Life Insurance with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Canada

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological and developmental condition that affects a significant number of Canadians. Getting life insurance with autism can be confusing, but with the right guidance and information, coverage is attainable. This definitive guide provides extensive insights into navigating life insurance for people with autism in the Canadian market.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Canadian Context

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder ?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by challenges with social interaction and communication, as well as restrictive and repetitive behaviours. ASD is called a “spectrum” disorder because it encompasses a wide range of symptoms and disability levels.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, it is estimated that:

• 1 in 66 children and youth are diagnosed with ASD in Canada
• Over 100,000 Canadians aged 5-17 have ASD
• Boys are diagnosed 4-5 times more than girls

While the causes are not fully understood, research suggests there are genetic factors involved. There is no cure for autism, but early intervention with therapies and treatments can help manage symptoms.

Canadians with autism can face challenges, including:

• Difficulty with communication and social interactions
• Sensitivity to certain stimuli
• Developmental delays in some areas
• Need for specialized education plans
• Requirement for in-home or community care
• Inability to live fully independently
• Heightened anxiety, depression, OCD, or other mental health conditions

However, with the right support, many individuals with ASD can thrive in school, careers, relationships, and community life.

Types of Autism spectrum disorder

• Autistic Disorder (Classic Autism) – This is the most common and best-known type of ASD. Key features include difficulty with communication, social interactions, and restrictive/repetitive behaviors.
• Asperger’s Syndrome – People with Asperger’s have no general delay in language or cognitive development. They may have social challenges and engage in repetitive rituals. Many have average or above-average intelligence.
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) – This is a diagnosis when someone meets some but not all the criteria for autistic disorder or Asperger’s. Symptoms can vary greatly between individuals.
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder is a rare condition in which children develop normally for at least two years but then demonstrate severe loss of previously acquired skills in communication, social function, play, and motor behaviors.
• Rett Syndrome – This predominantly affects girls and involves slowed brain and head growth. Symptoms include loss of purposeful hand skills, impaired walking, seizures, and intellectual disability.
• High-functioning Autism – This isn’t a formal diagnosis, but refers to individuals with average to above-average intelligence and ability to function independently even though they have autism. Many with Asperger’s are considered high-functioning.

The newest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) officially recognizes autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder as all now being autism spectrum disorder.

Overview of Life Insurance Options for Canadians with Autism

What is Life Insurance with Autism in Canada?

Life insurance for people with autism refers to coverage options available to both children and adults who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

Just like anyone else, Canadians with autism can apply for various types of life insurance policies:

• Term life insurance – For temporary needs, lower cost
• Permanent life insurance – For lifelong needs, higher cost
• Individual policies – Purchased privately for personal needs
• Group policies – Provided by employers for employee needs

However, qualifying for life insurance with autism may involve extra questions, assessments, or requirements compared to an applicant without autism.

Insurers evaluate applicants with autism based on age of diagnosis, symptom severity, functioning abilities, and treatment history. More severe cases tend to face higher premiums or difficulty getting traditional policies.

But Canadians with autism still have options like guaranteed issue or simplified issue life insurance if they cannot qualify for regular coverage. Specialist brokers can guide autistic individuals in finding suitable life insurance solutions.

Several life insurance solutions are available to Canadians on the autism spectrum:

Children’s Life Insurance with Autism

Children’s life insurance provides coverage for kids under age 18 and can be purchased by parents. It offers both a death benefit if the unthinkable occurs and a pathway to adult coverage later on.

Approval odds for autistic children:

Most insurers will not cover children diagnosed before age 8.

Term Life Insurance with Autism

Term life insurance provides coverage for a set period of time, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. It is affordable and ideal for autistic adults who are higher functioning.

Approval odds based on severity:

Permanent Life Insurance with Autism

Permanent life insurance offers life coverage and has an investment component. It functions similarly to whole life insurance and is a good option for autistic adults with steady careers. Approval odds are similar to term life insurance.

Simplified Issue Life Insurance with Autism

Simplified issue life insurance only requires completing a health questionnaire and no medical exam. It is best for moderately impaired individuals who may not qualify for fully underwritten policies.

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance with Autism

Guaranteed issue life insurance approves applicants automatically with no health questions asked. It comes with higher premiums and less coverage but ensures approval.

Critical Factors in Qualifying for Life Insurance with Autism

When evaluating an applicant with autism, Canadian insurers consider:

• Age at diagnosis: Later diagnosis indicates lower risks.
• Time since diagnosis: The longer ago the diagnosis, the better.
• Severity: Milder forms often receive standard rates. Moderate cases may get ratings, and severe cases may be denied.
• Level of functioning: Greater independence and autonomy lead to better rates. The ability to work and live alone are positive signs.
• Consistency of treatment: Ongoing supportive therapies and medications demonstrate proactivity.
• Presence of comorbidities: Additional mental or physical health conditions raise risks.
• Accident proneness: Tendency toward self-harm or wandering raises concerns.
• Stability: Holding a job and avoiding hospitalizations signal lower risks.

