Cushing’s Syndrome is a less commonly understood health condition, largely because it is highly curable and non-fatal. That’s actually good news, but if you have Cushing’s Syndrome it could cause complications if you want to apply for a life insurance policy.
Your application will likely be approved, but it’s a question of the premium level. Apply with the right company, and you can get an affordable premium. Apply with the wrong one, and you could be facing a premium that’s barely affordable. But don’t worry – we can help you get through it!
What Is Cushing’s Syndrome
Cushing’s Syndrome is a hormone related syndrome. It is caused when your body makes too much of cortisol, which is a stress hormone. Cortisol is produced in the adrenal glands, and Cushing’s Syndrome can develop when too much of it stays in your body for too long. However, it can also be caused by use of certain medications, such as steroids or prednisone. In some cases, it can also be caused by a tumor developing on your pituitary gland or on your adrenal glands. Either condition can cause your body to manufacture too much cortisol.
The overproduction of cortisol can have a negative impact on the other systems of the body. The condition is also known as hypercortisolism. It is most common in adults between the ages of 25 and 40, and most pronounced in women. Fortunately, most cases of the syndrome can be cured.
Symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome include:
- Rounded, rosy face
- Weight gain, especially upper body
- A fat pad in the upper back or base of the neck
- Thin arms and legs
- Acne
- Being very tired
- Weak muscles, especially when using your shoulders and hip muscles
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar levels
- Depression and anxiety
- Osteoporosis
- Kidney stones
- Sleep problems
- Extra hair growth on your body and face
- Irregular periods
- Low sex drive and problems having an erection
In treating Cushing’s Syndrome, it will first be necessary to determine the cause of high cortisol. For example, the cause could be use of steroids, in which case the dosage will either be eliminated or reduced. However, if the cause is a tumor, the tumor will first have to be located and surgically removed, though it is also possible to shrink the tumor with radiation or medications.
In most cases, Cushing’s Syndrome can be cured. However where it isn’t, proper management of the symptoms will be necessary. This pertains particularly to tiredness, weight gain and depression.
How Life Insurance Companies See Applicants with Cushing’s Syndrome
A life insurance company will have a series of questions that will determine the nature and extent of your condition. They will be interested in the following:
- When were you diagnosed with Cushing’s Syndrome?
- Have you had any symptoms within the past several months?
- Have you ever been hospitalized because of your condition?
- What evaluations have you had of your condition (typically blood or urine analysis, or MRI for potential tumors)?
- Have you undergone or been referred for any surgery?
- What is the cause of condition – medications or tumors?
- Are you taking steroids for another medical condition?
- Do you have any other health problems?
- Are you a smoker?
- Are you currently taking any medications for the condition or any other health issues?
The length of time that you have had Cushing’s Syndrome will be important. This will indicate the condition has been cured, or if it is moving in the right direction. Obviously the more recent the outbreak the more negatively it will weigh on your life insurance application. The length of time you have had the condition is particularly important if it has gone largely untreated. The complication here is that the condition can lead to problems with the heart, lungs, or liver.
If you have had surgery to remove tumors that were the cause of Cushing’s Syndrome, that can qualify you for the best insurance rating, as long as at least one year has passed, and there have been no additional symptoms.
Even if you have certain conditions you can still be approved for a life insurance policy as long as those conditions are well controlled. The insurance company will also want to know that you are staying in close contact with your doctor and regularly monitoring your cortisol levels.
In most cases, a life insurance application will be approved if you have Cushing’s Syndrome, however it will just be a matter of determining the premium rate.
Applying For Life Insurance When You Have Cushing’s Syndrome
If you have Cushing’s Syndrome and you apply for life insurance, you’ll have to make sure that you are proactively managing your condition. That will include getting regular medical attention and following any treatment regimen that may be necessary.
You’ll also have to demonstrate that you are managing any symptoms that are typically caused by Cushing’s Syndrome. This especially includes proper weight management. If the syndrome has caused you to gain weight, it will be important for you to maintain some control over your weight. That may require losing weight gained as a result of the condition, and maintaining that weight level for a prolonged period of time.
It will also be important that you are getting any therapy necessary to deal with the depression and anxiety aspects of the condition. This can include medications, but also counseling on an ongoing basis.
Naturally it will be critically important to make sure that you are maintaining good health overall. That should include getting proper exercise, and avoiding health impairing habits, such as smoking and excess alcohol consumption. Overall, you must show that you are in good physical condition apart from Cushing’s Syndrome.
Choosing the Right Life Insurance Company is Your Best Strategy
Next to properly managing your condition and your overall health, the most important aspect of getting life insurance when you have Cushing’s Syndrome is to apply to the right life insurance company.
As is the case with virtually every type of health condition, each life insurance company has a different view of that particular condition. Some companies will have a generally negative view of Cushing’s Syndrome, and should be avoided. But others have more positive experience and are more likely to approve your application, and at a more reasonable premium level.
Identifying the life insurance companies that have the best view of Cushing’s Syndrome will be critical. We know who those companies are. Let us help you find the right life insurance policy at the lowest possible premium. It’s what we do all the time, and we would love to help you too. Give us a call – you won’t pay anything extra for our services.
