Costs more for life insurance now that I am healthier - why?!

[Indigo1991 1,612]

Just heard today that the company (in the UK) considering me for life assurance will accept me - at twice the rate it offered before my medical.

Not because the medical showed up a problem - I was perfect in respect of weight, BP, cholesterol, no sign of diabetes etc. The nurse who did it described me as being "as fit as a wee flea". I am being penalised solely because I have had bariatric surgery - because they don't have long term evidence of what that means for mortality!

I have gone back and pointed out they can't have it both ways. I was morbidly obese with significant comorbidities and they were prepared to give me insurance. Now I am healthy, I am to be charged twice the price when I am actually less likely to die and make them pay out!!!!

Aaaaaaargh! Has anyone else had a similar experience? After all I have been through, I will not take this lying down....

[JeanaLuvsKisses 110]

I'm curious to find out this coming September when they have open enrollment for the school district where my husband works. We took out a life insurance policy when my husband went to work for the school district over ten years ago. We could not take one out on me because of my weight. Now that i qualify in my weight we planned on seeing if we could take out a policy for me. We shall see!

Edited January 30, 2014 by JeanaLuvsKisses

[Indigo1991 1,612]

It seems you might still not be able to take it out!!!! Damned if you don't lose weight, damed if you do

[dawalsh 919]

Just heard today that the company (in the UK) considering me for life assurance will accept me - at twice the rate it offered before my medical.

Not because the medical showed up a problem - I was perfect in respect of weight, BP, cholesterol, no sign of diabetes etc. The nurse who did it described me as being "as fit as a wee flea". I am being penalised solely because I have had bariatric surgery - because they don't have long term evidence of what that means for mortality!

I have gone back and pointed out they can't have it both ways. I was morbidly obese with significant comorbidities and they were prepared to give me insurance. Now I am healthy, I am to be charged twice the price when I am actually less likely to die and make them pay out!!!!

Aaaaaaargh! Has anyone else had a similar experience? After all I have been through, I will not take this lying down....

I'm really sorry to hear that in the IK. I think in the US you'd have the opposite reaction. Can you change companies or is it like that all over the IK?

I wish you the best!

[Indigo1991 1,612]

Dawalsh, am looking into it. There may be others that will be more open to it, but apparently it is an issue in the UK that doctors are trying to get addressed.

Have checked the company's own website and they seem to be contradicting themselves, so will be all over them like a rash to get them to reverse their decision :-)

[LML8789 52]

Unfortunately this is true for most companies (though it doesn't hurt to check around--not all insurance companies have the same rules). My weight was high enough with a bmi of 49.5 and with diabetes/ high blood pressure that I didn't qualify for life insurance. Once I lose the weight and keep it off for at least 1 year, I will qualify however not a for a standard rate. They do a put a surcharge on the policy for bariatric surgery--fyi--I'm a life ins. agent.

[Indigo1991 1,612]

Thanks - I was just shocked that the monthly premium went from £350 to £650 per month only because of WLS.... Don't mind a surcharge but that seems like trying to have their cake and eat it too!!!!!