s start with the basics. The beneficiary on a term life insurance policy is a person or entity that receives the death benefit upon the death of the Insured, assuming the policy was in force at the time of the death.  The beneficiary designations are as follows:

• Primary beneficiary - This person receives 100% of the death benefit. If you list multiple primary beneficiaries, the percentage must add up to 100%.

• Contingent beneficiary - This person receives the death benefit only if the primary beneficiary(s) is not living when the benefit is paid. Again, if multiple contingent beneficiaries are listed, the percentage must add up to 100%.

• Tertiary beneficiary - This person receives the death benefit only if all primary and contingent beneficiaries are not living when the benefit is paid. Most term life insurance applications do not ask for a tertiary beneficiary and most people do not list one.

Typical Policy Beneficiary Designation

Below is an example of a typical term life insurance policy beneficiary designation:

• Primary: Jane Doe, spouse of the Insured at 100%

• Contingent: Johnny Doe and Jillian Doe, son and daughter of the Insured, at 50% each

Common Beneficiary Designation Questions

As mentioned, there are literally dozens of possible beneficiary configurations for a term life insurance policy. Most policies will have a typical designation as shown above. However, circumstances will often require something different. Below are some common questions about beneficiary designations.

Q:  My situation has changed. Can I change my beneficiary after the policy is in force?
A:  Absolutely. The policy owner can change the beneficiary at any time with a simple form (provided the beneficiary is not irrevocable, in which case the beneficiary’s written consent would also be needed).

Q:  The application asks for the social security number of my beneficiary. I am not comfortable giving this, can I skip it?
A:  Most life insurance companies will waive this requirement. However, the social security number will help the company identify the beneficiary if a claim is ever made.

Q:  What happens if all of my beneficiaries die along with me? Will the life insurance company keep the money?
A:  In this case, the death benefit will be paid to the Insured’s estate.

Q:  Can I name my best friend as my beneficiary?
A:  In most cases, no. The life insurance company will look for insurable interest in your beneficiary designations. Insurable interest means the beneficiary would suffer a measurable financial loss if the Insured were to die. Some situations where listing a friend may be appropriate would be if a mortgage was shared, or if the friend was dependent upon the Insured financially in some way.

Q:  I am not married and I have no children. Whom should I name as my beneficiary?
A:  In general, listing any family member is usually not a problem. You can always change your beneficiary later if/when you are married and/or have children. You can also list your estate as the beneficiary, however be sure to talk to your financial advisor if estate taxes might be a concern. Putting together a trust to list as your beneficiary is another option.

Q:  A life insurance policy was court ordered due to my divorce. How can I be sure that my ex-spouse will not change the beneficiary?
A:  A beneficiary can be changed by the policy owner only. You can also make the beneficiary designation irrevocable. An irrevocable beneficiary can only be changed with the written consent of the policy owner and beneficiary. If the beneficiary is a child, consult your attorney about forming a trust or similar arrangement.

Q:  Can I name my minor child as a beneficiary?
A:  If a minor child is the beneficiary at the time of a death claim, the life insurance company will pay the death benefit to the legal guardian of the minor’s estate, unless the law permits otherwise. If you are uncomfortable with this designation, visit with an estate attorney to form a trust to name as beneficiary.

Q:  What happens if I have two primary beneficiaries with a 50/50 split, and one dies with me in an accident? What happens to the remainder of the death benefit?
A:  In this case, the surviving primary beneficiary would receive 100% of the death benefit, unless specific instructions were given by the policy owner stating otherwise.

Q:  Why can’t I find where the life insurance company lists my beneficiaries in my policy?
A:  Most policies list the beneficiaries on the application copy, located in the back of the policy. The application copy is a part of your policy, including your beneficiary designations. If you want more, you may request a beneficiary confirmation letter from the company to keep with your policy.

Q:  I want to name a trust as my beneficiary, but it is not ready yet. Can I add it later?
A:  In most cases, yes. A few life insurance companies will require the trust to be completed before the insurance policy is placed in force. Check with your life insurance agent to be sure.

Q:  My bank is requiring a term life insurance policy because of a loan I took out from them. What is the best way to take care of this requirement?
A:  Once your new policy is in force, you can turn in a collateral assignment on the policy for the balance of the loan. The life insurance company can provide the forms to you. A collateral assignment provides the bank with a death benefit equal to the amount of the loan balance. Any death benefit in excess of the loan balance will be paid to your beneficiary.

