Getting Life Insurance With Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea might make your life insurance rates higher, but with good consistent treatment and a suitable insurance carrier, you should be set for getting the best prices.
- updated last on March 4, 2023
Sleep Apnea Life Insurance Coverage
Sleep apnea is an involuntary cessation of breathing during sleep. You will have to provide documentation for all steps that you have taken with your doctor to control sleep apnea if you are seeking life insurance. The cases of life insurance with sleep apnea are mostly complicated with the inherent healthcare circumstances, usually morbid obesity and a heart condition. Your premiums will depend upon the seriousness of your condition and your ability to control this condition.
The American Sleep Association estimates that over 20 million Americans possess this condition. The condition can quickly turn to several life-shortening ailments such as hypertension, diabetes, and stroke.
The cost of a person’s life insurance coverage will vary depending on the severity of your condition, whether it is severe, moderate, or mild. Underwriters will determine your risk class depending on your doctor’s diagnosis. Better risk classes translate into lower premiums.
Most of the people wind up having standard ratings merely because when looking at getting life insurance with sleep apnea, these folks won’t compare policies from various insurance companies. The insurance companies have distinct underwriting standards levels of tolerance to sleep apnea.
Best life insurance for sleep apnea
While sleep apnea can make obtaining life insurance more difficult and expensive, options are still available. Look for providers specializing in high-risk or impaired-risk cases, as they may be more willing to offer coverage at reasonable rates. Additionally, being proactive about treating your sleep apnea and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help improve your chances of approval and lower your premiums. It’s essential to shop around and compare quotes from multiple companies before deciding.
Sleep apnea life expectancy
Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes pauses in breathing during sleep, which can lead to various health problems. If left untreated, it can affect life expectancy, as it has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other severe conditions. However, the adverse effects on life expectancy can be minimized with proper treatment, such as using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or lifestyle changes. You must talk to your doctor if you suspect you have sleep apnea.
Does insurance cover sleep apnea test
Yes, most insurance plans do cover sleep apnea testing. However, coverage varies depending on your specific plan and the type of testing required. Before scheduling any testing, you must check with your insurance provider to see what is covered and what isn’t. Some plans may require a referral from a primary care doctor or specialist for the testing to be covered.
Blue cross blue shield sleep apnea coverage
If you have Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance and are diagnosed with sleep apnea, your coverage will likely include effective treatment options, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. However, the specific details of your coverage will depend on your plan and individual needs. You should contact your insurance provider or doctor to discuss options and eligibility.
Life Insurance Ratings Classifications for People With Sleep Apnea
| SEVERITY OF ILLNESS | LIKELY LIFE INSURANCE RATING CLASSIFICATIONS* | WHAT POLICY UNDERWRITERS CONSIDER WHEN THEY RATE YOUR POLICY |
|---|---|---|
| Mild to moderate life insurance with sleep apnea that is controlled | “Preferred plus” or “best” | Some life insurance carriers offer their best rates to people with sleep apnea when the conditions are optimal for longevity. An optimal case includes: 1. Mild to moderate severity 2. Good treatment compliance, such as wearing a CPAP machine regularly 3. Absence of other risk factors, such as obesity, tobacco use, or heart disease |
| Moderate life insurance with sleep apnea that is untreated | Between “standard” and Table 4 | A “standard” rating will lead to a premium that is about double the cost of a “preferred plus’ rating. A Table 2 rating costs about 50% more than a “standard” rating, and Table 4 costs about twice as much as the “standard” rating. |
| Severe life insurance with sleep apnea that is treated | “Standard” | A person with severe sleep apnea who is compliant with treatment will likely receive a “standard’ rating. Keep in mind that every case is different and that each individual brings his or her own unique medical history to the table, so decisions can vary. |
| Severe life insurance with sleep apnea that is untreated | Decline | Severe sleep apnea that goes untreated is likely to result in a declined application. |
*Getting Life Insurance With Sleep Apnea is hard because each case of sleep apnea is different. Your classification and costs will depend on your overall health and your insurer’s underwriting guidelines.
Following The Doctor’s Orders
The insurer is always keen on how you comply with your doctor’s instructions. Your application isn’t likely to be turned down if you are working directly alongside your physician to overcome the disease.
Doctors usually discover sleep apnea once sufferers complain in regards to heavy snoring or fatigue.
Most insurance companies can delay your application if you haven’t undergone asleep at night study.
Getting lower life insurance rates
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are frequently prescribed because of individuals with this condition. This machine provides constant air pressure, and this prevents their air passage from closing. You become eligible for a higher rating if you comply with your doctor’s instructions.
The contrary will make the insurer to place you inside a suitable ranked health class which translates to higher rates.
Simplified underwriting will allow you to purchase life insurance that doesn’t have a medical exam. But a policy requiring medical exams can offer lower premiums because the insurer is assured that you are a reasonable insurance risk.
The cost of life insurance increases with age. Sleep apnea worsens with time, and this makes it almost impossible for elderly adults to purchase insurance policies.
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Appealing a decision
You can appeal the decision by the life insurance company if you feel they haven’t underwritten you correctly for this condition. For reconsideration, you will be required to indicate that there was some mistake or omission. You are better placed if you work closely alongside your doctor. Your doctor should provide good documentation showing a long-term prognosis and that your condition is well-controlled.
Some sort of accurate record regarding the frequency at which you use your machine can strengthen your appeal.
Let Coach B. Help You Get the Life Insurance You Need, Even With a History Of Sleep Apnea
We have relationships with underwriters from a number of insurance carriers and can submit private inquiries to acquire the best policy. It is a unique strategy, and a professional needs to help you.
You can appeal the decision by the insurer is you feel they haven’t underwritten you properly for this condition. For reconsideration, you will be required to demonstrate that there was an error or omission. You are better placed if you work closely with your physician. Your doctor should provide good documentation showing a long-term prognosis and that your condition is well-controlled.
An accurate record of the frequency at which you use your machine can strengthen your appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sleep apnea considered a critical illness?
Sleep apnea is not always considered a critical illness in the strictest sense, but it can be included as one of the covered illnesses in critical illness insurance policies. However, each policy's coverage and specific terms can vary, so it's essential to read and understand your policy details before making any assumptions about what is covered.
Can you qualify for life insurance if you have sleep apnea?
Having sleep apnea can impact your life in many ways, including when it comes to trying to find affordable life insurance rates. But fear not! It is still possible to qualify for life insurance if you have sleep apnea. Many insurers will consider the severity of your condition and whether or not you are receiving treatment to manage it. Factors such as your age, overall health, and other potential risk factors will also be considered when determining your insurability and premium rates. It may be helpful to work with an experienced broker who can help match you with a company that specializes in coverage for people with sleep apnea.
Why is sleep apnea a risk factor for getting life insurance?
Sleep apnea is considered a high-risk factor for life insurers, primarily because of the related health risks that come with it. Sleep apnea has been linked to various health issues, including stroke, heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, among others. These health conditions can potentially shorten your lifespan and lead to early death. As such, individuals who suffer from sleep apnea and are looking to get life insurance may pay higher premiums than someone without this condition.
About Coach B.
After starting his financial career with Phoenix Home Life Insurance Company back in 1992, Scott decided he wanted to provide people with an easier and more enjoyable way to buy life insurance. That was the start of Coach B. Life Insurance, whose mission is to be transparent, honest, and helpful to customers — without ever bugging or pushing them.
In the years since then, he has worked tirelessly to improve the process of shopping for insurance. His goal is to make sure that everyone who comes to Coach B. — whether they end up buying a policy or not — has the best possible experience.
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