Can You Get Life Insurance with Kidney Disease in Canada? Here’s How!

4 million Canadians have kidney disease (source: https://kidney.ca/KFOC/media/images/PDFs/Facing-the-Facts-2023-HIghlights-from-the-Annual-Statistics-on-Organ-Donation.pdf). As the prevalence continues rising, an increasing number are looking to secure life insurance policies. However, qualifying for affordable coverage with compromised kidney health can be challenging.

This guide examines all facets of obtaining life insurance with kidney disease. It provides Canadians the information they need to successfully apply for and obtain the right policy for their situation.

Understanding Kidney Disease in Canada

To better navigate insurance with kidney disease, it helps to understand the condition and its severity levels.

Prevalence of Kidney Disease in Canada

According to the statistics from the Kidney Foundation of Canada, about 4 million Canadians are living with kidney disease, which represents 1 in 10 people, and the number is growing steadily each year. Over 53,000 cases of this are undergoing treatment for kidney failure symptoms. (source: https://kidney.ca/KFOC/media/images/PDFs/Why-Kidney-Disease-Should-Matter-To-You-2023.pdf)

According to The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), over 48,000 Canadians were living with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in 2021, of which 29,835 were receiving dialysis. (source: https://www.cihi.ca/en/annual-statistics-on-organ-replacement-in-canada-2012-to-2021)

Main Causes of Kidney Disease

The two leading causes of chronic kidney disease in Canada are diabetes and high blood pressure:

• Diabetes: Approximately 38% of people with kidney disease have diabetes. Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the kidneys over time.
• High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure makes the kidneys work too hard filtering blood. This stresses the kidneys and impairs function.

Other common causes include:

• Chronic infections
• Autoimmune disorders
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Repeated kidney stones
• Direct injury to the kidneys

Lifestyle factors like smoking, obesity, and family history can also increase susceptibility.

Stages of Kidney Disease

Kidney disease progresses through 5 stages based on the percentage of normal kidney function remaining:

Treatment is aimed at halting further progression. However, the rate of developing end-stage kidney disease has increased 29% since 2012.

Life Expectancy with Kidney Disease

Life expectancy varies substantially based on the stage of kidney disease:

• Stages 1-3: If progression can be halted, life expectancy remains near normal.
• Stage 4: Life expectancy is lower, but managing symptoms and preparing for dialysis can extend life.
• Stage 5: Without a transplant, life expectancy is just five years. With transplant and proper care, it improves to 15+ years.

Clearly, the severity and progression of kidney disease have a tremendous impact on mortality. This directly affects qualification for life insurance policies.

What Impacts Life Insurance with Kidney Disease Eligibility

When applying for life insurance with kidney disease, what matters most is the current stage, cause, and stability of your condition.

Severity of Condition

If kidney disease is mild and in early Stage 1 or 2, standard life insurance policies are often available. Once Stage 3 is reached, premiums begin rising. By Stages 4 and 5, only guaranteed issue policies may be accessible.

Stability of Condition

Insurers prefer to see kidney function that is stable and well-controlled, even if at a reduced level. Slow progression on treatment is better than rapid deterioration of kidney health.

Cause and Co-Conditions

Secondary kidney disease resulting from diabetes or hypertension presents more risk than a condition localized to the kidneys. Comorbidities like heart disease further reduce life expectancy.

Time Since Transplant

After a major event like a kidney transplant, wait 12-24 months before applying for coverage to allow assessment of the new kidney’s function and reduce complications risk.

Current Age and Health

Younger applicants with otherwise good health, good BMI, and non-smoking status can qualify for better rates than older applicants with additional health issues.

Overall, the underwriter will evaluate all aspects of your current kidney health and prognosis when assessing your application.

Securing Life Insurance with Mild Kidney Disease (Stages 1-2)

Canadians with mild kidney disease are often able to secure traditional life insurance policies.

Qualifying for Preferred Premiums

If kidney health is stable, causes are well-controlled (like managed diabetes), and no symptoms or complications are present, Stage 1 or 2 kidney disease can potentially qualify for preferred premiums.

This requires at least 12 months of stable blood work, urinalysis, and eGFR scores from your physician, with no indication of worsening. Supportive documentation from your doctor is key.

