18 Jan Can Veterans Get Life Insurance With Preexisting Conditions?
Various health issues might either raise your rates or prevent you from obtaining coverage when it comes to life insurance. However, depending on the nature of your medical problems, you may be able to find a provider who can give you a low-cost quote for the coverage you need.
Underwriting processes vary from company to company, so it’s essential to shop around to find the best rates.
This article will go through everything you must know about getting life insurance with preexisting conditions.
Related Article: Life Insurance Calculator for Veterans
What Is a Pre-Existing Condition for Life Insurance?
A pre-existing condition has been diagnosed before the beginning of insurance coverage for veterans. There are different types of it, with varying degrees of severity. Some pre-existing diseases are more severe than others, but they can all impact a life insurance policy.
Although this list isn’t exhaustive, these are some of the most common pre-existing conditions:
- Heart disease
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Mental illnesses such as depression
- Cancers
- Autism
- Epilepsy
- Obesity
(**Depending on the life insurance policy you’re interested in, the list of qualifying pre-existing health issues may differ.**)
A pre-existing condition is essentially any medical condition for which you have sought treatment in the past. In the viewpoint of insurance companies, the more pre-existing conditions a person has, the higher their perceived risk.
NOTE: The company will not consider a health problem developed during the active period as a pre-existing condition, and the premiums won’t go up.
Medical Conditions That Impact Life Insurance Eligibility
Due to pre-existing conditions, you may be subject to higher premium rates and fewer coverage options. This is because an insurance company determines whether to cover you based on a tier system. The following are some of the things they will consider when it comes to pre-existing conditions:
- The type of condition. Your eligibility and the rates you’ll pay may be affected by the severity and prognosis of your ailment. A person with arthritis, for instance, is less likely to die and may have more life insurance possibilities than someone with heart disease.
- The current state of your health. If you are in good health and your condition is managed, you may still qualify for traditional life insurance.
- How long has it been since your diagnosis? In general, the longer a patient has been sick, the greater the risk of complications, leading to a higher mortality rate.
- Lifestyle and age. Rates may be lower if you’re relatively young and healthy. However, the cost of coverage can also be affected by lifestyle factors such as smoking and drinking.
It may also be necessary to undergo a medical exam to verify your health status and determine your eligibility and rates.
Related Article: Medical Benefits for Veterans
Getting VGLI With Pre-Existing Conditions
If you apply for VGLI within the first 240 days (about eight months) after your separation date, VA will not consider your health problems when determining your eligibility.
Even if you know you want to apply for private insurance, we encourage that you apply for VGLI right away. If you wait and a private insurance carrier denies your application, you may miss the VGLI’s 240-day no-health-review period. When you apply for VGLI at that point, VA will have to examine your health, and you might not be eligible.
Note: VGLI insurance is a type of term life insurance. This implies it only pays benefits at the time of death and only covers you for a specified period (called a term). Term policies are typically inexpensive, to begin with, but as you get older, your costs rise.
Best Life Insurance With Preexisting Conditions
Even though life insurance companies can increase rates or deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions, high-risk candidates can still find coverage. A few life insurance options available to those with pre-existing conditions are listed below.
VGLI
The Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) program may allow former US military members to preserve their life insurance coverage when they leave the military. These life insurance plans pay out death benefits to veterans’ specified beneficiaries to aid post-mortem costs like funerals and decedent taxes.
VGLI insurance may offer affordable rates for coverage based only on age, making it a potentially cost-effective option for veterans with pre-existing conditions.
Group Policy Through Work (If the Veteran Is Employed After Service)
Many people, including those with health issues, can purchase group life insurance via their workplace. You won’t have to take a physical test to qualify, and coverage is usually limited to one or two times your yearly wage. Keep in mind that you may lose your insurance if you quit your job.
Term Insurance
Term life insurance is the most common and cost-effective type of life insurance since it covers a specific period, usually 10 to 30 years. As a result, you’ll be able to secure safety for your family precisely when you need it. In addition, when your pre-existing conditions are under control, you may qualify for term life insurance.
Final Expense
The final expense is intended to assist with end-of-life expenses such as funeral costs and medical bills. If you have a chronic disease, these policies may be a suitable option for you because they don’t require a medical exam.
Guaranteed Issue
This life insurance plan may be an excellent alternative if you have a pre-existing condition because nearly everyone who applies gets accepted. There is usually no medical exam; therefore, you cannot be turned down due to your health. Furthermore, because coverage is lifelong, it will remain for the rest of your life, ensuring that your premiums will not change as your health deteriorates. Your coverage will remain in effect as long as you continue to pay your premiums.
Related Article: Best Life Insurance for Veterans and Active Military
What to Do if You’re Denied Life Insurance?
Individuals with life-threatening or incurable pre-existing conditions are significantly more at risk than the general population. Even those with a history of drug and alcohol problems may be refused life insurance coverage if they have never received addiction treatment.
Choosing an independent broker is your best option if you’ve been turned down by several insurance companies and are looking for a policy that meets your needs. These professionals have access to a wide range of insurance providers. As a result of their experience, they are likely to know some insider tips and tactics to assist you in finding coverage.
Alternatively, after waiting a certain length of time, you may be able to resubmit your claim for coverage. If you’ve been rejected coverage in the past and can show that your illness has improved, some insurance companies will consider you again.
Can You Still Get Life Insurance With Preexisting Conditions?
Does it imply you’ll be refused life insurance coverage or face exorbitant premiums if you have a pre-existing ailment? Not in the least. For considering these and other medical issues, each insurance company has its own set of underwriting norms and requirements. It’s feasible to locate a life insurance company that will cover pre-existing conditions and offer you inexpensive premiums, depending on your treatment plan and the insurer you choose.
Discuss any pre-existing conditions you have with an experienced insurance professional, and evaluate the resources you already have (such as existing plans and workplace coverage). There might be extra work or higher premiums required, but it’s possible to buy life insurance despite serious health issues.
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