Know Your Coverage: A Comprehensive Guide of Pre-Existing Conditions that Can Affect Your Life Insurance

Last Updated: June 8, 2020

At Term Life Advice, we work with clients of all ages and from all walks of life, but the majority of them have one thing in common: their fear that a pre-existing condition will prevent them from being covered. Because we work with more than 60 top-rated life insurance companies, we can always find the best policy for our clients.

Every company we work with has its own niche and underwriting process; some companies will cover pre-existing conditions at a lower rate than others. In the list below, you’ll find the most common pre-existing conditions and lifestyle choices that may affect your life insurance rates.

A

Acid Reflux (GERD) — Acid reflux, or heartburn, is the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus; sometimes acid reflux can progress to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a more severe type of reflux.

Addison’s Disease — Addison’s disease, or primary adrenal insufficiency, is a disorder that occurs when your body produces inadequate amounts of the hormones produced by the adrenal glands.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) — ALS is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the spinal cord and nerve cells in the brain that involve the neurons responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement.

Anemia — Anemia is a condition that occurs when the body lacks healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin in its blood.

Aneurysm — An aneurysm develops when an artery wall weakens and causes an excessive localized enlargement of that artery; if it ruptures it can cause serious problems and even death.

Angina Pectoris — Angina pectoris is the medical term for chest pain caused by coronary heart disease, which occurs when the muscle doesn’t pump the sufficient amount of blood it needs.

Angioplasty — Angioplasty is a minimally invasive, endovascular medical procedure to widen narrowed or obstructed arteries or veins.

Anxiety — Anxiety can be classified as panic attacks, anxiety attacks, phobias, and social anxiety; it is considered a mental health disorder when the distress prevents someone from carrying on with his or her normal life.

Aortic Aneurysm — An aortic aneurysm is a bulge or enlargement in the body’s main artery, the aorta.

Arrhythmia — Arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm that can cause a broad range of medical complications.

Arthritis — Arthritis is the broad term given for inflammation of one or more joints, which causes pain and stiffness that can worsen with age; there are more than 100 types of arthritis.

Asthma — Asthma is the condition in which a person’s airways become inflamed, narrow, or swollen, which makes it difficult for that person to breathe.

Atrial Fibrillation — Atrial fibrillation is an irregular, often rapid heart rate that can often cause poor blood flow, blood clots, stroke, and heart failure.

Atrial Flutter — Atrial flutter is similar to atrial fibrillation; it’s a condition in which the heart’s atria, or upper chambers, beat too quickly.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) — ADHD is a chronic brain disorder that causes inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with daily life.

Autism — Autism is the serious developmental disorder that impairs social interaction and the ability to communicate.

B

Basal Cell Carcinoma — Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that typically develops on areas of skin exposed to the sun.

Berger’s Disease — Berger’s Disease, or IgA nephropathy, is a kidney disease that causes the kidneys to become inflamed.

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) — BPH is an age-related prostate gland enlargement that can cause difficulty urinating.

Bipolar Disorder — Bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes changes in mood, energy levels, and activity, and interferes with the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

Blood Clot — A blood clot is a gel-like mass formed by platelets and fibrin in the blood to stop bleeding, however it can cause serious complications when clots form inside an artery or vein.

Blood Pressure — As the heart beats, it pushes blood through the arteries, which creates a pressure on the blood vessels. Blood pressure that is too high (hypertension) or too low can cause several health complications.

Bradyarrhythmia — Bradyarrhythmia describes a slow heart rate, typically defined as a rate of less than 60 beats per minute.

Bronchiectasis — Bronchiectasis is a condition that occurs when the lungs’ airways (bronchi) become damaged as a result of chronic inflammation or infection.

Bronchitis (Chronic) — Bronchitis is the inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes (bronchi); it can cause several health issues like coughing, excess production of mucus, and difficulty breathing.

Bundle Branch Block — Bundle branch block is a condition in which there’s a delay or obstruction of the electrical impulses that make the heart beat.

C

Cancer — Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells, causing the destruction of regular body tissue.

Cardiovascular (Heart) Disease — Cardiovascular disease refers to heart conditions that include diseased vessels, structural problems, and blood clots.

Celiac Disease — Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes a reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

Cerebral Aneurysm — Cerebral aneurysm is the weakness or thinning in a blood vessel in the brain that balloons and fills with blood. It can put pressure on the nerves surrounding the brain tissue.

