Life Insurance with Leprosy in Canada

Life insurance is an important financial tool that can provide financial security for yourself and your loved ones in the event of your death. However, if you have a pre-existing medical condition such as leprosy, obtaining life insurance can be more difficult. Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the skin and nerves. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae and is primarily spread through prolonged contact with an infected person. In this blog, we’ll talk about the different ways that people with leprosy can get life insurance, as well as the questions that insurance companies may ask and the things that need to be taken into account.

Can I Get Life Insurance with Leprosy?

Obtaining life insurance can be challenging for individuals with leprosy, as many report receiving high rate quotes or being denied coverage altogether. This leads to a common question among our clients: “Can I get life insurance if I have leprosy?” 

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

In this article: 

• Leprosy Overview
  • Signs and Symptoms of Leprosy 
• What Questions Will Insurance Companies Ask About Leprosy?
• Life Insurance with Leprosy 
• Other Options for Financial Protection 
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Life Insurance with Leprosy

Leprosy Overview

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. The disease mostly affects the skin, nerves, and eyes, but it can also hurt the respiratory and nervous systems. 

Symptoms of leprosy can take years to develop and may include numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, skin sores or rashes, muscle weakness, and nerve damage. In some cases, leprosy can also cause damage to the eyes, leading to blindness. 

Most people get leprosy from being in close contact with an infected person for a long time, but it can also be caught by breathing in droplets that an infected person puts into the air.

The treatment for leprosy involves a combination of antibiotics, typically for a period of six to twelve months. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications and long-term disability.

Leprosy is considered a rare disease, and it is estimated that around 200,000 new cases are reported each year worldwide. The disease is more common in certain parts of the world, such as Africa, Asia, and South America.

It’s important to note that leprosy is not as highly contagious as previously believed and that most people have a natural immunity to the bacteria that causes the disease. With early diagnosis and treatment, the disease is curable, and the risk of transmission can be reduced.

The number of leprosy cases reported in Canada is relatively low, and the disease is considered rare in the country. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), there were an average of 23 cases of leprosy reported annually between 2010 and 2019. The majority of cases are imported from other countries, and the majority of cases are seen in immigrants and refugees.

Signs and Symptoms of Leprosy 

The signs and symptoms of leprosy can vary depending on the type of leprosy and the stage of the disease. Some common early signs and symptoms of leprosy include:

• Skin lesions or rashes that are pale, red, or pink, and may be raised or flattened
• Loss of sensation or numbness in the affected area, due to damage to the nerves
• Muscle weakness or paralysis in the affected area, also due to nerve damage
• Enlarged nerves, which may be visible under the skin
• Dry, scaly skin

 As the disease progresses, additional symptoms may develop, such as:

• Damage to the eyes, leading to vision loss or blindness
• Damage to the respiratory system, leading to difficulty breathing
• Damage to the testes or ovaries, leading to infertility
• Disfigurement of the face or hands due to tissue loss or muscle weakness

It’s important to note that leprosy can present differently in different people, and some people may have very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. In some cases, the symptoms of leprosy may not appear for several years after infection. If you think you may have been exposed to leprosy or if you have symptoms that could be signs of the disease, you should see a doctor and get checked out.

What Questions Will Insurance Companies Ask About Leprosy?

Insurance companies will typically ask a variety of questions when assessing an applicant with leprosy for life insurance coverage. Some of the questions they may ask include:

• When were you first diagnosed with leprosy?
• What type of leprosy do you have (e.g. tuberculoid, lepromatous)?
• What treatment have you received for your leprosy?
• Are you currently receiving treatment for your leprosy?
• Has your leprosy caused any complications or complications in the past?
• Has your leprosy caused any disability or loss of function?
• What is your current health status and how are you feeling?
• Are you able to work and carry out your daily activities?
• Are you experiencing any symptoms or complications related to your leprosy currently?
• What is your prognosis and expected outcome? 

Keep in mind that the questions and level of detail will vary depending on the insurance company and the type of policy you are applying for. It’s important to be honest and forthcoming with the information you provide to the insurance company, as this will help to ensure that you receive an accurate assessment of your coverage options.

 Life Insurance with Leprosy 

 Life insurance is an important financial tool that can provide financial security for yourself and your loved ones in the event of your death. But getting life insurance can be harder if you have a health problem like leprosy that was there before.

While leprosy is a treatable condition, it can still have a significant impact on a person’s life. The disease can cause disfigurement, nerve damage, and muscle weakness, which can make it difficult for those affected to obtain life insurance. However, obtaining life insurance with leprosy is not impossible. Many insurance companies will still offer coverage to individuals with leprosy, but the terms and conditions of the policy may be different. For example, the insurance company may require a higher premium or exclude certain types of death from the coverage. 

