Life insurance

[nirvana]

Hi, I just got diagnosed 10 days ago with HOCM and we are getting used to the idea. Had gone for flu checkup and was referred to the cardiologist.

What are my options with life insurance - currently I don't have any. Are there any companies that underwrite life insurance for reasonable rates?

Bala

[wonderly]

Re: Life insurance

Hi Bala;

Once your diagnosed, it is virtually impossible to get life insurance. I had posted quite awhile ago witha question regading my children and possible future diagnosis. I was told to buy as much insurance as possible now to protect tham later.

Please check the archives. I'm sure there is information about insurance .

Tricia

[Sarah]

Re: Life insurance

if you don't have an official diagnosis yet, run to the nearest agent and see if you can get some. otherwise, the only life insurance you will be able to get would be through a group policy at a job. some companies have "portable" policies that you can take with you when you leave, too.

if you have kids, get them lots of life insurance now b/c each one of them has a 50/50 chance of having HCM and you don't want to screen them first and then be stuck.

good luck,

s

[nirvana]

Re: Life insurance

What is 'officially diagnosed'? I had an echo taken (and that seems to be the final word on it). Is it like when the info goes to the insurance co?

No kids but yes, my sisters are getting life insurance before they go for their tests.

Has anybody got insurance in another country where the laws might be little different?

[Sarah]

Re: Life insurance

sometime people get to the board while the doctor is handing you off for a second opinion or you are waiting for more tests. if someone has written "hypertrophic cardiomyopathy" in your medical file, then that is as official as it gets. if you lied on your application now, they can always pull your file and check. no good.

the problem is that HCM is a very broad term and the vast majority of us live a long, full life, live the average life span or more. However, there are a few who need new hearts, so the entire category is struck from coverage.

you should also see a specialist; see our links page for more info on the heart centers and read the archived posts or ask or call Lisa for more. referrals are done over the phone; not on the board.

take care,

s

ps how are you feeling?

[Lisa Salberg]

Re: Life insurance

Hi Bala,
We just got off the phone...but I thought I would answer here as well. MAXIMIZE your employer sponsored life ins. and ask if the policy is "portable" meaning if you leave the job you can take the coverage with you.

It is also a good idea to get coverage BEFORE you get screened...in your case that was not possible but for your family members it will be.

Be well,
Lisa