Pre-Existing Conditions and Life Insurance

Many of us have medical conditions that will be considered pre existing when we apply for life insurance. Clients always want to know how these conditions will affect underwriting. An underwriter will consider your overall health, medical treatment, and family history before determining your rating category. 
Underwriters take many things into consideration when evaluating your pre existing conditions.  
1. Probably most important….can your health condition affect your life span? 
2. Is your health condition in remission or under control? 
3. Do you regularly see a doctor to treat your condition? 
4. How long have you had it? 
5. Do you have any associated conditions from the primary health condition?


Once again, this is where an independent life insurance agent can be very helpful. The agent should know which companies will underwrite your condition most favorably. We use an independent underwriter to give us assistance with which carrier(s) will view your health picture in the best light. Additionally, they can directly contact the underwriter evaluating your application if needed.  
Certain pre existing conditions may require a waiting period before you can qualify for insurance 

Certainly no company is going to insure you if you had a heart attack last month. After a period of time, with no further incidents and regular medical care, you may qualify, and possibly at reasonable rates. (Every case is looked at individually and all factors are taken into account). 
Diabetic pre existing conditions can usually qualify for life insurance. Your rating will be directly affected by how well you are controlling your diabetes. Uncontrolled, 
  
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diabetes can lead to associated conditions that can certainly affect your life span and this would affect your ability to obtain life insurance. 
Cancer is another common pre existing condition. Underwriting will depend on the type of cancer, the stage at diagnosis, the pathology report, when the cancer occurred, your treatment and if there have been repeat occurrences, etc. 
The Bottom Line 
Possible pre existing conditions are too numerous to mention. Suffice it to say, your independent life insurance agent will be able to find out how your pre existing condition(s) will likely affect underwriting.