Life Insurance with Ulcerative Colitis

Life Insurance

Despite having ulcerative colitis, it is still possible to live life fully without discomfort. Our responsibility is to hear you out, understand how you take care of your health, and identify an insurance provider that suits your requirements.

Information we should be aware of:

• At what point were you diagnosed with ulcerative colitis?
• How frequent are your flare ups?
• When did you last have a flare up?
• Are you on any medication to manage your symptoms?
• Can you work?
• Have you undergone surgery or are you scheduled for surgery (e.g. colectomy)?

Many insurers are able to accept Life Insurance applications from individuals with ulcerative colitis. Individuals experiencing occasional flare-ups throughout the year while being symptom-free can still obtain Life Insurance at regular rates, as long as they are using mild medications. Applying for Life Insurance with ulcerative colitis and regular symptoms, along with stronger medication like immunosuppressants, could lead to your cover being accepted with non-standard terms (potential premium increase).

If you have a history of ulcerative colitis combined with liver disease and have had recent surgery or are scheduled for surgery in the future (such as colectomy or ileostomy), there is a possibility that life insurance application with standard insurers may be postponed or declined. Life insurance coverage might be delayed by insurers on the regular market if you were hospitalized in the past year because of ulcerative colitis or have recently been diagnosed with the condition.

If you’re having difficulty getting Life Insurance through regular channels, there are specialized insurers available to provide you with coverage.

Critical Illness

When applying for Critical Illness Cover, it is important to provide detailed information about ulcerative colitis to the insurer, similar to how you would for Life Insurance. The insurer needs to know your diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, specifics about your medications and treatments, any past or upcoming surgeries, and the frequency of your flare ups each year. If mild medication is being used, Critical Illness Cover might be available under standard terms. Alternatively, the premium may go up based on your choice of insurer.

If stronger medication or treatments are needed to control the ulcerative colitis, it is probable that any Critical Illness Cover you have will come with non-standard rates. This may result in a higher premium or potential exclusion for claims connected to the ulcerative colitis. In serious situations, there is a chance that your application may be delayed or denied.

If you’re taking strong medication for ulcerative colitis, have had recent or upcoming surgeries planned, or have had hospital stays in the last year, your application for Critical Illness Cover might be postponed or declined by the insurer in the regular market just like with Life Insurance. Specialist insurers are available to provide Critical Illness Cover in such situations.

Income Protection

An application for Income Protection will undergo thorough examination by insurance underwriters if ulcerative colitis is disclosed.

If the offered price for the Income Protection policy doesn’t work for you or you’re denied cover, it’s worth thinking about Accident, Sickness, and Unemployment cover. This policy offers a monthly income replacement for 12 to 24 months in case you can’t work due to illness or injury. Accident, Sickness and Unemployment policies are accepted without medical underwriting, so the policy will cover you even with your ulcerative colitis, but note that claims related to your condition will be excluded.