People with Down Syndrome Life Insurance Rates (2025)

Securing traditional life insurance for people with Down syndrome is challenging. Fortunately, you have alternative coverage options.

Keep reading to learn about the best types of policies people with Down syndrome may qualify for, how much it costs, and find the right coverage for you.

Discover the best life insurance company for people with Down syndrome near you by entering your ZIP code into our free quote tool above.

What are the average life insurance rates for people with Down syndrome?

Sometimes, people with very mild Down syndrome can secure traditional whole or term life insurance quotes. Unfortunately, many people also experience other medical conditions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 75 percent of people with Down syndrome also have sleep apnea, a high-risk pre-existing condition. Blood disorders are also common.

Expect a substandard rating tier rate for traditional life insurance. Or about 25 percent more than the base or standard rate that people in average health typically receive.

Compare the average monthly standard and substandard rates for a $100,000 whole life insurance policy from State Farm Company in the following table.

You can secure affordable life insurance rates for people with Down syndrome in good health with mild symptoms.

Just be aware that age, occupation, and medical history also impact life insurance quotes.

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What are the best life insurance policy options for people with Down syndrome?

Life with Down syndrome looks unique for everyone. You’ll have different coverage options depending on how mild or severe your case is.

You can apply for a traditional life insurance policy if you have very mild Down syndrome, function independently, and are capable of autonomously understanding and signing contracts.

Alternatively, if you work full time, you may receive group life insurance through your employer. However, this coverage typically ends if you leave your job.

Finally, people with Down syndrome can purchase guaranteed issue life insurance. Unfortunately, this type of coverage is usually expensive, and there’s a two-year waiting period.

For severe cases, parents might purchase a whole policy for their child with Down syndrome while they’re still young.

Attain power of attorney before they reach adulthood to maintain ownership of the policy after your child turns 18 or 21.

Parents can also name their child as a rider on their life insurance policy. However, be cautious before you buy life insurance for people with Down syndrome if they rely on public assistance programs like Medicaid.

Owning more than $2,000 in assets may disqualify a person with Down syndrome from receiving necessary funding.

Get around this by naming a parent or a special needs trust as the policy owner. Work with an estate planning attorney for more individualized assistance.

Why is it hard for people with Down syndrome to get life insurance?

Life insurance companies consider Down syndrome to be a pre-existing condition. In many cases, it impacts a person’s ability to live and function independently.

Many people with Down syndrome experience other health issues that impact the life insurance underwriting process.

According to the National Association for Down Syndrome, people with Down syndrome also have a shorter life expectancy than average, about 60 years.

Unfortunately, many providers aren’t willing to take on such a risk when it comes to down syndrome and life insurance coverage.

Life Insurance for People with Down Syndrome: The Bottom Line

It’s possible to secure affordable life insurance for people with Down syndrome who are independent and high-functioning.

Alternatively, employer group life insurance or guaranteed issue life insurance are also strong options.

For severe cases, a parent should maintain power of attorney and own the policy or secure a special needs trust with an estate planning attorney’s help.

Compare life insurance quotes for people with Down syndrome for free right now by entering your ZIP code into our free quote tool below.

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