AboutPaul Walker Expertise I can answer most questions relating to Expatriate Medical and Health Insurance. UK Health Insurance and most Pan European Models. Additionally, persons looking to pay for surgery without insurance in the UK and parts of Europe. I am based in the UK but deal mainly with International Healthcare Plans.
Experience
Past/Present clients We deal with everyone from Individuals and Families through to large corporations.
Question A few months ago, I noticed an irregular heartbeat after some strenuous exercise. After a few occurrences, I saw a physician about the issue, and he suggested I see a cardiologist. I visited the cardiologist, who did a thorough exam and said that he wasn't concerned but that I could do more tests if I continued noticing it. He suggested I take some fish oil tablets, and I haven't had a recurrence since.
I am applying for a term life insurance policy, and there is a question asking if I've ever seen a physician for an irregular heartbeat. I am worried that if I disclose my meetings with the cardiologist, I will not be approved for insurance or will be charged a much higher rate, but I also worry about not disclosing it and then my family not being paid if I were to pass away during the term of the insurance.
If I don't disclose the meeting with the doctor, can the insurance company find out about this? If I do disclose the visit, can I be denied insurance?
Thank you.
Answer Hi Virgil,
There is only one answer to your question; you must tell them.
The reason I stress this is that there is no reason why they would decline you based on such a disclosure, however it is quite likely that they may wish to verify the details with your Doctor and or the Physician.
If they remain concerned, it is more likely that the premium would be adjusted to reflect any additional risk being taken by the insurer. If they do, it is worth stating that this is a minor condition, and if loading on premiums does apply, could you ask for it to be reviewed in the future. No further issues, maybe they could drop it from their concerns also, however if the condition still exists in any capacity, then it is best they are aware - otherwise should you need to claim on the policy - it will not pay.
Equally, fraud is becoming a growing concern in many areas of health insurance. If the insurer suspects that you are mis leading them in any way, they could prove otherwise and decline the application based upon non-disclosure or fraud. If this should happen, you would find it very difficult to get insurance in general...
There are often situations where a proposer regrets being too honest regarding their medical health, in some areas it is not always good to provide 'too much' information, but when applying for term life, you have seen the size of the application forms... they really do need to see everything before they make a final decision...
If I were in your position; I would declare the problem, but stress that it responded well to remedial treatments and that you do not consider it a major concern... the insurer will take it from there...
I hope this helps to some extent, good luck with your application.
