🎯 Bottom Line Up Front
Muscular dystrophy encompasses a group of over 30 genetic disorders characterized by progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. These conditions vary dramatically in severity, age of onset, progression rate, and impact on life expectancy—ranging from mild forms that cause minimal functional impairment to severe forms that significantly affect mobility, respiratory function, and cardiac health.
The diversity within muscular dystrophy diagnoses means that life insurance underwriting approaches vary considerably. A person with mild Becker muscular dystrophy maintaining full independence may have very different insurance prospects than someone with Duchenne muscular dystrophy requiring mobility assistance. Understanding how insurers evaluate your specific type of MD is essential for setting realistic expectations and pursuing appropriate coverage options.
This comprehensive guide examines how different types of muscular dystrophy affect life insurance eligibility, what underwriting factors insurers prioritize, which coverage pathways exist across the spectrum of disease severity, and how to position your application strategically regardless of your specific diagnosis.
Different types of muscular dystrophy
Americans affected by muscular dystrophy
Main types of MD with varying severity
Life expectancy depending on MD type
Understanding Muscular Dystrophy Types and Life Insurance
Key insight: The specific type of muscular dystrophy matters more than the diagnosis itself—underwriting varies dramatically between MD subtypes.
Life insurance underwriters don’t treat “muscular dystrophy” as a single condition. Instead, they evaluate each specific type based on its typical progression pattern, life expectancy implications, and functional impact. Understanding where your specific diagnosis falls on the severity spectrum is essential for assessing coverage prospects.
Major Types of Muscular Dystrophy and Insurance Implications
| MD Type | Typical Onset | Progression | Insurance Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duchenne (DMD) | Early childhood (2-6 years) | Rapid; wheelchair by teens; reduced life expectancy | Traditional coverage extremely unlikely; guaranteed issue only |
| Becker (BMD) | Late childhood to adulthood | Slower than DMD; variable severity | Mild cases may qualify for traditional with table ratings |
| Myotonic (DM) | Any age; often 20s-30s | Variable; cardiac complications common | Mild Type 2 may qualify; Type 1 more challenging |
| Limb-Girdle (LGMD) | Late childhood to middle age | Highly variable by subtype | Mild, stable cases may qualify for traditional coverage |
| Facioscapulohumeral (FSHD) | Teens to young adults | Slow; often mild | Best traditional coverage prospects if minimal impairment |
| Congenital (CMD) | Birth or infancy | Variable; some non-progressive | Depends on severity and complications |
| Distal (DD) | 40s-60s typically | Slow; affects extremities | Mild cases may qualify for traditional coverage |
| Emery-Dreifuss (EDMD) | Childhood to teens | Slow muscle progression; cardiac issues concern | Cardiac involvement makes traditional coverage challenging |
| Oculopharyngeal (OPMD) | 40s-50s | Slow; affects eyes and throat | Mild cases may qualify; swallowing issues complicate |
Most Favorable MD Types
- Facioscapulohumeral (FSHD)
- Limb-Girdle (mild subtypes)
- Becker (mild cases)
- Distal (minimal impairment)
- Myotonic Type 2 (mild cases)
Moderate Challenge MD Types
- Myotonic Type 1 (moderate)
- Emery-Dreifuss (no cardiac issues)
- Limb-Girdle (moderate subtypes)
- Congenital (stable, non-progressive)
- Oculopharyngeal (early stage)
Most Challenging MD Types
- Duchenne (DMD)
- Myotonic Type 1 (severe)
- Limb-Girdle (severe subtypes)
- Congenital (progressive)
- Any MD with cardiac involvement
Professional Insight
“The first question we ask clients with muscular dystrophy is ‘which specific type?’ A client with slowly progressive FSHD who maintains full-time employment has completely different insurance prospects than someone with DMD. The MD diagnosis alone doesn’t determine insurability—the specific subtype, progression rate, and functional status are what matter to underwriters.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
For more insights on how various medical conditions affect coverage decisions, see our comprehensive guide on Life Insurance Approvals with Pre-Existing Medical Conditions.
