What to Do If You’re Denied Life Insurance – When it comes to financial planning and management, obtaining a life insurance quote is an important procedure, especially since it provides financial support for your loved one in case you pass away and gives you peace of mind as well.
However, it is a common problem for individuals to experience denial of coverage during the application process. But what to do if you’re denied life insurance? The first thing you need to do is understand the reason for denial and find out how to overcome this challenge to get the adequate coverage you need.
Reasons Why Your Life Insurance Was Denied
When it comes to determining eligibility and assessing risks, different factors are considered. Here are some of the reasons why your life insurance application can be denied or canceled:
- Lifestyle choices.
- Pre-existing health conditions.
- Inaccurate information.
- High-risk occupations.
- Family medical history.
- Financial issues.
- Age.
- High Body Mass Index (BMI).
- Mental health conditions.
Additionally, if you undergo a medical treatment or surgery that shows ongoing health problems, your life insurance application can be denied.
What to Do If You’re Denied Life Insurance
If you applied for a life insurance policy and you eventually end up getting denied, do not fret. Here is what you can do after:
Ask for an Explanation
Reach out to the insurance provider to get an explanation and reason for denial. You will have no problem managing any misunderstandings or issues when you understand the reason for the insurer’s decision.
Go Through Your Application
Check or review your application for any omissions or mistakes. If you find any, correct them immediately and submit any additional documentation or details to improve your chances of getting approved after reapplying.
Work with an Insurance Broker
Consult an experienced insurance broker to assist you with the navigation or finding of available options for you. This is because they have access to different insurance companies and can help.
Work on Your Health
If your life insurance policy was denied because of health issues, you can go for medical treatments and improve your lifestyle to change your health status. After the period of improvement, then you can consider reapplying for coverage.
Consider Alternative Policies
If you are not able to qualify for a life insurance policy with an insurer, there are available alternatives that you can consider, and some of them are more lenient during the underwriting process. For instance, guaranteed issue or simplified issue quotes have fewer health-related limitations.
Appeal
You can choose to appeal after your application has been denied. Submit additional information and documentation to support your case.
Ask for professional advice.
You must ask an insurance specialist or financial advisor who can help you with customized strategies and advice to get life insurance based on your current situation.
Consider association or employer coverage.
If you belong to an association or are working for an employer, find out if they offer group life insurance through the employer or association. Besides, group insurance policies are more simplified when it comes to underwriting requirements, and if you have been denied individual coverage, you might as well consider this form of coverage.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I still get life insurance if I have been denied before?
Yes, it is possible to get a life insurance policy after a denial or cancellation. But first, you need to find the reason for the first denial and address it. For instance, changing incorrect application details, improving your health condition, or checking out alternatives.
What should I do if my denial was due to a medical condition?
If your life insurance policy’s denial was because of a medical condition, try working on improving your health status through treatments or changing your lifestyle. You can also consider reapplying after you have improved and checking quotes with easier health requirements.
Are there any policies that don’t require a medical exam?
Yes, insurance quotes that do not need medical exams exist, like simplified issue or guaranteed issue life insurance. However, keep in mind that these types of insurance come with lower coverage amounts and higher premiums. Nevertheless, you can still consider it if you have previously been denied traditional coverage.
Can a life insurance denial affect my credit score?
No, your credit score remains unaffected even after a claim denial. Life insurance denial and application are different from credit scores and reports.
How can an insurance broker help after a denial?
An insurance broker can assist you in assessing and evaluating your current situation and help you find more accommodating insurance providers. They also help you find alternative options or policies that meet your circumstances and needs better.
How can I appeal a life insurance denial?
After the life insurance policy application denial, to appeal the decision of the insurer, ask for a detailed reason for the denial from the insurance company. Additionally, prepare additional documentation or information that is related to the cause of denial and submit an appeal request.