Life Insurance for Dialysis Patients
Securing life insurance for dialysis patients can be challenging. Undergoing dialysis indicates that you have a pre-existing high-risk condition, preventing you from qualifying for a traditional term or whole policy. However, dialysis patients can purchase whole guaranteed issue life insurance with rates starting at $474 per month. If you eventually receive a successful kidney transplant, you may qualify for traditional coverage after a few years of controlled health.
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Laura Kuhl
Managing Content Editor
Laura Kuhl holds a Master’s Degree in Professional Writing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Her career began in healthcare and wellness, creating lifestyle content for doctors, dentists, and other healthcare and holistic professionals. In 2018, she started writing for the cannabis industry. She curated news articles and insider interviews with investors and small business ...
Managing Content Editor
UPDATED: Jul 22, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident life insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one life insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our life insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about life insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything life insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by life insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jul 22, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident life insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one life insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our life insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Traditional whole and term life insurance for dialysis patients is impossible to secure
- Your best option is to purchase a whole guaranteed issue life insurance policy, but rates start at $474 per month
- If you receive a successful kidney transplant and remain in stable health for years, you may qualify for traditional coverage
Expect securing life insurance for dialysis patients to be complicated.
Because dialysis treatments indicate you have a pre-existing high-risk condition, you will not qualify for traditionally underwritten life insurance.
Below, compare sample life insurance rates and discover what coverage options exist for dialysis patients.
When you’re ready, compare affordable life insurance for dialysis patients by entering your ZIP code into our free rate tool above.
What are the best life insurance policies for dialysis patients?
Life insurance rates for dialysis patients cost around $474 per month on average.
You cannot qualify for traditional whole life insurance or term life insurance if you receive dialysis treatments.
You’ll also struggle to find a life insurance company for dialysis patients willing to sell you final expense insurance or no-exam life insurance.
Your best and often only life insurance option is guaranteed issue whole life insurance.
Unfortunately, premiums for this type of coverage are the most expensive, and the death benefit is often insubstantial.
The table below compares the average monthly rates for a guaranteed issue whole policy with a $100,000 death benefit by gender and age.
| Age | Female Average Monthly Rates | Male Average Monthly Rates |
|---|---|---|
| 25-years-old | $84.91 | $93.70 |
| 30-years-old | $97.35 | $107.71 |
| 35-years-old | $112.93 | $128.24 |
| 40-years-old | $132.15 | $153.90 |
| 45-years-old | $156.17 | $190.79 |
| 50-years-old | $191.66 | $234.90 |
| 55-years-old | $243.17 | $294.84 |
| 60-years-old | $311.63 | $399.24 |
| 65-years-old | $421.69 | $528.00 |
According to the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), the average age of a person undergoing dialysis treatments is 64.
As you can see, it is challenging to secure cheap life insurance quotes for dialysis patients, especially if you’re older.
While you might consider purchasing an accidental death policy as an alternative, this is not the same thing as life insurance and does not cover death from natural causes, disease, or illness.
However, by comparing the different guaranteed issue life insurance companies online ahead of time, you’ll quickly find the provider most compatible with you.
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Why do dialysis treatments impact life insurance?
Dialysis treatments indicate that a person is experiencing end-stage kidney failure or some other pre-existing and often life-threatening condition.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, most people on dialysis live only five to 10 years.
Therefore, most insurance providers are unwilling to invest in such a high-risk client.
On rare occasions, acute renal failure may improve after treatment. However, most people remain on dialysis permanently.
If you receive a successful kidney transplant and stop treatments for three years, you may eventually qualify for traditional life insurance coverage.
To avoid a substandard rate, always follow up with your doctor and continue to take prescribed medications. Also, avoid smoking and other dangerous hobbies.
Case Studies: Life Insurance for Dialysis Patients
Case Study 1: Guaranteed Issue Whole Life Insurance
John, a 62-year-old man, has been undergoing dialysis treatments for end-stage kidney failure for the past three years. He understands that obtaining traditional life insurance coverage is challenging due to his high-risk medical condition. However, John explores other options and discovers guaranteed issue whole life insurance.