How Insurers Evaluate Muscular Dystrophy
Key insight: Underwriters focus on functional status, progression rate, respiratory/cardiac function, and life expectancy implications rather than the diagnosis label alone.
When assessing muscular dystrophy applications, insurance companies employ a comprehensive evaluation framework that extends far beyond confirming the diagnosis. Understanding these evaluation criteria helps you assess your own insurability and identify areas where documentation can strengthen your case.
Primary Underwriting Factors
1. Functional Ability and Independence
The degree to which muscular dystrophy affects your daily activities serves as a critical risk indicator. Underwriters evaluate mobility status, ability to perform activities of daily living independently, employment status and work capacity, use of assistive devices, and need for caregiver assistance.
Functional Status Assessment
- Fully independent: No mobility aids; working full-time; all ADLs independent—best approval prospects
- Minimally assisted: Occasional assistive device use; working with accommodations—possible traditional coverage
- Moderately impaired: Regular mobility aids; difficulty with some ADLs—traditional coverage challenging
- Significantly impaired: Wheelchair dependent; requires assistance—traditional coverage unlikely
- Highly dependent: Requires comprehensive care—guaranteed issue only realistic option
2. Disease Progression Rate
Insurers carefully track how quickly muscular dystrophy is progressing. They compare current functional status to status 1-2 years ago, assess the rate of muscle strength decline, monitor changes in mobility and independence, and evaluate whether progression matches typical patterns for your MD type.
Stable or Slow Progression
No significant functional decline over past 2+ years. Maintains employment and independence. Best insurance prospects.
Moderate Progression
Gradual decline in function but maintaining independence. May require accommodations. Insurance challenging but possible.
Rapid Progression
Significant functional decline over short period. Increasing dependence. Traditional coverage unavailable.
3. Respiratory Function
Respiratory complications represent a leading concern for many muscular dystrophy types. Underwriters evaluate forced vital capacity (FVC) measurements, need for respiratory support (BiPAP, ventilation), history of respiratory infections or pneumonia, sleep apnea or breathing difficulties, and pulmonary function test trends over time.
⚠️ Respiratory Function Thresholds
Most carriers considering MD applications require FVC above 50-60% of predicted value for traditional coverage consideration. Use of ventilatory support, even non-invasive, typically disqualifies applicants from traditional coverage. Regular pulmonary function testing with documented stable or slowly declining values strengthens applications.
4. Cardiac Function
Many muscular dystrophy types affect cardiac muscle, making heart function a critical underwriting factor. Key assessments include ejection fraction and overall heart function, presence of cardiomyopathy or heart failure, arrhythmias or conduction abnormalities, use of cardiac medications, and history of cardiac interventions.
Cardiac involvement significantly complicates traditional coverage prospects. Even mild cardiomyopathy may result in postponement or decline from carriers who might otherwise consider the muscular dystrophy diagnosis itself.
5. Age at Diagnosis and Time Since Diagnosis
The relationship between diagnosis timing and current age provides prognostic information. Early childhood diagnosis with survival to adulthood demonstrates slower-than-typical progression or milder disease variant. Adult-onset diagnosis typically indicates milder MD type. Long period since diagnosis with maintained function suggests favorable prognosis.
| Diagnosis Pattern | Underwriting Interpretation | Impact on Insurability |
|---|---|---|
| Childhood diagnosis, now adult with good function | Milder variant or slower progression than typical | Positive indicator for insurance eligibility |
| Recent adult diagnosis, mild symptoms | Likely milder MD type; limited progression history | Possible coverage but may need time to establish stability |
| Childhood diagnosis, rapid progression | Severe MD type with typical or accelerated course | Traditional coverage unavailable |
| Recent diagnosis, significant symptoms | Aggressive disease or late detection of advanced MD | Traditional coverage unlikely |
6. Treatment and Medical Management
Active engagement with medical care and disease management demonstrates proactive health behavior. Underwriters evaluate regular monitoring by neuromuscular specialists, physical therapy and rehabilitation participation, use of appropriate medications (steroids for DMD, cardiac meds), preventive care for complications, and genetic counseling if relevant.
