Turned down for life insurance? Here's what you can do...

If you apply for life insurance and get rejected, it's usually due to a specific health condition. Here’s what you can do to appeal their decision:


1. Ask the insurer to tell you, in writing, what specific condition disqualified you for coverage and where they obtained that information.

2. Review their information for accuracy. If you find any discrepancies, contact the doctor and ask him or her to correct the information. If the information is accurate, discuss the condition with your doctor. If the doctor thinks the condition is not a major health risk, ask him or her if they’d be willing to write a letter on your behalf to the insurer.

Other options:

• Asking the company if they would consider issuing coverage at what's called a "rated premium."

• Applying to other companies. Just because one company doesn’t want to take on your risk doesn’t mean another one won’t. Each company determines which risk they are willing to take. (Brokers can help with this.)

• If ultimately, you don’t qualify for coverage through a standard life insurance company, consider applying for coverage through a company that offers covereage specifically for high-risk people. You’d pay more, but at least you'd have coverage.