ITP and insurance

[Dan_dan]

Hi, just wondering if anyone on here has had any success getting critical illness or income protection insurance? If so you could you tell me who you're with? I've been turned down by a few providers and wondering if it's worth persevering. Thanks!

[AnthonyHeard Administrator ITP Support Association]

If you email ITP Support Association HQ on [e-mail] they can provide a list of potential insurers who deal with ITP.

[Dan_dan in reply to AnthonyHeard]

Thanks, I've emailed them ...

[lc12345]

I have the same question. I was not turned downed yet but waiting for 3 months for them to get 'doctor reports'. It seems never ending story

[RobertSp]

I was turned down for Life insurance.

[Milane]

first find a carrier that is stable, financially sound and type of coverage you need (life insurance, disability insurance or long term care) and requirement and their view in insuring you depends what you are applying for and if you got denied, ask them why and what needs to happen before they consider you (i.e. with mine, they told me that i need to be stable & off the prednisone for at least a year). Remember: all those medications have side effects which adds additional risk for us to be disabled and become uninsurable. before you apply:

1. life insurance: be careful of term insurance (when expires, premium may be a lot higher when you reinsure). ask all the possible ifs. get a waiver of premium endorsement if you get sick so this will help you not worry about the bill while you are trying to get better. most life insurance only allows you to use half for critical illness. having itp is not critical

2. disability insurance (short or long term): think of this as income insurance as it covers your income while you are sick but has expiration period depending on your coverage. both have deductible # of days that you need to be sick before you can file a claim and also what type of government assistance you get as well. ask also for waiver of premium if you get sick.

3. if you are applying for long term care (when you can no longer capable of taking care of yourself and you need assistance). this may be the hardest one to get. if you qualify to get these one, get a waiver of premium if you get sick and return of premium endorsement in case you didn't end up using it. if they don't offer return of premium, conversion to life insurance upon death endorsement.

hope this helps.

[Milane in reply to Milane]

if you can, apply for cancer insurance as well with stroke or heart attack coverage.

[Dan_dan]

Thanks all. I should probably have said I am based in the uk as I know that makes a difference to how the health system and insurance providers work.

To update: I emailed ITP support but their list was for travel insurance and that's never been an issue previously. I contacted a specialist insurance company who deal with pre-existing conditions, they told me that with an average count of about 20 no high street insurer would consider me. They have however indicated that there is a small specialist company called 'ESMI' that may provide me with life insurance of £100,000 and critical illness cover of £50,000 for a monthly premium of just under £50 (subject to expected exclusions). I already have a similar level of life cover via my employer so just contemplating whether it's worth proceeding (I was really bothered about critical illness cover and for a higher amount). If anyone reading this has had any success with any other insurers it would be wonderful to hear. I'm holding off income protection at the time being as already get good sickness benefits (I'm an NHS employee) but it would be handy to know about this in case i decide to set up in independent practice at some point in the future.

Thanks for the replies and advice so far.