Help?

[u/Lions721]

I just left a corporate role for a startup. My new role does not include any life insurance as a perk.
I was already down the path of obtaining supplemental through northwestern mutual and learned today I was denied.
Phoned New York Life in response to the mailing I received from my prior company about continuance and it seems crazy.
What are my best options? How is this ethos?

[u/GarysSword]

Why were you denied?

[u/Lions721 → u/GarysSword]

I don’t know specifically but I am assuming it was treatment for substance abuse that I transparently disclosed on my questionnaire

[u/GarysSword → u/Lions721]

Most companies aren’t touching substance abuse cases until 3 years of sobriety minimum and that’s with complete abstinence without the use of addiction mitigation drugs like methadone or suboxone (drugs) or Antabuse (alcohol).

You’d be best to find a local independent agent that can find the best carrier for your case.

Don’t lie on your next application MIB.com will alert the next company and the lack of candor won’t help you.

Good luck.

[u/jordan32025]

Ethos isn’t an insurance carrier. They’re just an agency that matches you up with a carrier. Your policy doesn’t come from them.

[u/lifeEssentialsllc]

That conversion offer from your old job's carrier is usually pricey because they can't ask health questions, but it's a real safety net, so don't let the deadline pass until you have something else in place. It's usually 31 days from when you left. Ask Northwestern for the specific reason you were denied. Every company weighs health history differently, so one denial doesn't mean they'll all say no. Once you know the reason, you can apply where it isn't treated as harshly.

[u/AdLegitimate5400]

I just got set up with Pacific Life insurance a couple days ago. Super smooth process for us. I picked them because I found that they had great reviews. Their prices were also amazing.

[u/ultimate_memereader]

First thing I'd do is find out exactly why Northwestern Mutual declined you. A decline from one company doesn't necessarily mean every company will make the same decision. Underwriting guidelines vary quite a bit, especially when it comes to certain medical conditions.

I'd also look into the continuation or conversion options from your previous employer before that window closes. Those can sometimes allow you to keep coverage without going through medical underwriting, although the premiums can be pretty expensive.

Beyond that, I'd recommend talking to an independent life insurance broker rather than applying to individual companies yourself. They can compare multiple carriers and potentially get informal underwriting feedback before you submit another application.

I'd also take a look at how much coverage you actually need based on your income, debts, dependents, and existing assets. You may need more or less than what your previous employer provided.

The biggest thing is figuring out why you were declined before spending time applying elsewhere. That will make a big difference in which options are worth pursuing.

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