Sleep apnea on its own
Many final expense applications do not ask about sleep apnea by name. When an insurer does ask, sleep apnea that is diagnosed and treated, often with a CPAP or similar machine, is usually not the deciding factor. Many people with treated sleep apnea apply for level benefit plans, where the full benefit is usually paid from the first day if you qualify.
Insurers that check medical records or prescription history may still see a sleep study or a CPAP prescription. That is normal, and it is one more reason to mention it on the call so nothing comes as a surprise.
Some people use a mouth device instead of a machine, or have had surgery for sleep apnea. Others were diagnosed but never started treatment. Each of these is worth telling the agent, along with the date of your diagnosis, because insurers that ask about sleep apnea may word the question around treatment.
CPAP is not the same as oxygen
This is where many applicants get confused. A CPAP machine uses air pressure to keep your airway open while you sleep. Home oxygen supplies extra oxygen. Many final expense applications ask about oxygen use, and many insurers do not count a CPAP as oxygen. If your doctor has added oxygen to your CPAP at night, that is different. Tell the agent, because it may change how the oxygen question applies to you.
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The related conditions insurers ask about
Sleep apnea often comes with other conditions, and insurers ask about those separately. Heart rhythm problems, heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes and weight are common examples. Many insurers use a height and weight chart, and weight outside that chart can matter more than the sleep apnea itself. If any of these apply, they usually decide whether a level or graded benefit plan fits.
- When you had your sleep study and were diagnosed
- Whether you use a CPAP, a similar machine or a mouth device
- Whether oxygen has ever been added at night
- Your current height and weight
- Heart, blood pressure or diabetes diagnoses and their medications
Plan choices and the quote call
If heart or lung conditions come with your sleep apnea, a graded or modified benefit plan may fit. With those, if death from natural causes happens in the first two or three years, the benefit is reduced or limited, and accidental death is usually covered in full from the start. Guaranteed issue is the fallback for people the health questions rule out, with a limited benefit if death from natural causes happens in the first two years.
On the call, a licensed Eterna agent will ask about your diagnosis, your machine, any oxygen, your height and weight, and your other conditions and medications. The agent then compares plans from several insurers, since some ask about sleep apnea and others do not, and you can apply by phone if you find a fit. The quote is free and there is no obligation.
