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LIfe insurance denied?
I am a 29 year old non-smoker, mother of one, married woman who is the picture of health. However, LV have just denied me life insurance "for health reasons" (really specific, as you can tell).
My husband and I have wracked our brains as to what grounds I could have been denied on, and the only thing we can come up with is that I was diagnosed with Chronic fatigue syndrome 4 years ago.
I have not, however, had any symptoms or received any treatment for this in the last 3 and a half years, and all my health records reflect this. In addition, Chronic Fatigue is not a fatal illness so should have no bearing on receiving insurance if I die.
Can anyone tell me whether LV are within their rights to reject me, and what the chances are of me getting this decision overturned? As it is unjustified, what recourse do I have for further action?
Call and speak with a representative, it may be they will not cover you because this is considered a 'pre existing' condition.
Are they within their legal rights? Yes. Insurance companies have great leeway in who they will or will not insure and at what limits.
Your best bet is to speak with some one at the insurance company and then, find a different company that will insure you.
try a different type of insurance...............some do not require a physical,,,,,,,,
If an insurance company refuses to insure you; you have no right of appeal; it's a business deal and they don't want your business, so that's the end of it.
All you can do is shop elsewhere, but be aware all insurance companies are legally required to share their customer database with each other.
Speak to a financial adviser about a savings with profit bond that carries full life insurance.
Chronic Fatigue itself may not cause death - but, what other symptoms are associated with CFS that do put you at higher risk? I just looked it up and here is what I found:
"Other Commonly Observed Symptoms in CFS
In addition to the eight primary defining symptoms of CFS, a number of other symptoms have been reported by some CFS patients. The frequencies of occurrence of these symptoms vary from 20% to 50% among CFS patients. They include abdominal pain, alcohol intolerance, bloating, chest pain, chronic cough, diarrhea, dizziness, dry eyes or mouth, earaches, irregular heartbeat, jaw pain, morning stiffness, nausea, night sweats, psychological problems (depression, irritability, anxiety, panic attacks), shortness of breath, skin sensations, tingling sensations, and weight loss."
I don't know for sure, as I am not an underwriter, but these may be why you were denied. I would call the company and ask for a more specific explanation. I would also call other companies and ask how CFS could affect your premium and eligibility. While they may not be able to give you an absolute, they may be able to give you some insight before you apply.
Good Luck in your search.
I think the best thing you cand do is call them and ask them to clarify why you were denied.
You have no "right" to make them insure you, but I would request a more specific reason for their rejection.
A diagnosis of chronic fatigue at 25 is difficult to overcome only four years later (if that was the only reason for decline). Generally they would rather you be older or have the diagnosis further in the past.
Assuming you are working with an independent agent, have them send out for "informal offers" from the other companies in their brokerage network. If you are not working with an independent agent, find one to send out informals for you. Offers will likely be higher than the standard population and will depend on the severity and type of your attacks and how it was treated. Your lifestyle may also factor in more than someone without CFS.
Not to get you down, but you can die from anything. If you want to know how an underwriter might think about this (stop reading now if you don't), chronic fatigue is commonly linked with depression which leads to lowered immune systems, suicide, and risky behavior. You will never die from a syndrome (just a collection of symptoms), but the likelihood of mortality due to other causes is increased over the general population.
Don't let one decline stop you. Different companies view the same risk differently. I've seen declines turn into standard offers, so find a competent insurance broker and keep looking.
The insurance company have sole discretion whether to accept or decline a risk - you propose to enter a contract - they have declined your proposition.
If you wish you can put in a complaint against them - they must handle the complaint even though you did not take out a policy - this could eventually lead to the FOS - however I cannot for one moment imagine that the insurance company would be held to be at fault.
Perhaps you should contact an IFA to get a quote?
http://www.insuranceplan4u.com