Insurability for asymptomatic hematuria or proteinuria during childhood.
The objective of this survey was to describe life insurance underwriting practices concerning children with asymptomatic hematuria and proteinuria. A questionnaire was sent to 200 companies licensed to issue life insurance policies in the state of New York. The medical director of each company was asked to respond to the insurability of children with asymptomatic hematuria and proteinuria. Two case summaries were provided with the questionnaire. Of 97 companies, 66 would offer insurance to the patient with hematuria, although 38 (58%) would charge additional premiums. In response to the problem of proteinuria, 61 companies would offer life insurance, although 50 (82%) would require higher premium charges (P < 0.002 compared with hematuria). We conclude that children with asymptomatic hematuria and proteinuria can usually obtain life insurance, although often at higher cost. Invasive diagnostic tests are not necessary for insurers to offer insurance.
Feld
L G
LG
Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences 14222.
Stapleton
F B
FB
D002648:Child; D006417:Hematuria / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D007343:Insurance Carriers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015273:Insurance Selection Bias; D007352:Insurance, Life / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D009518:New York; D011507:Proteinuria / Q000191:economics*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires