Life Insurance Over 50 Age With Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy Network estimates 200,000 American men and women are living with the chronic neurological disorder called Narcolepsy.

It is widely believed that approximately 25% of individuals dealing with Narcolepsy are never diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with other disorders such as sleep apnea.

Narcolepsy is difficult to identify because many of its symptoms are similar to other types of chronic conditions.

If you are someone that has been properly diagnosed and is currently being treated for Narcolepsy, you shouldn’t let it discourage you from securing affordable over 50 life insurance.

Lots of life insurers are willing to work with Narcoleptics such as yourself.

Of course, you will have to answer additional questions about your Narcolepsy. Certainly there is a possibility that you will pay slightly more for coverage too.

Let’s take a deep dive into buying 50+ life insurance with Narcolepsy.

Life Insurance Overview: Narcolepsy

Below are common life insurance ratings outcomes for Narcoleptics.

• • Impact on Application: Usually very little

• • Average Rating: Preferred, Standard, or Moderate Substandard (depends on how well the narcolepsy is controlled)

• • Worst Rating: Usually Advanced Substandard (minimum of 125% rate up)
  • Main Factors: Severity and Control

Now let’s review the specifics….

What Will I Pay for Life Insurance with Narcolepsy?

It isn’t easy to guess what you specifically will pay for life insurance with Narcolepsy.

Every life insurer determines their own rates and guidelines.

So you could apply to five different insurance companies and get five different costs.  And the costs could vary significantly.

Not to mention, each applicant is unique and has to be evaluated accordingly.

So you might pay one thing for life insurance and your Narcoleptic neighbor will pay something completely different — even with the same life insurance company.

Here’s what we can tell you….

Typical Ratings for Narcoleptics

(Remember, the rating you receive will decide the price you pay.)

Preferred Rating: This rating is reserved for a very select group of applicants that are in excellent health and have a family history of excellent health.  You could qualify for a preferred rate class if your narcolepsy is very well controlled.  

In addition, to qualify for preferred you must be in very good health.  If you have other health issues like high blood pressure or high cholesterol that’s alright as long as they are controlled.

These individuals usually DO NOT:

• • Drink too much alcohol

• • Take drugs (prescribed or otherwise)

• • Enjoy risky hobbies or jobs
  • Travel out-of-the-country frequently to concerning areas of the world

Applicants that qualify for a Preferred Rating are a dream come true to any life insurer.

That’s why these individuals receive a lower than average premium.

Standard Rating: Men and women that are approved with a Standard Rating are in “average”, health and pay an average premium.

Often an insurance company will give Narcoleptics a Standard Rating. This is when the Narcolepsy is under pretty good control and there are no other health conditions.

Moderate Substandard (Table 1-4) Rating: Most applicants with Narcolepsy fall into this category. You would also if you have mild Narcolepsy that you are able to manage well.

A Moderate Substandard Rating usually increases the premium by 25% to 100% over the average premium. ·         

Advanced Substandard (Table 5 and Lower) Rating: Narcoleptics will be assigned an Advanced Substandard Rating if…

• • they don’t keep their condition under control and/or

• • they are smokers
  • they have other medical conditions like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or COPD

An Advanced Substandard Rating means the policy price will be, at minimum, 125% higher than average.

Narcolepsy Case Study:

John is a 62 year old male, non-smoker. John has always participated in sports. In fact, he still runs several 5k races each year and goes to the gym every morning. John is in good health even though he does have Narcolepsy. The condition is under average control.

The policy John likes costs $75 per month on average. The insurance company approved him with a Moderate Substandard Rating of Table 1 because of his Narcolepsy.

John will pay $93.75 per month in monthly premium (a 25% rate up).

4 Steps for Good Life Insurance Ratings with Narcolepsy

I can help you find the cheapest 50+ life insurance you can qualify for.

I always recommend you start by following these 4 steps:

1. Apply with an insurance company that looks favorably upon your age group and can meet your needs.

2. Make sure the life insurer is known to work well with Narcoleptics.

3. Be honest on your application.

4. Stop using tobacco right away! It’s bad for your health and will cost you at twice as much typically.

What Questions Will I Be Asked?

The first level of fact-finding will be very straightforward as you can see from the list below.

• • Age & Gender

• • Marital Status

• • Height and weight

• • Job Title

• • Smoking habits / tobacco usage

• • Use of alcohol or drugs

• • Overall health history

• • Past surgeries and hospitalizations

• • Family health history

• • Any foreign travel
  • Preferred Hobbies

The Narcolepsy Questions

Now the life insurer will dig into your Narcolepsy diagnosis by asking the following. They are doing so to evaluate your risk.

When were you initially diagnosed with Narcolepsy?

Many people are diagnosed at a young age. Symptoms typically present between 10 and 30 years of age but can occur at any time.

The younger you were at time of diagnosis, the better your life insurance rating.

This is because the insurance company figures the longer you’ve had the condition, the better able you are to control it.

How frequently do you have symptoms?

You may be experiencing less daytime symptoms now because they do tend to decrease after 60 years of age.

However, if you are still getting occasional and less intense symptoms, don’t worry.

As long as the symptoms are under good control, you will be viewed as having good control. This will help you secure coverage at an affordable price.

How do your symptoms impact your daily life?

The insurance company will want to know if your Narcolepsy causes sudden muscle paralysis, loss of consciousness, or cataplexy.

If you do experience these types of symptoms, how do they impact your  Activities of Daily Living (ADL).

Do you currently take prescription medication?

Maybe your doctor prescribed a medication to control your Narcolepsy symptoms.

Taking medicines like Adderall or Ritalin to help keep your symptoms in check will benefit your rating a lot.

Do you have other chronic health conditions?

Other types of health issues like heart disease, mental disorders, or metabolic conditions can sway the frequency of your attacks.

Start Your Application Today

Hopefully all the information we shared about Narcolepsy and Over 50 Life Insurance has you feeling confident. Life insurance shouldn’t be scary.

Keep in mind, there are always quality life insurers willing to offer coverage despite your Narcolepsy.  

Sure you may pay a bit more than the average person but isn’t protecting your family worth it?

I am always available to walk you through the application process until you have coverage secured.

All you need to do is make the call. Or start a FREE over 50 life insurance quote now!