Cerebral Palsy — Cerebral palsy is a congenital disorder that affects movement, muscle tone, or posture.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT) — CMT is a group of hereditary disorders that damage the peripheral nerves in the arms and legs.

Cholesterol — Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body and is necessary for the body to properly function. However, too much cholesterol in the blood can narrow or even block the body’s arteries.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) — COPD is an umbrella term that is used to describe lung diseases that make it difficult to breathe.

Colitis (Ulcerative) — Colitis is a digestive disease that involves the inflammation in the inner lining of the colon.

Claudication — Claudication is pain caused by too little blood flow, usually during exercise; it’s usually caused by an obstruction of the arteries.

Colon Polyps— A colon polyp is a small clump of cells that forms on the lining of the colon or rectum; if left untreated, it can develop into colon cancer.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) — CHF is a chronic condition in which the heart doesn’t pump blood as well or efficiently as it should.

Coronary Bypass — Coronary bypass surgery improves blood flow to the heart muscle by creating a new pathway.

Crohn’s Disease — Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract; it can often lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition.

D

Depression — Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or a loss of interest in activities that significantly impairs day-to-day living.

Diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2) — Diabetes is a disease in which the body’s ability to produce or respond to insulin (sugar) is impaired, resulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood and urine.

Disability — Disability is a general term used for a functional limitation that interferes with a person’s ability, for example, to walk, lift, hear, or learn.

Diverticulitis — Diverticulitis is an inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches in the digestive tract.

Down Syndrome — Down syndrome is a genetic chromosome 21 disorder that causes developmental and intellectual delays.

DUI/ DWI — DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while impaired/ intoxicated) are the criminal offenses of driving or operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or other drugs to a level that renders the driver incapable of operating the vehicle safely.

Duodenal (Gastric) Ulcer — Duodenal ulcers, or gastric ulcers, are sores that develop on the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine.

E

Eating Disorder — Eating disorders can cover a range of psychological or emotional disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits, including anorexia and bulimia.

Emphysema — Emphysema is a condition that blocks airflow to the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe.

Endocarditis — Endocarditis is an infection of the heart’s inner lining, usually involving the heart valves.

Endometriosis — Endometriosis is a painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus.

Enlarged Prostate — An enlarged prostate is an age-related gland enlargement that can cause urination difficulty; it is a common condition for men over age 50.

Epilepsy — Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures.

Erosive Esophagitis — Erosive esophagitis is a condition in which areas of the lining of the esophagus become inflamed and wear away (erode).

F

Felony — A felony is a serious a crime, typically one involving violence and usually punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death.

Fibromyalgia — Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread muscle pain and fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues.

Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) — FSGS is a cause of nephrotic syndrome in children and adolescents, as well as a leading cause of kidney failure in adults.

G

Glaucoma — Glaucoma is a disease that damages your eye’s optic nerve; it worsens over time and can lead to blindness.

Gout — Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by severe pain, redness, and tenderness in joints.

H

Heart Attack — A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, is a blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, which causes permanent damage to the heart; more than a million Americans suffer from heart attacks each year.

Heart Murmur — A heart murmur is an unusual sound heard between heartbeats; there are two types of heart murmurs: innocent and abnormal.

Hemophilia — Hemophilia is a medical condition in which the ability of the blood to clot is severely reduced.

Hepatitis — Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, sometimes caused by a viral infection.

Herpes — Herpes is a virus that causes contagious sores, most often around the mouth or on the genitals.

Hyperlipidemia — Hyperlipidemia is a condition in which there are abnormally high levels of fat particles (lipids) in the blood.

Hysterectomy — A hysterectomy is a surgical operation to remove all or part of a woman’s uterus.

I

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) — IBD is the chronic inflammation of all or part of the digestive tract.

Insomnia — Insomnia is the persistent inability to fall or stay asleep; it can be caused by psychiatric or medical conditions, unhealthy sleep habits, specific substances, and/or certain biological factors.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) — IBS is a common intestinal disorder that causes stomach pain, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.

K

Kidney Stones — A kidney stone is a small, hard deposit that forms in the kidneys and is often painful when passed.

L

Lupus — Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs.

M

Migraines — Migraines are a headache disorder characterized by recurrent headaches that are moderate to severe; they can often be accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) — MS is a disease in which the immune system eats away at the protective covering of nerves, causing communication problems between the brain and rest of the body.

N

Narcolepsy — Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that causes overwhelming daytime drowsiness and an extreme tendency to fall asleep.

