Navigating Life Insurance with a History of Monkeypox: What You Need to Know

Even if you have a history of monkeypox, you can still get a great life insurance policy.

11 minute read
Originally published: February 3, 2023

Navigating Life Insurance with a History of Monkeypox: What You Need to Know

Navigating Life Insurance with a History of Monkeypox: What You Need to Know

Even if you have a history of monkeypox, you can still get a great life insurance policy.

11 minute read
Originally published: February 3, 2023

Navigating Life Insurance with a History of Monkeypox: What You Need to Know

The recent resurgence of monkeypox, a virus closely related to smallpox, has once again brought attention to the potential risks and impacts on public health. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the re-emergence of monkeypox has sparked concern for the health and well-being of people worldwide, particularly in the countries where it has gained endemic status. As with any pre-existing condition, those who have contracted monkeypox may face challenges when it comes to obtaining life insurance coverage. Insurance companies will likely take into account the severity of the monkeypox, whether the individual has fully recovered, and if there are any residual symptoms or complications. In this article, we will explore how current and future life insurance policies may be affected by monkeypox.

Clients who have been diagnosed with monkeypox may worry that their condition will prevent them from obtaining life insurance coverage or that it’s too late for them to apply. Keep in mind that being diagnosed with monkeypox should not affect a person’s ability to obtain life insurance coverage. While insurance companies will assess the individual’s risk and may consider any related medical history, it is not necessarily a disqualifying factor. It is important for the individual to disclose their condition to the insurance company and provide any necessary medical documentation. A common question we get is “can I get life insurance if I have monkeypox?”

Can I get life insurance if I have monkeypox? yes you can get life insurance with monkeypox

 The answer is yes! You can get life insurance even if you have been diagnosed with monkeypox.

Overview

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is similar to smallpox. It is caused by the monkeypox virus and is primarily found in certain parts of Africa. The disease can be contracted by humans through contact with infected animals, such as primates, or through contact with an infected person. 

Monkeypox is typically less severe than smallpox and is rarely fatal. However, some individuals, particularly those with weakened immune systems, may develop severe or even life-threatening complications.

The signs and symptoms of monkeypox typically appear within 5 to 21 days after infection and can include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Backache
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Chills
  • Exhaustion
  • A rash that develops, often beginning on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body
  • The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab

Symptoms of monkeypox can range from mild to severe and can be fatal in rare cases, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.

In some cases, people may also experience symptoms such as:

  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • Sore throat
  • Chest pain
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Lack of appetite
  • Swollen glands

It’s important to note that not everyone with monkeypox will have all these symptoms and the severity of symptoms can vary greatly among individuals. In any case, it’s important to see a doctor if you suspect you have monkeypox or have been in contact with someone who does.

Did you know humans and contract monkeypox through coming into close contact with an animal or person with the disease, or with material contaminated with the virus?

Could My Current Life Insurance Policy Be Impacted if I Contract Monkeypox?

It is important to note that having monkeypox will not greatly impact an individual’s existing life insurance policy. The main purpose of life insurance is to provide a death benefit to the policyholder’s loved ones in the event of their death. This holds true even if the policyholder were to pass away due to monkeypox, which would be considered a pre-existing condition. Therefore, you can have peace of mind knowing that your existing life insurance policy will remain in place, even in the event of future outbreaks.

Can I Get Life Insurance if I Had Monkeypox?

Contracting monkeypox does not necessarily prevent an individual from being eligible for life insurance coverage. Many people contract various diseases and viruses throughout their lives and are still able to benefit from a life insurance policy. Monkeypox is not a fatal illness and therefore, it is unlikely that coverage will be denied due to a previous diagnosis of monkeypox.

During the underwriting process, you may be asked about any previous viral infections, including monkeypox or COVID-19. It is essential to be truthful in your answers, as this information will be used to determine your premium rates, coverage amounts, and other policy details. Misrepresenting this information can result in your policy becoming void, leaving your loved ones without a death benefit.

If you are concerned about being denied coverage due to monkeypox, there are alternative options available such as no medical or simplified life insurance. These types of policies do not require a medical questionnaire, making them a suitable option for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or health concerns.

To find out why you might be denied coverage check out our blog: 6 Reasons Why You Were Denied Life Insurance In Canada

Does Monkeypox Affect Life Insurance?

Monkeypox can affect life insurance coverage and premium rates. Life insurance companies will typically review the applicant’s medical history when determining coverage and rates, and pre-existing conditions such as monkeypox will be taken into account.

Having monkeypox does not automatically disqualify an individual from obtaining life insurance coverage. However, an insurance company will typically take into account the severity of the monkeypox, and whether the individual has fully recovered or if there are any residual symptoms or complications. Based on this information, the insurance company will then determine the coverage and premium rates for the individual.

In some cases, an individual with monkeypox obtains life insurance coverage, but at a higher premium rate, or with exclusions or limitations on coverage. Keep in mind that It’s also possible that some insurance companies may decline to cover an individual with monkeypox.

It’s important to shop around and compare different life insurance options, and to disclose any pre-existing conditions such as monkeypox to the insurance company upfront. A financial advisor or insurance agent can help you understand your options and find the right life insurance policy for your needs.

