Medications That Can Affect Life Insurance Coverage

If you are suffering from a serious illness or medical condition and are on powerful medications, obtaining a life insurance policy at standard premium rates may prove difficult. This is because the side effects of these medications may pose a higher risk for the insurance company, making them less likely to offer coverage. During the underwriting process for life insurance, insurance companies typically inquire about your current medication use. They will request details on the dosage, frequency of use, and duration of the medication. If the underwriter deems your medication use too risky, you may be denied insurance altogether or charged a higher premium.

Case Study

Priscila is a 33-year-old woman who has been taking medication for anxiety for the past five years. She is interested in getting life insurance coverage to protect her family in case something were to happen to her. However, she is worried that her medication may affect her ability to get approved for coverage or may result in higher premiums.

After doing some research, Priscila discovers that her anxiety medication may indeed impact her life insurance application. She decides to speak with an insurance agent to better understand her options. The agent asks Priscila about her medical history and current medication use, as well as the dosage and frequency of her anxiety medication.

Based on this information, the agent advises Priscila that her medication may result in higher premiums or a possible rating, which means she may pay more than someone who is in perfect health. However, the agent also assures Priscila that she can still qualify for coverage, and provides her with several options from different insurers.

Priscila decides to apply for coverage with one of the recommended insurers and is approved for a policy with a slightly higher premium than what she was originally quoted. She is relieved that she can still provide financial protection for her family and feels more confident about her financial future.

For individuals taking medications that could affect their life insurance application, a common concern is whether they can qualify for coverage. Due to the potential risks associated with medication use, insurers may evaluate various factors such as the type and dosage of medication, medical history, age, and overall health in determining eligibility and premiums. Obtaining life insurance can be challenging, but speaking with an insurance agent and exploring different options can help individuals find coverage that suits their needs.

Yes, you can get life insurance if you take medications! At Protect Your Wealth, we are here for you to help you navigate your options and choose a policy that suits your needs. 

In this article:

• What Are Some Medications That Can Affect My Life Insurance Application?
• Common Examples of Medication That May Impact Your Application
• How Are My Prescriptions Disclosed to Life Insurance Companies in the First Place?
• Is It Possible to Still Qualify for Life Insurance Coverage if You Take Medication That Could Affect Your Application?
• What Steps Can You Take to Help Mitigate the Impact of Medication on Your Life Insurance Application?
• How Do Life Insurance Companies Evaluate Medication Use When Determining Rates and Coverage Options?
• Can a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Impact Your Ability to Get Life Insurance Coverage if You Take Medication to Manage It?
• Frequently Asked Questions about Medications That Could Affect Your Life Insurance Application

What Are Some Medications That Can Affect My Life Insurance Application?

There are several medications that could impact your life insurance application, making it more difficult to obtain coverage or resulting in higher premiums. Here are some of the medications that could affect your life insurance application:

•  Medications for cancer treatment: Chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer can have severe side effects and may make it difficult to obtain life insurance coverage.
•  Medications for heart disease: Medications used to treat heart disease, such as nitroglycerin, may also impact your life insurance application. This is because heart disease is considered a high-risk medical condition. 
• Anti-seizure medications: Medications used to treat seizures, such as phenytoin or carbamazepine, can be seen as a potential risk factor by insurance companies. 
• Blood thinners: Blood thinners, such as warfarin or heparin, can increase the risk of bleeding and may impact your ability to obtain life insurance coverage.
• Immunosuppressant drugs: Medications used to suppress the immune system after an organ transplant surgery can have severe side effects and may make it difficult to obtain life insurance coverage.

If you are taking any of these medications or other prescription drugs, it is important to disclose this information to your insurance company during the application process. Your insurance company may request additional information, such as the dosage, frequency of use, and duration of the medication. Depending on the severity of your medical condition and the potential risk factors, you may be offered coverage at a higher premium or denied coverage altogether.

Common Examples of Medication That May Impact Your Application

1. Prednisone: Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid used to treat inflammatory diseases and suppress pain. However, its immunosuppressive nature means that it can have harmful side effects such as weight gain, high blood pressure, joint and abdominal pain, fatigue, depression, and insomnia. Insurance underwriters may approve coverage for individuals who use Prednisone over a short period for a curable condition, but long-term use may be considered too risky.
2. Prozac: Prozac, also known as Fluoxetine, is a popular anti-depressant medication used to treat clinical depression, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, users have reported experiencing adverse effects such as anxiety, agitation, nausea, insomnia, and excessive sweating. Violent or suicidal thoughts have also been reported. Individuals who require regular use of Prozac may face more detailed questioning during the underwriting process and may be offered a higher premium rate or even denied coverage.
3. Narcotic Analgesics (Codeine, Oxycodone, etc.): Narcotic analgesics are powerful painkillers that are extracted from the opium poppy plant. Examples of these medications include Codeine, Morphine, and Oxycodone. They are highly effective at managing severe acute or chronic pain, but their addictive nature and severe side effects make them a concern for life insurance underwriters. Side effects include respiratory arrest, circulatory collapse, apnea, and even death due to overdose. Individuals who require long-term use of narcotic analgesics may have difficulty securing a life insurance policy.
4. Methotrexate: Methotrexate is an antimetabolite and antifolate drug used to treat arthritis, lupus, and various types of cancer. However, it can slow down the body’s metabolism and folic acid production, leading to toxic effects on body cells, slowed cell growth, and division. Methotrexate can also cause liver damage, low white blood cell count, fever, and kidney failure. Due to the risk of medical complications, insurance underwriters may consider individuals using Methotrexate too risky to insure at the standard rate.
5. Warfarin: Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots in veins or arteries and sometimes to prevent strokes and heart attacks. However, it can cause adverse effects such as reducing Vitamin K and increasing bleeding risks, which can be fatal. Side effects also include Warfarin necrosis, reduced bone density, and calcification of arteries and blood valves. Insurance underwriters may scrutinize individuals who use Warfarin during the underwriting process and may offer higher premiums or deny coverage based on dosage and duration of use.
6. Metformin: Metformin is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes by reducing glucose production in the liver and increasing insulin sensitivity. Insurance underwriters may view Metformin use favorably, especially if the individual’s blood glucose levels are well-controlled.
7. Blood pressure medication: Blood pressure medication is used to manage hypertension, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Insurance underwriters may evaluate the individual’s blood pressure readings, the type of medication used, and the length of use when determining coverage options and rates.
8. Cholesterol-lowering medication: Cholesterol-lowering medication is used to manage high cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease. Insurance underwriters may evaluate the individual’s cholesterol readings, the type of medication used, and the length of use when determining coverage options and rates.

