Funeral Insurance With Cystic Fibrosis (No Waiting Period)

This condition is genetic, and causes thickened mucus in the lungs and other organs. Thankfully, advancements in medical treatments and care have come a long way in increasing life expectancy and the quality of life.

This inherited condition affects 30,000 Americans, with about 1,000 new cases diagnosed yearly.

Can I Get Funeral Insurance With Cystic Fibrosis (CF)?

Most people with Cystic Fibrosis can qualify for burial insurance with no waiting period. However, not every insurance provider will accept Cystic Fibrosis patients, but there are select companies that do. 

Funeral Insurance Basics

Funeral coverage is also known as burial and final expense insurance. It was specifically designed to provide seniors with an affordable way to pay for end-of-life expenses without leaving a financial burden on their loved ones.

Whole Life Insurance Benefits

Due to funeral insurance being a type of whole life coverage, there are 3 key features of every plan.

Coverage Lock: There is no decrease in coverage over time. The amount of coverage remains the same as the amount you initially took out.

Price Lock: Not only does the policy not expire, but the monthly cost is locked in and will never change.

Builds Cash Value: This means that over time you will have the opportunity to borrow against your policy should the need arise.

Final Expense Policy Features

Final expense insurance policies are known as simplified issue whole life coverage. Simplified issue means you will never be asked to get a medical exam, and the application can be completed over the phone. Whole life refers to the length of the policy as it lasts for the insured’s entire life.

Affordable: Since final expense policies come in smaller coverage amounts ($2,000 – $40,000), it makes coverage much more accessible by allowing lower-cost monthly premiums. Although the price is lower, it still comes with all the great benefits of a traditional whole life plan.

No Medical Exam: Applicants will never be asked to get a medical exam to qualify for final expense insurance coverage. There is a simple medical questionnaire that you can answer over the phone.

No Denial: Most cystic fibrosis patients can get immediate coverage. However, if you have other pre-existing conditions, there can be a 2 – 3 year waiting period.

Underwriting Burial Insurance With Cystic Fibrosis

Underwriting is the process of determining if you qualify for coverage.

Each insurance company sets its own underwriting standards. Some companies will accept particular health concerns that others will not. This is true of most diagnoses but especially when dealing with cystic fibrosis.

Ways Life Insurance Carriers Ask About Cystic Fibrosis

Most companies will not ask directly about this condition on the application.

There are, however, a few ways you could see this question asked by the companies that care about cystic fibrosis. The underwriting could refer to this diagnosis as a “chronic lung condition” rather than listing any specific condition.

“Have you ever been diagnosed or treated for cystic fibrosis?”

You’ll not want to apply with a provider that asks a question this way, as it could disqualify you for immediate coverage and put you into a plan with a waiting period or be a complete denial.

“Within the last 24 months, have you been diagnosed with or treated for cystic fibrosis?”

Asking about CF this way will depend on your diagnosis and treatment timeline. The inquired timeline could differ from carrier to carrier.

No mention of it at all

Some applications will not address this condition at all, essentially treating you as though you do not have cystic fibrosis.

Complications to Consider

It is of interest to the carrier providing coverage that you are in good health. Cystic fibrosis affects many parts of the body, including the lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas, and intestines. These are all vital organs that your body needs to function correctly.

Aside from the issues that this progressive condition presents, it can also lead to an increased risk of developing diabetes and liver disease, both of which could affect an application for coverage.

The treatment of your CF could also play a role. Most medications used for treatment will not be of consequence. However, there are a few things to note.

If you have received or been recommended to have an organ transplant

This is something that will rule you out of being able to obtain immediate coverage. You will be able to get coverage, but there is going to be a waiting period imposed.

If you are on continual oxygen to assist with breathing

Using continual oxygen will significantly limit your ability to qualify for no waiting period coverage. Nearly every policy providing immediate coverage asks about oxygen use.

You must let your agent know this information so they can make the most informed recommendations for coverage and assist you in submitting an application that will be approved.

How Companies React to CF

There are a couple of ways companies react to the answers to their health questionnaire.

Acceptance: Select companies will accept applicants that have a cystic fibrosis diagnosis. However, most carriers will place you into a plan with a waiting period before full coverage begins.

Denial: Some companies will not provide coverage to those with a CF diagnosis. Your agent may instead recommend a guaranteed acceptance policy, but this is not always necessary.

How To Find The Best Final Expense Insurance With Cystic Fibrosis

The best insurance company for seniors will give the most coverage for the lowest price and provide protection as soon as possible – all from a reputable company.

3 Things to Look for in a Policy

There are many things to be aware of when purchasing life insurance, but the three things to look for are the cost, the company’s financial rating, and policy structure.

Cost: Ensure the monthly premiums are affordable for your budget because the price will remain the same for the rest of your life.

Financial Rating: Apply with a reputable insurance provider. You can do an internet search to learn the financial rating of any insurance company. Companies that have an AM Best rating of B+ or higher have a solid foundation and will be able to pay out your claim when due.

Start of Coverage: Getting coverage that starts immediately is always preferable. However, if you cannot qualify, ensure the waiting period is not longer than 2 years.

Company Recommendations

Each company has different qualifying standards, so the company recommendations below are specific to those with cystic fibrosis. If you have another medical concern, please speak with an agent to see what you can qualify for.

Royal Neighbors of America: This company has highly rated financial stability and lenient underwriting guidelines compared to other carriers. The relaxed underwriting matters because people with CF can qualify for immediate coverage at very affordable rates as though they do not even have this diagnosis.

Foresters Financial: This provider offers excellent options for coverage and has a highly rated financial status. Foresters Financial will provide immediate coverage to those with a CF diagnosis aged 50 – 85.

Guarantee Trust Life: This company offers one policy option, The Heritage Plan, and provides coverage with extremely lenient underwriting guidelines to qualify. For this reason, there is a 2-year waiting period before full coverage can be awarded. This policy would be suitable for someone who has had other medical concerns in addition to CF and cannot qualify with the prior two companies.

How to Buy Final Expense Insurance with Cystic Fibrosis

There are two main ways to buy life insurance, directly from the company or an insurance agency.

Directly from Provider: This may seem like the best route to take. However, working directly with the insurance company, you might be missing out on their best plans. Many insurance companies contract out their premier products to life insurance agencies. When you contact the insurance company and speak to their representative, they may not have access to the top-tier plans.

Insurance Agency: Insurance agencies can represent as many companies and plans as they wish because they are independent of any particular insurance company. This often gives the consumer a wide range of policies and options that fit their specific medical history.

Working with an insurance agency will save time and money by relying on help from an expert.

Why Willamette Life

Willamette Life is an insurance agency that specializes in finding senior life insurance for our customers. Our agents take tremendous pride in their responsibility of helping you understand the process and your plan options.

Final Thoughts On Burial Insurance With Cystic Fibrosis

a. It is easy to get affordable funeral insurance with cystic fibrosis if you apply for coverage with a company that accepts this condition.

b. Several carriers will provide coverage to those with cystic fibrosis and several that will not. It is in your best interest to find one that will.

c. Working with an insurance agency like Willamette Life will give you the most suitable options to choose from.

Give Willamette Life a call at 844-576-0019