Understanding Life Insurance Coverage for Individuals with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. If you have been diagnosed with GERD or acid reflux, you may be wondering if you can still get life insurance and if so, what options are available to you. In this blog, we will discuss the different life insurance options available to individuals with GERD, what to expect when applying for coverage, and tips to lower your life insurance costs.

Clients with a diagnosis of GERD may have concerns about their ability to obtain life insurance and whether it’s too late for them to apply. However, it is important to understand that having GERD does not automatically disqualify you from getting life insurance coverage. Insurance companies assess the individual’s risk based on several factors, including their medical history, but a GERD diagnosis alone is not necessarily a deciding factor. It’s crucial for clients to be transparent about their GERD with the insurance company and provide any relevant medical records to support their application. If you’re facing this issue, a common question you might have is “Can I get  life insurance with a history of GERD?”

Yes, it is possible to obtain life insurance coverage even if you have been diagnosed with GERD. It is highly recommended to work with a knowledgeable insurance agent who can assist in understanding the available options and help navigate the application process. The agent can provide valuable insights and support to ensure a smooth and successful outcome.

In this article:

• Overview of GERD
• How Life Insurance Companies Underwrite Applicants with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Can I Qualify for Life Insurance After I’ve Been Diagnosed With Acid Reflux or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• What Specific Details Would Insurance Companies Ask About or Be Looking For?
• What Questions Will Life Insurance Companies Ask If I Have Acid Reflux?
• Life insurance with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Tips to Lower Your Life Insurance Costs
• Frequently Asked Questions about Life Insurance with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) 

Overview of GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition in which the stomach’s contents, including acid, flow back up into the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach). This can cause symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing. GERD can also lead to complications such as oesophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), Barrett’s esophagus (a precancerous condition), and esophageal cancer. Risk factors for GERD include obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and certain medications. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery in some cases.

Symptoms of GERD can be divided into two categories: typical and atypical. Typical symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing. Atypical symptoms include chest pain, hoarseness, coughing, and asthma.

Treatment options for GERD include lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, and not eating close to bedtime can help to reduce symptoms. Medications such as antacids, H2 receptor antagonists, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can also be used to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Surgery may be considered in cases where other treatments have not been effective or complications have developed.

 It’s important to note that GERD is a chronic condition that may require long-term treatment. Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

How Life Insurance Companies Underwrite Applicants with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Acid reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) itself is not a major concern for life insurance companies, but rather the potential complications that can result from an advanced case. These complications can include damage to the esophagus, such as ulceration and erosive esophagitis, as well as esophageal bleeding. One of the potential complication of GERD is Barrett’s esophagus which is a precancerous condition, it’s when the tissue lining in your esophagus changes to look like the stomach’s tissue, this could put you at increased risk of a rare cancer known as adenocarcinoma.

When considering life insurance, underwriting will want to determine the severity of your acid reflux condition and if it is well controlled by medication. If you are taking over-the-counter medication such as Prilosec, Tagamet, Zantac, and Nexium and the condition is controlled, you may be able to secure coverage with a preferred rating. However, if you have been diagnosed with acid reflux disease and require prescription medication, it may result in a standard rating.

 It’s important to note that, as with any health condition, underwriting will also want to know that you are otherwise in good health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, following a treatment plan and having regular check-ups with your doctor can help to demonstrate to the insurance company that you are taking steps to manage your condition.

Can I Qualify for Life Insurance After I’ve Been Diagnosed With Acid Reflux or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Yes, those who have been given a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux disorder can and frequently will be eligible for a traditional term or whole life insurance policy. In fact, a lot of people might possibly be eligible for a Preferred Plus rate! 

That being said, though, Knowing which of these two diseases you have been diagnosed with can and frequently will have a big impact on how your life insurance application turns out. If your GERD is a cause for concern for getting approved, applying for a no medical exam life insurance policy may be something you might be interested in.

What Specific Details Would the Insurance Companies Ask About or Be Looking For?

When applying for life insurance with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), insurance companies will typically ask for specific details about your condition, treatment, and overall health. Some of the specific details they may ask for or be looking for include:

• Date of diagnosis and current status of your GERD: The insurance company will want to know when you were first diagnosed with GERD and if the condition is currently active or in remission. 
• Symptoms: The insurance company will want to know the specific symptoms you experience, such as heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing. They will also want to know how often you experience these symptoms and how severe they are. 
• Treatment history: The insurance company will want to know what treatments you have received for GERD, including medications, lifestyle changes, and any surgeries. They will also want to know if you are currently receiving treatment and if it is effective in controlling your symptoms. 
• Complications: The insurance company will want to know if you have any complications related to your GERD, such as oesophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, or oesophageal cancer. They will also want to know if you have any other health conditions or have had any other health issues in the past.
• Medications: The insurance company will want to know what medications you are currently taking for your GERD, including over-the-counter and prescription medications. They will also want to know the dosage, how long you have been taking them, and if you have had any side effects. 
• Medical records: The insurance company will likely ask for copies of your medical records related to your GERD, including test results and doctor’s notes.

