Digestive diseases such as Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, and celiac disease affect millions of Americans each year. [1] Here's how having these conditions can affect your life insurance rates and eligibility.
What kind of questions will insurance companies ask on your application?
Insurance companies ask specific questions when you apply based on your health history in order to assess risk and determine your premiums. If you have a digestive disease, you can expect to answer some of the questions below.
Question | Crohn's disease | IBS | Ulcerative colitis | Celiac disease | Diverticulitis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
What’s the date of your first diagnosis/onset? | X | X | X | X | X |
What parts of your GI tract are most affected? | X | X | |||
Have you experienced any dysplasia? | X | X | |||
Have you experienced any extraintestinal diseases? | X | X | |||
What medications are you taking? | X | X | X | X | |
What’s the date of your last colonoscopy? | X | X | |||
What’s the date of your last flare-up/acute presence of symptoms? | X | X | X | ||
What's the frequency of flare-ups/symptoms? | X | X | |||
Have you had any progression of flare-ups over the last 5 years? | X | ||||
How is your condition being managed? | X | X |
How much does life insurance cost if you have a digestive disorder?
People with digestive diseases may not qualify for the best possible premiums, but could qualify for Standard rates with certain insurers. Standard rates are typically reserved for people who have a well-controlled or moderate health condition, or people who have family history of a serious medical condition, like heart disease or cancer.
You might pay more than someone without any health conditions, but you can still get competitive rates with many insurance companies.
As an example, below are sample average rates for a $500,000, 20-year term policy for a male applicant with a Preferred health classification compared to a Standard health classification.
Preferred vs. Standard rates for a $500,000, 20-year policy
Age | Gender | Preferred rates | Standard rates |
|---|---|---|---|
25 | Female | $20.92 | $31.92 |
Male | $26.98 | $38.88 | |
35 | Female | $25.56 | $38.19 |
Male | $30.52 | $46.35 | |
45 | Female | $48.14 | $77.40 |
Male | $61.19 | $96.98 | |
55 | Female | $110.51 | $171.51 |
Male | $152.65 | $241.85 |
Methodology: Sample rates are for male and female non-smokers with a Preferred and Standard health classification obtaining a $500,000, 20-year policy; Life insurance averages are based on a composite of policies offered by Policygenius from Legal & General America, Brighthouse Financial, Corebridge Financial, Lincoln Financial, Mutual of Omaha, Pacific Life, Protective, Prudential, Symetra and Transamerica and may vary by insurer, term, coverage amount, health class, and state. Not all policies are available in all states. Rate illustration valid as of 07/01/2023.
Best life insurance companies for people with Crohn’s disease
If you have Crohn's disease, life insurance may be more expensive than life insurance for people with other inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD), but it will depend on your specific circumstances.
This is because Crohn's disease leads to digestive tract inflammation and can cause fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain, and malnutrition. There’s no known cure for Crohn’s and it can lead to life-threatening health complications, including blood clots and abscesses in the intestinal wall. [2]
But if your Crohn’s is well-managed and you don’t have any other major health concerns, you’ll likely still be able to get insured.
Corebridge Financial (formerly AIG Life & Retirement), Transamerica, and Legal & General America (which also does business as Banner Life and William Penn) may offer Standard rates depending on your symptoms and treatment. After applying, you'll likely have an attending physician statement (APS) requested so the insurer can get a full picture of your health.
Insurance company | Best possible health class | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Standard | No medications, no flare-ups in the last five years , diagnosed over age 35 | |
Standard | Diagnosed as mild, at least six months after diagnosis | |
Standard | No medications in five years, no flare-ups in over five years, diagnosed over age 35 |
Best for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is unlikely to affect your life insurance rates. Insurance companies view IBS as a less serious digestive disorder because it’s fairly common and doesn’t typically lead to life-threatening complications.
Most people with IBS, which affects the large intestine, are able to control the disorder with diet and lifestyle changes. [3] But still, some insurance companies won’t offer their best rates if you have a history of IBS.
We recommend comparing quotes from Transamerica, Legal & General America, and Lincoln Financial, since those companies have more flexible guidelines for those with IBS.
