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Clients with reduced kidney function often land on this page searching for information about getting life insurance with kidney disease in Ireland.
I’m happy to have helped many of them get cover, not all of them, but the vast majority.
You see, in some cases, where the kidney is severely damaged, we can’t get you covered.
But I know which insurer to approach and how to present your application to give you the best chance of getting life insurance or mortgage protection.
In this article, I’ll discuss the two most common forms of kidney disease I encounter:
But I have also helped people with:
So feel free to get in touch and discuss your case with me – in strict confidence.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys do not work as well as normal.
It’s quite common and is mainly associated with ageing. About one in five men and one in four women between the ages of 65 and 74 have some degree of CKD.
Our clients are usually a lot younger, and their CKD has an underlying cause.
The most common cause of CKD is damage caused by other chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes.
CKD is more common in people of South Asian origin (those from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan) and black people than in the general population. The reasons for this include higher rates of diabetes in south Asian people and higher rates of high blood pressure in African or Caribbean people.
CKD is a potentially serious condition. People with CKD have an increased risk of a stroke/heart attack because of circulation changes.
Early diagnosis can prevent further damage to the kidneys using a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.
These changes can also reduce your risk of a stroke or heart attack. It is, therefore, very important to help yourself as much as you can.
To run your case past my underwriters, I’ll need to know either:
Even better, complete this kidney disorders questionnaire.
Generally, eGFR under 40-45 is a poor risk, so it isn’t easy to get cover, and under 30 will be declined in all circumstances. So if you are stage 4 or 5, I won’t be able to get you cover, I’m afraid.
But there are several factors at play, so even a reasonable eGFR may still be declined if there’s a large amount of proteinuria or poorly controlled hypertension.
Also, a rapid decrease in eGFR could lead to a decline.
Unfortunately, if you are on dialysis, the insurers won’t offer cover until six to twelve months after it finishes.
You will pay more than somebody in perfect health, but it’s impossible to give you a multiple of how much more.
The insurers underwrite each case individually, so premiums will vary from one applicant to the next.
If you’d like me to speak with my insurers and get you an indicative life insurance quote before you apply, please complete this form giving as much detail as possible.
The following email inspired this article
Hi Nick, my Dad has PKD (polycystic kidney disease). I’m buying a house with my boyfriend and need life insurance. Is it possible to get mortgage protection or life insurance with kidney disease? Can you come back to me asap please – worried here!
Bríd
Polycystic kidney disease causes cysts to develop in the kidneys.
Bríd has the most common type, an inherited condition – autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD)
With ADPKD, problems seldom develop until 30-50, with some people never developing any problems.
Life insurance is possible for someone with a close relative who has PKD
You see, Bríd has a 50% chance of developing PKD, but glass half full has a 50% chance of not developing it.
She will get cover if her tests are clear – renal ultrasound, renal function, blood pressure and urinalysis.
The younger you are, the more expensive cover is because problems don’t usually develop until between 30 and 50.
Here’s a ballpark figure of how much Bríd will pay, assuming all tests are clear.
Serious illness cover is not possible if you’re under 30.
Up to age 50, you can get cover subject to a price increase.
Once you hit 50, you can get cover at the normal price.
I will need the following to discuss your case with our underwriters:
Even better, complete this kidney disorders questionnaire.
If the insurer is willing to consider a full application, they will request a detailed medical report from your GP.
Be proactive in managing your condition.
Work with your GP, following up on treatments and advice given to you.
Life insurance underwriters view regular checkups with your GP in a positive light.
They are most sympathetic when they see people taking control of their condition.
Use a broker who has a personal relationship with all five insurers
It’s tricky to get life insurance with kidney disease, so don’t blow your chances by making a sloppy application.
Use a broker who has a personal relationship with all 5 Irish insurance providers and experience arranging tricky cover.
They should focus on applying to the most suitable insurer. Be wary if they begin by discussing the cheapest option.
Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all?
Don’t worry.
You’re not alone.
We have arranged cover for people just like you (and Bríd!). It’s not easy, it takes some time, but we’ll do our best to get you life insurance with kidney disease.
Feel free to complete this questionnaire, and I’ll be in touch. Even better, call me on 05793 20836, and we can have a chat in complete confidence.
Should you choose us, I look forward to helping to sort out your cover.
Nick McGowan
lion.ie | making life insurance easier
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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