Potential for Slight Ratings

More commonly, very mild ratings such as Table B (25% extra) may apply in Stage 1 or 2. Doubling of premiums (Table C, 100% rating) is less likely unless additional health issues are present or there are signs of progression.

Declines are very uncommon but can occur if your case presents multiple complicating factors. Be prepared to shop for policies at several insurers.

Policy Types

With mild kidney disease, all policy types including term, whole life insurance , and universal life insurance are on the table. You also retain access to additional living benefits or optional riders if desired.

Coverage Amounts

Up to $5 million or more in coverage is available based on income needs. Mild kidney disease itself does not limit policy size unless other health factors are in play. High coverage simply costs proportionally more.

Takeaways for Mild Kidney Disease

• Disclose your condition upfront but highlight stability.
• Have doctor records demonstrating good recent health.
• Be prepared to qualify for ratings under Table B.
• Shop broadly to compare insurer approaches.

Obtaining Coverage with Moderate Kidney Disease (Stage 3)

Once Stage 3 kidney disease is reached, qualifying for traditional policies becomes more difficult but is still often feasible.

Risk Profile Changes

Once eGFR dips below 60 and symptoms like fatigue and nausea manifest, the risk profile shifts notably. Declines on traditional policies become common.

Expect most insurers to issue an automatic rating of Table C or higher, doubling premiums at a minimum. Ratings up to Table E (150%) or Table F (200%) are likely.

Reduced Policy Availability

Many insurers will begin limiting policy types and coverage amounts in Stage 3. Term life insurance remains widely available, but whole life, universal life, and survivor benefits may be restricted.

Overall available coverage may be capped between $500,000 and $1 million. Although policy size is not directly linked to kidney disease severity, insurers are growing more cautious.

Alternatives to Explore

If rated premiums are unaffordable in Stage 3, exploring “simplified issue” policies becomes prudent.

These policies, up to $1 million, require only a short health questionnaire. While costlier than traditional policies, they provide an alternative when moderate kidney disease makes traditional coverage unavailable.

Guaranteed issue life insurance has also become an option, although the maximum coverage is currently just $25,000.

Takeaways for Moderate Kidney Disease

• Work with a specialized broker to navigate limited options.
• Be prepared for ratings up to 200% from most insurers.
• Consider simplified issue as an alternative if you’re declined.
• Manage health rigorously to prevent progression.

Finding Coverage with Advanced Kidney Disease (Stages 4-5)

Once kidney disease has progressed to severe Stage 4 or end-stage renal failure in Stage 5, securing individual life insurance with kidney disease becomes very difficult. However, some options remain available in these advanced stages.

Individual Policy Restrictions

Traditional policies are essentially off the table for anyone with Stage 4 or 5 kidney failure. At best, some simplified issue policies up to $100,000 may be approvable if all other health markers are very good.

But for the majority of cases, only guaranteed issue policies below $25,000 maximum will be accessible. Coverage exclusions for pre-existing conditions also apply.

Making the Most of Group Insurance

One option to secure more significant coverage is using group life insurance from an employer. Most group policies waive medical underwriting, so coverage up to $200,000 or $500,000 is often achievable.

This can supplement the individual insurance obtained elsewhere. If you have access to group insurance, apply for the maximum benefit to offset the lack of individual coverage.

Specialized Insurers

A small number of specialized insurers like Star Line Insurance and Principal Financial cater to seriously ill applicants. They offer access to term life policies up to $1 million for those on dialysis or with chronic kidney disease. However, premiums are exceptionally high.

Managing Costs

Since financing premiums becomes difficult with advanced kidney failure, reducing policy costs is imperative. Select shorter 10 or 15 year term policies instead of 20 or 30 year terms to lower premiums. Also reduce the death benefit to only essential needs.

Takeaways for Advanced Kidney Disease

• Leverage group life insurance to get higher coverage.
• Select specialized insurers catering to serious illness.
• Consider shorter-term policies and lower death benefits.
• A guaranteed issue of up to $25,000 is a backup option.

Life Insurance with Kidney Disease After a Kidney Transplant

For Canadians who manage to successfully undergo a kidney transplant, the door to affordable life insurance reopens, with some caveats.

Waiting Period

After any major surgery like a transplant, wait a full 12-24 months before applying for life insurance. This allows the body to recover and reduces complications and risks that would further impair rates.