Insurance company | Best possible health class | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Preferred Plus | No medication required, no flares-ups in the last year | |
Preferred Plus | No medication required, no flare-ups in the last year | |
Preferred Plus | No medication required, no flare-ups in the last year |
Best for people with ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is another type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the large intestine and rectum, causing inflammation and sores along the digestive track. [4]
Similar to Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis will not affect your ability to get insurance, but you might pay more if you’ve had recent flare-ups — including weight loss and abdominal pain — or if you aren’t able to manage your symptoms.
Corebridge Financial, Pacific Life, and Transamerica can all offer up to Standard rates to people with ulcerative colitis. Insurance companies will usually request an APS if you have this condition, so they can get additional context from your doctor.
Insurance company | Best possible health class | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Standard | Diagnosed as mild with no complications for greater than two years with no dysplasia | |
Standard | Diagnosed as mild with no complications for greater than two years with no dysplasia | |
Standard | Diagnosed as mild with no complications for greater than two years with no dysplasia |
Best for people with celiac disease
Life insurance shoppers with celiac disease who are following a gluten-free diet can still get competitive premiums. Celiac disease is viewed differently by different insurers, but it’s unlikely to disqualify you from coverage.
Celiac disease is a chronic digestive and autoimmune disorder that leads to damage in the small intestine. If untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications, including coronary artery disease, cancer, or other autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes or multiple sclerosis (MS). [5]
Protective, Transamerica, and Lincoln Financial offer the most affordable coverage, depending on frequency and recency of flare-ups. As with most other digestive disorders, an APS statement from your doctor will likely be requested if you have celiac disease.
Insurance company | Best possible health class | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Standard | Stable for over two years, no complications, and managed with diet | |
Standard Plus to Standard | Stable for over two years, no complications, and managed with diet | |
Preferred | Stable over five years, no complications, and managed with diet |
Best for people with diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a type of disease caused by inflammation or infection in the lining of your digestive system, most often the intestines. Mild diverticulitis can typically be resolved through changing your diet and taking antibiotics. [6]
Diverticulitis rarely causes severe or lasting complications, so some insurance companies can offer some of the best rates if your symptoms are under control.
Transamerica, Legal & General America, and Lincoln Financial have the most flexible guidelines for people managing diverticulitis.
Insurance company | Best possible health class | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Preferred | Last episode over 5 years ago, managed without medication | |
Preferred | Last episode over 5 years ago, managed without medication | |
Preferred | Last episode over 5 years ago, managed without medication |
What if your life insurance application is declined?
If you’re unable to find affordable life insurance due to digestive diseases, additional health conditions, or other factors, you can always reapply in the future or consider group life insurance.
Wait and reapply
If your application for life insurance was declined by the insurer, you may be able to make some lifestyle changes and reapply for coverage in the future. Many insurance companies look more favorably at those with gastrointestinal conditions who are seeking treatment, or who have their symptoms under control for five or more years.
Group life insurance
Group life insurance is offered by many employers, and usually provides one to two times your annual salary in coverage. This may not be enough to fully protect your family, but it’s better than going without any coverage. Group life policies do not typically require underwriting, so even if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you can get some insurance.
→ Learn more about the different types of life insurance
For the most part, a digestive health issue will not seriously affect your ability to get life insurance. Some insurance companies might not offer their best possible premium rates, but in many cases, digestive diseases won’t prevent you from getting the financial protection you need.
Other health concerns that can affect your life insurance
Certain pre-existing conditions and other health-related concerns can affect your life insurance options or costs. A Policygenius expert can help you find the right policy for your needs.
Mental health issues such as depression or anxiety
Frequently asked questions
What’s the oldest age you can get life insurance?
You can get life insurance coverage up to 85 years old. Guaranteed issue whole life insurance policies are the most flexible coverage options when it comes to age eligibility — people age 80 to 85 can usually apply.
What disqualifies you from getting life insurance?
Serious, life-threatening health conditions, advanced age, and risky hobbies can all affect your ability to get life insurance.
Can you be denied life insurance for a pre-existing condition?
The milder and more well-managed your health condition, the more likely you are to get competitive coverage. If you have a chronic or pre-existing health condition that is more severe, you may not qualify for traditional life insurance.