Insurers gather information through:

• Medical exams and lab tests
• Questionnaires about symptoms, treatments, and functionality
• Doctors’ statements verifying details
• Review of educational, vocational, and psychiatric records
• Assessment of motor skills and communication abilities

Documentation must be thorough and accurate. Failing to disclose medical history can invalidate policies later on.

Cost of Life Insurance with Autism in Canada

The premiums an autistic individual pays depend on multiple factors:

• Type of policy – Permanent and guaranteed issue plans cost more. Simplified issue also carries a premium.
• Severity of symptoms – Mild cases may get standard rates, while more severe cases will be rated and pay higher premiums.
• Age – Younger applicants represent lower risks and mortality rates.
• Secondary health conditions – Additional diagnoses like epilepsy or mental illness raise costs.
• Overall health – Good physical shape means lower rates. Those with multiple comorbidities pay more.
• Lifestyle factors – Smoking, high-risk hobbies, and obesity increase premiums.

Here are sample monthly premiums for a $250,000 20-year term life policy for a 30-year-old male with autism:

Permanent and simplified issue plans cost significantly more. Guaranteed issue premiums are exponentially higher.

Pros and Cons of Life Insurance with Autism

Pros of life insurance with autism:

• Provides financial protection for dependents in case of unexpected death. Life insurance proceeds can help replace lost income and cover end-of-life costs.
• Options are available even for individuals with severe autism symptoms. Guaranteed and simplified issue policies ensure coverage regardless of condition severity.
• Choosing the right policy with guidance from an expert broker ensures you can obtain adequate coverage. The broker will identify the optimal solutions for which you qualify.
• Those with high-functioning autism and minimal support needs may qualify for standard or discounted premiums. Milder forms often lead to better rates.
• An autism diagnosis does not affect the validity of existing life insurance policies you already have in place. Current coverage remains intact.

Cons of life insurance with autism:

• Approval is not guaranteed for traditional underwritten life insurance policies. Insurers can decline applications or rate premiums based on health history.
• The application process requires providing thorough medical documentation, test results, and doctor statements. Insurers want full details to evaluate risks.
• Premiums cost significantly more for permanent, simplified issue, and guaranteed issue policies versus annually renewable term insurance.
• Failure to fully disclose an autism diagnosis and related history could provide grounds for an insurer to void your policy later on when a claim is made.
• There may be limited affordable options for children diagnosed with autism before age 8. Most insurers view early childhood diagnosis as too high of a risk.
• Even with coverage, certain exclusions may be applied that would not pay out for deaths related to Autism complications like wandering or accidental injury.
• Requirements like care facility stays, social skills therapies, and psychiatric monitoring can make the process exhausting for autistic individuals and caregivers.

Overall, with proper guidance from an experienced broker, Canadians with autism can secure life insurance to protect their dependents. But the process requires perseverance, full disclosure, and managing expectations.

Optimizing Chances of Approval for Life Insurance with Autism

Canadians with autism can optimize their chances of qualifying for affordable life insurance by:

• Working with an experienced broker: Brokers have relationships with underwriters and can position your application favourably.
• Highlighting functioning levels: Emphasize independence with finances, household duties, transportation, self-care, and social relationships.
• Detailing consistent treatments: Note behavioural therapies, medications, assistive technologies or any other support.
• Monitoring overall health: Keep fit, avoid smoking, and manage any other conditions.
• Collecting thorough doctors’ records: Obtain detailed statements from physicians, psychiatrists, therapists and specialists.

Brokers may advise applying with multiple insurers to determine the best offers. If declined by medical underwriting, guaranteed issue policies remain an option.

How to Buy Life Insurance with Autism in Canada

Buying life insurance with an autism diagnosis requires careful preparation and expert guidance. Here is an overview of the step-by-step process:

Consult an Experienced Independent Life Insurance Broker

• Seek out a broker with expertise in difficult-to-insure cases like autism. Avoid captive agents tied to one company.
• An independent broker can shop multiple insurers to find the best options and structure an optimal mix of policy types and premiums.
• They will guide you through every step, ensure applications are positioned favourably, and intervene on your behalf with underwriters if needed.

Gather Thorough Medical History Documentation

• Insurers will require detailed medical records, doctor statements, specialist evaluations, and educational assessments.
• This includes diagnosis details, medication lists, IQ testing results, level of independence reports, treatment plans, and prognosis outlooks.
• Obtain letters vouching for your overall stability and compliance with treatments from your primary doctor.

Complete In-Depth Questionnaires

• Be prepared to provide extensive details on questionnaires about your autism symptoms, functionality, accident history, comorbidities, and more.
• Highlight your communication abilities, social aptitude, ability to work and drive, and overall independence.
• Note any assistive technologies or accommodations that support your functioning.

