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2010-03-16 3:01 PM

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Subject: Gilberts Syndrome and failing life insurance test.
i was "noticed" as being jaundice years ago by my high school biology teacher, who told me to see the nurse and make a doctor appointment.  i did, and was found to have elevated biliruben and the cause was Gilberts Syndrome, which is harmless(unless someone tells me different). so anyhow, 2 weeks ago, i got a blood test for a life insurance policy and as the nurse was drawing my blood asked me if i had anything notable she could write down.  i told her that the only thing i have that will come back quirky is Gilberts Syndrome and my biliruben will be off the charts.  she didnt comment on it, nor apparently wrote it down, and when my results came back, the insurance company said i am uninsurable because my biliruben is sky high and i should consult a doctor about possible liver failure.  when i contacted the life insurance dude, he told me i have to go somewhere else and never heard of GS.  let alone, apparently the underwriter for ALLSTATE doesnt know what GS is either, because all my other results from the test came back TOTALLY FINE!!!  im within the norm of everything, including the other tests that check for liver and kidney function, which if they knew that GS isnt from a malfunctioning liver, they could have ruled that out.  anyhow, this turned in to quite a story.  but im slightly "chapped" from this whole deal.  they said im uninsurable?!?!  can they turn me down, even if its a harmless condition?
im looking elsewhere!  anyone else have a suggestion?  i was looking for a $500k 20 year term for a 32 year old strapping male.  25.5 BMI     cholesterol =133   HDL=45  BP=118/80.  with a Biliruben=4.5mg/dL
and im a pisces.

Edited by wabash 2010-03-16 3:04 PM


2010-03-16 3:41 PM
in reply to: #2729682

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Findlay OH
Subject: RE: Gilberts Syndrome and failing life insurance test.

No real help for your problem.  But I have heard of Gilbert's Syndrome before.

2010-03-16 3:43 PM
in reply to: #2729682

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Subject: RE: Gilberts Syndrome and failing life insurance test.
Hmmm. I'm curious about to see what others have to say about this.

I also have this wacky thing called Gilbert's Syndrome. I only found out about it because of a physical I had in high school in order to participate in h.s. sports. If I hadn't been diagnosed I would have gone the entire rest of my life without ever being the wiser. My life insurance is through my employer and I have not been asked to do a blood test (nor for any other type of insurance) and I have not been denied any sort of coverage because of it. Best of luck to you in getting this worked out for the better.

Edited by Barkeep 2010-03-16 3:44 PM
2010-03-16 4:22 PM
in reply to: #2729682

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Marshfield Wi
Subject: RE: Gilberts Syndrome and failing life insurance test.
Perhaps it is a fish thing, I also have it and am a pisces. My doc mentions it every exam but never any change and I am told it is nothing to worry about. Sucks when people that have no Idea what they are talking about make important decisions!
2010-03-16 4:27 PM
in reply to: #2729682

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Subject: RE: Gilberts Syndrome and failing life insurance test.
I don't know anything about gilberts but to me, your situation sounds like a education issue. I would get my doctor to write up something about it, that the reason for high levels is because of Gilberts syndrome, and then have him send an evaluation...whatever he believes, that it's not liver failure, that's it's harmless, etc.

And then maybe submit it to the insurance company. I don't know if that will do anything but maybe it's as simple as that. Once the insurance company lab or doctor reads it, then they will understand.
2010-03-16 4:30 PM
in reply to: #2729682

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Subject: RE: Gilberts Syndrome and failing life insurance test.
You're rightfully angry.  This is what happens when statistics guide decisions like this rather than people making educated decisions.  They should have some human override mechanism in place for situations like this.


2010-03-16 6:16 PM
in reply to: #2729682

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Subject: RE: Gilberts Syndrome and failing life insurance test.

Let me start by saying I am not a doctor. I do however have some experience with Gilbert's Syndrome.

Gilbert's Syndrome is an enzyme deficiency in the liver which is responsible for converting unconjugated biliruben into conjugated biliruben. When this process is stressed an appearance of jaundice can appear. Things that may stress this process are the consumption of fods that place an increased demand on the liver (eg Alcohol, Fats & Oils) or general illness or fatigue.