Professional Insight
“Clients who maintain regular medical follow-up, participate in physical therapy, and take proactive steps to manage their condition demonstrate to underwriters that they’re doing everything possible to slow progression and prevent complications. This proactive approach improves underwriting perception even when the underlying diagnosis is serious.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
Coverage Options by MD Type and Severity
Key insight: Matching your specific MD type and functional status to appropriate coverage pathways is essential for success.
Life insurance options for muscular dystrophy span a wide spectrum, from traditional fully-underwritten policies for the mildest cases to guaranteed issue products for those with advanced disease. Understanding which category best fits your situation prevents wasted effort on inappropriate applications.
Category 1: Potentially Eligible for Traditional Coverage
A small subset of muscular dystrophy patients may qualify for traditional term or permanent life insurance, typically with table ratings increasing premiums above standard rates.
✅ Ideal Traditional Coverage Profile
MD Types Most Likely to Qualify: Facioscapulohumeral (FSHD) with minimal impairment, mild Becker muscular dystrophy, stable limb-girdle with good function, distal muscular dystrophy with limited progression, or myotonic type 2 with minimal symptoms.
Required Characteristics: Maintains full-time employment or normal activities, independent in all daily activities, no respiratory impairment (FVC >80%), normal cardiac function, slow or no progression over past 2-3 years, no use of mobility aids or minimal use only, and diagnosis confirmed by genetic testing or biopsy.
Even meeting these criteria, expect significant premium increases through table ratings. A healthy 35-year-old might pay $50/month for $500,000 in term coverage at standard rates, while someone with mild stable MD might pay $100-150/month for the same coverage at Table 4-6 ratings.
Category 2: May Qualify for Modified Coverage
Individuals with moderate muscular dystrophy who cannot qualify for traditional coverage may access modified benefit products with graded death benefits or coverage limitations.
Simplified Issue with MD Questions
Some carriers offer simplified issue products that ask about muscular dystrophy but may accept stable cases. Coverage typically $25,000-$100,000 with higher premiums.
Graded Benefit Policies
Accept many MD patients with health questions but provide limited benefits first 2-3 years. Full benefits after grading period. Coverage $5,000-$50,000.
Category 3: Guaranteed Issue Coverage
Guaranteed issue life insurance provides the most accessible option for individuals with moderate to severe muscular dystrophy. These policies accept all applicants ages 40-85 without any health questions, medical exams, or consideration of MD status.
Who Should Consider Guaranteed Issue
- DMD or other severe progressive MD
- Wheelchair dependent
- Respiratory support required
- Cardiac complications present
- Rapid disease progression
- Need for immediate coverage
Guaranteed Issue Features
- 100% approval guaranteed
- Coverage $5,000-$25,000
- Graded benefits (2-3 years)
- Higher premiums per dollar
- Whole life with cash value
- No medical underwriting
For those facing traditional coverage challenges, our guide on Top 10 Best No-Exam Life Insurance Companies (2025 Update) provides valuable alternatives.
Category 4: Group Life Insurance
Employer-sponsored group life insurance represents an excellent opportunity for individuals with muscular dystrophy. Group policies typically offer guaranteed issue coverage for base amounts (1-2x salary), simplified underwriting for supplemental voluntary amounts, and coverage not dependent on individual health status.
✅ Maximize Group Coverage Strategy
If you have muscular dystrophy and access to employer group life insurance, enroll immediately during open enrollment, elect maximum guaranteed issue coverage available, consider supplemental voluntary coverage even if questions are asked, maintain employment as long as possible to preserve coverage, and understand portability options if leaving employment. Group coverage often provides the most cost-effective life insurance for MD patients.
