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How to get life insurance with Huntington’s disease

Look to guaranteed issue among alternatives for peace of mind.

Dawn Daniels

Updated Apr 27, 2020

Fact checked

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A Huntington’s diagnosis limits the types of life insurance you’re eligible for with a few key exceptions.

Can I get life insurance if I have Huntington’s disease?

Yes, but most life insurance companies limit your options to guaranteed-issue life insurance.

Guaranteed-issue policies aren’t based on your medical history and require no underwriting. They often offer lower coverage caps — around $10,000 to $25,000, depending on the company — and have higher premium payments than you’d see for a medically underwritten policy.

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An independent life insurance broker that works with a network of insurance companies may be able to help you narrow down an insurer offering the best coverage you’re eligible for.

Is life insurance covered by GINA?

No. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act doesn’t apply to a handful of specific insurance types, including life insurance.

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Compare quotes for life insurance policies starting at $15/month.

What other types of insurance are available?

Beyond guaranteed issue, look for peace of mind offered by:

Group life insurance. Life insurance offered through an employer, also called group life insurance, generally doesn’t require medical underwriting. But because it’s tied to your job, you likely won’t be able to keep your policy after you leave your employer.
Mortgage protection insurance. If you’re making payments on a home, mortgage protection insurance can pay off the remainder of your mortgage after death so that your family can continue to live in the home without worrying about payments.
AD&D insurance. While it doesn’t cover illness related to Huntington’s disease, accidental death and dismemberment insurance pays out a lump sum if you die or are seriously injured in an accident.

Compare life insurance companies

Name	Issue age	Minimum Coverage	Maximum Coverage	Term Lengths	Medical Exam Required
Prudential	18 - 75 years old	$100,000	$10,000,000	10, 15, 20, 30 years	Yes	Customize your term life insurance with a long list of life and disability riders. Get a free quote on Policygenius.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Transamerica	18 - 75 years old	$25,000	$10,000,000	10, 15, 20, 25, 30 years	Depends on policy	Purchase a policy worth anywhere from $25,000 to $10 million, with the option to skip the medical exam. Get a free quote on Policygenius.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
MassMutual	18 - 80 years old	$2,000	$10,000,000	10, 15, 20, 25, 30 years	Depends on policy	Purchase term life insurance up to age 80 with Finder's #1 ranked company. Get a free quote from this A+ rated insurer on Policygenius.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
AIG	20 - 85 years old	$5,000	$2,000,000	10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 years	Yes	Buy term life insurance all the way up to age 85, and choose a policy that lasts up to an incredible 35 years. Get a free quote on Policygenius.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
John Hancock	18 - 65 years old	$25,000	$1,000,000	10, 15, 20 years	Depends on policy	Score a low rate on term life insurance with discounts and rewards for your healthy habits. Get a free quote on Policygenius.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Guardian	18 - 75 years old	$250,000	$5,000,000	10, 15, 20, 30 years	Depends on policy	Buy a policy with a generous death benefit and one of the longest lists of unique riders. Get a free quote from this top brand on Policygenius.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Lincoln Financial Group	18 - 80 years old	$100,000	$1,000,000	10, 15, 20, 30 years	Depends on policy	Dress up your term life coverage with a wide range of riders and buy a policy up to age 80. Get a free quote on Policygenius.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Pacific Life	18 - 65 years old	$50,000	$1,000,000	10, 15, 20, 25, 30 years	Depends on policy	Buy term life insurance in $50,000 increments to perfectly fit your needs and budget. Get a free quote on Policygenius.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Brighthouse	18 - 75 years old	$1,000,000	N/A	1, 5, 10, 20, 30 years	Yes	Protect your family with up to $1 million in term life insurance with optional long-term care coverage. Get a free quote on Policygenius.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Principal	20 - 65 years old	$200,000	$5,000,000	10, 15, 20, 30 years	Yes	Apply for term life insurance online and get quotes and approval in 48 hours. Get a free quote from this top company on Policygenius.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Mutual of Omaha	18 - 68 years old	$2,000	$500,000+	10, 15, 20, 30 years	Depends on policy	Buy as little as $2,000 or as much as $5 million in life insurance even if you've been denied for your risky hobbies. Get a free quote on Policygenius.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
SBLI	18 - 60 years old	$100,000	$20,000,000	10, 15, 20, 25, 30 years	Not required for policies under $500,000	Apply for a policy worth up to $20 million, and skip the medical exam for policies under $500,000. Get a free quote on Policygenius.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Protective Life	18 - 65 years old	$100,000	$10,000,000	10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 years	Yes	Secure your family's financial future with a term life insurance policy lasting up to an amazing 40 years. Get a free quote on Policygenius.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Legal & General	20 - 75 years old	$100,000	$10,000,000	10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 years	Yes	Score competitive rates on term life insurance up to rarely seen 40-year terms. Get a free quote from this lenient company on Policygenius.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Bottom line

A Huntington’s disease diagnosis can make it difficult to qualify for a medically underwritten life insurance policy. But other options may help your loved ones remain financially stable when you’re no longer able to provide for them. Compare life insurance policies to explore an insurer that can fit your needs.

Frequently asked questions

It depends on your medical situation. If you’re tested for the Huntington’s inherited or new gene mutation and found negative, you’re likely eligible for coverage. If you haven’t yet undergone testing for Huntington’s, your ability to get coverage varies by insurer.

For example, one underwriter working for a well-known life insurance provider said it’s possible to find insurance at a higher premium, while one at another insurer recommends not applying. You may need to apply with several insurers to find a policy that fits your needs.

If you’re tested and found to have a Huntington’s genetic mutation, you likely won’t qualify for a medically underwritten policy. Look into guaranteed-issue life insurance as an alternative.
Yes. The Social Security Administration’s includes Huntington’s disease is its list of compassionate allowances, which means you may be eligible for an expedited decision on your disability benefits if your disease progresses to the point where you’re no longer able to work.

You can apply for disability benefits online, at your local SSA office or by calling 800-772-1213. TTY users can apply for benefits at 800-325-0778.

Thank you for your feedback!

Dawn Daniels

Dawn Daniels is a publisher with Finder, based out of Oregon. Her background includes editing more than 40 published books, including Financial Fitness: 21 Easy Exercises to Get Your Personal Finances in Shape Fast by Dr. Vi Scott. In her spare time, Dawn enjoys hiking ridiculous distances and collapsing in exhaustion.

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How to get life insurance with Huntington’s disease