The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that at least 1.5 million Americans have lupus and more than 16,000 new cases are reported annually across the country.
There is currently no cure for lupus. Treatments focus on improving quality of life through controlling symptoms and minimizing flare-ups.
Can I get life insurance with lupus?
The short answer:
Yes, a lupus diagnosis is not an automatic decline for coverage. However, we also want to set expectations and be transparent about pricing: life insurance premiums for individuals with lupus are going to be higher than average.
» Compare: Term life insurance quotes for lupus
If you have lupus, your best chances of getting affordable life insurance is to apply through a broker, like Quotacy. Brokers are not tied to one life insurance company and are able to shop the market.
We want you to get approved and will work hard to help you get coverage. Start the process by getting a free term life insurance quote or keep reading for more in-depth information about life insurance and lupus.
See what you’d pay for life insurance
Can I get life insurance if I have lupus?
The long answer:
Individuals with lupus can obtain life insurance but because the disease is commonly chronic and relapsing, it is unlikely you will be a good candidate for the preferred risk classes.
Life insurance risk classes range from Preferred Plus (the best possible offer) to Standard. If you have risk factors that place you outside of these risk classifications, you will be table rated. Life insurance companies want to insure as many people as possible and table ratings are used to help offset the costs of insuring someone who is considered risky.
See the tables below for reference.
| Risk Classes for Non-Tobacco Users |
|---|
| Preferred Plus |
| Preferred |
| Standard Plus |
| Standard |
| Table Rating (alphabetical) | Table Rating (numerical) | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| A | 1 | Standard + 25% |
| B | 2 | Standard + 50% |
| C | 3 | Standard + 75% |
| D | 4 | Standard + 100% |
| E | 5 | Standard + 125% |
| F | 6 | Standard + 150% |
| G | 7 | Standard + 175% |
| H | 8 | Standard + 200% |
| I | 9 | Standard + 225% |
| J | 10 | Standard + 250% |
- Disease duration
- Duration in remission
- Symptoms
- Medication history
- Response to therapy
- If there is any renal or cerebral involvement
- If there is any presence of cardiovascular or respiratory impairment
Let’s take a look at some examples.
Jane Smith is 30 years old and was diagnosed with lupus four years ago. No serious organs have been affected and she currently takes a small prednisone dose daily as treatment.
Jane applies for a 20-year $500,000 term life insurance policy. She is table rated at Table D.
The cost of this policy at a Standard rate is $35 per month, but because she is rated Table D, the life insurance company adds 100% to her monthly premium. Therefore, she pays $70 per month.
Liz Jones is 40 years old and was diagnosed with lupus five years ago, but currently has no symptoms and it has been over three years since she has had to partake in any treatment plan.
Liz applies for a 25-year $250,000 term life insurance policy. She is given the Standard risk classification. The cost of her policy is approximately $40 per month.
Teresa Johnson is 35 years old and was diagnosed with lupus over ten years ago. She currently is being treated with an immunosuppressant and her lab tests show signs of kidney disease.
Unfortunately, Teresa would likely be declined for life insurance.
With certain medical conditions, like lupus, it’s advisable to apply for life insurance sooner rather than later.
With situations like Jane Smith, she was able to be approved at Table D. While her premiums may be higher than Standard, at least she has coverage in place in case her condition gets worse. However, if her condition improves, like it did with Liz Jones, Jane can opt to apply for a new policy later in life and see if she can lower her premiums.
One benefit to working with Quotacy is that we work with multiple A-rated life insurance companies. We have the ability to shop cases around to different companies to try our best to get an applicant approved.
Our in-house underwriter has worked in many carrier home offices, knows how to navigate each individual’s health history, and knows which life insurance company would be the best option for your individual case. If you are ready to buy life insurance coverage, get a term life insurance quote now and let’s start the process.
If you are looking to get an idea on the cost of life insurance if you have lupus, it costs nothing to run a quote and apply online. You will have a dedicated Quotacy agent shop your case with our top-rated life insurance companies to ensure you receive the best possible price.
What will it take for someone with Hepatitis C to get this life coverage?
For proposed insureds that have been diagnosed with Hepatitis C, insurance companies will take a close look at: age at infection, extent of liver damage, complications, alcohol use, laboratory results, and results of any treatment administered. Coverage approval will depend on how treatments have gone and how well the hepatitis is managed. You may want to take a look at this blog post: Life Insurance and Hepatitis: Buyer’s Guide