Traditional Coverage: Who Qualifies?
Key insight: Traditional life insurance for muscular dystrophy requires exceptional circumstances—mild disease type, minimal functional impact, and demonstrated stability.
Qualifying for traditional fully-underwritten life insurance with a muscular dystrophy diagnosis represents the exception rather than the rule. However, for those with mild, stable forms of MD, traditional coverage remains possible through select carriers willing to underwrite complex medical cases.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria
Traditional Coverage Requirements
- MD type: Must be one of the milder forms (FSHD, mild Becker, stable limb-girdle, distal MD, or mild myotonic type 2)
- Functional independence: Full independence in all activities of daily living without assistance
- Employment: Actively working full-time or maintaining normal daily activities if retired
- Mobility: Walking without assistance or with minimal aid use only (cane acceptable in some cases)
- Respiratory function: FVC above 80% predicted; no respiratory support needed
- Cardiac function: Normal echocardiogram; ejection fraction >50%; no cardiomyopathy
- Progression: Stable or very slow progression documented over 2-3 years
- No complications: No history of respiratory failure, cardiac events, or severe mobility loss
- Regular monitoring: Under care of neuromuscular specialist with documented follow-up
- Age factors: Generally easier to qualify if diagnosed in adulthood vs. childhood
Meeting these criteria makes you eligible for consideration, not guaranteed for approval. Only a small number of carriers will even review muscular dystrophy applications, and those that do maintain strict underwriting standards.
Expected Rate Classes and Premium Impact
MD patients approved for traditional coverage should expect substandard rate classifications (table ratings) rather than standard or preferred rates. The severity of rating depends on MD type, functional status, progression patterns, and overall health picture.
| Rate Class | Premium Increase | Typical MD Applicant Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Base rate (0%) | Essentially unavailable for diagnosed MD |
| Table 2-4 (B-D) | +50% to +100% | Very mild FSHD or distal MD with zero functional impairment |
| Table 4-6 (D-F) | +100% to +150% | Mild stable Becker or limb-girdle with minimal impairment |
| Table 6-8 (F-H) | +150% to +200% | Moderate MD with some functional limitations but stable |
| Decline | N/A | Progressive disease, significant impairment, cardiac/respiratory involvement |
Reality Check: Traditional Coverage Limitations
Even applicants with the mildest muscular dystrophy forms face significant challenges securing traditional coverage. Many carriers automatically decline all MD diagnoses regardless of severity. Those willing to consider MD applications typically cap coverage amounts at $250,000-$500,000, impose table ratings of Table 4 or higher minimum, require extensive medical documentation, and reserve the right to postpone if disease shows any progression signs. Setting realistic expectations prevents disappointment.
Coverage Amount Considerations
Carriers willing to insure muscular dystrophy applicants typically limit coverage amounts based on current functional status, employment and income for financial justification, MD type and severity, age at application, and overall risk assessment.
A 35-year-old with mild FSHD earning $75,000 annually might qualify for $250,000-$500,000 in coverage, while someone with moderate limb-girdle MD might be limited to $100,000-$250,000 even with similar income.
Our Top 10 Best Life Insurance Companies in the U.S. (2025): Expert Broker Rankings includes carriers with the most progressive neuromuscular disorder underwriting programs.
Alternative Coverage Solutions
Key insight: Most individuals with muscular dystrophy will rely on alternative coverage products rather than traditional policies.
Given the challenges securing traditional coverage, understanding and maximizing alternative insurance options becomes essential for comprehensive financial protection. A strategic approach often combines multiple coverage types to achieve adequate protection.
Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
Guaranteed issue policies represent the primary coverage solution for moderate to severe muscular dystrophy. These whole life policies accept all applicants ages 40-85 (some carriers 50-80) without any health questions or medical exams.
