Vitiligo & Life Insurance

We understand that for many people vitiligo causes very little impact to their lives, but for some it can cause anxiety and social withdrawal. At Cura, we listen to you and how your condition affects you, and work to find an insurer that will suit you.

Things we need to know:

• When were you diagnosed with vitiligo?
• Do you have diabetes?
• Do you have an overactive thyroid?
• Do you require any prescribed lotions?
• Are you taking any medication?
• Are you due to have surgery?

Life Insurance for those with vitiligo will typically be available at normal terms, if the condition is mild and non-progressive at the time of the application. The insurer will want to know if having vitiligo has caused you to have any significant anxiety and affected your day to day living. You will also be asked if your vitiligo is due to having other illnesses e.g. autoimmune condition, diabetes or an overactive thyroid. Vitiligo that is classed as severe and requires oral steroid treatment, may see the insurer choose to offer Life Insurance at non-standard terms, in the form of a premium increase.

If you are due to undergo surgery, standard insurers will decline or postpone the Life Insurance, until treatments are finished. Should you find yourself in this position, do not worry, you will be able to arrange Life Insurance with a specialist insurer.

Critical Illness Cover for people with vitiligo may be available at standard terms, if your symptoms are mild and there are no strong medications in use. The insurer will want to know if having vitiligo has led to you having any significant mental health issues e.g. anxiety, depression, OCD. If you take oral steroids or are due surgery for the condition, the insurance provider might offer policy terms at an increased premium or decline/postpone the Critical Illness application.

For those who cannot arrange Critical Illness Cover on the standard market due to the vitiligo, medications, upcoming surgery or secondary illnesses e.g. diabetes, there are specialist insurers that can offer you a policy.

Income Protection for those with vitiligo can be available at standard terms, with many insurers. The insurer will want to know if you take any medication, if you are planning any surgery and if the vitiligo has directly caused you to have any time off work. You should look for an Income Protection policy that will pay a claim on an ‘own occupation’ definition, that gives you access to the strongest claims terms.

If your vitiligo is caused by another illness e.g. diabetes, or you are due surgery, you may be better looking at an Accident, Sickness and Unemployment policy. This type of policy is not medically underwritten, so having vitiligo or any other medical conditions, will not affect you being accepted for the policy, or the price of it. An Accident, Sickness and Unemployment policy will pay a monthly income replacement for between 12 and 24 months, if you are unable to work due to ill health or involuntary redundancy. The policy will come with an exclusion for any claims relating to your vitiligo.

Are you planning a holiday? We work with a specialist travel insurance broker, that can tell you all the ins and outs of vitiligo and travel insurance. To find out more, visit our travel page here.