Life Insurance with Monkeypox

Life insurance policies typically take into account a wide range of factors when determining coverage and premium rates. These factors include the individual’s age, health, occupation, and lifestyle. In the case of monkeypox, it is considered a pre-existing condition, and it would likely be taken into account when determining coverage and premium rates for a life insurance policy.

Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance is a type of life insurance that provides coverage for a specific period of time, such as 10, 20 or 30 years. The main benefit of term life insurance is that it is generally less expensive than other types of life insurance, like whole life or universal life.

In general, when applying for life insurance, whether it is term or permanent, the insurance company will consider factors such as your age, health, occupation, and hobbies when determining eligibility and rates. If you have a pre-existing condition such as monkeypox, it could make it more difficult to qualify for coverage or result in higher rates.

Simplified Issue Life Insurance

Simplified issue life insurance is a type of life insurance policy that is designed for individuals who may have difficulty obtaining coverage through a traditional policy. The application process is typically quicker and less invasive than a traditional policy, as there is no medical exam required. Instead, the applicant is asked a series of health-related questions, and the insurer makes a decision based on the answers provided.

When it comes to pre-existing conditions, such as monkeypox, simplified issue life insurance can be a good option for individuals who may not qualify for traditional coverage. However, the availability and terms of coverage will vary depending on the insurer. Some companies may not offer coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions, while others may offer coverage with certain restrictions.

It’s important to understand that simplified issue policies typically come with higher premiums and lower death benefits compared to traditional policies. However, for people with pre-existing conditions, this may be the only way to obtain coverage.

Not all pre-existing conditions are treated the same way by different insurance companies. Some may have a more lenient underwriting process for certain conditions, while others may be more restrictive. 

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

Guaranteed issue life insurance is a type of life insurance policy that is designed for individuals who have pre-existing health conditions or other factors that would make it difficult for them to qualify for traditional life insurance coverage. With guaranteed issue life insurance, there are no medical underwriting requirements, and the individual is guaranteed to be accepted for coverage regardless of their health status.

This type of insurance is typically more expensive than traditional life insurance because the insurer is taking on more risk by offering coverage to individuals who are more likely to have health issues. Additionally, the coverage amounts are usually lower and the policies may have more limitations than traditional policies.

Guaranteed issue life insurance policies are often marketed to seniors, as they are more likely to have pre-existing health conditions that would make it difficult for them to qualify for traditional life insurance coverage. The policies may also be marketed to individuals who have been denied coverage by other insurance companies. This can provide a sense of security for the individual and their loved ones, as they know that they will have some financial protection in the event of the individual’s death.

Guaranteed issue life insurance policies can have some significant limitations. For example, the coverage amounts may be lower than what is offered by traditional policies, and the policies may have exclusions or waiting periods for certain types of deaths or illnesses. Additionally, the premiums for guaranteed issue life insurance policies are typically higher than traditional life insurance policies.

Tips for Applying to Life Insurance

Since some insurance companies may consider monkeypox a pre-existing condition and exclude coverage for it, here are a few tips that may help increase your chances of getting approved for life insurance: 

Tips for applying for life insurance with monkeypox
  • Apply for life insurance after recovering. This will help the insurance provider understand your health and future risks.
  • Be transparent with the insurance company about your diagnosis and any ongoing treatment or medication you may be receiving. 
  • Consider working with an independent insurance agent or broker who can help you find an insurance company that is willing to provide coverage.
  • Look into guaranteed issue life insurance policies, which do not require a medical exam or ask health questions, but usually have higher premiums and lower benefit amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Life Insurance with Monkeypox

 

Monkeypox won’t significantly affect your life insurance coverage, however. Keep in mind that life insurance provides a death benefit; if the unthinkable happens and you pass away, your surviving loved ones would receive a payment. This is true even in the unlikely event that a policyholder passes away from monkeypox. Therefore, even if another outbreak occurs, your current life insurance coverage will still be in effect. 

It is unlikely that monkeypox will have a significant impact on life insurance policies. The disease is mostly preventable through vaccination and proper quarantine measures, and it is not a commonly occurring illness with a high rate of morbidity or mortality. However, it’s important to stay informed about the potential impact of monkeypox on your life and travel insurance policies, particularly if you are at risk or planning to travel to an area with a higher incidence of the virus. While monkeypox may affect travel insurance coverage for certain regions, there are still options available that can provide peace of mind and protection.

Yes, it is still possible to qualify for life insurance even if you have monkeypox. However, it will depend on your specific condition and the insurance company’s underwriting guidelines.

It depends. Insurance companies generally consider any pre-existing conditions such as monkeypox during the underwriting process. They may require additional medical information or exams to assess the risk associated with the condition.

Although there has been a lot of media coverage about monkeypox, the disease is not as common as some may think. In fact, the spread of monkeypox has significantly decreased. As of November 3, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 77,573 global cases. Currently, data suggests that the majority of cases are among men who have sex with men. However, monkeypox can infect anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Find a solution for what you’re looking for

Monkeypox is a rare illness and having it should not affect your ability to obtain life insurance. You can even get free professional advice from an award winning broker at Protect Your Wealth to help you identify and secure the right life insurance coverage you need to create financial stability and protect your family and assets.

 To schedule a consultation about your income protection goals, or if you have any questions about insurance in Ontario or Canada, please 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 serve clients anywhere in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta including areas such as Guelph, Leduc, and Nanaimo.

Talk to an advisor today.

Best Life Insurance Quotes Canada Life Insurance