Life Insurance and PCS
 

After going through 2 concussions over 2 years and dealing with PCS dizziness, I finally applied for life insurance. I'm a 45 year old man, that never thought he needed it until being reminded of my own mortality - Twice :rolleyes:

Anyway, I thought I'd see if any of you had experience with applying for life or health insurance after having a concussion?

When I talked to the life insurance broker, I mentioned the concussion and he said it wasn't listed in the pre-existing condition list. Even though I've had numerous doctor visits including cardiologists and neurologists and had what feels like every test known to man. I complained of heart palpitations, dizziness, numbness, etc during my PCS Dr visits. However I wasn't diagnosed with anything. They just ran tests and told me my heart and brain passed with no visible signs of damage.

The insurance rep says it doesn't matter unless I have a diagnosed condition right NOW. And PCS is not a listed condition. Does this make sense?

I'm in California, and insurance companies have a 2 year incontestability clause. Meaning, they have only 2 years to challenge the policy and verify/disprove anything on the insurance application. So am I better off just not mentioning the PCS during the final exam??

Hi Sandwalker,
I think (Mark In Idaho) just posted something about Life Insurance.... but I can't remember where. He should be around shortly and see this.

I was diagnosed with PCS/ Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (closed). Denied for life insurance through several companies; was told no one would ever issue a policy for me again.

From what I have been told it is because of higher risk of accidents and suicide.

An update... I asked an estate attorney about whether to disclose the concussion or not. He said not to disclose anything they don't specifically ask for.

Another point... The insurance form asks for my "Primary care physician" for records. I went to local clinics for treatment since I didn't have insurance, I paid cash etc. The attorney said clinics do not qualify as "primary care physicians", so I shouldn't list them either.

It's a technicality but I'll take it.

Technically I think it should affect such insurance policies - I know I definitely have an increased risk of future serious health issues and always will.

However this may be one case where the ignorance of most health professionals regarding head injury works in our favour. Since most of them seem to think, contrary to evidence, that once you recover from a head injury there is no lasting underlying damage or susceptibility, it shouldn't be hard to get one of them to state that you have no health problems, as long as you have become symptom free.

Similarly, I was head injured at work and my employer refused to pay me during my time off sick. During my confused initial state they had got me to admit to previous concussions and that I thought that these had played a part in making me susceptible to my current injury. They then argued that because I had been injured before they had no responsibility to give me any sick pay.

When I was well enough to think properly I got my neurologist to write a letter saying that there was no evidence that any previous concussions had played a part in my current injury, and copied it to them and the union - and eventually got paid. Although I don't actually agree with what the neurologist wrote, his letter was worth about £3,000 that I needed for my rent - and would probably help me get insurance in the future as well.

Obviously basing such claims or policy on faulty evidence of this sort is far from ideal, but we get little enough support as it is and I think we need all the breaks we can get. If we have to suffer with supposed experts who don't understand head injury the least we can do is use it to our advantage when the opportunity arises.

All the applications I filled out wanted a list or any and all medical visits within past year. They did actually get medical records. One company did not put TBI or PCS on application but still denied due to medical records.

In my experience, the insurance companies use two standards for pre-existing conditions.

First, are you receiving ongoing care for the condition? Do you see a doctor on a regular basis for treatment for the health condition.

Second, are you taking an medications? They have a formulary of medications that they consider indicative of a pre-existing condition. My two medications do not rise the the level of concern for the insurance company.

I used a multi-lines company (SelectQuote). They took my basic information and used their system to find a company that did not have a problem with the meds I take and other health conditions I have.

As mentioned before, truthfully answer the questions they ask.

One condition mentioned to me by an insurance agent was, Do you drive? This is an indicator of condition to some. They may also check you driving record.

Some insurance companies consider applicants who have been routinely followed by a doctor to be a better risk that those who have not seen a doctor in years.

I have had a number of EKGs and Stress EKGs. They did not seem to impact my qualifications for insurance. I have a recurring problem with a hiatal hernia. Each time it acts up, the doctors do an EKG to rule out heart issues.

So, relax and let the insurance company decide. Remember, if you apply through a multi-lines agency, they can direct you to the company with underwriting guidelines that fit your condition.

I have had more trouble applying for health insurance since I have been taking medication for a health condition. Some health insurance companies will have a waiting period before a specific pre-existing health condition is covered. It depends on the insurance company.

If PCS isn't showing up on your life insurance carrier's diagnoses or tests, then you don't have to worry about anything. As long as you're not lying on the application, or giving false answers on any of the questions asked, you should be fine. The two year incontestability period will void your contract if you have lied or provided false information. For those with PCS having trouble finding a carrier that will insurance them, look up an aggregator/online broker selling insurance from many carriers. Because of a larger gamut of carriers to choose from, you'll have a better chance of finding someone who will insure you despite the condition. *edit* Good luck!

Pat Cassidy
*edit*