John decides to purchase a guaranteed issue whole life insurance policy with a $50,000 death benefit. The policy does not require a medical exam or health questions, making it accessible to individuals with pre-existing conditions like dialysis.
Although the premiums for guaranteed issue policies are higher, John believes it’s worth it to provide financial security for his loved ones. He pays a monthly premium of $474 for his policy, ensuring that his family will receive a payout upon his passing.
Case Study 2: Term Life Insurance With Conversion Option
Mary, a 45-year-old woman, was recently diagnosed with kidney failure and started undergoing dialysis treatments. She wants to secure life insurance to protect her family’s future but is aware that traditional term life insurance may not be available due to her medical condition. However, Mary discovers a term life insurance policy with a conversion option.
Mary applies for a 20-year term life insurance policy that allows her to convert it to a permanent policy without undergoing a medical exam. This option gives her the flexibility to secure coverage now and potentially convert it to a permanent policy in the future if her health improves or if she receives a successful kidney transplant.
Although the premiums for the term policy are higher compared to traditional coverage, Mary believes it’s a necessary investment. She pays a monthly premium of $550, providing her family with financial protection during the term of the policy.
Case Study 3: Final Expense Insurance
Robert, a 72-year-old man, has been receiving dialysis treatments for several years. He understands that obtaining traditional life insurance coverage at his age and with his medical condition is challenging. However, Robert learns about final expense insurance, which is designed to cover funeral and burial expenses.
Robert decides to purchase a final expense insurance policy with a death benefit of $15,000. This type of coverage does not require a medical exam or extensive underwriting, making it accessible to individuals with pre-existing conditions like dialysis.
Life Insurance for Dialysis Patients: The Bottom Line
If you’re one of the 468,000 Americans undergoing dialysis treatments, your life insurance options are limited.
If your health improves with a kidney transplant, you might successfully pursue traditional life insurance coverage after a few years of controlled health.
Unfortunately, most people remain in treatment for the rest of their lives and can only purchase guaranteed issue whole life insurance policies.
You can buy life insurance for dialysis patients right now by entering your ZIP code into our free quote tool below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dialysis patients qualify for life insurance coverage?
Yes, dialysis patients can qualify for life insurance coverage. While having kidney failure and undergoing dialysis treatment may present some challenges, it is still possible to obtain life insurance, depending on the individual’s specific circumstances and the insurance provider’s underwriting guidelines.
Will dialysis affect the cost of life insurance premiums?
Yes, the fact that an individual is undergoing dialysis treatment may impact the cost of life insurance premiums. Insurance providers consider several factors, including the underlying cause of kidney failure, overall health, treatment adherence, and stability of the condition. Premiums may be higher to reflect the increased risk associated with the medical condition.
What types of life insurance policies are available for dialysis patients?
Dialysis patients may be eligible for various types of life insurance policies, including term life insurance and permanent life insurance options such as whole life insurance or guaranteed universal life insurance. The availability and terms of coverage will depend on the insurance provider and the individual’s health profile.
Is a medical exam required for dialysis patients to obtain life insurance?
The requirement for a medical exam can vary depending on the insurance provider and the coverage amount being sought. Some insurance companies may require a medical exam, while others offer no-exam or simplified issue policies that have simplified underwriting processes. It’s best to inquire with insurance providers to understand their specific requirements.
Can dialysis patients purchase guaranteed issue whole-life insurance?
Yes, dialysis patients can purchase guaranteed issue whole-life insurance. This type of coverage is often the best and sometimes the only option available for dialysis patients. However, premiums for guaranteed issue policies tend to be higher, and the death benefit may be limited.
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Laura Kuhl
Managing Content Editor
Laura Kuhl holds a Master’s Degree in Professional Writing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Her career began in healthcare and wellness, creating lifestyle content for doctors, dentists, and other healthcare and holistic professionals. In 2018, she started writing for the cannabis industry. She curated news articles and insider interviews with investors and small business ...
Managing Content Editor
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about life insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything life insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by life insurance experts.