Why I am rated high-risk for insurance?

Question

I'm a 29 year-old non-smoker w/a spotless family medical history - not even high bp for my 65 year-old-dad. I recently applied for life insurance and was surprised when I was rated in two risk categories higher than normal. The results from my lab work were normal. I am pregnant but was told by my agent that this is not affecting my rating. We plan to review the policy/shop around a few months after the baby is born and my body is back to normal just to be sure. But I am concerned: will this higher rating now permanently affect my ability to get competitively-priced insurance later? Anything I can do about it? What else in my medical history/charts might be contributing to the higher morbidity rating (besides pregnancy)? Anything I can do about that? My agent, who's known me and my family for years, is also surprised but isn't sympathetic. I did a little research and found that I do have the right to an explanation in writing. Will requesting it send up more red flags?

I am in the United States. As for the lipids? My triglycerides are a little higher than I'd like but still in the normal range for an adult. The rest are also normal.

Thanks for this helpful information. Yes, I am married. Also a homeowner. Also well educated - earned my M.A. and in the process of getting a Ph.D.

Answer 1

First of all, it's absolutely NORMAL for a pregnant woman's lipids to be high; lipids form the base for all hormones and pregnancy is regulated almost entirely by hormones.

It's impossible to tell why you were given such a high rating based on the information you have. I suggest you mail a letter to the insurer and ask that it give you a detailed answer. Since many life insurers won't give this information directly to applicants, list the name and address of your personal physician. Send the letter "return receipt requested." If you don't receive a response within 45 days or so, send a written complaint to your state's insurance commissioner's office.

As for your future insurability, while this insurer may have reported the risk factor(s) to the Medical Information Bureau, another insurer cannot base its decision solely from this. It MUST independently investigate any "hits" (suspected matches showing reported risk factors) it receives from the MIB concerning you. At the conclusion of its investigation, it must make its own decision based on the underwriting guidelines.

One final word: long ago, most life insurers would assess a rating if a woman was pregnant. This was due to higher mortality rates following childbirth. However, most insurers have ceased this practice, since childbirth today is generally safe, with few deaths. It could be that this insurer is using very old guidelines.

I'd suggest you complete an application with another insurer. You will be asked whether you've ever been rated or declined by another insurer -- tell the truth on the application so the insurer can investigate up-front. Withholding this information will only make you appear dishonest.

Answer 2

You are absolutely entitled to the results of the medical exam, and an explanation as to why you are being rated higher. Requesting it will not send up any red flags.

There HAS to be a reason for the higher rating. Everything could not have been in normal ranges or you would not have a higher rate.

I doubt the pregnancy is a factor at all. More likely you have slightly elevated liver enzymes, or an avocation that's seen as higher risk (do you bungee jump, sky dive, scuba dive?).

Keep in mind that an insurance company can charge higher rates based on your lipid or liver enzymes or other slightly higher readings - even if they are not high enough for your doctor to be concerned about at all.

Definitely discuss the findings with your regular doctor AND your obstetrician.

Good luck, and have a happy and healthy pregnancy!

Answer 3

This is strange. Usually a normal pregnancy should not contribute to a higher risk rating. Did you keep the medical records that were passed on to the insurer? Check them again, viz. how's your lipid profile? Often, many people come to know of some hidden problems at the time of taking out an insurance only. Probably the same insurance company will rate your risk higher next time, since they have your records. But if you go to another one, they will have to make a new determination based on their assessment. Since now in India (I presume you are an Indian in India) there are many private insurance company, the market is quite competitive.

Answer 4

That sounds odd to me as well. I am going through the same thing, kind of. I was completely declined for gestational diabetes, though resolved and confirmed resolved with post partum testing. I would appeal and ask for an explanation. I would also ask what reporting bureaus they report to and what info they report. I do not think this would cause a red flag if anything it may right a wrong. Good luck

Answer 5

I would make a written request to the company for an explanation of why I was rated. If it is medical, they will need the name of your doctor so they can send it to him/her so they can explain it to you. Maybe something strange showed up that should not have. You may be able to ask for a recheck and pay for it yourself. Worth a try. And yes, it will show on your MIB if you try another company. Not to say you may be able to get it without a rating. Just that it will show that you have been rated.

Answer 6

It could be as simple as height and weight proportion (they may not be factoring in that you're pregnant when looking at those figures.) Meaning that, if you're 5'7", your "normal" weight might be 145 lbs (which would have put you at a standard rating), but your pregnant weight is 170. That alone could push you into a higher rating class. And they're much more stringent on that issue for women than they are for men, in my experience.

Answer 7

You did not mention anything here about the father of the child. If you are having a baby out of wedlock then your sexual activity without precautions have obviously weighed in on their evaluation. You are at high risk for a STD that may be lethal.

If you are married, please pardon my rudeness. And you should by all means find out the exact reason for their rating.

What about speeding tickets? Sports car? Do you live in a high risk neighborhood?

Answer 8

shop looking around and ask for rates. that's what we did while my hubby had too many factors on his license. Take the backside quote that has coverage that suits your desires. you are able to seek the internet for coverage firms too.

Answer 9

You can . For any insurance related problems you can just cisit the following websites . these websites gives you complete information on insurance and company and their plans etc. these are as follows :

http://www.reliancelife.reliancefresh.info

http://www.poonam.reliancefresh.info

http://www.kajal.reliancefresh.info

http://www.joginderkathuria.ignou.info