Life Insurance for Someone with GERD – Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

GERD,  Barrett’s Esophagus, and life insurance

GERD is a disorder of the esophageal sphincter. The sphincter opens too often or does not close tight enough. This then may allow stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. And here it can be a burning sensation since the lining  of the esophagus is not protected like the lining of the stomach.

GERD can develop into Barrett’s Esophagus. Barrett’s Esophagus is a premalignant condition  that can lead to cancer. Most people with GERD do not develop Barrett’s Esophagus, but if the esophageal cells get too much exposure to the stomach acid they may start to be replaced by cell similar to intestinal cells. Esophageal cancer is rarely curable with a poor five year survival rate.

Expected Life Insurance Rating:

Interestingly it has been reported that people with Barrett’s Esophagus are more likely to die from ischemic heart disease than cancer. Cancer risk is highest in those with high-grade dysplasia and lowest in those with no dysplasia. The risk is also higher in those with involvement of a long segment of esophagus as compared to those with short segment involvement.

With no history of dysplasia we would expect a rating of standard to Table C. With a history of dysplasia a rating could be from standard to decline. For this reason it is best to ‘shop’ the market for the best tentative offers. If a fully underwritten policy is not available they may have to settle for a ‘guaranteed issue’ plan that offers limited death benefits the first few years.

What Do premium Rates Look Like?

Male 50 Standard Non-Tobacco

Male 50 Non-Tobacco Table C

What Do Underwriters want to know in order to make a tentative offer:

In order to shop the case intelligently we will need to know is there is dysplasia and if it is high grade or low grade. Additionally, we will need to know readings from any pathology reports, current and past treatments, and any medications that have been used.