Advantages
- Guaranteed acceptance
- No MD questions asked
- No medical exam required
- Whole life with cash value
- Coverage up to age 100
- Fast approval (days)
Limitations
- Low coverage limits ($5K-$25K)
- High premiums per dollar
- Graded death benefit (2-3 years)
- Age restrictions (typically 40+)
- Limited to final expense amounts
The graded death benefit means full death benefits aren’t payable if death occurs within the first 2-3 years from non-accidental causes. During the grading period, beneficiaries receive return of premiums paid plus interest. After the grading period, full benefits apply for any cause of death.
Group Life Insurance Strategies
Group life insurance through employment offers significant advantages for muscular dystrophy patients and should be maximized whenever available.
✅ Group Coverage Optimization
Basic employer-paid coverage: Accept all employer-provided coverage automatically. Guaranteed issue supplemental: Elect maximum amounts available without health questions. Open enrollment: Enroll during open enrollment periods—guaranteed issue windows. Life changes: New hire and qualifying life events often allow coverage changes without underwriting. Portability: Understand whether coverage can convert or continue if leaving employment. Spouse coverage: Many plans offer dependent life insurance with limited underwriting.
Accidental Death Coverage
AD&D policies pay benefits only for accidental deaths and dismemberments, not deaths from illness. Because they exclude disease-related deaths, muscular dystrophy is typically not evaluated during underwriting. These policies provide affordable supplemental coverage but shouldn’t be your only protection since most deaths from muscular dystrophy complications wouldn’t qualify for AD&D benefits.
Learn more in our comparison of Accidental Death vs Life Insurance.
Juvenile Life Insurance for Children with MD
Parents of children diagnosed with muscular dystrophy face unique insurance challenges. Some options include guaranteed issue children’s riders on parent policies (typically $10,000-$25,000), standalone guaranteed issue juvenile policies, and group dependent life through parent’s employer coverage.
Many insurers offer child riders that accept all children without health questions, providing permanent coverage that continues into adulthood regardless of health changes. These riders should be secured immediately upon MD diagnosis to lock in guaranteed coverage.
Layered Coverage Approach
| Coverage Layer | Purpose | Typical Amount | Priority Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employer Group (Guaranteed) | Primary base coverage | 1-2x annual salary | Highest—secure first |
| Employer Group (Supplemental) | Additional coverage | $50K-$250K | High—add if available |
| Guaranteed Issue | Final expenses | $10K-$25K | High—covers burial/debts |
| Traditional (if qualified) | Primary protection | $100K-$500K | Medium—only if eligible |
| Accidental Death | Supplemental | $50K-$250K | Lower—supplement only |
Professional Insight
“We encourage clients with muscular dystrophy to build layered protection rather than pursuing a single large policy. Start with guaranteed issue for final expenses, maximize group coverage through employment, then explore traditional coverage only if you have mild, stable disease. This approach provides immediate protection while keeping options open for additional coverage if your health remains stable.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
Application Strategy and Timing
Key insight: Strategic planning and careful carrier selection are essential for muscular dystrophy applications to avoid unnecessary denials.
Applying for life insurance with muscular dystrophy requires thoughtful strategy. Unlike common health conditions where applicants might reasonably expect approval from multiple carriers, MD diagnoses necessitate precise carrier targeting and optimal timing.
Pre-Application Assessment
Before applying for any coverage beyond guaranteed issue, conduct an honest self-assessment of your insurability prospects.
Readiness Evaluation
- Have you been formally diagnosed with a specific MD type through genetic testing or muscle biopsy?
- Can you identify your exact MD subtype (not just “muscular dystrophy”)?
- Are you currently working full-time or maintaining full independence?
- Has your functional status been stable for at least 1-2 years?
- Are your respiratory function tests normal or near-normal (FVC >80%)?
