Life Insurance for someone with sleep apnea

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. Complete cessation of breathing is known as apnea while hypopnea is partial cessation of breathing.

Why do life insurers care if you have sleep apnea?

During apnea episodes the oxygen level in the blood falls. Persistent low oxygen levels may cause or exacerbate other health problems. Dangers associated with untreated sleep apnea include hypertension, lung damage, right heart failure, and heart rhythm irregularities. It may exacerbate the mortality risk of co-existing cardiovascular disorders.

What information do life insurers want to know in order to rate a case?

Life insurance rating for Obstructive Sleep Apnea is determined by the severity of the disease as measured by the number of apnea and hypopnea episodes per hour; and by the degree of hypoxia (low blood oxygen level). Success of treatment is documented by follow up sleep study.

Favorable ratings would be associated a mild case  (low Apnea-Hypopnea Index), consistent use of CPAP/BiPAP, controlled blood pressure, no risky driving events, and no co-existing heart or lung disease. Favorable cases are generally get standard rates.