Life Insurance for People With Disabilities

In the United States, one in four adults are living with a disability. If you’re one of them, you may wonder if it’s even worth it to apply for life insurance.

Even if you have a disability, however, there are still options available to you. Here’s what to know about life insurance for disabled individuals.

What to know before applying for life insurance with a disability

Life insurance provides a cash payout to your loved ones if you die while your policy is active. Since life insurance companies are insuring your life, your insurer needs to determine your life expectancy when you apply for a policy – and health is one of the main factors these companies consider.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you can’t be denied certain services because of a disability, but life insurance companies may take it into consideration when deciding if you’re eligible for a policy and your rate. That said, a disability doesn’t automatically mean a denial.

There are a wide range of mental and physical disabilities, and it all depends on the severity of the disability. For example, if your disability was caused by an accident versus a chronic illness, it may be easier to get covered, because it has less of an impact on your overall lifespan.

When applying for life insurance, be upfront about your disability. If a company finds out later you weren’t truthful, they can deny your claim or invalidate a policy altogether. If your insurance company knows your situation, though, they can help find the right fit. There are several types of life insurance for disabled adults:

Term life covers you for a set period of time and is the most flexible, affordable option. Depending on your disability, you may be able to qualify for some types of term life insurance.
You may also be able to qualify for permanent life insurance, including universal life or whole life insurance for disabled persons. These policies are more expensive than term life because they offer lifelong coverage and may also build cash value over time.
In less than perfect health? Options like simplified issue or guaranteed issue may be a better fit for people with disabilities since they don’t require a medical exam.
If you’re older and just looking for a small policy to cover final expenses, final expense insurance can also help.

This is where it helps to work with an agent who can help you shop and compare options – all from the comfort of your home. eFinancial works with top-rated carriers and offers personalized guidance for your life insurance needs.

Can you use life insurance for a disability?

In good health now but concerned about developing a disability later? Some policies let you tap into benefits while you’re still living to provide a financial cushion for your family and to cover medical bills and expenses. For example, a living benefit rider allows you to access your life insurance funds immediately if you’re diagnosed with a serious health condition covered by your rider. A waiver of premium disability rider is another option that allows you to stop paying your life insurance premiums under specific conditions, like becoming disabled. These options can greatly benefit people with disabilities when it comes to purchasing coverage.

What if my child has a disability?

Getting covered with permanent life insurance can help you provide for a child with a disability. These policies never expire, so once you’re no longer there to provide for them, your child will receive a cash payout that can help cover medical bills, daily expenses, or other needs.

Life insurance for people with disabilities

What to know before applying for life insurance with a disability

Can you use life insurance for a disability?

What if my child has a disability?

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