When you’ve been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate, you might wonder how it affects your eligibility for life insurance. Luckily, life insurance with an enlarged prostate is actually not as difficult as it may seem.
An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is one of the most common health problems in men over 40.
Underwriters understand this and take it into account when determining your coverage rating.
Working with the right life insurance company ensures you’ll receive the best policy possible with your current health status.
Here’s what you need to know about securing a suitable policy and the lowest rates.
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What Is Enlarged Prostate?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or enlarged prostate, affects over 3 million men per year in the United States alone.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the most common risk factors for an enlarged prostate include:
- Over age 40
- Family history of BPH
- Obesity, heart disease, and/or type 2 diabetes
- Erectile dysfunction
- Lack of physical exercise
MedilinePlus states an enlarged prostate is treatable with methods including lifestyle changes, medicine, or surgery.
Despite popular sentiment, BPH is not necessarily a warning sign of prostate cancer. However, it can cause additional health conditions such as infection, bladder and kidney stones, as well as problems urinating.
The symptoms of an enlarged prostate are mild at first. But, they almost always grow worse over time if treatment is put off.
The Mayo Clinic lists the most common symptoms as:
- Frequent need to urinate (especially during sleep)
- Sudden and urgent need to urinate
- Trouble urinating
- Weak urination stream
- Pain or discomfort during urination
- Inability to completely empty bladder
See a doctor as soon as you notice any of these symptoms. A variety of tests will be done to pinpoint the cause of the problem..
What Is the Application Process Like?
No life insurance company wants to take on undue risk. That’s why it’s so important to find a life insurance policy before you’re diagnosed with a health issue like an enlarged prostate, when possible.
Fortunately, thanks to the treatable nature of BPH, this particular medical issue shouldn’t cause big problems when seeking a life insurance policy.
During the application process, you’ll be asked several questions about your enlarged prostate. Expect to be asked about the following.
Overall Health
What state of health are you in, aside from your enlarged prostate? There’s a good chance you’ll qualify for up to a Preferred rate if you have no other medical issues.
Diet and Exercise
One of the major risk factors for benign prostatic hyperplasia developing into something worse is poor diet and lack of exercise. Writing a cover letter explaining your regular exercise and good eating habits can be helpful.
Smoking
Be sure to let the insurance company know you’re a non-smoker if you don’t use tobacco. Smoking is a significant contributor to an enlarged prostate. Those who do smoke should expect a poor rating class and higher premiums.
Date of Diagnosis
Information regarding the date of your enlarged prostate diagnosis will help the underwriter note the specifics of your problem. The length of time you’ve been dealing with it directly relates to your insurance rating.
PSA Levels
A PSA exam is a screening method used to gauge your risk for prostate cancer. It also allows the insurance agent to see whether your prostate problems are getting better or worse over time.
Treatment
The more you’re doing to take care of the issue, the better the chance you’ll receive a better rating. The underwriter will need to know about any treatments you’re receiving or prescriptions you’re taking.
It’s essential to look for life insurance from a company who actually asks you these questions. One who doesn’t go through an adequate pre-qualification process will likely offer higher rates than one who does.
Ratings You Can Expect
According to the American Cancer Society, an enlarged prostate doesn’t put you at a higher risk for prostate cancer and that those diagnosed with BPH have no cancer present in their bodies. The best life insurance companies understand these facts.
Those with an enlarged prostate, and no other health issues, should have no problem qualifying for a Standard rate or even a Preferred rate.
A Preferred rate is a common result for those diagnosed with an enlarged prostate at an early age. There are usually no other health complications, and steps can be taken to efficiently treat the problem. You must have an overall healthy lifestyle to receive a high rating.
A Standard rate is the most common result. These are given out to those with mostly good health, as well as older men seeking life insurance with first time symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
It’s unlikely you’ll receive a Sub-standard rate unless other health issues are present. It’s even more unlikely you won’t qualify for life insurance since an enlarged prostate isn’t directly linked to cancer or other serious conditions.
Be sure to document your doctor visits as thoroughly as possible. Stay up-to-date with the latest treatments and prescriptions. Doing this will help you qualify for the best life insurance premium possible.
How to Get the Best Life Insurance with BPH
It’s always recommended to shop around for the best rates on life insurance. Don’t just go with the first offer you receive.
Seeking the help of an experienced insurance agent will also increase your likelihood of getting the best coverage at the lowest rates.
The key is to start your research right away after diagnosis. An insurance agent will work with several different insurance companies and will help you find the best rating and best coverage from a provider who knows the facts about an enlarged prostate.