January 31, 2010

Everyone always says, “Diabetes requires adjustments to your life, but you can still do everything you did before.”  Well, until recently I believed this was true because I had not experienced anything that proved otherwise.

Two months ago I thought it might be a good idea to get supplemental life insurance in addition to what my employer provides.  The first company I applied with automatically denied me due to my “history of Diabetes.”  Needless to say I was outraged.  I suspected I would be rated and have to pay a higher premium, but I thought they would at least conduct a medical screening. 

I contacted a second company online and they called me the same day.  The representative asked me several questions…how old are you, how much do you weigh, etc.  At some point in the conversation I told him I had Type 1 Diabetes.  We discussed the fact that the company he worked with has a reputation of finding affordable insurance for people with chronic conditions.  He said he would do some research and follow back up with me.  It has been two months and I have not heard from him or anyone else at that company.

My search continued when I received all kinds of solicitations for mortgage insurance after I bought a house.  I thought, “Hey, I will give this a try, maybe they have a guaranteed issue amount that I can take advantage of.”  The broker’s assistant called me, wrote down my information, including the fact that I had Diabetes and set up an appointment.  When the broker got to my house she was super enthusiastic about finding me insurance since I was so young and healthy.  She gave me a lecture on the importance of getting insurance now and locking in a good rate while you are young.  I quickly realized she had no idea about my diagnosis.  It turns out she did not read the second page of her assistant’s notes.  Needless to say she was extremely embarrassed.  Once she was aware of my diagnosis, she essentially said that I may be uninsurable, but that I should still apply.  Again, I have not heard back from her.  However, my boyfriend already got the policy that he signed up for on the same day.  He has no medical conditions. 

Fortunately, I have been able to find someone to help me through my network of women from Diabetes Sisters.  But I imagine that not everyone is so lucky and that is heartbreaking to me.  I became so angry and deflated during this process; it was frustrating.  No one wants be to told, directly or indirectly, that your life expectancy is not long enough for an insurance company to justify the expense.  Especially since I work so hard to control my Diabetes and I try to do everything I can to live a full and long life.

Has anyone been in a similar situation?  I would like to hear about your experiences.