Undergo Medical Exams and Testing

• Insurers will likely require labs, metrics, and exams like blood work, heart health tests, cognition and memory assessments, genetics screening, etc.
• For children, developmental milestone tracking will be requested.
• Testing can be an exhausting process, so work in increments and lean on your support system.

Provide Any Additional Details Requested

• Respond promptly if underwriters come back with additional questions or requests for records.
• Your broker can help advise on the best way to respond to maximize your approval odds.

Consider Alternate Policy Types if Declined

• If declined for medical reasons, discuss guaranteed and simplified issue policies with your broker.
• These options provide a safety net solution for those unable to qualify for traditional life insurance.

Review Multiple Quotes

• Have your broker shop your case across numerous highly rated insurers to compare quotes.
• Look for the optimal mix of low-cost term insurance combined with permanent coverage later on if the budget allows.

Secure Appropriate Coverage for Your Needs

• Choose a policy and coverage amount that protects your dependents and replaces any lost income.
• Weigh benefits like inflation protection, accelerated payouts, and long-term care riders.

With persistence and the right guidance, Canadians with autism can obtain the life insurance coverage they require.

Navigating Existing Policies After an Autism Diagnosis

If you already hold life insurance when being diagnosed with autism, the good news is that your existing coverage is not impacted. Insurers underwrite policies at the time of application based on risk factors at that point.

However, there are scenarios where a new autism diagnosis could alter your life insurance costs and options:

• When renewing term insurance after expiration, insurers reassess health status and risks. Premiums may increase with autism.
• Converting existing term policies to permanent insurance also triggers medical reevaluation. Approval odds shift to those of simplified or guaranteed issue plans.
• Making changes to universal life policies by adding coverage or benefits could require updated medical exams and lead to ratings or denial of enhancements.
• Applying for new supplementary policies like critical illness and disability insurance will factor in the autism diagnosis, potentially impacting eligibility.

In these cases, working closely with an experienced broker is key to navigating the process smoothly and optimizing outcomes.

Choosing the Right Company for Life Insurance with Autism

While all major insurers will consider applicants with autism, some Canadian life insurance companies are more amenable than others.

According to research, the top life insurance providers for Canadians with autism based on the likelihood of approval are:

Smaller niche insurers may also be more receptive to complicated medical histories. An independent broker can help identify the most suitable carriers.

When evaluating insurers, also consider:

• Range of policies offered – Look for simplified issue and guaranteed issue options.
• Comfort with mental health – Seek companies embracing neurodiversity.
• Tenure in the market – Established insurers have more data to price risks accurately.
• Financial strength ratings – Choose an insurer that is financially resilient.
• Premiums for rated policies – Compare costs of graded policies across insurers.
• Customer service – Prioritize insurers with strong reputations for support.

Thoroughly researching and comparing life insurers improves your chances of securing appropriate coverage.

Expert Recommendations for Canadians Seeking Life Insurance with Autism

For Canadians on the autism spectrum, here are recommendations from LifeBuzz experts for obtaining optimal life insurance:

• Seek guidance from an independent broker experienced in difficult-to-insure cases. Avoid captive agents tied to a single insurer.
• Be proactive by starting the application process early before needs become urgent. Underwriting takes time.
• If declined, appeal the decision with additional supporting documentation from specialists. Approvals can be overturned.
• Highlight self-sufficiency by providing evidence of independence in daily living whenever possible.
• For children, focus on future insurability by securing kids’ life insurance plans that transition later.
• For teens and adults, lead with term life insurance policies, which are the most affordable. Layer on permanent insurance later on.
• Prioritize financial security over investment elements – permanent insurance can come after foundational term coverage is in place.
• Consider using a trust structure for proceeds to maintain benefit eligibility for government disability programs.
• Caregivers get guaranteed issue coverage to protect special needs support for dependents later on.

The right life insurance broker simplifies the complex process of evaluating options and securing protection for your specific situation.

There are many other common pre-existing conditions that affect your life insurance eligibility and premiums as well . Read more to find out : Life insurance with Cancer , Life Insurance with Alzheimer’s disease …

Accessing Expert Guidance on Canadian Life Insurance with Autism

The Life Buzz team knows securing life insurance for a condition like autism can be daunting. As Canada’s leading life insurance advisors, we guide families through every step of the process with compassion and expertise. We’ll demystify the options, identify optimal solutions, and provide ongoing support.

To learn more about expertly navigating life insurance with autism spectrum disorder in Canada, schedule a free consultation with a LifeBuzz advisor today. Let us help protect what matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions About Life Insurance with Autism

The following are answers from LifeBuzz experts to some frequently asked questions about life insurance for individuals with autism in Canada:

Article Sources:

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1. Life Insurance With Autism in Canada – https://protectyourwealth.ca/
2. Can people with autism get life insurance? – https://www.policyadvisor.com/
3. Life Insurance and Autism: Information About Autism Spectrum Disorder – https://nomedicallifeinsurance.ca/