All You Need to Know about Over 50 Life Insurance After Meningitis

In this article you will learn everything you need to know about applying for life insurance with a history of meningitis.

First, let’s look at some quick facts about Meningitis and then will get into the details…

Each year more than 1 Million people worldwide are afflicted with Meningitis. It’s been reported that up to 15% of those individuals will die from the infection.

For the lucky people that do recover from Meningitis, they are still faced with a 1 in 5 chance of having a permanent disability such as kidney disease, epilepsy, brain damage, limb amputations, or hearing loss.

And as you probably already know, Meningitis is nothing to be messed with since it goes right to your brain and spinal cord causing serious inflammation.

All of these sad statistics are what make life insurance companies STOP and take notice if someone applies with a history of Meningitis.

Can you blame them?

Listen, I work with people in their 50s, 60s, and 70s that are looking for affordable life insurance even though they may have a chronic condition or a history of serious illness.

I’ve helped them and chance are I can help you too!

Ok – let’s get into it…

Life Insurance Rating Overview: Meningitis

Below is my brief overview of how the majority if life insurers will rate applicants, like yourself, that have a history of Meningitis.

• Impact on Application: Possibly Significant
• Best Rating: Preferred (Lowest Cost)
• Worst Rating: Substandard/Table Rating (minimum of 25% rate up)
• Main Factors: Severity, Long-Term Impact on Health

Understand that the rate class you are approved for is based on your entire health history and any risky lifestyle choices you make.

It’s not just about your bout with Meningitis.

Life Insurance Ratings – Here’s How it Works

With most insurance companies there are at least 11 different rate classes that you could be approved for.

With many companies the best rate class is called preferred plus. Second best is preferred and third best is standard.

The chart below shows all the different ratings, the reason for the rating, and how the rating can change your costs.

Understand that one insurance company might approve you with a Standard Rating and another company may approve you with a Preferred Rating.

That can mean quite a big difference in what you have to pay each month!

A knowledgeable and experienced independent agent, like myself, can help by determining which company is likely to look at your application most favorably.

I am very familiar with the the best life insurance companies for people over 50 and how they will look at your application.

My aim is help you get the coverage you need at the best rate possible.

What Rate Class Will You Be Approved For?

If you have had Meningitis there is a wide range of possibilities as far what rate class you would likely be approved for.

Everyone’s individual case is unique but here’s some details to give you an idea of what might happen….

Preferred Rating: You could get the very best rating possible if you were diagnosed early, received medical care quickly (without having to be hospitalized), and fully recovered with no residual issues.

Of course, to get the very best rating available, you’ll also need to be in excellent overall health and living a low-risk lifestyle.

Standard Rating: If you were diagnosed with Meningitis early, received immediate medical care (possibly with a brief hospitalization), and fully recovered without any complications (like organ damage, decreased mental capacity, or neurological issues) then you may receive a Standard Rating.

Of course, in the case of both Preferred and Standard Ratings, the insurance company will need to obtain diagnostic tests that will provide details of this part of your medical history.

This means the life insurer will want to look at your most recent lumbar tap, blood test, CT or MRI scan results.

Substandard Table Rating: You may receive a Table Rating if you are still dealing with health issues as a result of your bout with Meningitis.

For example, some people end up having organ or brain damage as a result of their Meningitis infection.

As a result, the life insurer may be more cautious and end-up approving you at a Table Rating.  

Decline: It is often best to hold-off on applying for life insurance plan if it’s been less than six months since you’ve fully-recovered from Meningitis.

If you don’t give your body time to heal and recover before applying for life insurance plan then you may be declined.

Applying for Life Insurance with Meningitis: Case Studies

Let’s look at some case studies of past clients that applied for life coverage after Meningitis. Looking at these examples may help to put things in better perspective.

Case Study #1

Victor is a 55 year old male, non-smoker. He was diagnosed with Meningitis 10 years ago after visiting his doctor because of a fever and headache. Victor’s family doctor sent him for some lab work and then prescribed prescription meds to treat the infection. He was monitored on an outpatient basis. Victor fully recovered and did not experience any health complications. Overall Victor is in excellent health with no chronic medical conditions.

Victor received a Preferred Rating with the lowest premiums possible.

Case Study #2

Grace is a 63 year old female, non-smoker. Ten months ago Grace was hospitalized with a bout of viral Meningitis. Grace is now fully recovered but she also suffers from ringing in her ears as a result of the infection. Grace also has high blood pressure and high cholesterol for which she takes prescriptions daily.

Grace received a Substandard Table Rating of 2. She pays a 50% rate up in premium.

Case Study #3

Mike is a 70 year old male, smoker. Mike walks his dog 3 miles each day and has been a vegan for 10 years. He started following  to reverse his Type II diabetes diagnosis. About 8 years ago Mike was diagnosed with viral Meningitis. As a result of the infection, Mike’s kidneys were damaged and he has diminished kidney function. Mike’s kidney function is considered “Moderate” at a 45% function rate.

Mike received a Substandard Table Rating of 3 and pays a 75% rate up in premium.

The Application: Basic Life Insurance Questions

Everyone answers the same “basic” life insurance questions. These questions help the insurance carrier figure out what factors may contribute to you being a high risk for them.

They’ll ask you things like this….

• What’s your current age?
• What’s your height and weight? Are you overweight?
• What, if anything, is on your driving record? Accidents? Speeding tickets? DUI?
• Are you planning any risky trips to dangerous countries like North Korea or Iraq?
• Do you participate in any adventure sports?
• Do you live with any mental issues? Depression? Bipolar? Anxiety?
• What’s your current employment status?
• Have you received disability benefits in the last year?
• What’s your medical history?
• What, if any, prescription medications do you take?
• Do you have a history of alcoholism or drug abuse?
• Do you use tobacco?

There are two different sets of rates. One for non-smokers and then there’s “tobacco rates” which are a lot more pricey.

In order for you to be considered a true “non-smoker”, you’ll have to be 100% cigarette free for 12 consecutive months.

Give me a call so we can talk about this a little more. I’m sure there’s a great over 50 life insurance plan for you that has affordable smoker rates!

The Application: Meningitis Questions

I wrote down this list of questions you may be asked about your experience with Meningitis.

• What was the date of your Meningitis diagnosis?
• What type of Meningitis did you have? Was it viral or bacterial?
• What type of diagnostic tests did your doctor perform?
• Were you hospitalized with Meningitis?
• What was your treatment plan?
• What, if any, long-term effects do you have from Meningitis?
  • Do you have kidney disease?
  • Epilepsy?
  • Chronic Fatigue?
  • Clumsiness?
  • Loss of hearing?
  • Recurring migraines?
  • Mood swings?
  • Loss of vision?
  • Loss of limbs?

Call for Coverage Now

Meningitis is a serious illness that can be deadly.

Thankfully most people that get Meningitis do recover and go on to live long, healthy lives.

Life insurance companies know that and are willing to work with most applicants to get an affordable policy in place.

So why NOT call me today for help getting you and your family protected?

Getting started is easy! Just give me a call.

And, if you like, complete the form and receive 50+ life insurance quotes.