Q: My beneficiary is living in another country and does not have a U.S. social security number. Can I still name her as my beneficiary?
A: In most cases, yes. If your beneficiary is living in a country that does not have relations with the United States, it is best to ask your life insurance agent to check with the life insurance company before applying.

Q: Can I name a charity as my beneficiary?
A: Sometimes. Most life insurance companies will allow this beneficiary designation as long as you have made regular donations to the charity and have kept records (via receipts or income tax returns). The amount of term life insurance is usually kept within certain guidelines.

Q:  Does my will supersede the beneficiary designations in my term life insurance policy?
A:  The life insurance company will pay out the death benefit proceeds to the beneficiary(s) named in the contract, unless court ordered to pay the proceeds differently. If you ever change your will, be sure to also change your policy(s).

Common Beneficiary Designation Pitfalls

There are some mistakes you want to avoid when making your beneficiary designations.

• Do not list dollar amounts. Instead, list designations in terms of percentages. Most life   insurance companies require percentages and will make you re-submit your designations if listed in dollar amounts.

• Do not list nicknames or shortened names for your beneficiaries. List their full legal names.

• Do not list “equal share” when percentages do not add up. For example, if you have 3 beneficiaries, “equal share” will give each beneficiary 33.33%. Choose one lucky person to receive 34% in this situation.

Your beneficiary designation will most likely be fairly straightforward. However, if you have unique circumstances or just don’t feel comfortable figuring this out on your own, ask your life insurance agent to assist you. Your agent may recommend the help of an estate planning attorney if appropriate, Either way, you will be able to rest more comfortably knowing you’ve done all you can to protect your loved ones with term life insurance!

Sometimes naming a beneficiary on your term life insurance policy is not as easy as it seems. There are many things to consider such as the beneficiary’s age, estate and tax consequences and business arrangements to name a few. Many customers have difficulty with this step in the process, most likely because it can be quite convoluted at times. What happens if you are not married and do not have any kids? Can you name your best friend or a charity as your beneficiary? What if your beneficiary has passed away before a claim is made?

We all get depressed from time to time, due to life events or hormonal swings. How can you tell if your mood changes are normal or if you require treatment for depression?  Even though we all like to self-diagnose, only a physician can determine if someone suffers from clinical depression.

So how do life insurance companies handle applicants with a history of depression? What do they look for? How can you prepare? What is the likely outcome? Read on to find the answers to these questions and more. Then you’ll be ready to get started with your term life insurance application.

What is Depression?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), depression is characterized by a depressed or sad mood, diminished interest in activities that were once pleasurable, weight gain or loss, fatigue, guilt, difficulty concentrating and recurrent thoughts of death among others. An individual is usually considered to be suffering from depression if he/she is experiencing five symptoms for a period of two weeks.

There are several types of depression, each with varying levels of severity. The most common types are:

1.  Major Depressive Disorder (Clinical Depression)

• Depression that is disabling

• Prevents normal day-to-day functioning

2.  Chronic Depression (Dysthymia)

• Less severe

• Generally not disabling

• Long-term depressed mood

• Generally lasting longer than two years

3.  Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depressive)

• Alternating between periods of clinical depression and mania (elevated mood)

4.  Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

• Depression that occurs at the same time each year

• Typically occurs around the beginning of a new season

• Can occur in the fall, winter, spring, summer

• Fall and winter are the most common seasons

 5.  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Severe anxiety that occurs as the result of exposure to a traumatic event

• Can be disabling

• Condition generally lasts more than 30 days

Depression Statistics

The CDC estimates 1 in 10 Americans suffer from some form of depression. That is a staggering number. The following groups are most likely to suffer from depression:

• Women

• Ages 45-64

• Blacks, Hispanics and non-Hispanics of other races or multiple races

• Previously married people

• Those with less than a high school education

• Those unable to work or unemployed

• Those with no health insurance

What Insurance Companies Look For

Life insurance companies want to see that people with a history of depression (1) have received or are receiving treatment, and (2) have completed regular follow up visits per doctor’s orders. Also important is the presence of necessary lifestyle changes, such as exercise, weight control, no tobacco use, etc.

