If a company turns you down for a policy, try another company. Companies use different methods and factors to decide whether or not to insure you. For example if you have high blood pressure that you control with medication, one company might reject you while another company may accept you.
If you have a medical problem, it’s a good idea to talk it over with your doctor. Treatments may improve your condition enough to meet company standards, or the company may qualify you as a special risk at an adjusted premium. If the company uses your medical information to arrive at its rating, it must share that information with your doctor at your request.
You might also want to check on group life insurance. Some group plans do not require medical exams or health histories.
Insurance companies are part of the free enterprise system and can – within certain limits – select those individuals they want to insure. However, they are not free to turn down coverage without a valid reason. Under Washington state law, insurers cannot refuse insurance to anyone based on:
• sex
• marital status
• race
• creed
• color
• national origin
It’s also against the law to deny coverage to domestic violence victims. And it’s illegal to refuse people with a sensory, mental, or physical problem – except when the company can prove statistically that someone is more likely to file a claim.
If you feel an insurance company is treating you unfairly, you can file a complaint with your state’s department of insurance.
