Life Insurance Guide for Dialysis Patients (2024)

Securing life insurance for dialysis patients is a challenge. Dialysis treatments indicate you have a pre-existing high-risk condition. You will not qualify for traditional or no-medical exam term life insurance.

Below, discover what life insurance options are available to dialysis patients and how much coverage might cost you.

Compare life insurance quotes for dialysis patients for free by entering your ZIP code into our free rate tool above.

What are the best life insurance policies for dialysis patients?

You will not find traditional life insurance rates as a patient needing kidney dialysis treatment. You’ll also struggle to qualify for no medical exam term life insurance.

Some pre-existing medical conditions lead to denial of life insurance coverage. What health conditions affect life insurance? Dialysis treatments, Alzheimer’s, and terminal illnesses.

The best option is a guaranteed issue whole life insurance policy. Unfortunately, this type of coverage can be expensive.

The table below compares the average monthly rates for a guaranteed issue whole life insurance policy from State Farm with differing death benefit amounts, organized by age and gender.

State Farm Average Monthly Guaranteed Issue Whole Life Insurance Rates by Age and Gender

According to the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), the average age of patients undergoing this treatment is 64.

As you can see, affordable life insurance for dialysis patients is hard to come by.

You might consider purchasing an accidental death policy, which is less expensive. But it does not cover natural death or death caused by illness or disease. Therefore, it might not be suitable for everyone.

There is no life insurance company for dialysis patients specifically. But you may consider working with an agent familiar with high-risk clients for more personalized service.

Why do dialysis treatments impact life insurance?

Even the best insurance companies will not approve policies for clients who are too high-risk to insure. (For more information, read our “Life Insurance Guide for High-Risk Individuals“)

Unfortunately, this kind of treatment usually indicates that a person is developing end-stage kidney failure or other life-threatening medical conditions.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, the average life expectancy for a person on dialysis is five to 10 years. Most providers will not take on that level of risk.

Usually, people remain on dialysis for the rest of their lives. However, those with acute renal disease may improve after treatment. Others might receive a successful kidney transplant.

If you’re taken off and remain in good health for about three years, you might qualify for traditional life insurance.

To avoid a substandard rate, be sure you follow up with your doctor, take all medications as prescribed, and avoid dangerous hobbies or smoking. Ask about any other health questions you might have.

Case Studies: Broad Form Car Insurance Coverage

Case Study 1: Sarah’s Experience With Life Insurance for Dialysis Patients

Sarah, a 45-year-old woman, has been undergoing dialysis treatment for the past two years due to end-stage kidney failure. She wanted to secure life insurance to provide financial protection for her family in case of her passing. However, she discovered that traditional life insurance policies were not available to her due to her pre-existing high-risk condition.

Sarah decided to explore guaranteed issue whole life insurance as an alternative. She obtained a policy with a death benefit of $100,000, which cost her $550 per month. While the premiums were higher than traditional life insurance, Sarah found comfort in knowing that her family would receive financial support after her passing.

Case Study 2: James’ Search for Coverage as a Dialysis Patient

James, a 58-year-old man, had been on dialysis for five years due to chronic kidney disease. He understood the importance of having life insurance to protect his loved ones but was unsure if he would be able to find coverage given his health condition.

James reached out to an insurance agent who specialized in high-risk cases. The agent helped him navigate the insurance landscape and found a guaranteed issue whole life insurance policy that suited James’ needs. He obtained coverage with a death benefit of $250,000, which required monthly premiums of $800. Despite the higher costs, James felt relieved knowing that his family would have financial security in the event of his passing.

Case Study 3: Emily’s Transition From Dialysis to Traditional Life Insurance

Emily, a 32-year-old woman, had been on dialysis for three years following a diagnosis of kidney disease. Recently, she underwent a successful kidney transplant and her health improved significantly. Emily was eager to explore traditional life insurance options now that her condition had stabilized.

After consulting with an insurance agent, Emily learned that she could qualify for traditional life insurance if she maintained stable health for at least three years post-transplant. She decided to wait and monitor her health during this period before pursuing traditional coverage.

During the three-year waiting period, Emily focused on maintaining her health, adhering to her medication regimen, and leading a healthy lifestyle. She understood that traditional life insurance would provide her with more affordable coverage compared to the options available to dialysis patients.

Life Insurance for Dialysis Patients: The Bottom Line

Around 468,000 Americans are currently undergoing dialysis treatments. If you’re able to stop treatments and remain in good health for a few years, you may qualify for traditional coverage from insurance carriers.

Unfortunately, most people remain in treatment for the rest of their lives.

If that describes you, your best option is a guaranteed issue whole life insurance policy.

Whether you want to buy life insurance for dialysis patients or someone in good health, enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool below to receive rates immediately.