Question:
Have any postops had trouble getting life insurance?

It was just something I was thinking about for the future. I couldnt get life insurance preop through my husbands work (my husband couldnt either) because of weight. We are going to need something in case God forbid something happens to either one of us. If you were able to get life insurance postop who were you able to get it through?    — Kris T. (posted on April 19, 2003)

April 19, 2003
I used to sell insurance. One of the underwriting questions pertained to gaining or losing weight over the last 5 yrs. Once a 5 yr period has passed, there would be no other question that would refer to your weight or the surgery, but for the next few yrs it would be difficult I believe. But each company is different. You can do a search for life insurance and actually obtain quotes online. When I do that,and they if they request a phone number, I generally will put a phone number in with one or two digits off, that way I won't be telemarketed to death! :)
   — Robin H.

April 19, 2003
I tried to get life ins about 2 months ago and was turned down due to my surgery, I was told I would have to wait a yr then apply, and that my rates will be high for about 3 yrs. Im really upset about this because I dont have any life ins
   — Schatzie1

April 19, 2003
Yes! I started a new job 2 years ago, had surgery 17 months ago. Unfortunately my paper work didn't get turned into our Life Insurance company before my surgery, so, when I applied a few months after my surgery I was denied. They told me that if I waited about a year that it "should" be okay. I haven't applied again, but thanks for the reminder!
   — Chloe S.

April 20, 2003
I am 2.5 years post-op and recently decided to get life insurance. They gave me the rate I would have to pay and then proceeded to do the underwriting process. I got a letter in the mail about 30 days later saying "Congratulations....you've been approved for the requested life insurance at the coverages you wanted"....however, your rates are slightly different than originally quoted due to something that showed up during the underwriting process. I called them, and they said the rate is different because of my gastric bypass surgery.....the rate was 3X MORE than originally quoted. Needless to say, I declined and will check around. I've heard of other companies that don't penalize you for surgery, but we'll see. Good luck....let me know if you find one!
   — Lynette B.

April 21, 2003
It's a shame that you couldn't get it through work because you can usually get it through your employer at a certain level without Proof of Insurability. I had cancer in 1995 (have been clear since 11/95 after 6 months of chemo) and started a job with Siemens Medical Systems (at the time, it was Shared Medical Systems) in 1998 and was able to get life insurance w/o any examination or proof of insurability - there wasn't even a questionnaire. I'm covered at 2x my salary...JR
   — John Rushton

April 22, 2003
Yes, I had problems getting life insurance before and now after my surgery. The insurance company wanted me to lose 100 pounds, first and then be at a stable weight for one year! Can't win for losing. I told the insurance agent, I wasn't interested in re-applying.
   — dolphins94

April 22, 2003
I through my hubbys work and I am still a pre-op about a year ago and they told me I was too fat! So I guess you can't win!
   — Saxbyd