Individuals with pre-existing conditions will find it complicated to get a life insurance policy, and sleep apnea is one of them. However, when it comes to financial planning, life insurance is an important component. This brings us to the question: is life insurance for people with sleep apnea attainable?
It is crucial to understand how this sleep condition influences life insurance and how to maneuver the procedure efficiently to get proper coverage. With this in mind, let us discover how people with sleep apnea can get life insurance coverage easily.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a severe sleep disorder that involves constant interruptions in the breathing of a person during sleep. Furthermore, these repeated interruptions can last for a few seconds to minutes. It can also happen several times throughout the night. There are different types of sleep apnea.
Firstly, we have the most common type, which is known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This typically happens when the muscle at the back of the throat relaxes unduly, leading to temporary blockage of the airway.
On the other hand, there is central sleep apnea, which is the failure of the brain to send signals to the breathing-control muscles. Lastly, we have complex sleep apnea syndrome, which is a combination of central and obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Although the symptoms of sleep apnea can differ in severity, here are some of the common symptoms of this condition:
- Loud snoring.
- Gasping, choking, or snorting sounds.
- Breathing starts and stops.
- Frequently waking up.
Here are some daytime symptoms:
- Mood swings.
- Feeling very tired.
- Headaches when you wake up.
- Finding it hard to concentrate.
Since most of these symptoms happen when you are sleeping, it can be hard to tell if you have sleep apnea. This is why it is advisable to seek help from someone to observe you while you are asleep to check the symptoms.
How Does Life Insurance Work for People with Sleep Apnea?
Several considerations are required when it comes to getting a life insurance policy for sleep apnea. Firstly, the insurance provider will evaluate the associated risks of your condition, which can affect your coverage options and premiums. Secondly, there is usually an underwriting process for life insurance, which involves careful revision of your medical history. For example, how well your condition is managed, the severity of your sleep apnea, and your treatment plan.
Is It a Pre-existing Condition for Life Insurance?
Yes, for life insurance purposes, sleep apnea is considered a pre-existing condition. Therefore, your insurance company will review your condition when figuring out your policy terms and eligibility.
Although having sleep apnea does not disqualify you from life insurance coverage, it will significantly affect the conditions and cost of coverage by the insurer.
In some cases, the insurance provider might ask for a sleep study report and additional medical details to find out the impact of your condition on your health status.
Sleep Apnea Risk Factors
According to research, sleep apnea happens in females and males regardless of age. Some of the increased risks include:
- Males who are 65 and older.
- Being obese.
- Individuals with hypertension (high blood pressure).
- People with a narrow airway.
- Sitting for a long period.
- Having a neck that measures more than 17 inches.
- Individuals with heart disease.
- Individuals who have suffered from stroke or other brain conditions.
- People drink alcohol before sleeping or take sleeping aid pills.
- Cigarette smoking.
- Having a family history of the disorder.
Sleep Apnea and Term Life Insurance Rates
Although the cost of a life insurance policy that covers sleep apnea can differ by various factors, here is an average of how much you will pay for coverage based on gender, age, and coverage amount.
| Age & gender | $100,000 Policy | $250,000 Policy | $500,000 Policy | $1,000,000 Policy |
| 25-Year-Old Male | $15 | $19 | $23 | $48 |
| 25-Year-Old Female | $14 | $15 | $29 | $34 |
| 35-Year-Old Male | $18 | $21 | $24 | $49 |
| 35-Year-Old Female | $17 | $15 | $24 | $37 |
| 45-Year-Old Male | $30 | $40 | $36 | $103 |
| 45-Year-Old Female | $27 | $35 | $33 | $78 |
| 55-Year-Old Male | $78 | $90 | $79 | $268 |
| 55-Year-Old Female | $66 | $70 | $62 | $194 |
| 65-Year-Old Male | $188 | $230 | $213 | $612 |
| 65-Year-Old Female | $151 | $180 | $300 | $500 |
How to Get Life Insurance for People with Sleep Apnea
It is a thoughtful move if you are looking to get life insurance with sleep apnea because of the possible risk involved with the condition. Meanwhile, here is a step-by-step guide you can follow to get a life insurance policy from any insurance company if you have sleep apnea:
- Thoroughly understand your conditions and how they are managed.
- Select the right insurance provider.
- Fill out the life insurance application form.
- Prepare for a medical exam.
- Consider several types of policies.
- Work with an experienced insurance agent.
- Seek professional advice.
- Gather multiple insurance policies.
- Work on health improvement.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Review the terms of the policy.
- Understand the coverage limits.
With help from these steps, you can easily navigate the life insurance application process for sleep apnea. You can also get enough coverage for your needs.
Tips for Preparing for Your Insurance Application
While you prepare for your life insurance application process as a person with sleep apnea, here are some helpful tips you can use to improve your chances of getting coverage and approval:
- Keep a detailed record of your treatment.
- Improve your health.
- Prepare for a medical exam.
- Ask an insurance agent for assistance.
So, when you show that your condition is well-handled and you are working with your healthcare provider to efficiently manage it, you can impact your application positively.
What Insurers Will Ask About Your Condition
These are some of the questions that insurance companies or insurers will ask if you want to get life insurance with sleep apnea:
- What type of sleep apnea do you have?
- When were you diagnosed with sleep apnea?
- What is your Oxygen Saturation (O2 Sat) Level?
- What is the severity of your symptoms?
- What sleep studies have you undergone?
- What treatment are you following?
- Do you have other conditions related to your sleep apnea?
- What medications are you taking?
Meanwhile, it is important to be honest and transparent about your answers to these questions to the insurance company. If you are dishonest, your coverage might be canceled.