My wife was diagnosed over twenty years ago and has had no issues with Lver failure or Liver damage. The only side-effect seems to be the appearance of jaundice. No treatment is necessary and it is a harmless condition.

We have also had insurance related issues as a result of a lack of understanding and/or ignorance of this condition.

Good news is that you do not need to expect any serious health concerns and can expect to lead an otherwise perfectly normal existance.

Insurance companies suck....

2010-03-16 6:38 PM
in reply to: #2729682

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Subject: RE: Gilberts Syndrome and failing life insurance test.

Insurance is a game in which they take your money and say NO to as much as possible.  Go to another company armed with refferences RE what Gilberts syndrome is.  This is a knee jerk response.  Someone with probably a HS dipolma (nothing wrong with that but not exactly a degree in medicine)  is sitting at a desk and sees an abnormal lab BANG DENIED.  I find it quite humorous that people on a triathlon forum know more than the insurance company.

2010-03-16 6:40 PM
in reply to: #2730104

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Subject: RE: Gilberts Syndrome and failing life insurance test.
Socks - 2010-03-17 9:38 AM

Insurance is a game in which they take your money and say NO to as much as possible.  Go to another company armed with refferences RE what Gilberts syndrome is.  This is a knee jerk response.  Someone with probably a HS dipolma (nothing wrong with that but not exactly a degree in medicine)  is sitting at a desk and sees an abnormal lab BANG DENIED.  I find it quite humorous that people on a triathlon forum know more than the insurance company.



Humorous in a really, really sad kind of way.......



2010-03-16 8:13 PM
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2010-03-16 8:17 PM
in reply to: #2729682

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Subject: RE: Gilberts Syndrome and failing life insurance test.

You'd better hope Obama's Death Panels have better educated members....



2010-03-16 8:31 PM
in reply to: #2729898

Master
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Subject: RE: Gilberts Syndrome and failing life insurance test.
DerekL - 2010-03-15 5:30 PM You're rightfully angry.  This is what happens when statistics guide decisions like this rather than people making educated decisions.  They should have some human override mechanism in place for situations like this.


No.  Statistics, very, very well-calculated statistics, guide insurance companies decisions.   Otherwise, they don't make money.

the problem here is actually the "human override."   Whoever is writing the policy doesn't know what GS is, and is denying.  
2010-03-16 8:48 PM
in reply to: #2730278

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Subject: RE: Gilberts Syndrome and failing life insurance test.
moondawg14 - 2010-03-16 8:31 PM
DerekL - 2010-03-15 5:30 PM You're rightfully angry.  This is what happens when statistics guide decisions like this rather than people making educated decisions.  They should have some human override mechanism in place for situations like this.


No.  Statistics, very, very well-calculated statistics, guide insurance companies decisions.   Otherwise, they don't make money.

the problem here is actually the "human override."   Whoever is writing the policy doesn't know what GS is, and is denying.  


I'm aware of how it works.  I'm also aware that individuals aren't statistics as is the case in this scenario.  Their table tells them that "bilirubin > x" equals uninsurable based on a population of folks who have variety of conditions.  Obviously this leads to a false conclusion in this case.

BTW, I'm not quite sure what exactly you're disagreeing with.

2010-03-16 8:56 PM
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2010-03-16 9:05 PM
in reply to: #2729682

Subject: RE: Gilberts Syndrome and failing life insurance test.

Find a good insuance broker who specializes in Life Insurance and is famaliar or works primarily with non standard issue life insurance. The company you mentioned primary business is auto and home insurance, life insurance for them is an gravy and NOT their specialty IMHO. There are a number of companies out there that will understand your condition and treat you fairly. Don't expect every insurance company to be a specialist in all things.

One company can't be all things to all people.

Insurance companies suck are bad and evil,,,,,,, who have I heard say that recently?

2010-03-16 9:06 PM
in reply to: #2729682

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Subject: RE: Gilberts Syndrome and failing life insurance test.
Well I'm glad the condition is mostly harmless, though I'm sorry you're being yanked around by the ignorant insurance company.  Hopefully you'll find one quickly that won't deny you.

And thank god Gilberts Syndrome doesn't mean watching endless re-runs of Little House on the Prairie...


