The good news is that many people can find affordable sleep apnea life insurance.

1 in 15 people or 18 million Americans have this sleep disorder.

However, sleep apnea can be a potentially serious condition. It is also associated with other physical conditions or lifestyle behaviors. These, in turn, can impact how life insurance companies rate you.

If you have any other lifestyle conditions that might be responsible or part of the cause for your sleep apnea, then making proper lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your life insurance premiums.

The good news is that mild cases of sleep apnea with no associated health concerns may still get you preferred rates. Use the Instant Quote tool on your right (top if you’re on mobile) to see rates from top-rated companies.

How to Find Affordable Sleep Apnea Life Insurance

Doctors commonly recommend CPAP machines for people with sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea.  This involves a pump operated face mask connected to an air source. Strangely, insurance companies prefer people who regularly use their CPAP machines over those who occasionally use one. The idea is that if you do what your doctor is telling you, you will probably outlive people who don’t.

Other individuals may be prescribed a BPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) machine to manage their sleep disorder. This device is very similar to a CPAP machine.

There are also other oral devices that may be prescribed.

We mention this because one of the primary factors in how you will be rated by an underwriter is to determine that you are using your CPAP or BPAP device on a regular basis. Additionally, the underwriter will want to see the results of any sleep studies performed with the assistance of either of these devices.

The bottom line in knowing how to find low-cost life insurance with sleep apnea is to ensure you are following all your doctor’s instructions.

Other factors that can affect your life insurance rating and the premiums you pay include managing any other health factors which could impact your health. This includes obesity, smoking, drinking alcohol and high blood pressure.

Taking proactive steps on your own such as losing weight, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake and lowering your blood pressure are ways that you can use to save money on life insurance.

Why Sleep Apnea Applicants Should Buy Term Life Insurance

We generally recommend to most of our clients with OSA to buy Term life insurance instead of whole life. The reason is that term life insurance costs a lot less than permanent life insurance.

Term life insurance will fit the life insurance requirements of most Americans who need coverage. It is the most basic form of life insurance you can buy. All you have to do select the amount of coverage you need and the time period or term you want the policy.

Term life insurance is a fraction of the cost that you would pay for the same coverage with a whole life or universal policy.

How an Independent Life Insurance Agent Saves You Money

Another great way to save a lot of money on life insurance is to use an independent life insurance agent. These agents can shop around for you because they have access to dozens of companies throughout the U.S.

Independent agents keep track of any and all underwriting guidelines in use by insurers. If they don’t feel that the rating or quotes given by a particular insurer are fair and can’t negotiate a better rate, they will look elsewhere until they do.

Don’t use a “captive” or company agent because you will have no choice in either the health rating you are accessed or the premium they charge. The manner in how a life insurance company rates people with sleep apnea vary significantly as some companies are much more restrictive in how they rate you.

If you want no-obligation quotes from the best-rated companies right now, use the Instant Quotes tool on your right. (Top if you’re on mobile.) Compare dozens of companies. Experiment with different term lengths and benefit amounts. The tool is there for your information. There is never any obligation to buy.

Why Sleep Apnea Life Insurance Sometimes Costs More

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder that impairs your breathing while you are sleeping. The first thing that an underwriter wants to know is the type of OSA.

There are 3 classifications of sleep apnea including:

• Obstructive sleep apnea – This is the most common type that occurs when throat muscles relax.

• Central sleep apnea – This form of OSA occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

• Complex sleep apnea syndrome – This condition is also referred to as “treatment-emergent central sleep apnea”. It occurs when someone has both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

There are a variety of different reasons why a person can develop sleep apnea including the following:

• Excess weight
• Oversize neck circumference
• Narrow airway
• Aging
• Family history
• Use of alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers
• Smoking
• Nasal congestion
• Heart disorders
• Using narcotic pain medications
• Stroke

The key to finding affordable sleep apnea life insurance is to show that your sleep apnea is under control.

The underwriter will want to see you are taking a proactive approach in treating your sleep apnea. Additionally, it is better if you do not have other negative health conditions which will impact your rating. Other conditions like diabetes, asthma, or COPD on top of sleep apnea will make your life insurance application more complicated.

Some people with mild or moderate sleep apnea may even qualify for a “preferred plus” or even a “preferred” rating. These are the 2 best health ratings available, but it all depends on your individual health situation.

Those diagnosed with severe sleep apnea may qualify for either a “standard” or “table” rating.

Underwriting Factors for Sleep Apnea Life Insurance

There are a number of questions about sleep apnea which the underwriter will ask when you apply for life insurance. These include the following:

• When were you first diagnosed with sleep apnea
• Type of sleep apnea diagnosed
• The degree of severity of your OSA and whether it is improving, increasing, or varied
• Date of sleep study performed, if any. (If so, you will also likely be asked about the apnea index and oxygen saturation percentage)
• Your height and weight
• Whether you smoke or drink alcohol
• Do you have other medical conditions such as high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or lung condition
• Method of treatment for your apnea including a CPAP, oral device, medication, or any surgery performed

How Abrams Insurance Solutions Can Help Find Affordable Life Insurance with Sleep Apnea

Abrams Insurance Solutions can save you both time and money when it comes to finding low-cost sleep apnea life insurance. Our independent agents have access to over 70 of the best life insurers in the industry. Many of these are generous with their health ratings for preexisting conditions. We won’t settle or stop looking until we find the right life insurer who will give you the best rates for your sleep apnea.

You can find more information about life insurance with preexisting conditions here. Or, if you are looking for quotes, use the Instant Quote tool on the right. There is no obligation to buy. Ever.

Have any questions about how to find affordable life insurance with Sleep Apnea that we didn’t answer? Give us a call at 858-703-6178 and we will find you the information right away.