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Life insurance for people with Crohn’s disease
Don't let this inflammatory bowel disease prevent you from getting the coverage you need.
The majority of people with Crohn’s disease can get approved for a life insurance policy — but the premium will be more expensive.
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Can I get life insurance if I have Crohn’s?
Yes, many people with Crohn’s disease are able to get life insurance, but it isn’t guaranteed. You’re more likely to be approved if your disease is under control and hasn’t caused complications such as malnourishment, extreme weight loss or liver inflammation.
Is there any chance my application will be denied because of my Crohn’s?
Yes. If your condition is life-threatening, you’ve been recently hospitalized or you have other health conditions that put you at risk, your application can be denied.
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How to get covered
If you’re looking for a low-cost health insurance policy:
- See your doctor. Get a checkup and collect any paperwork. If you can get evidence to show a long history of living with Crohn’s, a pattern of stable health over the last several years or a lack of recent hospitalizations, it’ll help you convince your insurer that you aren’t a big risk.
- Be realistic with coverage. Work out how much coverage you actually need so that you don’t overpay for a policy.
- Compare a range of deals. Compare policies from several different brands to get the best price. You should check both the level of coverage and the cost when you compare plans.
Be honest on your application
Someone with Crohn’s disease poses a bigger risk to the insurance company than someone who is fit and healthy, which means it’ll cost more to get covered.
Although it may be tempting, one thing you should never do is fail to provide details of your condition to cut that cost down. If and when a claim is made on the policy, if your insurer finds out that you were dishonest or withheld information on your application, your claim can be denied — even if you’ve been faithfully paying on the policy.
What can I do if my application is denied?
If your application is denied, you have a couple of options. You can either apply to another provider, or wait a while before applying again. If you were recently hospitalized or were diagnosed in the last year, you’re more likely to get approved if you wait a year before applying again.
Can an insurer cancel my policy if I get worse?
No. Your insurer can only cancel your policy if you lied on your application or didn’t pay your premiums. An insurer can’t cancel your policy or change your policy rate during your term if you get sick, get older or change your health habits.
However, if you purchase a term life insurance policy and your health worsens, your premium can go up significantly when the term ends. Check the fine print on your policy to find out how long your premium rate is guaranteed for.
What is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect people at any age but generally develops in people aged 15 to 30 years. Symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain (commonly in the right lower quadrant)
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Rectal bleeding
- Weight loss
Bottom line
Advancements in medicine over the last several decades have greatly reduced the mortality rate for people living with Crohn’s disease, making it easier than ever to get approved for a life insurance policy. While there’s a possibility of paying a higher premium, particularly if your disease has complications, many providers still offer affordable policies.
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