Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease in Canada: Explore Your Options

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a complex neurological condition that presents myriad challenges for patients and their families. One major area impacted is obtaining affordable and adequate life insurance coverage to protect loved ones financially.

This comprehensive guide provides Canadian residents dealing with HD everything they need to know about navigating the complex process of finding life insurance with Huntington’s disease.

Understanding Huntington’s Disease and Its Implications in Canada

Let’s first gain an in-depth understanding of Huntington’s disease, its symptoms, progression, prevalence in Canada, life expectancy statistics, and overall implications.

What is Huntington’s Disease?

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a rare, hereditary neurodegenerative disorder caused by a genetic mutation in the HTT gene. This results in the production of an abnormal huntingtin protein that gradually damages and kills brain cells.

The condition causes the progressive breakdown of neurons in the brain, leading to deterioration of cognitive, psychiatric, and motor function. Symptoms typically begin between the ages of 30 to 50 and worsen over a 10 to 25 year period.

There is currently no cure for HD. Available treatments focus on managing symptoms to improve quality of life as the disease advances.

HD is also known as Huntington’s chorea due to the abnormal involuntary movements (chorea) that are a hallmark of the disorder. It is named after American physician George Huntington, who first documented the condition in 1872.

Prevalence of Huntington’s Disease in Canada

Huntington’s disease is considered a rare disorder globally. In Canada, it is estimated to impact approximately 1 in every 7,000 individuals:

• British Columbia – Approximately 1000 diagnosed cases
• Alberta – Roughly 550 diagnosed patients
• Ontario – Around 1200 individuals diagnosed
• Quebec – Between 700 to 800 cases diagnosed
• Other provinces and territories combined – An estimated 500+ diagnoses

This means there are around 5000 Canadians currently living with diagnosed Huntington’s disease based on available prevalence data.

Due to its hereditary nature, certain communities can have higher concentration of HD cases. Prevalence is elevated in the Lake of the Woods region of Ontario and among native communities in British Columbia, for example.

Source : https://www.huntingtonsociety.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Living-At-Risk-Mar-2017.pdf

Huntington’s Disease Life Expectancy Statistics in Canada

On average, individuals with Huntington’s disease have a life expectancy of between 10 to 30 years after the onset of symptoms. However, juvenile cases beginning before age 20 progress much faster, resulting in shorter lifespans.

This table outlines overall life expectancy data:

When focusing specifically on ages 30-50 when symptoms frequently first begin, Canadian men have an average life expectancy of 16 years after HD diagnosis. For women, the average survival duration is 21 years post-diagnosis.

So while Huntington’s disease significantly reduces life expectancy compared to the general population, there is substantial variability in survival based on age of onset and other factors.

The Challenges of Qualifying for Individual Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease in Canada

Given its hereditary nature and impact on life expectancy and health, getting individual life insurance with Huntington’s disease can be extremely difficult in Canada.

How Huntington’s Disease Affects Life Insurance Eligibility

Life insurance providers put all applicants through a process called underwriting to assess their risks and determine eligibility and monthly premiums.

For individuals who want to secure life insurance with Huntington’s disease, several factors taken into account:

• Age and stage of progression – Onset before age 30 flags more rapid advancement and shorter life expectancy. Later stages indicate higher risks.
• Symptoms and medications – Worsening chorea movements, cognitive deficits, and psychiatric issues raise mortality concerns. The types and doses of prescribed medications are also reviewed.
• Related medical history – Additional conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or depression heighten worries of disease interactions increasing mortality.
• Lifestyle factors – Diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption. Unhealthy habits may accelerate HD progression.
• Family history – Strong multigenerational history of HD increases genetic risk, especially if gene testing not conducted.
• Adherence to treatment – Following prescribed therapies and medications closely demonstrates lower risks. Non-compliance raises concerns.
• Genetic test results – Confirmed gene mutation means substantially higher risk of developing symptoms. Important note: In Canada, genetic test results cannot be requested or used by insurers currently.

