How rigid are the underwriting requirements?

Insurance companies vary on this issue. If you have recovered from cancer or heart problems for example, some companies want you to be recovered two years, some five years. But if you are recovered with no treatment and no complications, you can usually get a policy. Progressive conditions are uninsurable, such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s or severe rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple conditions such as diabetes and heart problems or multiple strokes. Companies are becoming stricter on osteoporosis because it is common with older women. Conditions like hypertension are usually insurable if well under control. A few companies will accept insulin-dependent diabetics (commonly up to 50 units/day), and some companies will accept diabetics controlled by diet. The younger you are when you apply, the better the chance you will be accepted and/or qualify for a preferred health discount of 5%-15%, and that’s nothing to sneeze at!

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