Many insurers won’t consider applications within the first year post-transplant. Be patient for the best results.

Supplying Evidence of New Kidney Function

Insurers will request extensive medical records showing your new kidney is functioning well and you are complying with all post-transplant protocols. Expect to provide regular physician follow-up visit records, bloodwork, urinalysis, imaging reports, and prescription information.

An attending physician’s statement (APS) will also be requested to allow your doctor to evaluate and explain your current health status and outlook.

Preparing for Rating Increases

While a successful transplant is the optimal outcome for kidney disease, most survivors still face insurance rating increases, often between 25% (Table B) and up to 100% (Table C).

Each insurer approaches transplant cases differently. Be prepared to apply broadly to find the most favourable underwriting. Shopping broadly is key.

Reduced Policy Availabilities

In the early years following a kidney transplant, you may also face reduced maximums on policy types and death benefits, similar to Stage 3 chronic kidney disease. Term life remains available, but permanent policies are restricted.

Over time, demonstrate continued stability to open full access again.

Takeaways Post-Transplant

• Wait 12-24 months post-surgery before applying.
• Expect ratings from Table B to C from most insurers.
• Keep policy sizes modest for the first 2-3 years.
• Utilize group insurance to supplement.

Insurance Impacts of Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) causes fluid-filled cysts to develop in the kidneys and often the liver. These cysts enlarge over time, gradually reducing kidney function and leading to renal failure in 50% of cases.

PKD often allows access to life insurance, with some critical considerations:

• Disclose PKD Diagnosis Upfront – Do not attempt to hide this condition, as it will be revealed in medical records and invalidate the policy if undisclosed.
• Be Prepared for Rating Increases – Most applicants will face ratings from 25% up to 100% for PKD. The rating level correlates to the severity of the current kidney impairment.
• Furnish Evidence of Kidney Health – Labs, urinalysis, imaging, eGFR rates, and APS documentation are key to demonstrating stable kidney function over time, which can potentially improve ratings.
• Shop Broadly – Each insurer takes a slightly different approach to PKD. An initial decline or high rating does not preclude approval elsewhere. Persistence is key.

While frustrating, PKD does not preclude Canadians from obtaining individual life insurance at reasonable rates in most cases. Honesty and persistence are critical.

Types of Life Insurance with Kidney Disease in Canada

There are three main types of life insurance for kidney disease patients that can be considered :

Traditional Policies for kidney disease patients

Traditional life insurance involves full medical underwriting, including an exam and review of your complete medical records.

• Who it’s for: Those with mild to moderate kidney disease in stages 1-3 or 12+ months post-transplant.
• Underwriting process: Blood and urine testing, family history review, attending physician records.
• Pros: Up to $5 million+ in coverage, preferred premium rates possible for very mild cases. Customizable terms and benefits.
• Cons: Approval is difficult once stage 3 is reached. Major rating increases of 25% to 200% are common. Policies may be declined based on severity.

Traditional policies allow the highest coverage levels but come with strict underwriting. Work with an experienced life insurance broker to navigate the application process.

Simplified Issue Policies for kidney disease patients

Simplified issue life insurance involves a short health questionnaire without a medical exam or access to records.

• Who it’s for: Those with moderate to severe kidney disease in stages 3-5.
• Underwriting process: Answer a 5-10 minute questionnaire providing basic health details.
• Pros: Qualify for up to $1 million in coverage without a medical exam. Limited health details are required.
• Cons: Premiums are more expensive. Fewer insurers offer this option. Lower maximum coverage amount.

Simplified issue policies provide an alternative when traditional coverage is unavailable. Quickly qualify with minimal health details disclosed.

Guaranteed Issue Policies for kidney disease patients

With guaranteed issue life insurance, approval is guaranteed with no health questions or exams.

• Who it’s for: Those with advanced kidney failure requiring dialysis (stage 5).
• Underwriting process: No medical questions, exam, or records access. Automatically approved.
• Pros: Guaranteed approval regardless of health. No medical history review.
• Cons: Maximum benefit is only $25,000. Premiums are expensive relative to benefit amount. Pre-existing condition exclusions apply.

Guaranteed issue policies offer a limited benefit option when other insurance is impossible to qualify for.

• Discuss your kidney disease stage and options with a specialized broker to identify the optimal policy type for your situation.

