Lung function and breathlessness
COPD covers conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, where the airways are narrowed long term. Insurers start with how severe yours is. The main measure is a breathing test called spirometry, which shows how much air you can blow out in one second. Your GP or respiratory nurse will have the result.
They also ask how breathless you get in daily life. Can you walk up a flight of stairs or a hill without stopping? Do you get breathless washing or dressing? These answers help the underwriter see what the numbers mean for you. Describe a typical day rather than your best or worst one, so the picture is fair.
- Spirometry or lung function results
- How far you can walk before getting breathless
- Flare-ups and how they were treated
- Inhalers and any home oxygen
- Whether you smoke now, and when you stopped if not
Flare-ups, smoking and other conditions
A flare-up, sometimes called an exacerbation, is when symptoms get worse and you need antibiotics, steroid tablets or hospital care. The number of flare-ups in the last year or two matters a lot, as does any time in hospital.
Smoking is central. If you still smoke, insurers will charge smoker rates and often add a COPD loading on top. If you have stopped, the date you stopped counts for a lot. Heart conditions, high blood pressure and weight are also considered, because COPD puts extra strain on the heart.
What insurers may offer
Mild COPD with good lung function, few flare-ups and no smoking may lead to a modest loading on life cover. Moderate disease usually means a larger loading. Severe COPD, frequent hospital admissions or home oxygen often lead to a decline with many insurers, though some specialists will look at individual cases.
Critical illness cover is harder, as COPD links to several of the illnesses it covers. Income protection depends on how your breathing affects your work, and an exclusion for respiratory conditions is common.
Accurate answers on smoking and lung tests
Your GP record will show your spirometry results, prescriptions and smoking status. If your answers differ, the insurer may question the application or reduce a claim. If you smoke occasionally, answer the smoking question honestly.
If you are on a pulmonary rehabilitation course or have recently quit, mention it. Both show you are taking active steps, and some insurers give credit for that. Vaccinations, a written self-management plan from your nurse and regular COPD reviews are also worth noting. They show the underwriter that your condition is watched closely.
How Hi Tomorrow helps people with COPD
COPD is one of the conditions where the choice of insurer matters most. Some insurers on our panel take a closer look at your lung function and give credit for stopping smoking, while others apply stricter rules. We know which to approach for your situation.
If standard life cover is not available, we can talk through other options, including over 50s plans where they suit. We explain each one honestly so you can decide. If you have recently stopped smoking, we can also plan a review for when you reach a full year nicotine-free.