Based on these risk factors, Huntington’s disease patients often face rejections, exclusions, higher premiums, or lower maximum benefits that may provide insufficient protection for families.

Common Huntington’s Disease Life Insurance Underwriting Outcomes in Canada

Due to the increased mortality risks associated with HD, here are typical underwriting decisions that Canadians encounter when applying for life insurance with Huntington’s disease:

• Premium increases – Base policy rates raised by 25% to 100%+ because of elevated health risks. Makes costs prohibitive for many families.
• Reduced coverage amounts – Maximum death benefit reduced to 50% or less of requested level due to shortened life expectancy. Insufficient coverage.
• Policy exclusions – Certain conditions or circumstances related to HD excluded from coverage. For example, death from aspiration pneumonia may not be covered.
• Outright rejection – Application declined entirely by insurance provider due to stage of progression or severity of symptoms. No coverage secured.
• Delayed decision – Postponing underwriting verdict pending additional medical exams and tests. Can leave families in difficult holding pattern.

These frequent unfavourable outcomes underscore the difficulties families touched by Huntington’s disease face in acquiring adequate and affordable individual life insurance in Canada today.

Types of Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

Canadians with Huntington’s disease may qualify for different forms of life insurance coverage depending on their individual health profile and stage of progression:

Term Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

Term life insurance provides death benefit coverage for a set period of time such as 10, 20 or 30 years. It pays out if the policyholder passes away from any cause during the term period.

Pros of Term Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

• More affordable premiums compared to permanent insurance
• Coverage available up to $5 million or more
• Chance to renew policy and extend protection at end of term
• Qualification easier in early stages before major HD progression

Cons of Term Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease to Consider

• Coverage expires if you outlive the term period
• Premiums increase substantially at renewal due to aged health
• Shorter terms may be imposed based on life expectancy

Bottom Line: Term life insurance presents a viable lower-cost option for younger HD patients in the early stages of disease progression to secure substantial coverage.

Permanent Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

Permanent life insurance provides lifelong coverage as long as premiums continue to be paid. It also builds cash value that can be borrowed against. Whole life and universal life are common permanent policies.

Pros of Permanent Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

• Lifelong protection without expiration
• Cash value funds can be borrowed or withdrawn
• Stable premiums over lifetime of policy

Cons of Permanent Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

• Significantly higher premium costs
• Challenging to medically qualify for if HD symptoms are present
• Pre-existing condition exclusions may still apply

Bottom Line: Permanent life insurance is difficult to qualify for with Huntington’s disease but offers lifelong security if approved. Requires action well before onset of HD symptoms.

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

With guaranteed issue life insurance, approval is granted regardless of medical history or health conditions. No doctor exam or records required.

Pros of Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

• No health questions or review of medical records
• Quick and straightforward approval process
• Secures coverage despite HD or other disorders

Cons of Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

• Maximum benefit caps at $25,000 to $50,000
• Monthly premiums cost 100-200% more than medically underwritten policies

Bottom Line: Guaranteed issue life insurance provides simple supplementary coverage up to $50,000 despite Huntington’s disease or other health disorders being present.

Estimated Cost of Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

Due to increased mortality risk, average monthly premiums for Huntington’s disease patients run 50-100% higher than healthy individuals:

Additional premium surcharges faced:

• Table rating – premiums multiplied 150%+ over standard rates due to risk level
• Flat extras – additional $100+ monthly fees added
• Coverage declines – refusal to issue policy, or limits of $100,000 or less

Exact premiums vary based on age, stage of progression, and insurer risk guidelines. Working with specialized brokers to secure quotes from multiple providers is crucial to maximizing affordability.

Alternative Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

While individual underwritten life insurance with Huntington’s disease can be difficult to obtain, other policy types to explore for Canadians include:

Group Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

Many employers provide group life insurance to employees as part of their benefits package. Enrollment often just involves minimal health questions or insurability screening.