- Is your cardiac function normal based on recent echocardiogram?
- Do you walk independently without mobility aids (or only minimal aids)?
- Do you have complete medical records documenting your stable status?
- Have you been under consistent care of a neuromuscular specialist?
If you answered “no” to more than 2-3 of these questions, traditional coverage is unlikely. Focus energy on guaranteed issue and group coverage instead of pursuing applications that will result in denial.
Optimal Application Timing
Timing significantly impacts approval odds for those pursuing traditional coverage. Apply when disease is stable, after establishing 1-2 years of documented stability with no functional decline, when employed or actively engaged in normal activities, before any anticipated disease progression if possible, and after securing comprehensive medical documentation.
⚠️ When NOT to Apply
Avoid traditional coverage applications during these circumstances: within 6-12 months of initial MD diagnosis (insufficient stability history), during periods of active disease progression or functional decline, after recent hospitalization for MD complications, when respiratory or cardiac complications are developing, immediately after losing employment or reducing work hours due to MD, or before obtaining complete medical records documenting your current status. Premature applications create denial records that complicate future attempts.
Carrier Selection Strategy
Only a small subset of insurance carriers will consider muscular dystrophy applications for traditional coverage. Applying to carriers with automatic decline policies for MD wastes time and creates denial records.
Neuromuscular-Friendly Carriers
Small number of carriers (5-10) willing to consider mild, stable MD cases. Specialize in complex medical underwriting.
Automatic Decline Carriers
Majority of carriers (90%+) automatically decline all MD diagnoses. Applying to these guarantees denial.
Working with a broker who specializes in high-risk medical underwriting and knows which carriers consider MD cases is essential. Attempting to navigate this landscape independently typically results in multiple denials before finding appropriate carriers.
Documentation Preparation
Before applying, gather comprehensive medical documentation including diagnostic testing (genetic test results, muscle biopsy report, EMG studies), neuromuscular specialist records (all office visit notes, current management plan), functional assessments (physical therapy evaluations, occupational therapy assessments), pulmonary function tests (all spirometry results, trend over time), cardiac evaluations (echocardiograms, EKG results, holter monitor if performed), and progression documentation (physician notes documenting stable status over 1-2 years).
Professional Insight
“We often request a specific letter from the client’s neuromuscular specialist before applying. This letter should explicitly state the MD type, current functional status, lack of respiratory or cardiac involvement, stable disease course, and favorable prognosis. A well-written physician letter can make the difference between approval and denial for borderline cases.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
Special Considerations for Pediatric Policies
Key insight: Parents of children with muscular dystrophy should secure guaranteed issue juvenile coverage immediately to lock in permanent protection.
When a child is diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, life insurance becomes a critical financial planning consideration. While it may be uncomfortable to discuss, securing coverage early provides permanent protection that cannot be taken away as the child ages.
Juvenile Insurance Options
Child Riders on Parent Policies: Many life insurance companies offer child riders that can be added to a parent’s policy. These riders provide coverage for all children in the household (typically $10,000-$25,000 per child) with no health questions asked, convert to permanent standalone policies when child reaches adulthood (usually age 25), and lock in insurability regardless of health changes.
Parents should add child riders immediately upon MD diagnosis—before the insurer has any knowledge of the diagnosis. Once a rider is in force, the child’s health status becomes irrelevant, and coverage continues even as MD progresses.
Standalone Juvenile Policies: Some guaranteed issue carriers offer policies specifically for children ages 0-17. These provide $5,000-$25,000 in coverage, require no health questions, automatically increase coverage at certain ages, and continue throughout life regardless of health changes.
✅ Timing is Critical for Juvenile Coverage
Parents should secure juvenile coverage IMMEDIATELY upon MD diagnosis—ideally before the diagnosis if family history suggests MD risk. Once coverage is in force with no health questions asked, the child has permanent guaranteed insurability. Waiting months or years provides no benefit and risks product availability changes. Act quickly to protect your child’s future insurability.
