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You take medication every day. You've been managing a health condition for years. Maybe you've considered life insurance but assumed your medical history would keep you from qualifying.
Having a pre-existing condition doesn't automatically mean you can't get life insurance.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
- What counts as a pre-existing condition
- What insurers may consider
- How a condition could affect eligibility and cost
- What pre-screening is and how it may help
What counts as a pre-existing condition?
Simply put, a pre-existing condition is a medical condition you have before applying for life insurance. This could mean you may have been diagnosed with a condition or be taking medication to help manage it.
If that sounds like you, don’t automatically assume life insurance is off the table. Having a pre-existing condition, receiving a diagnosis or taking medication doesn’t necessarily prevent you from qualifying for coverage.
That’s because the condition itself is only part of the picture. When you apply for life insurance, insurers may consider several factors related to your health and how it affects you.
What will an insurer consider?
An insurer may look at what the condition is, how long you’ve had it and how it’s managed.
Having a diagnosis doesn't necessarily tell an insurer everything they need to know. How well it’s controlled can matter too. An insurer may also look at:
- Whether you take medication
- Whether you see a doctor to treat the condition
- How stable the condition is
- What kind of symptoms you experience
- How your condition affects day-to-day life, if at all
Why does this matter? An insurer isn’t simply checking a box for whether you have a pre-existing condition. They’re looking for context about the condition and your overall health history.
Will a pre-existing condition affect eligibility and cost?
The impact of a pre-existing condition on the cost of life
insurance can vary from person to person.
The information an insurer considers can help determine the rate you qualify for. Generally, the more favorable the rate, the lower your premium will be. While a pre-existing condition may affect your rate, having one doesn’t automatically mean you won’t qualify for a favorable rate.
For example, someone with a common condition like hypertension may still qualify for a favorable rate if it is well controlled.
That’s why it’s difficult to predict what a diagnosis alone could mean for your life insurance options. Every person’s health history is different. So, how can you get a better idea of what to expect before you apply? That’s where a pre-screen may help.
What is a pre-screen?
A pre-screen is where your independent agent can talk with an Auto-Owners life underwriter about your health history and how it may affect the underwriting process. The underwriter may ask follow-up questions about your condition, treatment or medication to better understand your individual situation.
Based on the information provided, our Auto-Owners life underwriter can give your agent an estimate of whether you may be eligible for coverage, the rate you may qualify for and what the underwriting process could involve. This can help you and your agent set realistic expectations and avoid surprises before you formally apply.
Keep in mind that a pre-screen is only an estimate. The final outcome is subject to underwriting and could change if additional information becomes available during the application process.
Don’t let a pre-existing condition stop you from exploring your life insurance options. Your health history may not affect your eligibility or rate in the way you expect.
Talk with your local independent insurance agent about life insurance. They can help you understand your options and take a step toward protecting the people who matter most.
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Disclaimer: This article is not expert advice. The analysis of coverage is in general terms and is superseded in all respects by the Insuring Agreements, Endorsements, Exclusions, Terms and Conditions of the Policy. Some of the coverage mentioned in this material may not be applicable in all states or may have to be modified to conform to applicable state law. Some coverages may have been eliminated or modified since the publishing of this material. Discounts may not be available in all states. Limitations and conditions may apply. Premiums will be based on benefits chosen. Please check with your local independent Auto-Owners insurance agent for details.
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