Pros

• Accessible for higher risk individuals like HD patients
• No genetic testing allowed or health records reviewed
• Some coverage guaranteed regardless of health status

Cons

• Maximum benefit amounts limited, usually under $250,000
• Loss of coverage if leaving employer
• Still may require answering health questions

Verdict:

Group life insurance offers a viable starting point to secure some basic level of relatively affordable coverage without intrusive underwriting.

Mortgage Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

Mortgage life insurance is designed to cover the balance of your remaining mortgage in the event of death. Underwriting is simplified, making approval more accessible.

Pros of Mortgage Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

• Secures housing for the family by paying off the mortgage
• Up to $500,000 of coverage on some policies
• Alternative for those denied traditional life insurance

Cons of Mortgage Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

• Only pays mortgage balance, not other debts
• Requires a mortgage to qualify
• Pre-existing conditions may still be excluded

Verdict:

An excellent safeguard for families in jeopardy of losing their home if the main income earner passes away prematurely due to Huntington’s disease.

Final Expense Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

Small policies meant to cover end-of-life costs like funeral bills, medical expenses, and debts. Easier to qualify for.

Pros of Final Expense Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

• Coverage amounts between $5,000 to $25,000
• Limited health questions
• Guaranteed cash payout to family tax-free

Cons of Final Expense Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

• Maximum death benefit only up to $25,000
• Primarily intended for seniors
• Strict limitations on how funds can be used

Verdict

Provides families with relief of some financial burdens related to final arrangements. Supplements but does not replace need for larger life insurance policy.

Accidental Death Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

Covers death only resulting from an accident. Does not payout for health conditions, making approval easier.

Pros

• Few health questions focus on hazardous hobbies and occupation
• Extra payout if an accident occurs while commuting or traveling

Cons

• No coverage if death stems from HD or other health issue
• The maximum benefit often only up to $250,000
• Risky exclusions like death “due to sickness”

Verdict:

It provides a limited supplement but does not address the main need for financial protection against premature death caused by Huntington’s disease progression. Proceed cautiously.

Combining Multiple Policies

Due to lower coverage maximums, Policyholders often combine group life insurance through their employer, a private guaranteed issue policy, mortgage insurance, and final expense into one package.

This “layered” approach provides HD families with an aggregate level of coverage that meets basic financial needs in the event of premature death caused by Huntington’s disease.

Strategies and Tips for Canadians to Secure Affordable Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

While getting standard rates life insurance with Huntington’s disease will prove impossible, Canadians can employ strategies to increase their chances of approval for more affordable coverage:

Seek Specialized Guidance from Independent Brokers

Independent brokers and agents who specialize in high-risk life insurance cases understand the intricacies of underwriting for conditions like Huntington’s disease. They have insights into which providers may offer better terms. Avoid relying on guidance from bank-tied advisors. Their knowledge is limited, and options are restricted to their institution’s proprietary products.

Apply Earlier for Coverage

Submitting applications prior to the onset of significant HD symptoms signals longer life expectancy. Once moderate chorea, mobility limitations, or cognitive decline emerges, insurability decreases substantially. Underwriting decisions also tend to worsen.

Select Accelerated Underwriting Insurers

Some providers now use predictive analytics and data modelling for accelerated underwriting. This reduces invasive health questions and reliance on medical exams for lower-risk applicants. For HD patients who have not developed major symptoms, this process improves the chances of approval. Life insurance Companies at the forefront include Manulife Vitality and Canada Life Express Issue.

 Demonstrate Active Health Management

Highlighting efforts to maintain physical fitness, cognitive activity, therapy participation, and medication compliance indicates your commitment to slowing HD progression. It signals you are an active risk manager – a favourable trait to underwriters.

Shop Aggressively for Options

Applying simultaneously with multiple highly rated insurers improves success odds. Each company has unique risk tolerance guidelines. With a condition as complex as Huntington’s disease, getting declined by one provider does not mean others will reject it outright. Persistence is key.