Juvenile to Adult Conversion Rights
Child rider conversion privileges are extremely valuable for children with muscular dystrophy. These typically allow conversion to adult policy (usually 5-10 times the rider amount) without any health questions or medical underwriting and at attained age rates (not preferred rates, but standard for that age).
A child rider with $15,000 coverage might convert to $75,000-$150,000 of adult coverage regardless of MD progression, providing substantial protection that would otherwise be unavailable.
Birth to Age 5: Secure Child Rider
Action: Add child rider to parent policy or purchase standalone juvenile policy before MD diagnosis if possible, immediately after if diagnosed.
Ages 6-17: Maintain Coverage
Action: Keep premiums current. Consider adding additional riders if available. Document all conversion rights.
Ages 18-25: Conversion Window
Action: Exercise conversion rights to maximize adult coverage without health underwriting. This may be the only opportunity for substantial coverage.
Age 25+: Adult Coverage
Action: Supplement with guaranteed issue policies as needed. Group coverage if employed. Traditional coverage only if MD very mild.
Financial Planning for Families
Beyond life insurance, families with children diagnosed with muscular dystrophy should consider ABLE accounts for tax-advantaged savings, special needs trusts to preserve government benefit eligibility, guardian selection and legal planning, education planning accommodating potential needs, and comprehensive estate planning including special provisions for the child.
Emotional Considerations
Purchasing life insurance for a child with muscular dystrophy is emotionally difficult for parents. However, it represents an act of love and responsible planning. This coverage ensures funeral and final expense costs won’t create financial burden during an already devastating time, provides financial resources for family adjustment, locks in permanent insurability that cannot be revoked, and offers peace of mind that at least one aspect of the future is secured. Consider this coverage a gift to your future self and your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get life insurance if I have muscular dystrophy?
Yes, though the type and amount of coverage available depends on your specific MD type, functional status, and disease progression. Individuals with mild, stable forms like FSHD or mild Becker MD maintaining full independence may qualify for traditional coverage with table ratings. Those with moderate to severe MD, including DMD, progressive types, or those with respiratory/cardiac involvement, typically rely on guaranteed issue coverage which accepts all applicants without health questions. Group life insurance through employers is also available to most MD patients regardless of disease severity.
Which types of muscular dystrophy have the best chance of getting traditional life insurance?
Facioscapulohumeral (FSHD), mild Becker muscular dystrophy, stable limb-girdle subtypes, distal muscular dystrophy, and myotonic type 2 with minimal symptoms have the best prospects for traditional coverage approval. The key factors are maintaining full functional independence, normal respiratory and cardiac function, stable disease course over 2+ years, and continuing full-time employment or normal activities. Even with these favorable MD types, expect table ratings (50-150% premium increases) rather than standard rates.
Can my child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy get life insurance?
Traditional life insurance is not available for Duchenne muscular dystrophy due to its progressive nature and impact on life expectancy. However, guaranteed issue juvenile life insurance provides coverage without any health questions. Parents should secure a child rider on their own life insurance policy or purchase a standalone juvenile guaranteed issue policy immediately upon diagnosis. These products typically provide $10,000-$25,000 in coverage with no underwriting, and the coverage cannot be cancelled regardless of disease progression. Many child riders also include conversion rights allowing the child to obtain larger adult coverage amounts without health questions.
How much does life insurance cost with muscular dystrophy?
Cost varies dramatically based on coverage type and MD severity. For traditional coverage (if you qualify), expect table ratings adding 50-150% to standard premiums—a $500,000 policy might cost $100-200/month instead of $50-75/month at standard rates. Guaranteed issue policies cost significantly more per dollar of coverage due to no underwriting—expect $50-150/month for just $10,000-$25,000 in coverage depending on age. Group life insurance through employers is typically the most affordable option with premiums often partially or fully subsidized by the employer. The high cost of guaranteed issue coverage makes maximizing lower-cost employer group coverage essential.
