Kidney and liver conditions range widely in severity, and underwriters evaluate them on a case-by-case basis. Mild, well-monitored conditions with stable function may still allow for insurable coverage, while advanced disease presents significant underwriting challenges.
Kidney Disease: What Underwriters Evaluate
- Stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD): CKD is staged 1–5 based on GFR (glomerular filtration rate); Stages 1–2 are generally more insurable than Stages 4–5
- Creatinine and GFR levels: key lab values that reflect kidney function
- Cause of kidney disease: diabetic nephropathy, hypertension-related, or polycystic kidney disease each carry different outlooks
- Dialysis status: applicants currently on dialysis are typically declined by most standard carriers
- Kidney transplant history: post-transplant cases may be considered after a waiting period with good function and no rejection episodes
- Proteinuria (protein in urine): elevated levels signal worsening function
Liver Disease: What Underwriters Evaluate
- Cause of liver disease: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatitis B or C, alcoholic liver disease, or autoimmune hepatitis
- Severity: fatty liver vs. fibrosis vs. cirrhosis — cirrhosis is generally very difficult to insure with most carriers
- Hepatitis B or C status: chronic vs. resolved; treatment outcomes; viral load
- Liver function tests (LFTs): ALT, AST, bilirubin, albumin levels
- Alcohol use history: abstinence duration is critical for alcohol-related liver disease
- Liver transplant history
These conditions require careful carrier selection. Contact us to discuss your specific diagnosis and find carriers best suited to your situation.