The life insurance company you apply with will be looking specifically at:

• Your age at diagnosis

• The amount of time since diagnosis

• The duration and severity

• The number of episodes per year and their severity

• Medication used and compliance with medication

• If you require frequent changes in medication (significant because the life insurance company must be sure the disorder is well controlled)

• Any suicide attempts or thoughts of suicide

• Any hospitalizations/emergency room visits for depression

• Concurring disorders (such as anxiety or PTSD)

• Current alcohol or substance abuse, or history of such

• If you are disabled due to depression

• Any other major health problems

How to Prepare for Your Term Life Insurance Application

There are important measures you can take to prepare yourself before applying for term life insurance. Doing so will help your chances of getting approved at the best rating class possible. Use the following tips to put yourself in the best position to win:

• Have all doctors’ name/address/phone numbers available.

• Make sure your doctor(s) has copies of all records regarding the treatment and follow up reports.

• Have a list of all medications and their dosages available.

• Document in medical records what the effective medication/dosage is and how long symptoms have been well controlled under the current treatment.

• Be sure the cause of the depression is well documented in medical records (death of a loved one, chemical imbalance, side effect of medication, etc.).

• If medications or dosages were changed/altered dosage, be sure the reasons for the changes are documented in medical records.

• Do not skip any follow up visits with your doctor.

Our Experience Has Shown …

We’ve helped thousands of people apply for term life insurance and many of those people had a history of depression. Here are a few things we’ve learned:

• Sometimes a medication used for depression is prescribed to treat some other unrelated disorder.

• Life insurance companies will sometimes assign lower rating classes due to the medication taken. Therefore if you do take a depression/anxiety medication to treat an unrelated disorder it should be well documented in medical records.

• Well controlled mild/moderate cases of depression will often be approved at a Standard rating class.

• Very mild cases of depression, or those that were situational and have since recovered, may be approved at a Preferred rating class. However, this is case by case.

• The rating class will get worse, and the premium will be higher, along with the severity of the depression.

• The life insurance company will often postpone an application if the correct medication/dosage needed to control the depression has not yet been established.

• The life insurance company will usually decline applicants if there have been suicide attempts or thoughts of suicide.

• The life insurance company will usually decline applicants if the diagnosis is depression due to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Real Examples from Real Customers

Good Outcome

Kristine applied for term life insurance when she was 36 years old.

• Diagnosed at age 32

• Diagnosed with Situational Depression due to the loss of her mother

• Treatment involved medication and counseling

• Treatment lasted six months

• No recurrence of depression since treatment ended

• Visits her doctor annually

• No other medical conditions

• Outcome:  Approved at a Preferred rating class

• Premium:   $480 annually

Not So Good Outcome

David applied for term life insurance when he was 45 years old.

• Diagnosed at age 38

• Diagnosed with mild Bipolar Disorder

• Currently treated with medication

• Condition is controlled

• No hospitalizations or suicide attempts

• History of high blood pressure

• Outcome:  Rated Substandard - Table 2 rating class

• Premium:  1,800 annually

Poor Outcome

Marianne applied for term life insurance when she was 52 years old.

• Diagnosed at age 48

• Diagnosed with Chronic Depression

• Currently treated with medication and therapy

• Has changed medications twice in past year

• One emergency room visit and hospitalization

• One suicide attempt within past two years

• No other medical conditions

• Outcome:  Declined

You can see Kristine had the best outcome, due to a common case of situation depression brought on by the sudden loss of her mother. Her short but effective treatment, along with no recurrence and regular follow-up visits helped her secure a Preferred rating class. David’s depression was more severe, and his medical history of hypertension led to a lower rating class and higher premium. Finally, Marianne’s depression was not well-controlled. Her recent changes in medications, coupled with the suicide attempt, resulted in her application being declined.

What This All Means for You

The good news about applying for term life insurance when you have a history of depression is -- yes, you can qualify for coverage! Your outcome and resulting premium cost will depend greatly on a number of factors, including the type of depression, your treatment history, the level of control, follow up, your medical history and more. While you can control the outcome to some extent through good follow up and lifestyle habits, other uncontrollable factors will come into play when the life insurance company reviews your application.