How Are My Prescriptions Disclosed to Life Insurance Companies in the First Place?

When you apply for life insurance, you grant the insurance company permission to gather information on your behalf. To do this, they utilize third-party services to obtain your prescription history from the pharmacies you frequent. While there is no specific life insurance prescription database, there is an abundance of available data from chain pharmacies, HMOs, and hospitals.

Typically, underwriters will review a five-year prescription history. However, if your policy amount exceeds $1,000,000, they may require a longer history. 

Is It Possible to Still Qualify for Life Insurance Coverage if You Take Medication That Could Affect Your Application?

Yes, it is possible to still qualify for life insurance coverage if you take medication that could affect your application. However, the premium you pay for the policy may be higher than if you didn’t take any medication or had a clean bill of health. The underwriting process for life insurance takes into account many factors, including your medication history, medical history, family medical history, lifestyle choices, and other factors. So, if you take medication that could affect your application, the life insurance company may require additional medical information, such as a report from your doctor or a medical exam, before deciding whether to approve your application and at what premium rate.

It is important to be upfront and honest about your medication use during the application process, as any misrepresentation could result in the policy being invalidated.

​​What Steps Can You Take to Help Mitigate the Impact of Medication on Your Life Insurance Application?

If you take medication that could affect your life insurance application, there are a few steps you can take to help mitigate the impact:

• Be upfront about your medication use: When applying for life insurance, be sure to disclose all the medications you take, even if they may affect your application. Being upfront can help your insurer better assess your risk and may prevent future complications.
• Get a doctor’s note: A note from your doctor can provide additional information about why you take certain medications and how they are being managed. This can help alleviate any concerns the underwriter may have.
• Improve your overall health: Taking steps to improve your overall health, such as exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet, can demonstrate to your insurer that you are taking control of your health and may help mitigate the impact of your medication use.
• Shop around: Different insurers may have different underwriting criteria for medication use. Shopping around and comparing quotes from multiple insurers can help you find a policy that fits your needs and budget. 
• Work with an experienced agent: An experienced life insurance agent can help guide you through the application process and help you find a policy that works for you.

How Do Life Insurance Companies Evaluate Medication Use When Determining Rates and Coverage Options?

Life insurance companies evaluate medication use when determining rates and coverage options by looking at several factors. They will typically review the type of medication, the dosage, how long the medication has been taken, and the reason why the medication was prescribed.

Additionally, the underwriters may review medical records, test results, and other relevant information to assess the impact of the medication on the applicant’s overall health. The insurance company may also consult with medical professionals to better understand the implications of the medication use.

Based on this information, the life insurance company will determine the level of risk associated with the medication use and adjust the rates and coverage options accordingly. In some cases, the medication use may result in higher premiums or exclusions for certain conditions, while in other cases the medication use may not have a significant impact on the applicant’s rates or coverage options. Ultimately, the evaluation process will vary depending on the specific circumstances of the individual applicant and the insurance company’s policies and guidelines.

Can a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Impact Your Ability to Get Life Insurance Coverage if You Take Medication to Manage It?

Yes, a pre-existing medical condition can impact your ability to get life insurance coverage, even if you take medication to manage it. Life insurance companies will evaluate your overall health and medical history, including any pre-existing conditions and medications you take, when determining your eligibility for coverage and the rates you will be offered. If your pre-existing condition is deemed high-risk, it may be more difficult to obtain coverage or you may be offered coverage at a higher premium. However, it’s still possible to get coverage with a pre-existing condition, and working with an experienced life insurance agent can help you find the best options available.

Frequently Asked Questions about Medications That Could Affect Your Life Insurance Application

Finding the right life insurance plan for you

Taking medications that could affect your life insurance application doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be denied coverage or face high premiums. By understanding how life insurance companies evaluate medication use, being proactive about managing your health conditions, and shopping around for the best policy, you can increase your chances of getting the coverage you need to protect yourself and your loved ones. Protect Your Wealth can help you get it by guiding you through the process of buying disability insurance and determining whether you may require individual disability insurance coverage.

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 service clients anywhere in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta including areas such as Oakville, Scarborough, Calgary, and Victoria.