Review Policies Annually as Health Changes

Reassess your coverage every year during open enrollment periods. Advances in treatments and changes in your HD progression may improve insurability or provide access to better policies not previously accessible. Do not let initial denials deter you from reapplying again in future.

How to Apply for Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

The application process for life insurance with Hunting’s disease presents additional hurdles for individuals. Here are some tips for completing applications to maximize your chances of approval:

• Be fully transparent about your Huntington’s diagnosis, family history of Huntington’s disease, medications, progression status, symptoms, and lifestyle. Hiding anything can allow claims denial later.
• If you have long-term disability coverage, note this as it indicates insurers have already assessed and accepted your health risks.
• Highlight compliance with doctor’s care plans, participation in Huntington’s disease clinical trials, diet and exercise regimens, and therapy. This demonstrates you are actively managing progression.
• Have your neurologist provide a statement detailing your Huntington’s disease status, prognosis, risk factors, and life expectancy estimate. This gives insurers an expert perspective.
• If required to take medical exams, ensure you schedule on optimal days when symptoms like chorea movements are minimized. This projects more favorably.
• Ask brokers to match you with insurers using accelerated underwriting that relies less on exams and health records when possible.
• Provide supporting documentation like pay stubs, financial statements, and tax returns. This gives proof of steady earnings to justify coverage amounts.
• Have an insurance attorney review the application to ensure questions are answered fully and accurately. This prevents application flaws.

With upfront honesty, robust supporting evidence, and guidance from brokers and legal professionals, your application will make the strongest case possible despite Huntington’s disease challenges. This maximizes chances for approval.

Where Canadians Can Purchase Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

Specialized independent insurance brokerages with extensive experience handling high-risk conditions like life insurance with Huntington’s disease include:

Mintcare Financial Group – A top brokerage for hard-to-insure cases. Has access to niche insurers and programs for health conditions.

Kaleo Insurance – Toronto-based experts serving individuals with disorders like HD, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s across Canada.

Solution Insurance – Leading life insurance broker assisting Canadians despite major health issues.

Lessard Insurance Services – Experienced Quebec brokers secure coverage when traditional insurers reject applicants.

Magnes Group – Major Canadian distributor providing access to North America’s top insurers for unique cases.

Stevenson Douglas – Prominent Ontario brokerage adept at finding coverage for previously declined applicants.

Insurance Direct Canada IDC – As Canada’s top life insurance advisor, they work with leading insurers like Manulife, Sunlife, RBC Insurance, and Canada Life to secure customized coverage for Huntington’s disease patients.

These brokers have established relationships with niche insurers and programs catering to individuals with health disorders. Their expertise offers your best chance at securing tailored coverage.

Laws and Regulations Related to Genetic Information for Canadians When Applying for Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

Concerns exist among Huntington’s disease families that insurers could use genetic test results to unfairly deny coverage or increase premiums. However, certain laws help protect the confidentiality of sensitive health records.

Genetic Testing Information Laws in Canada

• In Canada, genetic testing results are considered “personal health information” under privacy laws. This restricts insurers from accessing tests conducted by your healthcare providers without consent.
• Canadian laws do not explicitly prohibit insurers from requesting genetic testing during underwriting or from denying coverage based on results if such testing were to be performed independently at the insurer’s request. However, insurers currently do not require testing.
• Overall, Canadian law remains vague regarding use of genetic data for insurance underwriting purposes compared to more defined regulations in other countries. Protections are driven more by industry norms and standards rather than formal legislation at this time.

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) in the USA

• This landmark 2008 federal law forbids American health insurers and employers from discriminating based on genetic test results or family health history.
• GINA prohibits insurers from denying coverage or charging higher premiums to asymptomatic individuals who possess genetic markers linked to future disease development.
• Most US states adopted similar genetic privacy protections prior to the federal GINA law being enacted.