As always, please discuss your situation with your life insurance agent or broker, and provide as much information as you can. They will help direct you to the best life insurance company based on your individual circumstances. And if you are not pleased with the offer you receive, you can always apply with another company.

Sources:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Wikipedia

Most people know about the pink ribbon.  The ribbon is a symbol of hope and unity for the thousands of women battling this disease, as well as the millions who have survived it. The ribbon seems to be ubiquitous, especially in the fall when Breast Cancer Awareness Month occurs in October each year.

For the nearly 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. in 2011, hope and unity continue to help carry them to the next day. And for those women, the opportunity to secure term life insurance protection for themselves and their families is absolutely there. We’ve helped many breast cancer survivors secure term life insurance coverage over the years.

If you are a survivor or know one, we can help you too. We will explain how life insurance companies handle applicants with a history of breast cancer. What do they look for? How can you prepare? What is the likely outcome? Read on to find the answers to these questions and more. Then you’ll be ready to get started with your term life insurance application.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that begins in the breast tissue. There are two main types of breast cancer, each determined by the location the cancer originated in. Each type can be invasive, meaning it has spread, or non-invasive (also known as in-situ).

• Ductal carcinoma - Originates in the milk duct

• Lobular carcinoma - Originates in the breast lobules, which produce milk

Breast Cancer Statistics

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer found in women in the U.S. According to Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2007 (the most recent year numbers are available):

• 202,964 women were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the U.S.

• 40,598 women died from breast cancer in the U.S.

• Breast cancer awareness in this country continues to grow each year while death rates from breast cancer continue to decline. In 2011:

• An estimated 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed.

• An estimated 57,650 new cases of in-situ breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed.

• Approximately 39,520 women are expected to die in the U.S.

While the disease is far and away a woman’s disease, men are not immune to it. Each year about 2,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in men. A man’s lifetime chance of developing breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000.

Treatments and Prevention

Breast cancer treatment varies by the individual circumstances. Treatment depends on tumor size and location, stage and grade of the disease and other factors. Treatment options typically include the following, with most women receiving a combination of treatments:

• Radiation

• Chemotherapy

• Hormone therapy

• Surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy, etc.)

Breast cancer prevention is generally achieved by maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle to include a proper diet, moderate exercise and avoiding known carcinogens such as tobacco and excess radiation.

If you have a family history of breast cancer, consider being tested for BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Tamoxifen is a medication that has been approved by the FDA to help prevent breast cancer, by interfering with estrogen activity.

What Life Insurance Companies Look For

Life insurance companies want to see that women with a history of breast cancer have (1) received full treatment, and (2) have completed regular follow up visits per doctor’s orders. Lifelong follow up is very important, as recurrences can occur as many as 30 years after the initial diagnosis.

The life insurance company you apply with will be looking specifically at:

• Your age at diagnosis

• The amount of time since diagnosis

• The stage and grade of cancer

• The tumor size

• Any lymphatic node involvement

• Whether metastasis is present

• Whether there was any recurrence of cancer following recovery

• Length of time since treatment and/or recovery

• Your menopausal status

• The treatment success and adherence to treatment recommendations

• Follow up visits as recommended by doctor

• Whether you are a tobacco/drug/alcohol user

• Any other major health problems

How to Prepare for Your Term Life Insurance Application

There are important measures you can take to prepare yourself before applying for term life insurance. Doing so will help your chances of getting approved at the best rating class possible. Use the following tips to put yourself in the best position to win:

• Have all doctors’ name/address/phone available.

• Make sure your doctor(s) has copies of all records regarding the cancer treatment, pathology reports, and follow up reports.

• Have a list of all medications and their dosages available.

• Do not skip any follow up visits with your doctor.

Our Experience Has Shown …

We’ve helped thousands of people apply for term life insurance and many of those people had breast cancer. Here are a few things we’ve learned:

• Life insurance companies usually postpone applicants who have not followed doctor’s orders regarding follow up visits, or those that have outstanding follow up visits.

• Generally speaking, life insurance companies do not make policy offers while the applicant is currently in treatment.

• You may be declined if you apply too soon after finishing treatment, typically within the first year.

• Approval is more likely the longer it has been since treatment, with no recurrence.

