Apnea is defined as the cessation of breathing. It is estimated that more than 12 million Americans have sleep apnea, and that number is increasing.
The diagnosis of Sleep Apnea is based on a sleep study (polysomnogram) that evaluates:
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Respiratory Patterns
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Chest Muscle Activity
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Oxygenation
There are 3 types of sleep apnea that occur during sleep. Obstructive, Central, and Mixed.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. Obstructive Sleep Apnea can be caused by a complete obstruction of the airway (obstructive sleep apnea) or by a partial obstruction (Obstructive Hypopnea). The obstruction occurs when the muscles in the upper part of the airway relax to the point where the airway will collapse. From a term life insurance underwriting standpoint, life insurance companies tend to offer their "standard" underwriting rates, but there are occasions when it is possible to receive a better life insurance rate than "standard"..Let us help you get the best possible life insurance rates based on your sleep apnea.
Central Sleep Apnea
Central Sleep Apnea is caused by problems with how the brain controls breathing. Central Sleep Apnea is not very common. It typically occurs with individuals that have a lower brain stem injury or illness.
From a term life insurance standpoint, life insurance companies will decline to underwrite Central Sleep Apnea. It may be possible to obtain "guaranteed issue" type life insurance that does not require traditional underwriting.
Mixed Sleep Apnea
Mixed Sleep Apnea is a combination of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Central Sleep Apnea.
From a term life insurance underwriting standpoint, life insurance companies will decline to underwrite "mixed" sleep apnea. Again, an expensive "guaranteed issue" type life insurance policy may be the only option available.
Life Insurance Underwriting for Sleep Apnea
The focus of our life insurance underwriting material is based on Obstructive Sleep Apnea. We have a number of of term life insurance companies available that will do a good job underwriting you based on your obstructive sleep apnea.
The best case scenario for most people who have sleep apnea are "standard" life insurance rates. Sometimes a life insurance company will do better than this, but it is rare.
What Term Life Insurance Companies Look for When Underwriting Obstructive Sleep Apnea:
The Basics:
- Age at time of diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea?
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How is Sleep Apnea being treated? Observation, CPAP machine, Weight Loss, Surgery, other?
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Are you taking any medications for your obstructive sleep apnea?
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What is your height & weight?
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What is your blood pressure?
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Do you suffer from depression?
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Do you smoke?
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Have you had any other health problems?
The Specifics:
In order to get the most favorable life insurance rates, life insurance companies will want to review a copy of the sleep studies performed that diagnosed your obstructive sleep apnea. If you can get us a copy of your sleep study, we can shop it out to numerous life insurance companies for offers.
Please note that if your medical records indicate that you should have a sleep study performed and that has not occurred, many companies will postpone you until that sleep study is completed.
Life Insurance Underwriters want to know:
The Apnea Index - AI. The Apnea Index is a commonly used measure of the severity of the obstructive sleep apnea during a sleep study. The apnea index is calculated by dividing the total number of apneic events by the number of hours of sleep. The higher the number, the more you will be charged for insurance.
Oxygen Saturation. Oxygen saturation is measured by a skin sensor. Normal levels are greater than 90%. Levels less than 90% for a prolonged period of time typically indicate sleep apnea.
Chest Activity - The sleep study measures heart rate and patterns while sleeping.
Keep in mind that not all term life insurance companies will be competitive with underwriting obstructive sleep apnea. We know which life insurance companies tend to be the most aggressive based on your specific obstructive sleep apnea circumstances.
Life insurance underwriters want to know what your Apnea Index is and what your Oxygen Saturation Levels are. In addition, it is critical that you are in compliance with your doctor's orders. Any additional medical factors that you can control such as your build, weight, smoking, alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, etc.. will affect your life insurance rates. If your records indicate that you have taken the steps to improve these areas, this will help you from a life insurance underwriting standpoint.
How the Apnea Index Typically Affects Your Rate
Apnea Index of:
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0-10 - typically no additional life insurance cost
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11-20 - 50% table rating increase over standard life insurance rates
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21-30 - 100% table rating increase over standard life insurance rates
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31-40 - 150% table rating increase over standard life insurance rates
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Above 40 - decline.
This assumes Oxygenation Levels in 90% range. Typically for every 10% decrease in oxygenation levels, life insurance companies will add a 25% table rating to the life insurance rates. Table ratings typically increase the rate you pay 25% for each table assessed to your rate.
Mild, Moderate & Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea:
Your doctor may have referred to your obstructive sleep apnea as mild obstructive sleep apnea, moderate obstructive sleep apnea, or severe obstructive sleep apnea. Here are some possible ratings for your obstructive sleep apnea:
Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Doesn't require treatment. Most likely scenario is a "standard" rate from life insurance companies, with a slight possibility of "preferred rates" from a few life insurance companies.
Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Requires use of CPAP machine. If you are compliant with doctor orders, most likely scenario is "standard" to standard plus a 50% table rating increase. If you are not compliant with doctors orders, the most likely scenario is a 50% table rating increase over standard rate to possible decline.
