Barrett’s Esophagus doesn’t mean life insurance is out of reach—many people still qualify, often at affordable rates.
This guide explains how life insurance companies view Barrett’s Esophagus, what they’ll ask you, which insurance policies are best, and which insurers are most likely to approve your application.
What Is Barrett’s Esophagus?
Barrett’s Esophagus is a condition in which the lining of the esophagus changes due to long-term acid reflux (GERD).
This change slightly increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer, but only a small percentage of Barrett’s patients ever progress to that stage. Still, insurers treat it seriously, mainly if dysplasia (pre-cancerous cells) is found during a biopsy.
How Life Insurance Companies View Barrett’s
Underwriters look at several key details when reviewing your application:
- Biopsy Results
- No dysplasia: Most companies will consider coverage, often with a table rating.
- Low-grade dysplasia: Can still be approved, especially if treated.
- High-grade dysplasia: May lead to postponement or decline.
- Follow-Up Care
- Annual endoscopies, GI evaluations, and clear pathology reports indicate that you’re managing the risk effectively.
- Treatment History
- The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or procedures such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is generally viewed positively.
- Smoking Status
- Tobacco use is a major red flag. Many carriers decline outright if you currently smoke.
- Family History
- A history of esophageal cancer in close relatives can trigger added scrutiny.
Common Medications for Barrett’s
Life insurers won’t penalize you if you take any of the following:
- Omeprazole (Prilosec)
- Esomeprazole (Nexium)
- Pantoprazole (Protonix)
- Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
Proactive treatment and regular check-ins with your gastroenterologist are positive factors that will help with underwriting.
Sample Life Insurance Rates
Age 55, $250,000, 20-Year Term
| Condition | Estimated Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| No history of dysplasia | Standard Plus to Preferred rates available |
| Low-grade dysplasia | Ablation/Surgery: 1 year postponement, standard rates thereafter with repeat clear biopsy. Dysplasia resolved/Barrett’s still present: 3-year postponement. Standard to Table 2 rate |
| Moderate – High Grade Dysplasia | Ablation/Surgery: 2-year postponement, then Standard rates with a flat extra for 5 years. > 5 years post-treatment – Standard rates. Any dysplasia = decline Endoscopic surveillance and no repeat biopsy is a decline. |
If you only have GERD (without Barrett’s esophagus), you may qualify for Standard or Preferred rates, depending on your control and medical history.
How Barrett’s Compares to GERD in Life Insurance
Many people confuse GERD and Barrett’s Esophagus, but life insurance companies don’t treat them the same.
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is common and typically manageable. If your GERD is well-controlled with medication and lifestyle changes, and there’s no history of Barrett’s, you may qualify for Standard or even Preferred rates.
Barrett’s, on the other hand, is viewed as a higher cancer risk due to the tissue changes in the esophagus. Even without dysplasia, most insurers apply at least a mild table rating unless you have long-term stable follow-up and no other risk factors.
Key takeaway: If your records indicate only GERD and you’ve never been diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus, your life insurance offers will typically be more favorable.
Best Life Insurance Companies for Barrett’s Esophagus
| Company | Why They’re a Good Fit |
|---|---|
| John Hancock | Will consider preferred rates if no dysplasia history. |
| Corebridge Financial | More flexible with non-dysplastic Barrett’s and consistent follow-up. Corebridge also does well with other GI conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. |
| Protective Life | Favorable toward applicants with RFA history and clean endoscopy reports. |
| Lincoln Financial | Allows consideration for low-grade dysplasia cases with documented improvement. |
| Prudential | Prudential is one of the most competitive companies for Barrett’s Esophagus. |
Real-Life Case Study
Case: 59-year-old woman, diagnosed with Barrett’s. Biopsy shows no dysplasia. Undergoing annual endoscopies. Non-smoker. Takes pantoprazole daily.
Outcome: Approved at Preferred Non-Tobacco with John Hancock. No medical exam needed due to thorough, updated GI records and stable pathology.
| Coverage | 10-year | 15-year | 20-year |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $52 | $65 | $85 |
| $500,000 | $88 | $118 | $153 |
| $1,000,000 | $163 | $215 | $294 |
| $2,000,000 | $374 | $497 | $716 |
What Underwriters Will Ask You
Be prepared to answer the following questions:
- When were you diagnosed with Barrett’s Esophagus?
- Have you had any biopsies? If so, what were the results?
- Do you have any history of dysplasia (low-grade or high-grade)?
- What medications are you currently taking?
- How frequently do you get endoscopies?
- Have you undergone any procedures (e.g., RFA or surgery)?
- Do you currently smoke or have you smoked in the past?
- Have you been diagnosed with other health issues, such as heart conditions, diabetes, etc.
FAQs
Yes. Most applicants with non-dysplastic Barrett’s can qualify, often with rated premiums. The key is medical follow-up and smoking history.
You can still get approved, but you’ll likely receive a table rating. Companies want to see that the treatment worked and that follow-ups are consistent.
You may have applied to the wrong company. We work with insurers that specialize in high-risk conditions, such as Barrett’s and GERD.
If there’s no dysplasia, and you’ve had at least one follow-up endoscopy showing stability, you may qualify right away. If you’ve had a recent diagnosis with low- or high-grade dysplasia, most insurers will want to see 6 to 24 months of stable follow-up before reconsidering your application.
Yes—some carriers offer no-exam policies for applicants with Barrett’s, especially if there’s no dysplasia and you can provide recent GI records. These are usually fully underwritten policies that skip the exam but still review your medical history and prescription records.
Final Thoughts
Life insurance after a diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus is possible, but success depends on applying to the right company with the correct documentation. Your biopsy results, follow-up care, and smoking history will drive the outcome.
At RiskQuoter, we help people with Barrett’s Esophagus find affordable life insurance—whether you’re applying for the first time or trying again after a decline. We’ll match you with the right insurer and guide you through the process from start to finish.
Don’t let a Barrett’s diagnosis stop you; life insurance is still within reach. Request your life insurance quote today.
