Don’t let elevated liver enzymes stop you from getting affordable life insurance.
Elevated Liver Functions Overview
Underwriting is based on whether the elevations are due to a “known” or “unknown” medical condition.
Underwriters look at:
- Which tests are elevated
- The number of elevated liver functions
- How elevated above normal range the tests are
- Underlying medical conditions
- Any evidence of liver disease
Elevated liver functions are a common digestive system underwriting issue.
It’s important to work with life insurers that specialize in high-risk in order to get the best rate possible.
How Do Lab Results Affect Life Insurance?
You’re probably wondering how far outside of the normal range are your labs if you were rated or declined.
Below are the general guidelines if only one liver function lab result is elevated.
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) – Normal range is 44-147 (IU/L)
- 3-5x normal range = standard rates
- Greater than 5x normal = postpone/decline
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) – Normal is 45 U/L
- Less than 4x normal = Standard rates
- 4-5x normal = Table 2 rating
- Greater than 5x normal = postpone/decline
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) – Normal is 45 U/L
- Less than 5x normal = Standard rates
- Greater than 5x normal = postpone/decline
- Bilirubin – Normal range is 0.3 – 1.2 mg/dl
- Less than 6.0 mg/dl = standard rates
- Greater than 6.0 mg/dl = postpone/decline
- Gamma Glutamyl Transferase – Normal is 65 U/L
- Less than 4x normal = standard rates
- 4-5x normal = Table 2 rating
- Greater than 5x normal = postpone/decline
When multiple lab results are elevated, underwriting becomes more complicated.
Underwriters look at which results are elevated, and the above normal range is much lower.
- ALP greater than 1.5x normal
- ALT and AST above 50 U/L
- Bilirubin greater than 2 mg/dl
- GGTP above 65 U/L
With 2 or more elevations:
- Less than 2x normal = standard rates
- 2-3x normal = Table 2
- 3-4x normal = Table 4
- 4-5x normal = Table 6
- Greater than 5x normal = postpone/decline until evaluated.
Something to keep in mind is that these are general guidelines, you’re outcome could be better or worse.
Elevated Liver Enzymes Underwriting
We use a quick quote process.
This allows us to reach out to all life insurers that understand liver enzymes.
We summarize your medical information and have underwriting feedback in 3-5 days.
At that time you’ll know what to expect in terms of underwriting and price.
Declined Due to Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Denied for Life Insurance?
Some life insurers specialize in liver enzyme underwriting,
While other companies want nothing to do with you.
If you’ve been declined by one company, that does not mean that all companies will decline you.
Table Rated Due to Elevated Liver Enzymes?
The insurance company may offer you a policy with a table rating expense.
Underwriting may tell you that a better rate is available if you complete additional testing.
Don’t do it! At least not yet.
The best thing you can do is accept that rated policy temporarily.
We will then shop the market to see if a better rate exists before you complete additional tests.
Why; you ask?
While many elevations are temporary, some turn out to be serious health issues.
If your repeat tests are unfavorable, your insurance offer will be rescinded.
Serious liver problems are difficult and expensive to insure.
Can I get life insurance?
Yes, you can get life insurance.
Have your lab test results for AST, ALT, bilirubin, GGTP, and ALP available.
Were elevations due to:
- Liver disease
- Illness
- Medications
- Alcohol
- Something else
In our experience with underwriting health issues, most elevations of liver enzymes will not stop you from getting insured.
But, you may have to wait until follow-up tests are completed, or you may pay more than people without liver issues.
Related Health Problems
The following health issues are known to cause problems.
Hepatitis – is a serious inflammation of your liver,
That may lead to cirrhosis of your liver if untreated.
Read More: Hepatitis Life Insurance
Cirrhosis – is irreversible scarring and damage to your liver.
Cirrhosis is a significant health problem,
And most cases make you uninsurable with life insurers.
Alcohol Abuse – May cause significantly elevated liver enzymes.
Some health issues such as ulcerative colitis may elevate liver functions.
Things That Elevate Enzymes
Exercise – Exercise temporarily elevates liver functions.
Liver enzymes stay elevated for hours after exercising.
Do not exercise on the day of your paramed exam.
Make sure you read our paramedical exam tips for the best results.
Medications – Aspirin, Tylenol, etc. may elevate your liver enzymes.
Tell your paramed examiner about any medications taken,
Including over-the-counter medications.
Prescription medications may elevate liver enzymes.
Dilantin, Truvada, phenobarbital, antibiotics, acne treatment medications, arthritis medications all elevate enzymes.
Some herbal remedies tend to elevate liver enzymes.
Sickness – If you are sick or just had an illness, postpone your exam.
Liver enzymes elevate when you’re sick.
Medical conditions like Crohn’s disease and HIV may elevate liver functions.
Alcohol and life insurance exams – Even an occasional glass may elevate your liver enzymes.
It is best to avoid alcohol for a few days before your paramed exam.
We can always reschedule your paramed exam.
I have elevated liver enzymes, now what?
A letter to the underwriter can resolve some temporary elevations.
In more severe liver elevations enzymes,
Underwriters will ask for additional testing before they’ll consider life insurance.
Whatever your situation is, we’ll review and decide the best steps to take moving forward.
Lab Tests for Liver Enzymes
Liver enzyme tests by life insurance companies include:
GGTP
Gamma Glutamyl Transferase – Also known as GGT test.
GGTP levels greater than 65 U/L are considered to be significant.
AST
Aspartate Aminotransferase – also known as Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transferase (SGOT)
AST levels greater than 45 U/L are considered to be elevated.
ALT
Alanine Aminotransferase aka Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transferase (SGPT)
ALT levels greater than 45 U/L are considered elevated.
Bilirubin
Bilirubin levels greater than 6.0 mg/dl may be declined.
Conclusion
Each life insurer has its own set of guidelines regarding liver enzymes.
We know the best life insurance companies to work with.
We’ll explain which companies are best and why.
Michael Horbal
Author
Michael Horbal is the founder and owner of RiskQuoter.com and a licensed life insurance agent who has helped thousands with affordable protection for families and businesses.
