Finding Affordable Over 50 Life Insurance with Myositis

Johns Hopkins Myositis Center estimates about 50,000 Americans have been diagnosed with Myositis. Unfortunately, there are even more adults that are never properly identified as suffering from Myositis.

This is because Myositis is a mysterious condition causing pain, inflammation and swelling of the muscles.

These types of generic symptoms are usually overlooked by unknowing physicians or simply assumed to be part of an individual’s other health conditions.

For the majority of folks that do have Myositis, it is typically triggered by another disorder. In fact, the most common ailments associated with Myositis are Scleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and Lupus.

Insurance carriers are very familiar with many different types of health issues. Their focus is mostly on any type of medical complication that could cause an applicant’s premature death.

In this case, people simply do not die from Myositis. However, their lives can be shortened by the other, related autoimmune disorders they are simultaneously managing.

So, when searching for over 50 life insurance, be warned that Myositis will not keep you from securing the coverage.

The most significant factor when it comes to getting approved for life insurance will depend on the reason or reasons for the Myositis. 

Your (Possible) Insurance Rating

The fact that you have Myositis can often have no effect at all on your application and the rates you can be approved for.  

It is possible to get preferred rates, but it also possible to be declined for coverage.  The key is knowing what the reason is that you have Myositis.  

Life insurance companies review all aspects of your lifestyle and health history.  All these little personal details help them figure out who you are and what type of risk you represent. Once the life insurer has reviewed enough information then they will assign a rating class.

Below you will find the general ratings used by most life insurance carriers:

Rating ClassReason for Rating
Preferred PlusHealthiest, Lowest Risk Applicants
PreferredVery Healthy, Low Risk Applicants
Standard Fairly Healthy, Mild to Moderate Risk
Sub-Standard (aka Table Rating)Chronic Illness (Moderate to Severe)

Ratings Aren’t Really Based on Myositis

A Sub-Standard (“Table Rating”) covers up to 16 different levels depending on the insurance company below a “Standard” rate class.

Sub-Standard (“Table Rating”) premiums will typically go up about 25% per designated level.  Obviously percentages may differ depending on the insurance carrier.

As I’ve already explained, Myositis really isn’t going to be the basis of your life insurance rating.

On the contrary, you’ll be primarily evaluated based on the chronic condition that activated your Myositis. 

Over the last several months I have helped quite a few people that had Myositis which is why I am writing this article. 

It turns out that many of those that I’ve spoke to also had Scleroderma and some had Rheumatoid Artihritis (RA).  If you have Scleroderma or Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) the following are some likely ratings that you might qualify for.   

Scleroderma: This illness is the most common overlapping condition with Myositis.

If you have generalized/localized Scleroderma then you may expect a Standard to Table 2 Rating.
If you have “limited” (aka CREST) Scleroderma then a Table 4 is usually the best possible rating.
For all types of Scleroderma, if you are using any immunosuppressive drugs or steroids, add another 2 Table Levels to your possible rating.  For example, if you would have been a table 4 you would probably be a table 6.  

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This autoimmune disorder is another common ailment that sparks Myositis. If left untreated, RA can adversely impact different organs and damage overall good health.

If you control your RA symptoms with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) rather than prescription medications, you will most likely receive a a Standard rating if there is minimal inflammation and no joint injury.

  • A Table 2 or Table 3 Rating is likely if you have mild inflammation but are fully mobile.  It’s likely you are taking Methotrexate, Humira, Remicade, Enbrel or low dose steroids like prednisone if you fall in this range.  
  • A Table 3 to 5 Rating would be likely if you have inflammation and joint damage.  You may be taking medications such as Kineret, Neoral, Imuran, Cuprimine, Retux, Orencia, high dose steroids.
  • A Table 6 to 7 Rating would be likely if you have had surgical intervention
  • Severe RA cases that required long-term steroid management, methotrexate use, or other drugs and show complications from these medications, may receive a higher rating or even be a Decline.

Now, if your Myositis is caused by other health problems like drug use, alcoholism, or HIV then you may be in for a much bigger challenge in securing cheap life insurance.

Although I can’t stress enough not to give up! Give me a call and we can explore all the options that may work for your particular needs.

The Application Questions You’ll Answer

The questions on the application are what the insurance carrier will use to figure out which rating is most fair.

Remember, the life insurer really does want your business and wants to sell you a policy.

They will ask a lot of valuable questions, review records, and consider carefully how to proceed. Knowing what you may be asked could help expedite the entire application process.

The Myositis Questions

  • What is your exact type of Myositis?
  • What age were you when first diagnosed with Myositis?
  • How severe are your symptoms?
  • What, if any, medication do you take for Myositis?
  • Do you have to use mobility aids (i.e. walker or scooter)?
  • Do you have any other complications or conditions?

The Autoimmune Disorder Questions

Since most people have Myositis because of another disorder, the insurance carrier will ask plenty of questions about your other condition.

Keep in mind, if you are actively seeking treatment and healing then you may be able to be approved for a top rate class which would result in a low premium).

Additional questions you should expect:

  • What is  your primary diagnosis?
  • Were you ever hospitalized because of this ailment?
  • What, if any, prescription medications do you take?
  • Is your condition stable?
  • What age were you when first diagnosed?
  • Do you have any organ damage or other health complications because of Lupus, RA, or Scleroderma?

I can’t tell you how important it is to always tell the truth. Please don’t skip details or withhold information.

First of all, this never works because the life insurer will do their homework.

Second of all, you want to be sure the carrier knows what they are covering.

What would your family do if you pass prematurely and the insurance company decides to withhold the death benefit because you lied on an application? Did you know life insurance companies do have the right to withhold a death claim and investigate?

If you provided false/fraudulent info during the application, your family could very well be out of luck!

Ways to Save on Premium

If you want a great over 50 policy at an affordable rate, you’ve come to the right people.

Below are a few suggestions on how to get your lowest possible rate. Many of these points may seem obvious but they are definitely worth a reminder.

  1. Apply ASAP! Rates are influenced by age and so the younger you are then the better the rate. Don’t wait until you’re another year older.
  2. Go to the doctor! Attend all your physician appointments as scheduled.
  3.  Now that you’ve gone to the doctor, you must follow his/her advice. Take the prescribed medications, follow the treatment plan, follow through on all diagnostic testing.
  4. Maintain a healthy weight and BMI. If necessary, follow a diet or meal plan and get plenty of exercise.
  5. Manage all your illnesses. Insurance companies like good control of health issues.
  6. Go smoke free! The use of tobacco makes managing your health so much more problematic and will DOUBLE your insurance rates.

I have plenty more tips as to how seniors can save on premium. Check it out!

Take Action Today

Myositis can be crippling, depressing, and challenging for both you and your loved ones. Primary conditions, like RA and Lupus, which your body may also be battling only make your daily life more difficult.

On the other hand, buying life insurance over 50 years of age is relatively easy and affordable, regardless of Myositis.

I can help you take action today and finally get your financial future in order. Wouldn’t your wife, husband, children, and parents be grateful that you did?

Please feel free to fill out our online form for a free instant quote, or simply give me a call today.  I am here to help you secure a reasonably priced life insurance policy. Don’t wait. Let’s get started!