2010-03-16 9:25 PM
in reply to: #2729682

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Subject: RE: Gilberts Syndrome and failing life insurance test.

I also have Gilberts Syndrome and my father and brother have it as well.  We have no health problems other than having a high bilirubin count. I've had several doctors over the years that don't know much about it get concerned over my blood tests results. 

I suggest having your doctor write a letter to insurance company to educate them about this harmless condition. Good luck, I know this frustrating.  

2010-03-16 10:07 PM
in reply to: #2729682

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The Land of Ice and Snow
Subject: RE: Gilberts Syndrome and failing life insurance test.
That is absolutely ridiculous!!
I have Gilberts syndrome as well. It is a NON ISSUE. 

Come to canada......we will take care of you.........unless you mind being taxed outta your mind but I suppose that  is another thread.........


Good luck!
I think we fellow "yellows" should unite and revolt . What say you? 
2010-03-17 7:15 AM
in reply to: #2730454

Expert
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Subject: RE: Gilberts Syndrome and failing life insurance test.
aquagirl - 2010-03-16 11:07 I think we fellow "yellows" should unite and revolt . What say you? 


the one good thing about us is that we supposedly have a lesser risk of developing heart disease!  Yellow isnt so bad!
2010-03-17 9:11 AM
in reply to: #2730691

Pro
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Subject: RE: Gilberts Syndrome and failing life insurance test.
wabash - 2010-03-17 8:15 AM
aquagirl - 2010-03-16 11:07 I think we fellow "yellows" should unite and revolt . What say you? 


the one good thing about us is that we supposedly have a lesser risk of developing heart disease!  Yellow isnt so bad!



Really? I did not know that!  I was told that i had much lower odds of developing skin cancer though.
The only problem I have ever encountered is my inability to donate blood......they are not interested in my yellow blood......its not good enough for em apparently. Oh well.......

Yay yellow!!!     
2010-03-17 11:00 PM
in reply to: #2730354

Master
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Hamilton, Victoria
Subject: RE: Gilberts Syndrome and failing life insurance test.
Tripolar - 2010-03-17 12:06 PM Well I'm glad the condition is mostly harmless, though I'm sorry you're being yanked around by the ignorant insurance company.  Hopefully you'll find one quickly that won't deny you.

And thank god Gilberts Syndrome doesn't mean watching endless re-runs of Little House on the Prairie...



That's too funny!!




2010-03-18 7:19 PM
in reply to: #2730104

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NOVA - Ironic for an Endurance Athlete
Subject: RE: Gilberts Syndrome and failing life insurance test.
Socks - 2010-03-16 6:38 PM

Insurance is a game in which they take your money and say NO to as much as possible.  Go to another company armed with refferences RE what Gilberts syndrome is.  This is a knee jerk response.  Someone with probably a HS dipolma (nothing wrong with that but not exactly a degree in medicine)  is sitting at a desk and sees an abnormal lab BANG DENIED.  I find it quite humorous that people on a triathlon forum know more than the insurance company.



[Hijack] We also know more about a lot of stuff than physicians.  I have yet to find any doctor with any real knowledge of lactace and LT.
2010-03-18 7:34 PM
in reply to: #2734611

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Subject: RE: Gilberts Syndrome and failing life insurance test.
pga_mike - 2010-03-18 7:19 PM
Socks - 2010-03-16 6:38 PM

Insurance is a game in which they take your money and say NO to as much as possible.  Go to another company armed with refferences RE what Gilberts syndrome is.  This is a knee jerk response.  Someone with probably a HS dipolma (nothing wrong with that but not exactly a degree in medicine)  is sitting at a desk and sees an abnormal lab BANG DENIED.  I find it quite humorous that people on a triathlon forum know more than the insurance company.



[Hijack] We also know more about a lot of stuff than physicians.  I have yet to find any doctor with any real knowledge of lactace and LT.


Ahem.

I'm assuming you mean lactate.
 
2010-03-18 7:47 PM
in reply to: #2729682

Elite
4547
2000200050025
Subject: RE: Gilberts Syndrome and failing life insurance test.
Have you considered they really don't want to insure a Pisces?

...seriously, that stinks.  good luck man.

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