The insurance company will use all this information to assess the risk associated with insuring you and will then determine the rate and coverage options available to you.

What Questions Will Life Insurance Companies Ask If I Have Acid Reflux?

When applying for life insurance with a history of acid reflux or GERD, you may be asked the following questions:

• When were you first diagnosed with acid reflux or GERD?
• Who diagnosed your acid reflux or GERD? A general practitioner or a specialist?
• How are you treating your condition?
• What prescription medications (if any) have you been prescribed?
• Have any of these medications changed in the past 12 months?
• Has your doctor recommended that you receive or has he or she performed any surgical procedures within the past 12 months to help you treat your condition?
• What symptoms led to your diagnosis?
• What symptoms do you currently suffer from (if any)?
• In the past two years have you been hospitalized for any reason?
• Have you been diagnosed with any other serious medical conditions?
• Does your acid reflux or GERD become exacerbated by certain external stimuli such as stress, lack of sleep, certain kinds of food, etc.?
• Have you been diagnosed with ulcers, esophageal scarring, Barrett’s esophagus, stomach cancer, or esophageal cancer?
• Are you currently working?
• In the past 12 months, have you applied for or received any form of disability benefits?

It’s important to be honest and upfront when answering these questions, as failure to disclose relevant medical information can result in a denied claim. Your insurance agent will use this information to determine your coverage options and rates.

Life insurance with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

 If you have Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), there are a few different life insurance options that you may want to consider:

 Term life insurance: This type of insurance provides coverage for a specific period of time, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. It is typically the most affordable option and is often recommended for individuals who want to provide financial protection for their loved ones during a specific period of their lives.

Term life insurance is a popular option for individuals with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) because it is typically the most affordable type of life insurance. When applying for term life insurance with GERD, you may be required to disclose your medical history, including your diagnosis and treatment for GERD. The insurance company may also require you to undergo a medical exam to assess your overall health. Based on the severity of your GERD and other risk factors, the insurer may charge you a higher premium.

Whole life insurance: This type of insurance provides lifelong coverage and also includes a savings component, allowing you to accumulate cash value over time. This type of policy may be more expensive than term life insurance, but it can provide you with lifelong coverage, regardless of your health status.

 Guaranteed issue life insurance: This type of insurance policy is designed for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, such as GERD. Guaranteed issue policies do not require a medical exam or a health questionnaire, and coverage is guaranteed regardless of your health status. However, these policies are typically more expensive than other types of life insurance.

Tips To Lower Your Life Insurance Costs

Here are a few tips to help lower your life insurance costs if you have Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Insurance companies often consider factors such as your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels when determining your premium. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help lower your risk of complications and lower your premium.
• Shop around: Compare rates and policies from different insurance companies to find the best deal.
•  Manage your GERD: Keep your GERD under control with medication, lifestyle changes, and regular check-ups with your doctor. This can demonstrate to the insurer that you are taking steps to manage your condition and thus lower the risk.
•  Quit smoking: Smokers are considered a higher risk for many health issues and pay higher premiums. Quitting smoking can help lower your premium.
• Consider a longer term policy: A longer term policy can help lower your premium over the long run.
• Choose a higher deductible: A higher deductible means you’ll pay more out of pocket before your insurance kicks in, but it can also lower your premium.
• Bundle your insurance: Bundling your life insurance with other types of insurance, such as home or car insurance, can often result in a discount.
• Choose a lower coverage amount: While it may not be enough to cover all your needs, a lower coverage amount can lower your premium.

It’s important to keep in mind that the best way to lower your life insurance costs is to shop around and compare different policies and providers. It is also wise to work with an insurance agent or advisor to help you find the right coverage at the best possible price.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Life Insurance with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Finding the right life insurance policy for your diagnosis

You may have heard that getting life insurance is difficult if you have GERD or believe that it will pose a health risk in the future. However, this isn’t always the case. The secret is to locate a plan that offers you coverage for your pre-existing condition at a cheap price.

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, Alberta, and British Columbia, including areas such as Guelph, Edmonton, and Airdrie.