Implications for Canadian Life Insurance Applicants with HD

• Current industry practice in Canada is to avoid directly asking for genetic testing results during underwriting. However, questions about family history of Huntington’s disease remain fair game. Answering honestly and fully is crucial.
• Advocacy groups recommend speaking with your doctors and legal professionals if insurers request access to your confidential genetic testing records without consent. This could potentially constitute a violation of provincial privacy laws.
• While GINA does not apply in Canada, it sets an expectation that genetic data merits careful oversight to prevent discriminatory misuse. This will likely influence Canadian regulators going forward.

Why Life Insurance With Huntington’s Disease Matters ?

Even facing complex obstacles, obtaining life insurance with Huntington’s disease remains crucial for Canadians due to its immense financial and emotional value for families:

Key Financial Safety Net for Families

Life insurance proceeds help replace lost income and support families who lose loved ones prematurely to Huntington’s disease. This safety net prevents:

• Scrambling urgently for money to pay for expenses like funeral bills.
• Losing the family home by being unable to keep up with mortgage payments.
• Seeing savings wiped out rapidly by healthcare costs and debts.
• Having children and spouses needing to immediately re-enter workforce rather than grieve.
• Fighting over scarce resources and family assets.

Future Wealth Transfer to Children

Permanent insurance policies with cash value accumulation build an inheritance for children who may also carry the Huntington’s disease mutation. This ensures wealth transfer to the next generation to fund costs like:

• College tuition when a parent dies prematurely
• Future healthcare expenses and life insurance needs if children develop HD themselves
• Supported housing and caregivers as the disease progresses
• Loss of income when their careers are cut short by Huntington’s disease

Peace of Mind and Added Time Together

The security of having life insurance with Hunting’s disease removes financial stressors, allowing families to share added quality time together in the difficult closing years and moments:

• Focus is removed from worrying about loss of income.
• Spouses can reduce working to part-time or take leaves to spend time together.
• Couples can enjoy simple pleasures like taking a dream vacation together.
• Parents can relax knowing their children will be provided for.
• More caregiving support can be afforded to keep the terminally ill at home.

Overall, overcoming Huntington’s disease barriers to get life insurance helps relieve suffering and introduces small measures of financial control when it is needed most.

Beyond Huntington’s disease, many other common pre-existing conditions can also influence your life insurance eligibility . Some key conditions to be aware of include Cardiomyopathy, Heart Disease , Asthma , Diabetics…

To learn more about how these specific conditions affect life insurance with pre-existing conditions in Canada approvals and rates, see our helpful articles:

• Life Insurance with Cardiomyopathy
• Life Insurance with Heart Disease
• Life Insurance with Asthma
• Life Insurance with Diabetics
• Life Insurance with Cancer

It’s important to be thorough and honest when applying if you have any diagnosed medical disorders. Work closely with your doctor and advisor to present your health in the best light possible. Many conditions can still qualify for coverage if well-managed.

Making the Right Choices While Getting Life Insurance with Huntington’s Disease

The path to obtaining adequate and affordable life insurance with Huntington’s disease is laden with obstacles. However, with careful research into suitable policy options, persistence in pursuing coverage, specialized professional guidance, creative use of alternative insurance solutions, and leveraging of legal privacy protections, gaining approval is possible.

While devastating in many ways, living with Huntington’s disease does not preclude preserving your family’s financial future through prudent use of life insurance planning. Working closely with your doctors, lawyers, social workers, therapists, and insurance specialists arms you with the resources and knowledge needed to secure necessary coverage despite the challenges involved.

At Life Buzz, we aim to illuminate the way and provide hope, so that all Canadian families touched by Huntington’s disease gain access to life insurance’s benefits. We wish you the very best, and will continue sharing tips and information to support you on this difficult journey. Please reach out if we can help your family secure the life insurance protection you deserve.

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