• Rating classes better than Standard are rare. Most applicants with a history of breast cancer receive a Sub-standard rating class or a policy with an extra premium of some degree.

• The best chances for approval with a good rating class and no extra premium are:

• Over age 40 at diagnosis

• Early stage, small tumors

• 10+ years since treatment with no recurrence

• The life insurance company will usually decline applicants if the cancer metastasized.

• Extra premium is commonly required when it has been less than 10 years since recovery.

Real Examples from Real Customers                                                                         

1.  Good Outcome

Nancy applied for term life insurance when she was 56 years old.

• Diagnosed at age 50

• Stage 0 breast cancer

• Treatment involved surgery, radiation and chemotherapy

• No lymph node involvement, no metastasis

• Visits her doctor twice a year for mammograms

• No other medical conditions

• Outcome:  Approved at a Standard rating class

• Premium:   $700 annually

2.  Not So Good Outcome

Jillian applied for term life insurance when she was 45 years old.

• Diagnosed at age 42

• Stage 2 breast cancer

• Treatment involved surgery, radiation and chemotherapy

• Minor lymph node involvement, no metastasis

• Visits her doctor twice a year for mammograms

• No other medical conditions

• Outcome:  Postponed for 10 years from treatment ending (age 50)

3.  Poor Outcome

Mary applied for term life insurance when she was 38 years old.

• Diagnosed at age 34

• Stage 2 breast cancer

• Treatment involved surgery, radiation and chemotherapy

• No lymph node involvement, no metastasis

• Has not seen her doctor in over two years

• No other medical conditions

• Tobacco User

• Outcome:  Declined

You can see Nancy had the best outcome, due to a low-stage cancer that was caught early and treated. Being over age forty and having regular follow up appointments with her doctor also helped. Jillian’s cancer was more extensive, and although she had no other medical conditions and good follow up, her application was postponed until more time has passed since treatment. Finally, Mary was the youngest of the group when she was diagnosed. However, her lack of routine follow up and tobacco use resulted in her application being declined.

What This All Means for You

The good news about applying for term life insurance when you have a history of breast cancer is -- yes, you can qualify for coverage! Your outcome and resulting premium cost will depend greatly on a number of factors, including your age, stage of cancer, treatment, follow up, medical history and more.

While you can control the outcome to some extent through good follow up and lifestyle habits, other uncontrollable factors will come into play when the life insurance company reviews your application.

Remember, you could be asked to wait and apply later (postponed) or your policy may cost more due to an extra premium being applied (flat extra for a specific number of years, usually 1-10). But these are temporary measures and eventually you will get the coverage you seek and a more affordable premium cost!

As always, please discuss your situation with your life insurance agent or broker, and provide as much information as you can. They will help direct you to the best life insurance company based on your individual circumstances. And if you are not pleased with the offer you receive, you can always apply with another company.

Sources:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Wikipedia

Thousands of people with diabetes will apply for term life insurance this year. And for those people, the outcomes of their applications will vary greatly. If you are one of them, you can improve your chances of being approved at the best rating class with lowest premium possible. How? You first need to understand how life insurance companies handle applicants with diabetes. What do they look for? How can you prepare? What is the likely outcome?

Read on to find the answers and get started with your term life insurance application.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is the clinical term for diabetes. It is a group of metabolic diseases that occurs when the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin or the cells of the body to not respond properly to the insulin produced. This results in high blood sugar in the affected individual.

There are three main types of diabetes:

1.  Type 1 - Insulin Dependent  Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) or Juvenile-Onset Diabetes

• The pancreas is not capable of producing insulin.

• The body’s immune system destroys the pancreas’ beta cells, which are needed to make insulin.

• Insulin must be injected into the body by a pump or manual injection.

2.  Type 2 - Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) or Adult-Onset Diabetes

• This is caused by a resistance to insulin in which the body’s cells fail to use insulin properly.

• As a result, the pancreas gradually loses its ability to make insulin.

• This is the most common form of diabetes. 90-95 % of all adult diabetes cases are type 2.

3.  Gestational - Glucose intolerance during pregnancy

• This is usually temporary and resolves after the pregnancy ends.

• The high glucose levels during pregnancy may cause the actual development of permanent type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes Statistics

As of 2010, the following numbers show the significance of diabetes:

• 8.3 % of the U.S. population has some form of diabetes.

