Dermatological Conditions and Life Insurance

Life insurance when you have a skin condition might seem confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach, you can find a policy that gives you good coverage without breaking the bank. It all starts with understanding how insurance works for people with skin issues and what you can do to get the best deal. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to finding life insurance that suits your needs, from knowing your condition to talking to the right people. Let’s dive in and make sure you’re covered, no matter what your skin condition is.

In this article:

• Common Skin Conditions and Their Impact on Insurance
• Case Studies of Life Insurance with Skin Conditions  
• How Do Eczema and Psoriasis Impact Life Insurance Eligibility?
• Does Psoriasis Affect Life Insurance?
• Can Moles on Your Skin Impact Life Insurance?
• How Does Life Insurance Get Affected for Individuals With Skin Cancer?
• Can Individuals With Vitiligo Get Life Insurance?
• ​​What Premiums and Coverage Can Those With Skin Conditions Expect for Life Insurance?
• Steps to Finding Life Insurance Policy for Individuals With Skin Conditions
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Life Insurance with Dermatological Conditions

Common Skin Conditions and Their Impact on Insurance

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

• Eligibility: Usually not a major issue for life insurance.
• Premiums: Generally standard, unless there are severe complications.

Psoriasis

• Eligibility: Often accepted, but severe cases might need further review.
• Premiums: Can be higher for extensive or uncontrolled psoriasis.

Acne

• Eligibility: Rarely affects eligibility.
• Premiums: Typically does not impact rates unless associated with severe cystic acne.

Rosacea

• Eligibility: Usually not a concern for insurers.
• Premiums: Standard rates are common unless the condition is severe.

Melanoma (Skin Cancer)

• Eligibility: Can be a significant factor, especially if recent or severe.
• Premiums: Higher rates or exclusions may apply, depending on the cancer stage and treatment success.

Vitiligo

• Eligibility: Generally does not affect insurance acceptance.
• Premiums: Usually does not impact premiums as it is primarily a cosmetic condition.

These conditions show that while skin issues can influence life insurance, the effect largely depends on the severity and how well the condition is managed.

Case Studies of Life Insurance with Skin Conditions 

Julia’s Finding Life Insurance with a Skin Condition

Julia, is a 38 year old living in Brandon, Manitoba. She had challenges finding affordable life insurance due to her moderate psoriasis. She looked at many insurance companies, choosing those used to dealing with skin conditions. She decided to work with a broker with experience in chronic conditions that helped her weigh her options. Julia put together all her medical info, showing her psoriasis was stable and well-managed, which was important when talking to insurers. 

She found insurance companies that could tailor policies to fit her needs and budget. Julia carefully checked these policies, focusing on what they covered, how much they cost, and what they didn’t include. She made sure the insurers saw how well she took care of her health, keeping regular doctor visits and following her treatment closely. In the end, her hard work and smart planning helped her get a good life insurance policy in Brandon. This proved that with the right approach, people with skin conditions like hers can find the insurance they need.

Samara’s Life Insurance Journey with Skin Cancer in Alberta

Samara, a 42-year-old from Alberta, was diagnosed with melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer. After successful treatment, she decided to apply for life insurance. Here’s how her journey unfolded:

Samara’s melanoma was detected early and treated successfully, boosting her confidence in applying for life insurance. Aware of the potential challenges, she prepared for the application process. Firstly, Samara gathered all her medical documents, including her diagnosis, treatment records, and follow-up reports showing her cancer was in remission. She wanted to provide insurers with a complete picture of her health and her successful recovery.

Knowing that her condition might lead to higher premiums or stricter terms, Samara sought the expertise of an insurance broker who specialized in high-risk cases. The broker helped her understand the complex landscape of life insurance for cancer survivors. They explored various insurance companies in Alberta, focusing on those known for accommodating individuals with past cancer diagnoses. Samara and her broker compared the policies, noting the premiums, coverage, and any cancer-related exclusions.

After thorough research and consultations, Samara found an insurer that offered reasonable rates for cancer survivors. This company recognized her proactive health management and successful treatment, which positively influenced her application. In the end, Samara secured a life insurance policy with adequate coverage at a fair premium.

How Do Eczema and Psoriasis Impact Life Insurance Eligibility?

Eczema and psoriasis can influence life insurance eligibility and premiums, but the impact is often based on the severity and control of the condition. These skin conditions might not have a significant impact on life insurance rates if they are properly treated and cause few health problems. Severe cases, however, particularly those linked to more general health conditions like diabetes or heart disease, may result in increased premiums or even make it more difficult to get coverage. When assessing an applicant’s eligibility and cost for life insurance, the insurer will take into account the applicant’s general health, the severity of the skin condition, and the effectiveness of the treatment plan.

Does Psoriasis Affect Life Insurance?

Psoriasis, a condition characterized by red, scaly skin patches, can have impacts on life insurance. Psoriasis itself is primarily a skin condition, its severity and the presence of related health issues, like psoriatic arthritis, can influence insurance considerations.

For individuals with mild to moderate psoriasis that is well-controlled through topical treatments or lifestyle changes, there should be minimal impact on their ability to obtain life insurance. In these cases, insurers may not view psoriasis as a significant risk factor, and applicants can often secure policies at standard rates.

