Question:
Anyone tried to lower life insurance premiums now that you are not considered

I have a life insurance policy with Mutual of Omaha that had the premiums doubled when the nurse did the physical and documented my weight. I was told if I lost the weight, the premium could be re-evaluated and reduced. However, I'm concerned that the fact that I had gastric bypass surgery to lose the weight may give the insurance company a reason to not lower the premium or even to cancel the policy. Has anyone had any experience with this?    — K W. (posted on August 11, 2004)

August 11, 2004
My insurance company required that I keep the weight off for one year before they would lower my premium. Once the year passed, they lowered it with no problems. (I have State Farm)
   — DWMitchell

August 11, 2004
I recently have been checking into life insurance, not through work, and told them up front I had gastric bypass. They said because I was 18 months PO that they did not see a problem considering me for coverage. They want to know that you are further out and any problems related to the surgery are resolved. I have not applied for it yet, but I was at least pleased that they would consider covering me. So many companies won't touch you if you've had any serious medical condition.
   — zoedogcbr

August 11, 2004
I have been unable to find private life insurance due to the surgery. My mother who had WLS in the '70's has been unable to find private life/health insurance due to the surgery. So I don't know what to tell you.
   — RebeccaP

August 11, 2004
My father died last year of cancer, and my mother hounded me about increasing my life insurance until I finally made an appointment (I was about 2-3 months PO). Anyway, they (American General) let me do the whole physical and then denied coverage because of the surgery. The agent explained that they required that I be 6 months PO. Sure enough, she called shortly after my 6 month anniversary, and I went back in for another physical. I now have coverage with them. My premium has about a $5 up charge per month for the additional risk of my being PO. I'd just check around and see what different carriers tell you. Good Luck!
   — Debra R.

August 12, 2004
I also was told about being out 18 months. I am reconsidering life insurance as we speak. I had my physical, and am waiting for the answer. Please contact me in a few weeks and I should know the result. The broker told me that life insurance companies are concerned about mortality vs morbidity as the health insurance companies are, and since we are better health risks, we should do better with rates.
   — Fixnmyself

August 12, 2004
Garden State Life Insurance insured me at 2 years post op with very low premiums, they are great! They called to ask me a few questions about my post op situation and 2 weeks later I got the policy in the mail. Good luck! DOnna
   — donnalawbabe