Weighing the Potential Pros and Cons of Life Insurance with Kidney Disease

There are several potential advantages and disadvantages to consider when buying life insurance with kidney disease.

Potential Advantages of Life Insurance with Kidney Disease

• Financial protection for loved ones – The primary benefit is ensuring your family has funds to cover expenses in the event of premature death. Payouts can help cover debts, funeral costs, daily bills, and more.

• Supplement reduced retirement savings – If kidney disease forces you to retire early or reduce work hours, the life insurance payout can help make up for lower retirement savings.

• Peace of mind – knowing your loved ones will be financially secure after you can provide significant emotional relief and peace of mind.

• Offset income losses – If kidney disease progresses and you cannot work, the death benefit payout helps replaces that lost income.

• Assist with medical bills – Some payouts may be used to help cover ongoing health expenses associated with advanced kidney disease.

Potential Disadvantages of Life Insurance with Kidney Disease

• Higher premium costs – With kidney disease, rating increases of 25-200% often apply, increasing the monthly or annual premium costs.

• Lower maximum benefit – Insurers may reduce the maximum policy amount they will issue based on disease severity. Payout potential is lower.

• Pre-existing condition exclusions – Policies may exclude paying out benefits in the first two years if death results from a pre-existing kidney condition.

• Premiums increase over time – As kidney disease worsens, future premium costs will likely rise at renewal periods to account for increased risk.

• Declines impact future applications – If declined by one insurer, applying to a new insurer in the future can be complicated and result in higher rates.

Overall, with the help of an experienced insurance broker, most Canadians with kidney disease find that the benefits of life insurance coverage outweigh the potential limitations and extra costs. Protecting family financially remains possible in most cases with proper planning.

Several other common illnesses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cancer, Lung Disease, Multiple Sclerosis… also have significant impact on your life insurance approvals. Check out our articles to get advices on getting life insurance with pre-existing conditions:

• Life Insurance with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Life Insurance with Cancer
• Life Insurance with Lung Disease
• Life Insurance with Multiple Sclerosis

How Much Does Life Insurance with Kidney Disease Cost in Canada?

Life insurance premium costs for those with kidney disease can vary greatly depending on the severity of the condition. Some general guidelines:

Cost of Life Insurance with Mild Kidney Disease (Stages 1-2)

Those with mild kidney disease in stages 1 or 2 may qualify for close to standard preferred rates, with minimal rating increases between 25% and 50% above average.

For example, a 40-year-old could expect the following 20-year term policy costs:

Cost of Life Insurance with Moderate Kidney Disease (Stage 3)

Once stage 3 is reached, rating increases up to 200% are very common, significantly increasing premiums.

Here are sample rated premiums for a 40-year-old at different coverage levels:

Cost of Life Insurance with Severe Kidney Disease (Stages 4-5)

At stages 4-5, simplified issue and guaranteed issue policies become the only options. Their costs are high relative to the low coverage limits.

For example, a $25,000 guaranteed issue policy may cost $80 per month. Simplified issue policies can run from $150 to $300+ monthly for $250,000 to $500,000 in coverage.

Key Takeaways

• Expect to pay 1.25x to 3x standard rates depending on kidney disease severity.
• Work with a broker to uncover discounts and compare insurer rates.
• Annual premiums exceeding $1,000 per year are common for reduced coverage.
• Severe disease limits options to costlier simplified/guaranteed issue plans

Proper planning is key to finding the most affordable life insurance policy possible for your kidney disease situation.

Cost of Life Insurance for Dialysis Patients

For those requiring regular dialysis treatment, life insurance costs are very high, or coverage is unavailable in most cases:

• Traditional policies will often decline dialysis patients entirely.
• Guaranteed issue policies may be the only option, but maximum benefits are only $25,000 typically. Monthly premiums for $25,000 in coverage can reach $100 or more.
• A small number of specialized insurers may offer policies up to $100,000 for dialysis patients at very high rates. Expect premiums above $200 monthly even for modest $50,000 policies.

Cost of Life Insurance for Kidney Transplant Patients

After a successful transplant, costs improve, but ratings will still apply in most cases:

• Wait 12-24 months before applying for optimal cost savings.
• Policies will likely be rated around 50% to 100% higher than standard rates post-transplant.
• Over time, continued stability can lead to improved ratings at renewal periods.

