Elevated Liver Enzymes and Life Insurance Approval

When most people get blood work done, they might expect more common conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.

One uncommon finding that your lab work may present is what is called elevated liver function or LFT. According to the Mayo Clinic,

Liver function tests are blood tests used to help find the cause of your symptoms and monitor liver disease or damage. The tests measure the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood.

If your blood work comes back having elevated liver enzymes, then you may have the beginning stages of some sort of liver disease.

Just because you test for elevated liver function, does that mean you’ll get denied when applying for term life insurance? Not.

Like any other high-risk condition, it’s all about being transparent with the underwriters and sharing everything you know about your situation.  Elevated liver enzymes are no different.  The top life insurance companies will consider this and give you better rates if you can do this.

Elevated Liver Function Questions When Applying for Life Insurance

If you do have LFT, here are some of the items of information that the underwriter is going to want to know:

1. Date of diagnosis.

2. Your ALT (SGPT) score.

3. Your ACT (SGOT) score.

4. Your GGTP (GGT) score.

5. If you have stability, yes or no.

6. If you’re hepatitis negative, yes or no.

7. If you’re CDT negative, yes or no.

You must consult with your doctor to get all your medical records in check. This will aid in the underwriting process.

Understanding the Implications of Elevated Liver Enzymes

Elevated liver enzymes can seem frightening to many, but understanding their implications can provide clarity, especially when considering life insurance.

First and foremost, elevated liver enzymes are not a disease in and of themselves but rather an indicator of potential liver damage or inflammation.

This can be caused by various reasons, from short-term issues such as an acute illness or medication use to more chronic conditions like liver disease.

When considering life insurance, the underlying cause of the elevated enzymes becomes paramount. A short-term elevation due to an illness or medication might not have long-term implications, but a chronic condition might. Thus, the context is critical.

Understanding and communicating this context to the insurance underwriter can significantly affect the approval process and rates offered.

What Typically Causes LFT?

Many different health conditions can cause elevated liver enzymes in your body.  Some of these include excessive alcohol use, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.  There are even certain types of medication that can cause this as well. 

When applying for life insurance and having elevated liver function, we try to demonstrate to the underwriter what exactly is causing the issue. The reason for the high levels is going to have a significant impact on how the insurance company looks at your application.

The Role of Lifestyle in Managing Elevated Liver Enzymes

Lifestyle choices play a pivotal role in the overall health and wellness of an individual, especially concerning liver health.

If the elevated liver enzymes are due to lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, it’s crucial to consider making healthier choices to reduce the risk of further complications.

Regular check-ups with a healthcare professional, maintaining a balanced diet, reducing or eliminating alcohol intake, and regular exercise can not only improve liver health but can also portray a positive image to life insurance underwriters.

Moreover, a proactive approach to managing one’s health, especially after a diagnosis like elevated liver enzymes, can be seen in a favorable light by insurance companies.

Demonstrating a commitment to health and well-being can lead to better premium rates and easier approval processes.

It is also worth noting that these lifestyle changes will have cascading benefits beyond just liver health, contributing to overall longevity and quality of life.

Common Factors Impacting Elevated Liver Enzymes

There are also a few simple things that could cause elevated enzymes in your liver. Everyday stuff like over-the-counter drugs like aspirin could cause you to have high liver enzyme readings. Be sure to tell the paramedic about any medications that you’ve taken before your health exam.

Another factor to consider is sickness. There are a lot of common illnesses that can impact your liver enzymes.

If you’re ill or have been fighting off a disease, you should probably reschedule your health exam. Otherwise, you could get back some inaccurate results that cost you monthly premiums.

Getting rated a preferred may not be out of the question if it’s something minor.  I even read a few instances where individuals with LFT qualified at preferred plus rates, the cheapest life insurance you can buy.

Saving Money on Life Insurance

The last thing you want to do is pay more for your life insurance than you need. That’s why working with an independent agent who takes the time to ask the right questions before applying will make all the difference in the world.  

An independent agent can compare quotes and connect you with companies that have experience working with applicants with elevated liver enzymes.  

Working with an independent agent isn’t the only thing you can do; there are several lifestyle changes you can make to save you thousands of dollars in monthly premiums.

One of the most critical factors that is used to calculate your rates is your overall health. Aside from liver enzyme levels, the insurance company will also look at your height, weight, age, blood pressure readings, systolic and diastolic, and much more.

If you want to save money on your monthly premiums, take some time to focus on your health and make some changes. Being overweight or a smoker can double or triple your premiums. The best way to save money on your life insurance policy is to quit smoking or using tobacco.

Either of these is automatically going to cause your premiums to go through the roof, regardless of how the rest of your health is. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are not only good for your waistline, but it is also great for your bank account.

Life insurance is one of the best things you can buy for yourself and your loved ones. Don’t let elevated liver enzymes keep you from getting the protection you deserve.

If you’ve ever been told that you can’t get life insurance because of elevated liver enzymes, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

There are only a few rare cases in which the condition keeps applicants from getting a traditional life insurance policy. In most cases, applicants are surprised to see just how affordable their life insurance plan is going to be.

You can’t put a price on the peace that life insurance brings, knowing that your family will be covered if anything happens to you.

How Much Life Insurance to Purchase

One of the most significant considerations of the life insurance purchasing process is deciding how large of a policy you need to get. There is no perfect number that everyone should get; the size of the plan is going to change depending on each person’s situation.

There are a couple of different factors that you should consider when deciding on the size of your policy.

When calculating the size of your life insurance plan, look at how much debt you would leave behind and how many of your loved ones count on your annual salary to get by.

Add up all of the debt that you have, mortgage, car payments, student loans, etc., and the number that you end up with is an excellent starting point for your policy.

Additionally, consider how many of your family members rely on your salary to get by. Most financial experts suggest that you get an approach that is at least ten times your annual salary.

The Bottom Line – Elevated Liver Enzymes and Life Insurance Approval

In navigating the intricate world of life insurance, understanding the implications of elevated liver enzymes becomes essential.

While the initial revelation of such medical conditions might be daunting, it’s heartening to know that many life insurance companies evaluate these situations with a comprehensive lens.

It’s all about transparency, context, and the efforts one makes towards leading a healthier lifestyle.

With the right approach, it’s entirely feasible to secure favorable policies, even with medical challenges like elevated liver enzymes.

Remember, elevated enzymes are just one piece of the broader health puzzle, and life insurance firms consider various factors.

By staying informed proactive, and partnering with knowledgeable professionals, individuals can secure the peace of mind that comes with comprehensive life insurance coverage, ensuring their loved ones’ financial security for years to come.