THYROID PROBLEMS & LIFE INSURANCE ~ UNDERWRITING ISSUES Thyroid Problems & Life Insurance    If you have a history of Thyroid Disease, a broker may still be able to help you obtain life or critical illness insurance - although maybe not onto standard terms. There are some critical factors involved that will determine your ability to obtain coverage & your information is always treated with the utmost privacy by the insurer or broker.   Life Insurance - What is an Overactive or Underactive Thyroid ? The thyroid is one of the largest endocrine glands in the body. The Thyroid gland is found in the neck below the thyroid cartilage (also known as the Adam's apple in men). The thyroid controls how quickly the body burns energy, makes proteins, and how sensitive the body should be to other hormones. The thyroid participates in these processes by producing thyroid hormones, principally thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These 2 hormones regulate the rate of metabolism and affect the growth and rate of function of many other systems in the body. The thyroid also produces the hormone calcitonin, which plays a role in calcium homeostasis. The thyroid is controlled by the hypothalamus and pituitary. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) are the 2 most common problems of the thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism symptoms may include: Hyperthyroidism symptoms may include: weight loss rapid heartbeat tremor excessive sweating heat intolerance anxiety muscle weakness goitre irregular periods   exhaustion, tiredness, sleep problems difficulty concentrating or remembering weight gain dry hair, skin and nails depression or anxiety constipation poor libido breathlessness and swelling of feet hoarseness cold intolerance face swelling and puffy eyes in women, heavy periods Hyperthyroidism affects up to 1 in 50 people and is ten times more common in women than in men. It can occur at any age but is most common between the ages of 20 and 50. Hypothyroidism is ten times more common in women than in men and usually occurs over the age of 40. So Thyroid associated Problems may include depression, cancer, diabetes, stress,  obesity  Thyroid Diseases & Life Insurance Underwriting  In order to check the severity and control of your Thyroid problem, Insurers are likely to request a GP or Medical Report if you are requesting additional options over and above just pure lifecover. Note non-disclosure of your actual true Thyroid control, may make any plan claim void & the insurer is not obliged on death for the life insurance payout or to refund any premiums paid if this was deliberately not disclosed.  What do Uk Life Insurance Companies look for - when Underwriting a History of Thyroid Probelms ? It would depend on the severity of your Thyroid problems. For Life and Critical lllness Cover most insurers would view each case on an individual basis before making a decision. However the likely decision for cover maybe from normal rates, if all under control and if not, then a medical premium rating may well apply. Note that decisions may vary quite dramatically between insurers so please contact us for help & advice. History - What happened in the past? How severe is the Thyroid problem now & how does this affect you day to day? Medical Records - What do your medical records say about you?  Have you developed medical problems as a result of your Hyperthyroidism or Hyporthyroidism ?  If you have already developed associated problems as a result of Thyroid disease, many companies may probably rate your premiums.   Treatment - Are you on Thyroid treatment eg; thyroxine. What is your prognosis ?   Family History - Do you parents or brothers or sisters have a history of Thyroidism also? For help with Thyroid issues why not visit  www.thyroiduk.org or www.btf-thyroid.org * ( * Note: You are now leaving the regulated site of Uk Life Insurance Quotes. Neither ourselves, nor Sesame Ltd, is responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within the linked site.)  Have Thyroid problems & looking in 2012 to compare Life Insurance products against other Uk Insurers - including Life cover, decreasing (mortgage protection) or level term life insurance, Life with Critical Illness and Income Protection.  > Need a Competitive Life or Critical Illness Insurance Quote ? FOR PROTECTION PRODUCTS WE USUALLY OFFER FROM A LIMITED PANEL OF PROVIDERS For products with an investment element we will introduce you to an authorised adviser