I am considering obtaining more coverage and one of the questions for preferred coverage is “Have you had a parent, brother, sister who experience angina, stroke, or heart trouble before 60?”. I am looking for some guidance to better understand if this would include high cholesterol?
I think the answer is no, but I am not sure and have checked with my Mom and brother and they think to always, but I am not 100% sure. Thank you in advance for your help.
.JPG){kind=avatar}
When looking for coverage, it's important to compare multiple carriers for the coverage. Your full medical history will determine the risk classification you can qualify for - the risk class determines what the rates will be for coverage. In addition, every carrier has their own underwriting guidelines, meaning that each carrier can assign a different risk class to the same medical profile - one carrier may consider standard where another one may consider preferred. Your height/weight profile, prescriptions you're taking, current conditions under treatment, conditions treated in the last 10+ years, any tobacco usage, and other factors affect the risk classifications carriers will consider.
Determining the availability for preferred rates for your program would be best discussed with an independent insurance agent who can review your medical history, evaluate the risk class considerations, and compare a variety of options for you to make sure you're securing the coverage at the lowest possible cost.
Depending on how old the existing policy is, whether it's term or permanent insurance, and what the premium is on it, you may want to consider securing a new policy that totals what the coverage would be if kept separately. Especially if it's term insurance, a new policy would allow you to secure a new term rate guarantee where as the existing policy has fewer years remaining.
I hope the information is helpful - please feel free to contact me for help with your coverage and if you have any other questions. Thanks very much.
Life insurance qualifications take a close look at your health issues, but aren't as strict as you might think. Most insurers will look at your high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, or diabetes, and if they are being controlled by medications, will not count that against you. It's when these issues aren't being managed that you will have trouble getting or affording the coverage.
Many companies will also have a "look back" period, where it is only within that period (usually 2-5 years) that major health issues are considered. So if you'd had say, a stroke, but it was 10 years ago, and you've been on medications and have had great health since, a good independent agent can help you find a policy that won't count that stroke against you.
I am pleased that you were so careful with being truthful with your answers, that says a lot about your character and honesty. You rock!!
I hope that helps you feel better about the question - they are looking for big things, not the little ones, but if you are still worried, just ask your agent, or drop me a line, and if I can help I will. Thanks for asking!