Asthma Related Insurance Matters

If you have asthma and want insurance, here are some pointers you should know.

Asthma Overview

Asthma is a chronic condition affecting the lungs.  The inside walls become sore and swollen and makes them sensitive.  They may react strongly to things you are allergic to, or find irritating.  When airways react, they get narrower and the lungs get less air.

There are two categories:
1) Allergic Asthma - triggered by dust, pollen, mould, etc.
2) Non-Allergic Asthma - started by things such as exercise, cold air, having a cold, etc.

Depending on the severity of your asthma, there will be factors that will affect your insurance rates include:

  • Your age - how old were you when diagnosed?

  • The type of asthma you have?

  • How often do you have attacks?

  • How severe are your attacks?

  • Have you been hospitalised for any attacks?

  • If you require medication to control your asthma?

  • What medications do you take?

Mild Asthma

There is no incapacity between attacks.  Typically, only mild or occasional attacks occur, and no hospitalisations have occurred.  If any medications are used, the types of medications used are inhalers, corticosteroids, or some oral medications.

Moderate Asthma

There may be some mild difficulty breathing between attacks.  The number of attacks may increase, and the use of more intense medications may occur.  If you have been hospitalised for asthma, insurers may consider you to have moderate asthma.


Severe Asthma

There the medications taken are "third line" therapies.  There have been multiple hospitalisations, frequent use of steroids, difficulty in breathing between attacks, frequent attacks, etc.

How Much is Insurance Going to Cost Me?

The insurance rate you can expect to pay will depend on how severe your asthma is, the medications you take, and how well it is controlled.

Allergy-related asthma is decided according to the severity and treatment.  If truly seasonal, this should not affect your premium. With moderate or severe asthma, this will be decided on a case by case.  You can expect to pay more, or with some types of insurance, be asked to accept an Exclusion.

Health Issues, AllBrian KleeAsthma