Cost of Life Insurance with Polycystic Kidney Disease

Depending on current kidney function, polycystic disease often leads to rating increases:

• Well-maintained kidney health can potentially qualify for standard rates.
• Any impairment will likely lead to ratings of 25% to 100+%. More advanced disease means higher premium costs.
• Monitoring kidney health is key to maximizing savings over time if the condition remains stable.

Work closely with your doctor and broker to optimize policy costs and manage life insurance with kidney disease effectively.

Tips for Finding Affordable Life Insurance with Kidney Disease

The key to getting life insurance approved despite kidney disease is working with the right agent or broker. They can guide you through every stage of the application process.

Disclose Kidney Disease Upfront

Always disclose kidney disease early when speaking to agents or brokers and on applications. Attempting to hide any pre-existing condition could constitute fraud and grounds for denying a claim later.

Ask About Specialization

Find out if the broker or agent has specific experience assisting clients with kidney disease to obtain policies. Their expertise can prove invaluable in navigating limited options.

Provide Complete Medical Records

Insurers will request access to your full medical history to understand your kidney health progression. Having 3-5 years of good records from your nephrologist makes underwriting smoother.

Know Group Life Benefits

Check if you have access to group life insurance through your employer and understand the maximum coverage. Group policies often provide an advantage.

Run Trial Applications if Needed

For difficult cases, a broker can do trial applications with no obligation, allowing the insurer to provide preliminary rate class guidance and identify any obstacles upfront.

Consider “Pre-Need” Applications

If you expect to require renal dialysis or transplant in the future, explore a pre-need life insurance policy now before undergoing treatment. Rates will be lower than post-treatment.

Compare Multiple Insurers

Each insurer uses different underwriting manuals and criteria. If declined by your first choice, keep trying alternative insurers before settling for guaranteed issue policies with limited death benefits.

Consider Policy Optimizations

To save costs on premiums, reduce the policy term length and death benefit amount to only essential needs. These optimizations make insurance more affordable.

Maintain Rigorous Health

Get regular checkups, comply with doctor instructions, and keep overall health optimized. This prevents kidney disease progression and improves insurance prospects.

With preparation and persistence, Canadians dealing with kidney disease can still obtain the life insurance protection they require. Tap into expert guidance, and don’t take the first “no” as final.

Where to Obtain Life Insurance with Kidney Disease in Canada

All of Canada’s top life insurance providers can potentially insure kidney disease, including:

Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, RBC Insurance, BMO Life, Desjardins , Beneva, Industrial Alliance, CPP , Foresters Life

Brokers like PolicyMe and NoExam make shopping policies from these insurers simple by comparing quotes digitally.

Additionally, Trusted Life, Jevco, Humania, and Everest specialize in higher-risk cases if declined elsewhere.

Check with professional associations and alumni groups for potential access to insurance programs as well.

With an experienced broker guiding the application, affordable coverage options for kidney disease are within reach.

Conclusion: Life Insurance with Kidney Disease is Achievable

The number of Canadians facing the challenges of living with kidney disease is substantial and growing.

While kidney health concerns make obtaining traditional life insurance difficult, viable options exist across every stage of the disease with proper planning. Working with an expert broker is vital to navigating limited policies and finding the best value for each unique situation.

With diligence and knowledgeable support, Canadians with kidney ailments can secure the life insurance protection they require.

The first step is consulting a specialized broker who works with higher-risk cases daily. They have the experience to identify the right insurer and policy to fit each applicant’s budget and maximize coverage.

Though obstacles exist, Canadians can overcome insurance hurdles through expertise. Peace of mind is within reach, even with kidney disease.

At Lifebuzz.ca, our experienced brokers specialize in finding affordable life insurance coverage for higher-risk Canadians. We’re here to help you compare policies across top providers to uncover savings. Get a free quote today to start the process and protect your loved ones financially.

With proper guidance, Canadians with chronic conditions can gain access to the life insurance they need. Reach out and let our team of experts simplify the process for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Article Sources:

For a deeper look at our dedication to accuracy, transparency, and independence, please refer to the Lifebuzz.ca Editorial Policy. We take great pride in being Canada’s most trusted life insurance news source:

1. Life Insurance and Kidney Disease – https://lsminsurance.ca/
2. Kidney Foundation – Insurance Tips – https://kidney.ca/