2024 Guide on Life Insurance With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Written by Daniel Ray, Life Insurance Expert |
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Fact Checked by
Lisamarie Monaco |
Editorial Disclosure
If you are looking for a life insurance with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), you’ve come to the right place!
You may have heard of gastroesophageal reflux disease before, but you’re not alone if you don’t know the symptoms. It’s important to know about GERD because it can lead to cancer and heart problems. Luckily there is life insurance for people with GERD!
If you have been diagnosed with this condition or think that it may be a concern for your health in the future then consider talking to your agent about getting life insurance coverage that includes this complication.
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Can I Get Life Insurance With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Acid Reflux)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a pre-existing medical condition.
Unlike the other gastrointestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s Disease, diverticulitis, Irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD affects the upper part of your body and part of the stomach. Also, affecting the lining of the esophagus.
Getting life insurance quotes for this medical condition is rather easy. In fact, getting a preferred to standard rate should not be out of reach. However, life insurance companies will look at your overall health.
If you have other health issues in addition to your GERD, the insurance company will want and need to know.
Some of these other health issues will include:
- Are you currently smoking tobacco products
- Your current weight
- Complications from your GERD such as ulceration which leads to erosive esophagitis.
- The severity of your GERD, etc.
GERD And Underwriting Questions
Life insurance carriers all have different guidelines.
There are no “one size fits all” policies. Every client is different and has different needs based on their profile, such as age, height, weight, medical condition or impairments, family medical history, etc.
To get the best quotes during your application process, the insurance carrier will have some questions.
Some include but not limited to:
- When were you diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
- Are you currently under the supervision of a doctor?
Are you currently taking prescription medication? - Has your medical condition required surgery? If so, when?
A sample quote… 45 year old woman. 20 year term policy. Face amount $200,000.
What Is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Acid reflux is also known as heartburn.
Also, as we have mentioned above, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is when food or liquid leaks out of your stomach back up into your esophagus.
When this happens it creates heartburn.
GERD affects more than 20% of the United States population.
Having heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux. GER) once in a while is normal.
But, having GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) more than 2x a week, is a severe issue that needs to be addressed by your physician for medical advice and treat GERD.
He may prescribe medication such as ranitidine Zantac or Rabeprazole Aciphex.
Your physician will also assess what trigger foods to avoid.
A common food is tomato sauce. So if you are Italian like me, the Sunday pasta nights might be hard to give up!
How does this happen? At the top of your stomach, there is a valve. This is called your lower esophageal sphincter. It should be a closed valve.
In some people, they have a continuous open valve. So the acid from the food or drinks we ingest come back up through that open valve thus, creating a terrible burning sensation called heartburn or acid reflux.
What Causes Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
GERD symptoms and causes vary from person to person.
Some general causes could be:
- Drinking alcohol beverages, coffee or soda
- Obesity
- Smoking tobacco products
- After eating a heavy meal, laying down
- Pregnancy
- Certain types of food: tomato sauce, spicy foods
- Specific prescription medication: blood pressure meds, Motrin or Ibuprofen
Is Acid Reflux A Lifetime Condition
Is GERD curable? No. Gastroesophageal reflux is a chronic disease.
It can be managed by diet, lifestyle changes and acid reflux treatment under the supervision of your physician.
How is acid reflux diagnosed?
Some of the common symptoms of Gastroesophageal reflux disease are:
Regurgitation ~ the acid that is in your stomach backs up into your esophagus and into your mouth.
Heartburn ~ this is the painful burning sensation that moves from your belly to your throat and chest.
What is Barrett’s Esophagus and Life Insurance
Many patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) develop Barrett Esophagus.
Barrett’s Esophagus is cancer of the esophagus. The tissue lining of the esophagus becomes incredibly damaged.
Although rare and only about 10% suffering from GERD will suffer from Barrett’s Esophagus. In fact, less than 1% are at risk for cancer.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Treatment
Diet and lifestyle will help you eliminate some of the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- Avoid certain foods that trigger GERD.
- Stop smoking!
- Eat smaller meals during the day.
- Eating healthy and losing a few pounds if you are overweight or obese.
- Above all, consult with your physician!
Can You Take Acid Reflux Medicine While Pregnant
How do you treat reflux during pregnancy? Will reflux going away after pregnancy?
It is quite common for pregnant women to suffer heartburn during pregnancy.
I had four children myself, and I experienced quite a few high-risk complications and health issues in addition to heartburn.
I will tell you this, for me it subsided after all my pregnancies.
Is Zantac safe while pregnant? Although Zantac is considered safe to take during your pregnancy, we are not OB-GYN doctors. ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR!
What Is The Best Food And Cure For Acid Reflux
Foods to consider to help eliminate GERD flare-ups are:
- Salmon
- Lean poultry
- Fruits high in fiber, magnesium, and potassium
- Eggs
- Veggies such as spinach, kale, asparagus and everyone’s favorite, Brussel sprouts! (they are one of my faves, actually!)
Tips for at home remedies for heartburn relief?
There are few remedies for gastroesophageal reflux disease you can try at home, such as:
- Sleep with pillows on an incline will help keep acid down
- Ginger tea will calm an upset belly
- Baking soda is high in pH level and reduces acid in your stomach
- Chew a stick of gum. This will help reduce acid
- Aloe juice will soothe the inside of your body
- Bananas contain natural antacids!
For more information on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), CLICK HERE.
FAQs
Yes, obtaining life insurance with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is usually possible. Most insurers will provide coverage, especially if the condition is well-managed.
GERD can affect life insurance premiums, but typically not as significantly as more severe health conditions. If your GERD is controlled with medication and lifestyle changes, the impact on your premiums might be minimal.
Insurers may ask about the severity of your symptoms, frequency of flare-ups, any medications or treatments you’re using, and if you’ve had any related complications or surgeries.
This depends on the insurer and the policy. Some policies might require a medical exam, which could include questions about your GERD.
The key consideration is the control and management of the condition. Well-managed GERD with no significant complications is generally viewed more favorably by insurers.
To find affordable rates, compare different policies, and look for insurers experienced in covering individuals with chronic conditions like GERD. Managing your condition effectively can help you secure better rates.
A GERD diagnosis itself typically does not affect the death benefit of a life insurance policy, as long as the policy is in force and premiums are up to date.
Both term and whole life insurance policies can be options. The choice depends on your overall health, financial situation, and coverage needs.
Yes, lifestyle changes that positively affect the management of GERD can impact life insurance rates favorably. This includes dietary changes, weight management, and avoiding triggers.
Get quotes from multiple insurers and compare the costs, coverage, and any exclusions or limitations related to GERD or other health conditions.
Look for policies with fair premiums relative to your condition, sufficient coverage for your needs, and consider any applicable riders that might be beneficial.
Yes, working with an insurance broker or agent who has experience in handling policies for individuals with chronic conditions can be beneficial. They can guide you to the right policy based on your specific health situation.
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Conclusion
You may have heard that life insurance with GERD is difficult to get, but this isn’t necessarily the case. The key is to find a plan that covers your pre-existing condition and provides you with an affordable premium for the coverage. If you need help finding such a plan or want more information on how we can help those living with GERD afford life insurance, just give us some details about what you’re looking for in our form below!