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. It is usually less expensive than whole life insurance and is usually used to protect your finances for a certain amount of time, like until your children are grown or your mortgage is paid off.

 If you have a pre-existing medical condition, such as leprosy, obtaining term life insurance can be more difficult. Insurance companies will typically require a medical examination and may ask for additional information about your condition before approving coverage. The good news is, some insurance companies will still offer term life insurance to individuals with pre-existing conditions. However, the terms and conditions of the policy may be different. For example, the insurance company may require a higher premium or exclude certain types of death from the coverage.

 It’s important to be honest and disclose your pre-existing condition when applying for life insurance. If you do not disclose your condition and it is discovered later, your policy may be cancelled, and you may not be able to get any insurance coverage in the future. It is also worth noting that some insurance companies may not offer coverage for certain pre-existing conditions or may exclude coverage related to those conditions. It is important to shop around and compare different insurance policies to find the best coverage for your needs. In addition, you may want to consider working with a financial advisor or insurance broker who can help you understand the different options available to you and help you find a policy that meets your needs and your budget.

Overall, while obtaining term life insurance with a pre-existing condition can be more difficult, it is still possible to find coverage that meets your needs. With the right research and advice, you can find the right policy to provide financial security for yourself and your loved ones. 

Simplified Issue Life Insurance

Simplified issue life insurance is a type of life insurance policy that does not require a medical examination but does take pre-existing conditions into consideration. This means that individuals with pre-existing conditions such as leprosy may still be able to qualify for coverage.

When applying for simplified issue life insurance, individuals with leprosy will typically be asked a series of health questions about their condition. The insurance company may also review any medical records that are provided to them.

Based on the answers provided and the medical records, the insurance company will determine the individual’s risk level and the terms and conditions of the policy. The amount of coverage can be higher than with policies that guarantee acceptance, and the premium is usually less.

It’s important to keep in mind that simplified issue life insurance policies may come with exclusions or waiting periods before the policy is fully effective. It’s also important to think about the fact that the amount of coverage for leprosy may be less than for other conditions.

 It’s recommended to compare simplified issue policies with other options and consider your specific needs, budget, and financial goals before making a decision. 

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance 

Individuals with leprosy may face difficulty in getting traditional insurance coverage from some insurance companies as leprosy is considered a pre-existing condition, and the risk associated with it is considered to be higher. This is unfortunate as it limits the options for insurance coverage for these individuals.

One option for individuals with leprosy in Canada is to look into guaranteed issue life insurance. This type of policy does not require a medical examination and does not take pre-existing conditions into consideration. However, the coverage amount is usually lower, and the premium is typically higher.

However, guaranteed issue insurance policies typically have certain limitations. For example, coverage amounts are usually lower than those of traditional life insurance policies, and the premiums are typically higher. The coverage may also come with exclusions or waiting periods before the policy is fully effective. Guaranteed issue insurance policies are designed for individuals who have difficulty obtaining traditional life insurance coverage due to health reasons or other factors. They provide a way for people to have some level of coverage and protection, even if they are not able to qualify for other types of life insurance.

It’s important to note that this type of policy may not be the best option for everyone. Before deciding on a guaranteed issue insurance policy, it’s recommended to compare it with other options and consider your specific needs, budget, and financial goals.

 It’s also worth considering working with a financial advisor or insurance broker who can help you understand the different options available to you and help you find a policy that meets your needs and your budget. They can also help you navigate the application process and provide you with the best options based on your medical condition.

Other Options for Financial Protection  

Critical Illness Insurance

Leprosy can have a significant impact on an individual’s financial situation. The disease can cause disfigurement, nerve damage, and muscle weakness, which can make it difficult for those affected to work and earn a living. This can lead to a loss of income and difficulty paying bills and meeting other financial obligations. In addition, the cost of treatment for leprosy can be high. The disease is treated with multi-drug therapy (MDT), which is usually provided free of charge in many countries, including Canada, but individuals may still need to pay for transportation and other expenses related to treatment. In this situation, financial products such as critical illness insurance can provide additional financial support.

 Critical illness insurance provides a lump-sum payment if the policyholder is diagnosed with a critical illness such as cancer, a heart attack, or a stroke. This payment can be used to cover medical expenses, lost income, or other financial needs. 

It’s important to consider these options when discussing life insurance for leprosy, as they can help supplement the coverage and provide additional protection and peace of mind. 

To learn more about critical illness insurance check out our blog: Is Critical Illness Insurance Right for You?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Life Insurance with Leprosy

Find a solution for what you’re looking for

Individuals with leprosy may have difficulty finding an insurance company that will cover their medical expenses, but it is still possible to find coverage. Some insurance companies may offer coverage, but the terms and conditions of the policy may be different. 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 Oakville, Maple Ridge, and St. Albert.