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Complete this questionnaire and I’ll send you a quote taking your digestive disorder into account.
In the main, my clients contact me about these seven different digestive disorders:
I have discussed some of them in previous articles (the ones that are underlined, click the link and away you go!).
In this article I’ll examine the others – Barrett’s oesophagus, Gastro‑oesophageal reflux (GORD/acid reflux/heartburn) and hernias.
Let’s be clear, Barrett’s oesophagus IS NOT a cancer, but it can develop into cancer on rare occasions. Barrett’s oesophagus occurs when stomach acid or bile splashes back into the oesophagus.
Normally, the insurer will request a medical report from your GP to find out the full history of your condition since you were diagnosed. There are most interested in:
• Underlying cause
• Date of diagnosis
• Details of treatment and response to the treatment
• Details and frequency of any symptoms and/or complications
• Time off work
The cost of life insurance depends on the severity of your condition.
If you have occasional mild symptoms with no abnormal cells or low-grade abnormal cells present, you can get the normal price.
Should your symptoms be more frequent, you’re looking at an increase on the normal premium of +75% to 150%.
With chronic symptoms and high-grade dysplasia / abnormal cells, the insurer may decline or postpone offering cover.
Yes, for mild and moderate cases but not for chronic symptoms. If you get serious illness cover, the insurer will exclude claims related to the digestive system.
For mild cases, you should get the normal price with no exclusions.
For moderate, you’ll pay a loading and the insurer will add a digestive disorder exclusion. You won’t be able to claim if you can’t work due to a digestive disorder.
Again for severe cases, you won’t get income protection.
Helpful Link: Barretts Oesophagus Registry
This causes stomach acid, or stomach contents, to leak backwards from the stomach into the oesophagus causing heartburn.
As with Barrett’s, the insurer needs to know
• Underlying cause
• Date of diagnosis
• Details of treatment and response
• Details and frequency of any symptoms and/or complications
• Time off work
But, for GORD, the insurer usually doesn’t need to write to your GP for a report. As long as you have the above information, they can offer cover based on your application form alone. This saves an awful lot of time.
Thankfully the majority of applicants get the normal price. Only where the condition is uncontrolled with frequent symptoms will you face a loading. Only one of my clients have ever been declined and this was due to several long periods of work due to complications.
Yes, good news on this front too, you’ll get full cover without any exclusion for controlled Gastro‑oesophageal reflux
Three from three! You can get income protection without exclusions at the standard price.
Helpful Link: Treating acid reflux
A hernia occurs when an organ or part an organ (often the intestines) pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall.
Hiatus and inguinal hernias are the most common hernias.
Hiatus hernia – A portion of the upper stomach protrudes into the chest cavity through an opening in the diaphragm usually where the oesophagus passes through it.
Inguinal hernia – The intestine appears as a bulge in the groin area.
Of the three conditions, this is the easiest to get covered. Once you can tell the insurer
• Type of hernia
• Details of treatment/surgery and response
• Details and frequency of any symptoms and/or complications
• Time off work
you should get life insurance, serious illness cover and income protection, provided there are no complications.
I’ve never had a client declined, loaded or even had an exclusion due to hernia. If you have had a normal hernia with no surgery planned, you’ve nothing to worry about.
Helpful Link: How to take the pressure off your abdominal hernia
If you’re applying for cover and you suffer with Barrett’s oesophagus, Gastro‑oesophageal reflux (GORD/acid reflux/heartburn) or hernias, don’t worry, I can get you covered.
The majority of insurers will offer you the normal price if you have mild symptoms. It’s my job to get you the normal price even if your symptoms fall just inside the moderate category.
To get you the best cover with the least amount of hassle, I’ll need to know more about your condition.
Complete this IBD questionnaire and I can discuss your case with my panel of underwriters. I can then recommend the most sympathetic insurer so you can be sure you have the best chance of cover at the normal price.
If you’d like to run your details by me over the phone instead, no worries, I’m on
I look forward to hearing from you.
As Ireland's leading life insurance broker, we specialise in comparing the rates and policies from the top five Irish life insurance providers and offering the very best value quotes to suit the individual needs of our clients. Our expertise lies in finding a suitable insurance plan for those with specific needs, be it a particular illness, occupation or claim history, we've got you covered in every sense!
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