Need insurance for 24yr old female 5 years out of melanoma

maryjd123 · 01-12-2007, 07:29 PM

Yes i know -- probably not -- but

Its always worth a try

I need insurance for a 24 yr old female -- she had melanoma stage 4 clarks - skin cancer

Since it was removed there has been no reoccurence

I already called a bunch of carriers -- all no

Except for the wyoming pool -- anyone else out there? please let me know -- besides a discount plan

Mary

*STIBROKER@AUSTIN.RR.COM* · 01-12-2007, 08:00 PM

Tell her to get a job with health benefits.....

GreenSky · 07-27-2008, 04:39 PM

Thought I'd bump this thread. I assume Mary has been waiting 18 months for a better answer.

Rick

TXINSURANCE · 07-27-2008, 04:44 PM

Does Wyoming Waiver? I know some states might rider that out.

GreenSky · 07-27-2008, 05:11 PM

This actually brings up an interesting question. I believe that assurant asks "in the past 5 years..." If the client truthfully answers "no" to cancer in the past 5 years, would she then be accepted? How would and how could the carrier use any information not specifically requested for underwriting? If all other answers were "no," at 24 years old she's probably get a policy issued immediately.

If an agent discloses something he learns (such as cancer 6 years ago) and relays this to the company, wouldn't the agent be in violation of privacy laws?

Rick

healthagent · 07-27-2008, 05:15 PM

Assurant goes back 10 for cancer.

TXINSURANCE · 07-27-2008, 05:28 PM

Most applications I read say no treatment, advice, etc., etc.,

Odds are with skin cancer and a young age she is periodically checked - maybe annually.

I think leaving it off the application could cause some serious liability.

healthagent · 07-27-2008, 05:33 PM

And there's the rub...no treatment, consultations, advice, etc....

You might have had cancer 11 years ago but I'd bet my bottom dollar your doctor has run tests over the years - then it needs to go on the app.

GreenSky · 07-27-2008, 07:03 PM

Originally Posted by healthagent

And there's the rub...no treatment, consultations, advice, etc....

You might have had cancer 11 years ago but I'd bet my bottom dollar your doctor has run tests over the years - then it needs to go on the app.

While I've never had skin cancer (or any other kind), when I see my dermatologist to keep myself in the pink, he checks all moles, etc. That's not treatment, consultation, advice, or anything else.

Had I been diagnosed 11 years ago, his exam would be identical. I don't think checking up on things that a normal person would need to be checked up opon (great English!) consitutes treatment, consultation, advice, etc.

I've had doctors tell me not to be in the sun 12 hours a day for months because it can lead to skin cancer. If it does, will I have my policy recinded if I don't mention that I received advice on the application?

I think we're going a little overboard in what consititutes a pre-exisiting condition.

Rick

TXINSURANCE · 07-27-2008, 07:11 PM

I don't think checking up on things that a normal person would need to be checked up opon (great English!) consitutes treatment, consultation, advice, etc.

I agree however the insurance company will not.

If this person has skin cancer again, they will pull all medical records, and DOCTORS NOTES and where there is no mention of such condition on the original application - this is a solid case for recision.

healthagent · 07-27-2008, 07:17 PM

A 55 year old wakes up one day with shortness of breath and mild heart palpatations.

He goes to the doctor - doc runs the stress test, EEG, EKG, finds nothing and he now feels fine.

Doctor says "go home, everything reads normal - if you have any of those symptoms again just call me."

That happened 4 years ago and nothing ever recurred. Leave that off the app and it's recession time.

TXINSURANCE · 07-27-2008, 07:33 PM

I do think the "...if ever..." should be left of the applications, that is BS.

bluemarlin08 · 07-27-2008, 07:45 PM

Recently wrote a doc with melanoma 9 years out with Humana, melanoma in situ, not enough to even make the clark staging. Stage 4 is bad stuff, no one will ever insure her, better get a job with benefits. Look up stage 4 and you will clearly understand. Any cancer that is stage 4 is a very bleak prognosis. I know more about staging than I ever wanted to learn.

bill3173 · 07-28-2008, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by GreenSky

If an agent discloses something he learns (such as cancer 6 years ago) and relays this to the company, wouldn't the agent be in violation of privacy laws?

Rick

Your legal obligation is to the client, not the carrier. Its you and your client against them.

healthagent · 07-28-2008, 10:30 AM

This is not true. You are a field underwriter for the carrier and have a responsibility to protect the carrier. You have a contract with your carrier and no contact with your client.

On most applications, especially life, it asks if the agent is aware of any condition that would affect underwriting.

Say you meet with your client and he claims he's not a smoker. You fill out the app, pack and leave. One the way pulling out of the driveway you see him light one up.

Guess what - you just changed that app to "smoker."

bill3173 · 07-28-2008, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by healthagent

This is not true. You are a field underwriter for the carrier and have a responsibility to protect the carrier. You have a contract with your carrier and no contact with your client.

On most applications, especially life, it asks if the agent is aware of any condition that would affect underwriting.

Say you meet with your client and he claims he's not a smoker. You fill out the app, pack and leave. One the way pulling out of the driveway you see him light one up.

Guess what - you just changed that app to "smoker."

There is legal precedence for my assertion, particularly where life insurance is concerned, but that's another forum. There is really no reason to debate this particular topic. I introduced something factual, which is no fun.

healthagent · 07-28-2008, 10:44 AM

You simply stated that you have no legal obligation to the carrier and that's not the case. That's all.

somarco · 07-28-2008, 10:54 AM

Your legal obligation is to the client, not the carrier. Its you and your client against them

WOW!

That's going out on a limb.

An independent agent has a unique relationship with the carrier and the client who "hires" them. You state there is a legal precedent, and that may be, but do you really want to get into a pissing match between the carrier and your client over a fraudulent app?

If so, you probably enjoy bamboo shoots under your fingernails.

bluemarlin08 · 07-28-2008, 11:26 AM

I will side with the agent is an agent for the insurance company, read the contract you signed. I don't think your E&O would cover you in a legal dispute if you withheld important UW info from the company. If you have different facts, please post your source.

healthagent · 07-28-2008, 11:30 AM

You're on with a prospect stating everything is fine, zero conditions. She gets an incoming call and tells you to hold, however when she transfers over you're still on with her and she doesn't know it - says:

"...hey Chis I'm on with an agent trying to get coverage for my surgery next month, I'll call you back."

She then switches back to you not knowing you heard her.

Do you write that app?