Topic: Will Lyme Dx Affect Life Insurance Application?
Starfall1969
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17353
posted
My husband and I sent in an application to AAA for their life insurance; we're sick of the company we currently have and were just looking into other companies.
Well, they called today to verify my info and to ask a whole bunch of questions.
Of course all the questions focused on my Lyme, when I was diagnosed, symptoms, treament and prognosis.
I'm just wondering if this is going to possibly make them deny us their life insurance, or if it's just a formality.
Posts: 1682 | From Dillsburg, PA | Registered: Sep 2008
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METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
Yes, else they wouldn't ask. It's in their best interest to "not" insure -- this is common among all insurance companies. However, they also realize that lawsuits are common for their sector too, and they take that into consideration. So, sometimes they say yes to people who are sick and insure them.
All the numbers are slanted in their favor from the getgo, just like in Vegas.
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
posted
My husband was turned down for life insurance because of a Lyme dx. Otherwise, he's 31, incredibly fit, non-smoker, blah blah blah. Perfect candidate.
Since he was still in treatment for Lyme, however, he was denied.
I figure once he's done with tx, we'll reapply and say that he was treated and then site the IDSA/CDC bull**** that says he's fine now. I kind of feel bad using the IDSA's crap logic, but it's what the insurance companies already "believe."
-AnnaL
Posts: 398 | From By the Salish Sea | Registered: Dec 2008
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posted
My two cents; if you already have exsisting life insurance, keep it. Even if you are sick of whatever it is the company may be doing. Stay where you are.
Posts: 374 | From United States | Registered: Nov 2008
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posted
I recall from previous discussion on this that some people said that it depended on the insurance company. Some companies seem to be completely ingnorant about lyme disease and not/ask care about that which works in our favor.
I think if you do a search here you will find the dicussion I am thinking of.
Posts: 526 | From NJ | Registered: May 2007
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
i agree with snailhead; keep what you have!
i too was turned down for long term care as well as hubby for his parkinson's.
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posted
I just talked with my LI guy and he said no one will give coverage with Lyme as an issue. For me to roll over my term policy at the end of its' time, it would cost me about $1000 a month to keep going. NO WAY!
Funny how health insurance denies the existance of long-term/chronic Lyme when you need treatment, yet life insurance acknowledges its' existance so they can deny you coverage or overcharge you for continued policies! Think the industry could stop talking out of both sides of their mouth?!!!
Posts: 273 | From Banks of the Hudson | Registered: Nov 2008
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Starfall1969
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17353
posted
Well, we got the letter in the mail today--I was turned down for the insurance.
They did accept my husband, even though he's not a AAA member, so he's got new insurance now.
I'll just have to stick it out with the sucky insurance and see if I can reapply if and when I'm "cured."
Posts: 1682 | From Dillsburg, PA | Registered: Sep 2008
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
So sorry Star.
But yes, they will deny it.. as you now know.
It has been going on for years.
I just dropped a note to LDA as they were collecting notices of denials at one point... for their records and to try to do something about it.
If they still are.. will let you know. OK pumpkin?
Starfall1969
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17353
posted
Well, they ask on the application if you're taking any meds on a regular basis, which of course I am.
Then they call and ask why you're taking what you're taking, so Honest Abe that I am compelled to be, I told them.
Hubby said that if I would have hidden the Lyme/Ehrlichia dx and would have died as a result of either and they found out I had it when I applied, they could refuse to pay the death benefit.
Catch you either way, I guess.
Posts: 1682 | From Dillsburg, PA | Registered: Sep 2008
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springshowers
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19863
posted
HI. Ok. I just called my Insurance agent this week and asked him to send me paperwork to cancel my life insurance.
one my kids are grown.... two i am getting rid of all bills not necessary .... 3 it has accumulated some monies I need so I was going to cash it out and cancel it.
I am second guessing this.
Should I keep it?
I am torn.
I know its a personal decision.. but
What the chances its needed. It does not cover suicide, the number one killer of lyme..
And.. well... I wanted it while my kids were younger and now.. I am not sure why i need it?
Maybe I am not thinking straight?
You know how it can be.. with this lyme brain ...
Posts: 2747 | From Unites States Of America | Registered: Apr 2009
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Cass A
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11134
posted
Hello!
As for continuing with life insurance, you'd need to answer what the beneficiaries would need the money for when you died.
If it's not much, you'd be better off to start a bank account for a Family Trust, with one or more of those persons either Trustees or Beneficiaries, and the benefits of the trust spelled out.
This would cost you less and be under your control, as the Trustee.
If you don't like banks, you could buy silver coins and keep them in a safe, same deal.
Best,
Cass A (former financial advisor)
Posts: 1245 | From Thousand Oaks, CA | Registered: Feb 2007
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Starfall1969
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17353
posted
Yeah, I think it's for any expenses that would need to be paid after you're gone, like funeral, college loans, mortgage, vehicles, etc.
Posts: 1682 | From Dillsburg, PA | Registered: Sep 2008
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posted
I was not denied, but they made my premiums almost twice those as my husband's. Needless to say, I did not sign up.
Posts: 636 | From Saratoga County, NY | Registered: Apr 2008
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