is being wheelchair bound an automatic disqualification for life insurance?

My son has cerebral palsy and is wheelchair bound. No health issues other than seizures that are controlled.

  1. 63333 POINTS
    Peggy Mace
    Most of the U.S.
    No, being wheelchair bound is not an automatic disqualification for all life insurance, but is an automatic decline for most. Your best bet is guaranteed issue life insurance, which does not ask any health questions at all. However, there are very few options like that for persons under age 50.

    If your son is able to transfer independently, it may be possible to get him a simplified issue policy, that asks some (vs no) health questions.

    Finally, there are some companies that will consider a fully underwritten policy of any size if the wheelchair bound person is able to handle full time employment, transfer independently, etc. Unfortunately, this would not be your son's case, so not an option for him.

    I wish you and your son the best. Please feel free to contact me to discuss personally.
    Answered on April 10, 2015
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  2. 1313 POINTS
    Lenny Robbins
    Principal, LifeNet Insurance Solutions, Redmond, WA
    No, being in a wheel chair is not a disqualification in itself. In addition, may carriers will insure an individual with cerebral palsy although it will be a highly rated (more expensive) case. Your best interests would be served by an independent agent that can access many carriers to get a clear idea of his insurability.
    Answered on April 10, 2015
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  3. 1554 POINTS
    Marcy Tooker
    Life & Health Insurance Agent, The Tooker Agency, Riverhead NY
    No, being wheelchair bound is not a reason for a life insurance application to be automatically declined. However having cerebral palsy will have a significant impact on his insurability, as well as the type of policy and company that will be best for him. With many companies you can submit what is called a trial application. This simply means that the company will obtain his medical records (with his consent of course) and determine exactly what rate class he qualifies for before discussing policy specifics.

    With any life insurance application, the rate quoted is not guaranteed until the underwriting process is finished. By completing the underwriting first his agent will know exactly what he qualifies for and exactly what the premium will be. Your son won't potentially waste a lot of time discussing what the agent thinks the rate will be, he will know for sure.
    Answered on April 11, 2015
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  4. 21750 POINTS
    Jim Winkler
    CEO/Owner, Winkler Financial Group, Houston, Texas
    That is a great question! The wheelchair itself is for some companies, but for most it's the reason for the wheelchair that is. In the case of your son, I'd strongly suggest that you find a local independent agent who can help you look for an affordable policy. There are companies that will write a policy for your son. What you want to be aware of and look for, are how the policy will be classified.
    There are policies issued for people with no big health issues, policies for minor health issues, and policies for people with bigger health issues. These policies are called "graded", modified", or "guaranteed issue" policies. They all are more expensive, and will have a period of time where the return on the policy will be reduced, if your son were God forbid, pass. That is where the agent can really help. You want to find the most affordable price, with the shortest grade (the period of reduced payment of benefits), and the highest return to you.
    Good luck in your search, if I can help in any way please feel free to contact me, and thank you for asking!
    Answered on April 11, 2015
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  5. 7479 POINTS
    Steve Kobrin
    President, The Firm of Steven H. Kobrin, LUTCF, 6-05 Saddle River Rd #103, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
    I actually just got someone who is a paraplegic a very good rate on life insurance. One big plus was that he lived with his family, drove his own vehicle to work, and has many coworkers at the office. One big underwriting concern is the ability to vacate the premises in case of an emergency. Wheelchair-bound people who live by themselves are very tough to underwrite for that exact fear.

    Other issues include complications and organ dysfunction due to lack of mobility.

    By and large you can be eligible for coverage, but it requires some very careful prequalification to make sure all the quote information is thorough and accurate, and that the carriers fully understand how you are managing all medical and lifestyle issues.
    Answered on April 23, 2015
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  6. 1185 POINTS
    Scott W Johnson
    Manager, Marindependent Insurance Services LLC, California
    No being in a wheelchair is not an immediate disqualification.

    Life insurance and Life Insurance underwriting has changed immensely in the past 20 years or so.

    What would really matter is the overall health situation. Also past driving record, employment information, medicines being taken, etc. Contact an independent agent to talk about it.
    Answered on October 3, 2016
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