There are approximately 600,000 to 900,000 Americans living with ulcerative colitis, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Men and women are equally likely to be affected, and most people are diagnosed in their mid-30s. The disease can occur at any age but older men are more likely to be diagnosed than older women.
Underwriting Ulcerative Colitis
People with ulcerative colitis have an increased cancer risk, especially if the disease has been present for more than 10 years, so life insurance underwriters take a good look at these applicants.
The underwriter considers a number of factors when evaluating applicants including
- current status,
- the extent of colon involvement,
- time since diagnosis,
- treatments prescribed,
- complications, and
- results of colonoscopy.
Underwriters take not only your medical history into consideration, but other factors including your gender, age, family history, and smoking status as well. After reviewing your full application, they decide how much coverage and at what cost to offer you, unless they decide to deny or post-pone the application.
Every life insurance company has underwriting guidelines they follow when evaluating applicants and these guides are not all alike. While one life insurance company may deem you Table 2, another may offer you Standard. “Table 2” and “Standard” are risk classifications.
| NonTobacco Classes | Tobacco Classes |
| Preferred Plus | Preferred Tobacco |
| Preferred | Standard Tobacco |
| Standard Plus | |
| Standard |
If you use cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, or marijuana, you may wind up in the tobacco category, which have higher premiums than their nontobacco counterparts. If you are “table rated”, your pricing for life insurance with ulcerative colitis will typically be the Standard price plus 25% for every step down the table you are, Tables A-J or 1-10 depending on which format the insurance company uses.
Let’s take a look at some examples so you get a better idea of how companies underwrite certain cases of ulcerative colitis.
John was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis five years ago. His disease is limited to the proctosigmoid area. No treatment has been necessary for the past three years and a recent colonoscopy was normal.
Life Insurance Company X determines John qualifies for Standard Plus.
Jane has had pancolitis for fifteen years with associated arthritis, is taking azathioprine, and recently had a benign colonoscopy with biopsies.
Life Insurance Company Y determines Jane would be rated Table 3.
Jim has had ulcerative colitis for ten years. A recent colonoscopy showed three areas of dysplasia. Complete removal of the colon has been recommended, which the applicant is considering. The dysplasia is premalignant and no offer can be made at this time. If the colon is removed, reconsideration can be given based upon review of the pathology report.
Jim would be declined as of now.
A 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.
See what you’d pay for life insurance
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 ulcerative colitis, 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 was the date of your first diagnosis?
Which type of disease is present: Chronic Ulcerative Colitis or Chronic Proctitis?
Are you on any medications? If yes, please describe.
Have you been hospitalized for this disease? (List dates)
Have you had surgery for this disease? (List dates)
Have you had colonoscopies? (List dates of most recent)
What is your height and weight?
Have you smoked cigarettes in the last 12 months?
Do you have any other major health problems (ex: heart disease)?
seeking 10-year term with payment under $6,000 annually
Hi Larry,
Thank you for inquiring. I hid your private information from your comment, but wanted to let you know that a Quotacy agent has emailed you.
Looking for a term life quote.
Hi David,
You can run as many term quotes as you would like using our quoting tool here.