• 18.8 million people have been diagnosed with another 7 million remaining undiagnosed.

• 25.6 million people age 20 or older have diabetes

• 13 million men and 12.6 million age 20 and over have diabetes

• 15,600 new cases of type 1 diabetes and 3,600 type 2 were diagnosed in children from 2002-2005.

What Life Insurance Companies Look For

Life insurance companies are concerned that those with diabetes are (1) being properly treated, and (2) have their diabetes under control. A medical history of regular physician checkups and controlled blood sugar is important to the company.

The life insurance company will be looking specifically at:

• Your specific diagnosis

• Your age at diagnosis

• How long you have had diabetes

• The degree of control as illustrated by medical records, height/weight and lab test results (A1C levels, glucose levels, etc.)

• Any complications that are present (complications from diabetes include kidney, vision, heart disease, nerve damage, osteoporosis, skin problems, etc.)

• Any other medical conditions present

• Whether you are a tobacco user

How to Prepare for Your Term Life Insurance Application

There are important measures you can take to prepare yourself before applying for term life insurance. Doing so will help your chances of getting approved at the best rating class possible. Use the following tips to put yourself in the best position to win:

• Visit your doctor as often as recommended.

• Follow your doctor’s advice regarding medication and treatment.

• Make sure your medical records are updated regularly. This is crucial! The life insurance company will rate your application poorly if it is unable to determine your level of control.

• Keep track of your A1C, glucose and fructosamine levels.

• Get any complications under control. For example, if you also have high blood pressure, make sure it is being treated as well!

Our Experience Has Shown …

We’ve helped thousands of people apply for term life insurance and many of those people had diabetes. Here are a few things we’ve learned:

• Premiums are generally lower for those with a diagnosis at an older age and those with excellent control.

• Premiums are generally higher for those with a recent diagnosis, a diagnosis at a younger age, longer durations and poorly controlled diabetes. 

• Generally, the best chance for a favorable rating class is:  a diagnosis at age 65+ with excellent control and no tobacco use.

• The most favorable outcomes will have an A1C level below 7.0.

• Type 1 is always rated lower than type 2, meaning you will pay more if you have type 1 diabetes.

• We recommend getting a policy in force first at a premium rate you can afford. You can then focus on improving the rating class through better control or lab results.

• There is no such thing as ‘pre-diabetes’ for most life insurance companies.

• Diabetics do not get a Preferred rating class. The very best, well-controlled cases usually get a Standard or possibly Standard Plus rating class.

• You may be able to get a Preferred rating class on a non-medical term life insurance policy. These policies do not require medical exams, but are usually more expensive than a regular term life insurance policy.

Real Examples from Real Customers

Good Outcome

• Susan applied for term life insurance when she was 63 years old.

• Type 2 diabetic, insulin dependent

• Diagnosed at age 58                                                                            

• Visits her doctor twice a year

• Most recent A1C level:   4.2

• No major complications

• Outcome:  Approved at a Standard rating class

• Premium:   $651 annually

Not So Good Outcome

• John applied for term life insurance when he was 50 years old.

• Type 2 diabetic, insulin dependent

• Diagnosed at age 38

• Visits his doctor twice a year

• Most recent A1C level:   8.8

• No major complications

• Outcome:  Approved at a Table 3 rating class (3 levels below Standard)

• Premium:   $1,470 annually (Standard would have been $870 annually)

You can see Susan was diagnosed at a later age and her diabetes is well-controlled. As a result, she enjoys a better rating class and lower premium. On the other hand, John was diagnosed at a much younger age and his diabetes is not controlled as well, based on his A1C levels. Therefore, he got a worse rating class, which costs him an extra $600 per year.

What This All Means to You

The good news about applying for term life insurance when you have diabetes is -- yes, you can qualify for coverage! The bad news is the approval and rating class can be very unpredictable and subjective. However, if you follow the advice we’ve provided and, more importantly, discuss your situation with your life insurance agent or broker, you can have a positive outcome.

And remember, if you are not pleased with the offer you receive, you can always try with another company or put the policy in force and work on improving the rating class through better control and lab results.

Sources:  Wikipedia, American Diabetes Association, National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse