What Requip Is

Requip (ropinirole) is a dopamine agonist medication prescribed for two distinct conditions: Parkinson’s disease and restless leg syndrome (RLS). Requip works by stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain, helping manage motor symptoms in Parkinson’s or the uncomfortable sensations and movement urges in RLS. The medication is well-established, FDA-approved, and effective for symptom management. However, the underlying condition being treated—not the medication itself—is what matters most for life insurance underwriting. Parkinson’s disease and RLS are very different neurological conditions with different underwriting implications.

Parkinson’s Disease: The More Serious Condition

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor control, balance, and cognitive function. It typically affects people over 60 but can occur at younger ages. Parkinson’s symptoms include tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement, balance problems, and in advanced stages, cognitive decline and dementia. Life expectancy with Parkinson’s is reduced compared to the general population, particularly with advanced disease. The disease is incurable and progressively worsens over time. Insurers recognize Parkinson’s as a serious, life-altering condition requiring careful underwriting evaluation. Early-stage Parkinson’s with good symptom control presents better underwriting prospects than advanced disease with cognitive decline or motor complications.

Restless Leg Syndrome: The Milder Condition

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition that causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs (tingling, burning, aching) and an irresistible urge to move the legs, typically in the evening or when resting. RLS is not progressive or degenerative. It doesn’t cause permanent neurological damage or cognitive decline. While RLS significantly impacts sleep quality and quality of life, it’s not a life-threatening condition and doesn’t reduce life expectancy. Insurers view RLS as a manageable, non-serious condition. Requip use for RLS-only (without Parkinson’s) results in much more favorable underwriting than Parkinson’s disease.

Critical: Which Condition Do You Have?

The key question for life insurance underwriting is: Are you taking Requip for Parkinson’s disease or for RLS? This answer fundamentally changes underwriting. Parkinson’s disease requires serious evaluation, typically results in meaningful rate increases, and approval depends on disease stage and control. RLS is much less concerning and often results in standard or only slightly elevated rates. Some people have both conditions.

You must clearly disclose which condition(s) you have, as this drives all underwriting decisions. There is no hiding this distinction—insurers will specifically ask about Parkinson’s disease and will request neurology records to clarify.

Parkinson’s Disease: What Insurers Request

For Parkinson’s disease, insurers will request:

• Date of diagnosis and confirmation that it is Parkinson’s disease specifically (not Parkinsonian syndrome or other movement disorder)
• Current stage of disease using the standard Hoehn and Yahr staging system (1-5, with five being the most advanced)
• Complete neurology records from your treating neurologist covering at least the past 12-24 months
• All medications and current dosages
• Assessment of cognitive function (any memory problems, dementia screening)
• Motor symptoms and functional status (can you work, drive, perform activities of daily living)
• Any hospitalizations or complications
• Frequency of neurology visits and treatment adherence
• Prognosis from your neurologist

Insurers typically request authorization to contact your neurologist directly for additional information.

RLS: What Insurers Request

For RLS-only cases, insurers ask simpler questions:

• Diagnosis confirmed as RLS
• Approximate date of onset
• Frequency and severity of symptoms
• Current medication and dosage
• Whether symptoms are well-controlled
• Any other associated sleep disorders or health issues

RLS underwriting is much more straightforward than Parkinson’s, requiring fewer records and less specialist contact.

Key Parkinson’s Evaluation Factors

• Disease Stage (Most Important): Early-stage Parkinson’s (Hoehn-Yahr 1-2) with minimal motor symptoms and no cognitive decline presents better underwriting prospects than advanced disease. Advanced Parkinson’s (stages 4-5) with significant motor dysfunction, cognitive decline, or dementia presents major underwriting challenges.
• Symptom Control: How well your symptoms respond to Requip and whether you remain functionally independent.
• Cognitive Status: Any evidence of cognitive decline, memory problems, or dementia significantly increases underwriting risk.
• Functional Status: Can you work, drive, and care for yourself?
• Disease Duration: Newly diagnosed Parkinson’s may have a better prognosis than the disease that has been present for 10+ years.
• Complications: Falls, injuries, hospitalizations, or other complications increase risk.
• Medication Response: Whether your symptoms are well-controlled on current medications.

Medical Testing Requirements

For Parkinson’s disease cases, expect comprehensive medical testing: blood pressure, heart rhythm assessment (EKG may be required, given Parkinson’s medication effects), blood work including liver and kidney function, neuropsychological screening or cognitive testing, and possibly additional specialized testing depending on disease stage. For RLS cases, standard health screening applies. Age and coverage amount may trigger additional testing beyond baseline requirements. Neurological specialist records are typically required to verify diagnosis and assess disease status.

Required Information to Disclose

You are legally required to provide complete information. For Parkinson’s disease disclosure, report:

• Parkinson’s disease diagnosis (be specific—not just “movement disorder”)
• Date of diagnosis
• Current disease stage, if you know it
• All medications, including Requip and any other Parkinson’s medications
• Your treating neurologist’s name and contact information
• Any cognitive or motor complications
• Your current functional status
• Any hospitalizations related to Parkinson’s
• Any falls or injuries

For RLS-only, report the RLS diagnosis, Requip use, symptom control status, and that there is no Parkinson’s disease. Complete, accurate disclosure is both legally required and in your best interest. Withholding or misrepresenting a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis or status could result in denial or policy rescission.

Getting Your Records Ready

For Parkinson’s disease cases, organize neurology records before applying:

• Comprehensive evaluation notes from your neurologist
• Records showing disease stage or Hoehn-Yahr rating
• Last 12-24 months of neurology visits and notes
• Recent cognitive screening or neuropsychological testing if available
• Current medication list with doses and dates started
• Any MRI or imaging results confirming Parkinson’s diagnosis
• Records of any hospitalizations or complications
• Documentation of functional status

Having organized, complete records speeds up underwriting significantly. Incomplete or disorganized applications delay decisions. For RLS cases, simpler records suffice—diagnosis confirmation and current treatment information.

Best-Case: Early-Stage Parkinson’s, Well-Controlled

If you have early-stage Parkinson’s disease (Hoehn-Yahr 1-2), minimal motor symptoms, no cognitive decline, symptoms well-controlled on Requip, no complications, and you remain functionally independent, you’re positioned for approval at acceptable rates.

Expected outcome: Approval at meaningfully elevated rates, typically 75-100%+ above non-Parkinson’s applicants. Underwriting timeline: 4-6 weeks. This represents the best case for Parkinson’s disease underwriting—early catch, good control, and preserved function.

Moderate-Risk: Mid-Stage Parkinson’s or Complications

If you have mid-stage Parkinson’s (Hoehn-Yahr 2.5-3), some motor symptoms affecting function, minor cognitive changes, or disease-related complications, approval becomes uncertain. Some insurers will still approve at significantly higher rates (125-200%+ above standard). However, other insurers may request additional evaluation or postpone decisions. If you have any history of falls, injuries, or cognitive decline, underwriting becomes more difficult.

Expected outcome: Approval possible but not certain; rates significantly elevated if approved. Underwriting timeline: 6-8 weeks with possible requests for additional information or neurologist consultation.

High-Risk: Advanced Parkinson’s or Cognitive Decline

If you have advanced Parkinson’s (Hoehn-Yahr 4-5) with significant motor dysfunction, cognitive decline or dementia, frequent falls, or major functional limitations, approval is unlikely. Many insurers will decline or significantly postpone your application. Some may only approve at extremely high rates (200%+) or with strict limitations. Advanced Parkinson’s with dementia or severe motor complications presents the highest underwriting challenge. Expected outcome: Postponement or denial likely.

Better strategy: Ensure your Parkinson’s is as well-managed as possible, achieve best possible functional status, then potentially reapply or seek specialized high-risk insurance if available.

RLS-Only Scenario: Much More Favorable

If you have restless leg syndrome only (no Parkinson’s disease), underwriting is much more favorable. Most insurers will approve RLS-only cases at standard or only slightly elevated rates (typically 0-25% above standard). RLS doesn’t affect life expectancy or cognitive function, making it a much simpler underwriting case.

Expected outcome: Very likely approval at standard or near-standard rates. Underwriting timeline: 2-3 weeks, standard process. This is dramatically different from Parkinson’s disease underwriting.

Before You Apply: Optimize Your Condition

For Parkinson’s disease cases specifically, take time before applying to optimize your disease management. Work closely with your neurologist to ensure Requip dosage and any other medications are optimized for the best symptom control. Maintain consistent neurology appointments—insurers value evidence of regular specialist care. Stay as physically active as your condition allows—physical therapy and exercise help maintain function and demonstrate commitment to managing your condition. Ensure cognitive screening has been done if you’re over a certain age—having clean cognitive testing is favorable. Having a recent comprehensive neurology evaluation with clear documentation of disease stage, symptom control, and functional status strengthens your application significantly. Apply when your Parkinson’s is in the best possible state of control.

During Your Application: Complete Honesty and Organization

When applying, provide complete, accurate information about your neurological condition. If you have Parkinson’s disease, clearly state this—don’t try to minimize or hide it. Give permission for insurers to contact your neurologist directly; this often speeds up underwriting. Provide all requested neurology records without delay. If asked about your functional status or any complications, be straightforward and honest. Insurers respect transparency. If they discover later that you misrepresented your condition or withheld information, your policy can be rescinded. Complete honesty is always the best approach, even when discussing difficult aspects of your condition.

After Initial Decision: Next Steps

If approved, secure your coverage immediately. If postponed, ask specifically what improvements the insurer wants to see and whether reapplication is possible in 6-12 months. If declined by one insurer, explore other options—different insurers have different underwriting guidelines, and a decline from one company doesn’t mean denial from all. For Parkinson’s disease specifically, consider working with an agent experienced in high-risk cases who can help place your application with the most favorable underwriters.

Can I get life insurance if I take Requip for Parkinson’s?

Direct answer: Yes, but approval depends on disease stage and control.

Most major insurers offer coverage to people with early-to-mid-stage Parkinson’s disease. However, unlike minor conditions, approval is not automatic. Your disease stage, symptom control, cognitive status, and functional ability significantly influence approval likelihood. Well-controlled early-stage Parkinson’s has good approval odds; advanced disease with complications may face postponement or denial.

Will Requip increase my life insurance rates?

Direct answer: Yes. Requip use means Parkinson’s disease or RLS, both of which affect rates.

Requip itself doesn’t determine rates, but the underlying condition does. For Parkinson’s disease, expect 75-150%+ higher rates depending on disease stage and control. For RLS-only, expect standard to 25% higher rates. Well-controlled early-stage Parkinson’s results in lower increases; advanced disease results in much higher premiums or possible denial.

Do I have to disclose I have Parkinson’s or RLS?

Direct answer: Yes. You must fully disclose the neurological condition.

You are legally required to disclose Parkinson’s disease or RLS, your Requip use, and any related complications. Failing to disclose or misrepresenting your condition can result in policy denial or cancellation. Always provide complete, accurate information. Insurers specifically ask about Parkinson’s disease, so hiding it is not an option.

How long does approval take?

Direct answer: Typically 4-8 weeks, longer than standard cases.

Parkinson’s disease underwriting requires a thorough evaluation, including a neurologist contact. Expect 4-6 weeks for well-documented cases, 6- 8+ weeks if additional information is requested. RLS-only cases process faster, typically 2-3 weeks.

What if I have advanced Parkinson’s with cognitive decline?

Direct answer: Approval is unlikely. Postponement or denial is possible.

Advanced Parkinson’s with cognitive decline (dementia) presents major underwriting challenges. Many insurers will postpone or decline. Your best strategy is to work on maintaining the best possible function and cognitive status, then potentially reapply or work with a specialized agent experienced in high-risk cases.

What if I have RLS but NOT Parkinson’s?

Direct answer: Much better underwriting. Approval at standard or near-standard rates is likely.

If you have RLS only and no Parkinson’s disease, underwriting is much more favorable. RLS doesn’t significantly impact life expectancy or cognitive function. Most insurers will approve at standard or only slightly elevated rates. Be clear that you have RLS-only, not Parkinson’s disease.

What is Hoehn-Yahr staging, and why does it matter?

Direct answer: It’s a standard measure of Parkinson’s severity. Insurers use it heavily.

The Hoehn-Yahr scale measures Parkinson’s disease severity from 1 (minimal symptoms) to 5 (most severe, often bedridden). Stages 1-2 indicate early disease; stages 3-4 indicate mid-to-advanced disease; stage 5 indicates very advanced disease. Insurers consider this scale as the primary indicator of disease severity and prognosis. Ask your neurologist what stage you’re in—it’s important for your insurance application.

Is Parkinson’s disease considered a disqualifying condition?

Direct answer: No, but it’s a serious underwriting factor that significantly impacts approval.

Parkinson’s disease is not an automatic disqualification, but it is a major health condition requiring serious underwriting attention. Early-to-mid-stage Parkinson’s with good control can qualify for approval. Advanced Parkinson’s with cognitive decline or severe complications may face postponement or denial. Think of Parkinson’s as requiring thorough evaluation, not automatic denial, but also not a minor condition to be easily overlooked.