Jason Fisher A lesser known medical concern which can create a bump in the road when applying for life insurance is Barrett’s Esophagus. Fortunately, it’s not a big concern for a few select companies who write health issues on a regular basis.
If you’re looking for life insurance with Barrett’s Esophagus, let us help.
We are in independent life insurance agency who works over 50 of the nation’s top life insurance providers. Our main goal is to find you the best life insurance policy at the best price, every time.
Barrett’s Esophagus is something we are familiar with, and we are confident we can give you the best opportunity for approval. Continue reading below to find out more about Barrett’s Esophagus, the concerns to the insurance company, and what we’ll need from you in order to secure the most accurate quotes.
Life Insurance With Barrett’s Esophagus
To first learn why Barrett’s Esophagus can become worrisome to a life insurance underwriter, let’s look at Barrett’s Esophagus as a whole, its causes and symptoms. Understanding the different risks it could present to any life insurance carrier will help you understand the rating you can expect, and keep those expectations realistic.
According to the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse:
Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the tissue lining the esophagus—the muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach—is replaced by tissue that is similar to the intestinal lining. This process is called intestinal metaplasia. People with Barrett’s esophagus are at increased risk for a rare type of cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Barrett’s Esophagus affects less than 1 in 100 people, and is most common around age 60. It has been seen in children, but is very unlikely. Barrett’s Esophagus cannot be determined until after biopsy and an upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy. It tends to happen in those who are overweight, and is not generally tied to genetics. The exact cause is still unknown, but factors such as weight, previous acid reflux and other minor concerns have been noted to increase the chance.
The biggest risk factor when considering life insurance with Barrett’s Esophagus is the evolution of dysplasia. Without dysplasia, you could start as high as a standard rating. This, of course, depends on other factors such as current treatments (if necessary) and your history of biopsies. It’s better to have a consistent history of follow-up and even pro-activity in staying ahead of your Barrett’s Esophagus treatment requirements.
With an inconsistent history of biopsies, long segment progression, or significant treatment and medication, you may be looking at a Table 4 rating as a best case scenario. This means you can still buy life insurance with Barrett’s Esophagus, but you’ll pay about twice as much as the average person of your identical age, gender and same policy type.
You can be declined for life insurance with Barrett’s Esophagus, especially if you apply to the wrong company, but even if you apply to an aggressive company but you 1.) can’t prove a consistent and proactive regimen, 2.) have complications and fast progression, or 3.) have other health issues with otherwise prevent you from obtaining a traditionally underwritten life insurance policy.
Here are some common questions you’ll get from us when applying for life insurance with Barrett’s Esophagus:
- Dysplasia?
- Long or short segment?
- Date of diagnosis?
- Do you smoke?
- Treatments?
- Date of last biopsy?
- Result of biopsies?
- Medications?
- Height and weight?
If you can answer these questions accurately, we’ll be able to quote you accurately, as well as shop the many different carriers to ensure we not only get you the best rating, but the best rates. Many carriers view this with great variation, but there are a few who are more aggressive than others.
Not only will all the information you provide from the questions above matter, but your other health history, driving record, family history and more will all be relevant. Buying life insurance with Barrett’s Esophagus is not just dependent on this single condition alone.