Will life insurance companies require genetic testing for muscular dystrophy?
If you’ve already been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, insurers will request your existing medical records including any genetic testing results already performed. However, carriers cannot require you to undergo new genetic testing specifically for insurance purposes—this is prohibited in most states under genetic information nondiscrimination laws. If you have not been diagnosed but have family history suggesting MD risk, insurers generally cannot require predictive genetic testing. That said, if you apply for coverage and decline to share existing genetic test results, the application will likely be denied. Full disclosure of existing diagnoses and test results is required on all applications.
Should I disclose my muscular dystrophy diagnosis when applying for life insurance?
Yes, you must disclose your muscular dystrophy diagnosis on all life insurance applications that ask health questions. Non-disclosure constitutes insurance fraud and will result in policy rescission and claim denial. Insurance companies access medical records, prescription databases, and the Medical Information Bureau—attempting to hide MD is both illegal and ineffective. For guaranteed issue policies that don’t ask any health questions, there’s nothing to disclose since these policies don’t require health information. However, for any application that includes health questions, complete honesty is legally required and practically essential.
Can I get life insurance if I use a wheelchair due to muscular dystrophy?
Traditional fully-underwritten life insurance is extremely unlikely if you’re wheelchair dependent due to muscular dystrophy, as this indicates significant disease progression and functional impairment. However, guaranteed issue life insurance accepts all applicants ages 40-85 without any health questions, making wheelchair use completely irrelevant to eligibility. Coverage amounts are limited ($5,000-$25,000) and premiums are higher than traditional insurance, but it provides accessible coverage regardless of mobility status. If you’re employed, group life insurance through your employer may also be available with minimal or no underwriting up to certain coverage amounts.
What happens to my life insurance if my muscular dystrophy progresses?
Once a life insurance policy is in force (after any contestability period, typically 2 years), the insurance company cannot cancel your coverage or increase your premiums based on health changes. If your MD progresses after you secure coverage, the policy remains in force as long as you pay premiums. This is why securing coverage early—when disease is mild or stable—is so important. For guaranteed issue policies with graded death benefits, benefits increase to full amount after the grading period (2-3 years) regardless of any disease progression during that time. This guaranteed protection regardless of health changes makes life insurance especially valuable for progressive conditions like muscular dystrophy.
Ready to Explore Life Insurance Options for Muscular Dystrophy?
Living with muscular dystrophy presents unique insurance challenges, but coverage options exist across the spectrum of disease severity. Whether you have mild stable MD and want to explore traditional coverage, need guaranteed issue protection, or want to secure juvenile coverage for your child, our specialized team understands neuromuscular disorder underwriting and can guide you to appropriate solutions.
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I have muscular dystrophy called facioscapulohumeral i was diagnosed in 2015 can i get life insurance.
Kevin,
Depending on how much insurance you’re looking for and what state you live in, it is quite possible you may qualify for coverage.
Our advice would be to just give us a call when you have a chance and we’ll see what we can do.
Thanks,
InsuranceBrokersUSA
In this article, it states…
“Take their time reviewing their options.”
“Ask a lot of questions.”
What are the questions one living with muscular dystrophy should be asking when seeking to get life insurance coverage?
Ronny,
There are a few important questions you’ll want to have answered. The initial query should be about the type of life insurance policy you are being quoted or offered. Is it a term policy, a whole life insurance policy, or a guaranteed issue life insurance policy? Understanding the specific type of policy is crucial.
Next, it’s essential to inquire about any exclusions or limitations within the policy that may relate to a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy. By doing so, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the coverage being offered to you.
By asking these questions, you will be well-informed about the type of life insurance policy and any specific provisions regarding muscular dystrophy, ensuring you have a complete picture of the coverage being presented to you.
Thanks,
InsuranceBrokersUSA