However, in cases where psoriasis is severe, particularly if it is associated with other health conditions like cardiovascular problems or psoriatic arthritis, insurance providers may conduct a more thorough assessment. This evaluation can lead to higher premiums, as the insurer might perceive an increased risk of health complications that could affect the applicant’s longevity or lead to future claims.

Moreover, the treatment for psoriasis can also play a role in the insurance process. Advanced treatments, such as biologic drugs, indicate more severe disease and can thus influence the insurer’s risk assessment.

Can Moles on Your Skin Impact Life Insurance?

Benign moles, also known as nevi, are common and usually harmless skin growths. Despite their harmlessness, they can surprisingly affect your life insurance. It might seem odd, but the number of moles on your skin can lead to higher premiums with certain insurers. When you have a large number of moles, over 40 for instance, some insurance companies might see this as a higher risk and charge you more. 

Insurance companies might see a large number of moles as a higher risk. This is because of the potential association between many moles and an increased likelihood of developing skin conditions, including melanoma or other forms of skin cancer. From an insurer’s perspective, the more moles an individual has, the greater the statistical risk of skin cancer, which could lead to claims. So, they might charge higher premiums to offset this increased risk. Insurers may use statistical data and actuarial tables to determine risks and premium rates. This helps them see the correlation between the number of moles and skin cancer risk is a factor in this assessment.

How Does Life Insurance Get Affected for Individuals With Skin Cancer?

Individuals with skin cancer may face challenges when applying for life insurance, as the condition can affect both eligibility and premium costs. The impact on life insurance largely depends on the cancer’s type and stage. Less severe forms like basal cell carcinoma might have minimal effect on insurance costs. Whereas, more serious types like melanoma can lead to higher premiums or even make it difficult to obtain coverage.

Insurers consider the treatment received and the current health status of the applicant. Particularly looking at the success of the treatment and the likelihood of recurrence. Often, there is a waiting period after cancer treatment ends before insurers will offer coverage. This allows them to evaluate the risk of the cancer returning. Individuals with a history of skin cancer are generally seen as higher-risk, leading to increased premium rates and possibly limits on the coverage amount.

Keep in mind that having skin cancer doesn’t mean you can’t get life insurance. It’s important to compare offers from various insurers, as they may have different approaches to insuring cancer survivors.

Can Individuals With Vitiligo Get Life Insurance?

Vitiligo is a condition where skin loses its pigment in patches. It usually has little to no impact on life insurance applications. Vitiligo is primarily a cosmetic issue and does not typically affect a person’s overall health or life expectancy. As such, life insurance companies often do not consider it a significant risk factor. People with vitiligo can generally expect to receive standard premium rates and coverage options, similar to those without the condition. The application process is straightforward, focusing more on other health and lifestyle factors rather than the presence of vitiligo.

What Premiums and Coverage Can Those With Skin Conditions Expect for Life Insurance?

Individuals with dermatological conditions can expect life insurance premiums and coverage limits to vary, primarily based on the severity and management of their condition. Mild conditions like minor eczema or acne can be easily treated with over-the-counter medications. They have little impact on insurance costs so premiums are standard. 

More severe dermatological issues, such as extensive psoriasis or eczema requiring prescription medication and ongoing medical care, may be viewed as higher risk by insurers. This perception can lead to higher premiums. The history of the condition and its management also play a significant role. A well-documented history of effective treatment and stable condition can positively influence insurance assessments, leading to more favorable terms.

Steps to Finding Life Insurance Policy for Individuals With Skin Conditions

Finding the right life insurance when you have a skin condition might seem tough, but it’s possible. Insurance companies look at skin conditions differently, so it’s important to show them your condition is under control. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can find an insurance policy that fits your needs. Here are the steps to follow to find the best life insurance for people with skin conditions:

• Know Your Skin Condition Well: Be clear about what kind of skin problem you have, how serious it is, and what treatments you use. This info helps when talking to insurance companies.
• Shop Around: Find insurance companies that have covered people like you before. Different companies might see your skin condition in different ways.
• Get Expert Help: Talk to insurance brokers or agents who know a lot about getting insurance for people with health risks. They can guide you to the best options.
• Organize Your Medical Info: Keep all your health records up to date and ready to show. This makes the insurance process smoother and helps companies understand your health better.
• Ask for Special Plans: Some insurance companies might let you adjust the policy to fit your needs better, which could save you money.
• Look at the Policy Closely: Make sure you understand what the insurance covers, how much you have to pay, and what is not included. Choose the one that fits what you need.
• Show You’re Taking Care of Yourself: Prove that you’re managing your skin condition well with regular treatments and healthy living. This can make a good impression on insurers and might get you a better deal.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Life Insurance with Dermatological Conditions

Find a solution for what you’re looking for 

Discover the ins and outs of life insurance with dermatological conditions, ensuring you secure the best policy while managing specific skin-related challenges. At Protect Your Wealth, we work with and compare policies and quotes from the best life insurance companies in Canada to ensure the best solution for you and your needs. We provide expert life insurance solutions, including no medical life insurance, critical illness insurance, term life insurance, and permanent life insurance to build the best package to give you the protection you need.

Contact Protect Your Wealth or call us at 1-877-654-6119 to talk to an advisor today! We’re proudly based out of Hamilton, and service clients anywhere in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba including areas such as Kingston, Airdrie, Richmond and Winnipeg.