Nasal Polyps — A nasal polyp is a painless, benign growth on the lining of the nose or sinuses, usually caused by chronic inflammation due to asthma, recurring infection, allergies, drug sensitivity, or certain immune disorders.

O

Obesity — Obesity is characterized as being extremely overweight or having excessive body fat, which can increase the risk of other health problems.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) — OCD is characterized as excessive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions).

Organ Transplant — Organ transplantation is a medical procedure in which an organ is removed from one body and placed in the body of a recipient, to replace a damaged or missing organ.

Osteoporosis — Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which the bones become weak and brittle.

P

Pacemaker Implantation — A pacemaker is a small device that’s placed in the chest or abdomen that uses low-energy electrical pulses to help control abnormal heart rhythms.

Parkinson’s Disease — Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement, often including tremors.

Pancreatitis — Pancreatitis occurs when digestive enzymes become activated while still in the lower stomach (pancreas), irritating the cells and causing inflammation.

Panic Disorder — Panic disorder is diagnosed in people who experience seemingly spontaneous panic attacks and are preoccupied with the fear of a recurring attack.

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) — Peptic ulcer disease forms painful sores or ulcers in the lining of your stomach or first part of your small intestine.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) — PAD, or peripheral vascular disease, is a circulatory condition in which narrowed blood vessels reduce blood flow to the limbs.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) — PMDD is a severe, sometimes disabling extension of premenstrual syndrome (PMS); it may be severe enough to interfere with work, social activities, and daily lives.

Polycystic Kidney Disease — Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disorder in which clusters of cysts develop primarily within the kidneys.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — PTSD is a mental health disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, terrifying, or dangerous event; it is often accompanied by anxiety and/or flashbacks.

Proteinuria — Proteinuria is the presence of excess proteins in the urine, usually as a result of kidney damage.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE) — PE occurs when a blockage (like a blood clot) forms in one part of the body, circulates to the lungs, and obstructs blood flow.

R

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) — RLS causes unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them, especially in the evenings.

S

Schizophrenia — Schizophrenia is a long-term mental disorder that affects a person’s ability to think, feel, and behave clearly.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — SAD is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons; it occurs at the same time every year.

Seizures — A seizure occurs when there’s abnormal electrical activity in the brain, possibly as a result of epilepsy.

Sickle Cell Anemia — Sickle cell anemia is a severe hereditary disorder that causes red blood cells to become misshaped and break down.

Sleep Apnea — Sleep apnea is a potentially serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly and abruptly stops and starts while a person sleeps.

Stroke — Strokes occur when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or otherwise hindered; it can cause severe damage to the brain.

Substance Abuse & Recovery — Alcohol or drug abuse can often lead to addiction; over time, this can increase the risk of serious health conditions and illnesses.

Suicide (Attempted) — A suicide attempt, or failed suicide or nonfatal suicide, is an attempt where a person tries to kill himself or herself but survives.

T

Tachycardia — Tachycardia is a heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia) in which the heart beats faster than normal while at rest

Thrombosis — Thrombosis is a blood clot in a part of the circulatory system, often occurring in a vein in the leg.

Thyroid Disorder — The over production (hyperthyroidism) or under production (hypothyroidism) of the hormone produced by the thyroid gland.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) — A TIA is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain; it is often labeled as a “mini-stroke.”

Tuberculosis — Tuberculosis is a potentially serious, infectious bacterial disease that mainly affects the lungs.

V

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) — VSD is a heart defect, or hole in the heart, due to an abnormal connection between the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles).

Veteran Administration Disability — The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) gives VA Disability Benefits to all disabled veterans with service-connected medical conditions.

W

Weight Loss (Bariatric) Surgery — The procedures, including gastroplasty and gastro bypass surgery, to help an individual lose weight; these are typically performed on people classified as morbidly obese.

Z

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome — Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare condition in which one or more tumors form in the pancreas or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum).

How Term Life Advice Can Help You Find the Best Life Insurance Policy Even if You Have a Pre-Existing Condition

Our owner-operated agency works with more than 60 top-rated life insurance companies. This gives us the ability to match each client’s specific medical and lifestyle situation with the best policy available for their needs, saving them time and money.

Our services are free, and we have the time, experience, and expertise to work around several pre-existing conditions to get you covered and your family protected. Call us today at 855-902-6494, or request a free and instant life insurance online quote below to compare dozens of companies in less than a minute.

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