Life insurance is a necessity for many people who want to ensure their loved ones are financially secure after they pass away. However, there are some health conditions that can make it difficult to obtain life insurance. One such condition is Buerger’s Disease. This article will discuss Buerger’s Disease, how it can affect your ability to get life insurance, and what you can do to increase your chances of getting approved.
What is Buerger’s Disease?
Buerger’s Disease, also known as thromboangiitis obliterans, is a rare disease that affects the blood vessels in the arms and legs. The condition is characterized by inflammation and clotting of the blood vessels, which can lead to reduced blood flow and damage to the tissues in the affected areas. Buerger’s Disease primarily affects young men who smoke, although it can affect anyone. The disease is not well understood, but it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder.
Causes:
The exact cause of Buerger’s Disease is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder. The disease is primarily caused by smoking, and almost all individuals with the disease are smokers. The use of other tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco, may also increase the risk of developing Buerger’s Disease. Other factors that may contribute to the development of the disease include infections, genetics, and exposure to certain chemicals.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of Buerger’s Disease can vary depending on the severity of the disease and the areas of the body that are affected. Common symptoms of the disease include pain, swelling, and skin ulcers in the affected areas. The pain is often described as a burning or tingling sensation that occurs during physical activity and is relieved by rest. In severe cases, the disease can lead to gangrene and amputation.
Treatment:
The treatment of Buerger’s Disease primarily focuses on managing the symptoms of the disease and preventing complications. The most important step in the treatment of the disease is to quit smoking. Quitting smoking can help to slow the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of developing further complications. Other treatments may include medications to improve blood flow, such as vasodilators, and medications to reduce inflammation, such as corticosteroids. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue or improve blood flow to the affected areas. Lifestyle changes, such as following a healthy diet and exercise regimen and avoiding triggers that may worsen symptoms, can also be helpful in managing the disease.
How does Buerger’s Disease affect life insurance?
Buerger’s Disease can have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to obtain life insurance. In most cases, individuals with the disease will be classified as high-risk applicants, which can result in higher premiums or even denial of coverage.
Life insurance underwriters will typically evaluate several factors when determining an applicant’s eligibility for coverage, including age, health history, and lifestyle choices. For individuals with Buerger’s Disease, the primary concern for underwriters is the increased risk of developing complications, such as gangrene or amputation, which can lead to a shortened life expectancy.
As a result, individuals with Buerger’s Disease may only be able to qualify for a table-rated A policy at best or may only be able to obtain a guaranteed issue policy, which is a type of policy that does not require a medical exam or health questions but usually has lower coverage limits and higher premiums.
Table-rated A policies are a type of policy that provides coverage but at a higher premium than standard policies. For example, if a standard policy has a premium of $100 per month, a table-rated A policy may have a premium of $150 or more per month. The exact premium for a table-rated A policy will depend on the severity of the disease and the overall health of the individual.
Guaranteed issue policies, on the other hand, do not require a medical exam or health questions, making them an option for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as Buerger’s Disease. However, guaranteed issue policies typically have lower coverage limits and higher premiums compared to standard policies. These policies are often limited to coverage amounts of $25,000 or less, making them an option for individuals who need only a small amount of coverage.
It’s important to note that individuals with Buerger’s Disease may still be able to obtain coverage through group life insurance plans offered by employers or other organizations. Group plans typically provide coverage without requiring a medical exam or health questions and may have lower premiums compared to individual policies. However, group plans may have lower coverage limits compared to individual policies, and coverage may be terminated if the individual leaves the organization.
What can you do to increase your chances of getting approved for life insurance with Buerger’s Disease?
If you have Buerger’s Disease and are looking to obtain life insurance, there are several things you can do to increase your chances of getting approved:
Quit smoking
Since Buerger’s Disease is primarily caused by smoking, quitting smoking can help to slow the progression of the disease and reduce your risk of developing further complications. Quitting smoking can also improve your overall health, which can make you a more attractive candidate for life insurance.
Manage your condition
Proper management of your Buerger’s Disease can also help to improve your chances of getting approved for life insurance. This may include taking medications as prescribed, following a healthy diet and exercise regimen, and avoiding triggers that may worsen your symptoms.
Be upfront and honest with the insurance company
When applying for life insurance, it is important to be upfront and honest with the insurance company about your medical history and any pre-existing conditions you may have. Providing detailed information about your Buerger’s Disease and how you manage it can help the insurance company to better assess your risk and determine whether or not to offer you coverage.
Work with an experienced insurance agent
Working with an experienced insurance agent can also be beneficial when trying to obtain life insurance with Buerger’s Disease. An experienced agent can help you navigate the application process, provide guidance on what types of coverage may be available to you, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to secure the best possible coverage at a reasonable price.
Conclusion:
Buerger’s Disease is a rare medical condition that can make it difficult to obtain life insurance. However, with proper management of your condition, quitting smoking, being upfront and honest with the insurance company, and working with an experienced insurance agent, you can increase your chances
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get life insurance if I have Buerger’s Disease?
Yes, it is possible to obtain life insurance if you have Buerger’s Disease. However, it may be more challenging, and you may only qualify for table-rated A policies or guaranteed issue policies.
What is a table-rated A policy?
A table-rated A policy is a type of policy that provides coverage but at a higher premium than standard policies. The exact premium will depend on the severity of the disease and the overall health of the individual.
What is a guaranteed issue policy?
A guaranteed issue policy is a type of policy that does not require a medical exam or health questions, making it an option for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as Buerger’s Disease. However, guaranteed issue policies typically have lower coverage limits and higher premiums compared to standard policies.
Can I get life insurance through my employer if I have Buerger’s Disease?
Yes, it may be possible to obtain coverage through group life insurance plans offered by employers or other organizations. Group plans typically provide coverage without requiring a medical exam or health questions and may have lower premiums compared to individual policies.
What can I do to increase my chances of getting approved for life insurance with Buerger’s Disease?
You can increase your chances of getting approved for coverage by quitting smoking, providing detailed medical information, working with a qualified insurance agent, considering guaranteed issue policies, and maintaining good health.