Ulcerative Colitis is an underwriting issue that we encounter with a number of our clients. Some companies will do a better job than others underwriting you if you have Ulcerative Colitis.
Overview:
Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic disease of the large intestine. Ulcerative Colitis is marked by the inflamation of the lining of the colon. Ulcerative Colitis only affects the colon. From a life insurance underwriting standpoint, having ulcerative colitis will negatively affect the rate that you pay for life insurance. Our experience helping individuals with ulcerative colitis obtain life insurance has given us the knowledge and understanding needed to get you the best possible rate available.
Life Insurance Underwriting for Ulcerative Colitis
If you have Ulcerative Colitis, the best possible rates that
you will receive will be the "standard plus" or "standard" rate with some, but not all companies.
The "preferred best" and "preferred" rates will not be available.
Keep in mind that if you go to the wrong company, you will be declined.
Life insurance companies are looking at the following answers when they consider offering you life insurance:
- Date and age at diagnosis of ulcerative colitis?
- How many flare-ups or episodes of ulcerative colitis have you had in the past 6 months, past year, past 2 years, and past 5 years. This is important as some of the companies use this guideline to determine your rate.
- Have you been hospitalized for ulcerative colitis?
- Do you take any medications for ulcerative colitis? If so, which ones do you take and what dosage?
- If you take steroids, when was the last time you took steroids, what was the dosage, and how long did you take steroids for?
- Has surgery for ulcerative colitis been recommended to you?
- Have you had a colonoscopy performed? If yes, when was your last colonoscopy? (please note that if your doctor has recommended a colonoscopy and it has not been performed, most companies will postpone you until the colonoscopy is done).
What Underwriters Consider when Underwriting Ulcerative Colitis:
Underwriters look at ulcerative colitis and classify into one of three categories: Mild, Moderate, and Severe.
The classification is based on your answers to the above questions, your medical records, and your doctor's notes.
Mild Ulcerative Colitis:
- Intermittent bleeding and intermittent diarrhea.
- Medications limited to Sulfasalazine, Asacol, Rowasa enemas, Cortenemas, and antidiarrheal drugs like Imodium.
- Limited used or oral steroids.
- Mild inflamation limited to left side of colon.
- No Anemia
- No eye, arthritis, or skin related problems.
- Good medical records and consistent follow-up with physician.
Moderate Ulcerative Colitis:
Moderate Ulcerative Colitis follows the same guidelines as mild ulcerative colitis. The difference is related to the frequency of flare-ups, extent of steroid use, colonoscopy findings, and duration of time between flare-ups.
Severe Ulcerative Colitis:
- Frequent episodes
- Fever
- Heavy bleeding
- Hospitalization
- Weight loss greater than 10% of normal body weight.
- Medications such as cyclosporine, methotrexate. Continuous use of steroids.
- Severe inflamation of colon.
- Significant Anemia
What to expect from life insurance companies:
Most companies will postpone you for 3- 6 months from the date of diagnosis. After this time, rates are typically in the following ranges.
Mild Ulcerative Colitis:
Diagnosed less than 10 years ago, typical rates will be in the "standard" - "standard Table 2" range. Each table rating represents a 25% increase over the standard rate.
Diagnosed more than 10 years - typical rate will be Standard Table 2 - Standard Table 4 rate.
Moderate Ulcerative Colitis:
Diagnosed less than 10 years - Standard Table 2 range
Diagnosed greater than 10 years - Standard Table 2 - Standard Table 4 range.
Severe Ulcerative Colitis:
Diagnosed less than 10 years - Standard Table 6 - to decline.
Diagnosed greater than 10 years - Standard Table 8 - decline.
The best way to get offers for you is to talk with us first. Every case is different. We will ask you questions in order to get an accurate picture of your health, and we look for the positives to help your case.
We can then shop your information out to multiple companies and provide you with quality feedback as to which companies will be most competitive for you.
At LifeInsuranceAdvisors.com, our service is a no pressure, no obligation service. We'll give you the information you need to make an informed decision about your life insurance.
Call us today at
Toll Free (800) 909-2040
