C
CathyK.
Hi everyone! I have 3 boys ages 19, 17, 16 and was going to get them checked this summer for BAV. However, I got to thinking about Life insurance problems they might have if diagnosed. Any thoughts? 
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G
geebee
Quite a sad dilemna when we may be forced to choose between taking care of the medical needs of our children and damaging their futures.
I would try to go as long as possible without testing unless it is really bothering you or your children. If you want to test now, perhaps you could take out life insurance policies that guarantee double coverage at a certain future age regardless of health issues. That would help somewhat and I believe there are a few companies out there that offer such policies. Your children could take the policies over when they are on their own.
If nothing shows up during testing, you could always cancel the policies.
I would try to go as long as possible without testing unless it is really bothering you or your children. If you want to test now, perhaps you could take out life insurance policies that guarantee double coverage at a certain future age regardless of health issues. That would help somewhat and I believe there are a few companies out there that offer such policies. Your children could take the policies over when they are on their own.
If nothing shows up during testing, you could always cancel the policies.
M
Mary
We had two of our boys checked (they were still under our insurance policy) and one turned up with the BAV. So far there have been no ramifications. He took a job last year that provided good insurance benefits and there was no mention made of the valve. Of course, he's not yet had any problems develop, and there's little in his medical records concerning it.
It did preclude any thought of his joining the military, so that's another issue to consider.
It did preclude any thought of his joining the military, so that's another issue to consider.
C
CathyK.
Thanks Gina and Mary. It is a dilemna. My oldest is wanting to go into the service soon, I didn't think about that. Being the Mother, it is such a difficult decision. I don't want anything to happen to them suddenly but don't want to ruin things for them now. What to do?
francie12
Well-known member
I know where you are coming from. It's a difficult position to be in. Here is our experience for what it is worth... Older son has the BAV and dilated aorta, dilated LV, so after much discussion and on the recommendation from the geneticist, we had husband and younger son screened (I had already had a normal echo). The results were surprising when both came back with dilated aortas (though normal valves) making three out of four in our family. On the one hand, of course, good to know for necessary follow-up to track any possible further enlargement. I consider this essential given seriousness of a potential aneurysm dissecting. On the other hand insurance complications. We went with the "be on the safe side" approach, and I'm glad we did. As time goes by and followup continues, we're hoping that this does not turn out to be Familial Aortic Aneurysm Syndrome or any other connective tissue problem, BAV related or not...but given the high stakes we think it's good to know and be sure.
Yes, this is a BIG dilemma.....my child's health would be my first concern, but even early diagnosed heart conditions don't usually cause any problems for many years. On the other hand, locking into a good life insurance plan can be an investment. And once our kids are of legal age, it is their choice what to do anyway.
My daughter was hired right out of college by a federally run hospital; they required her to take a physical, update vaccinations, etc.
Everything was fine, she has medical coverage and life insurance.
My daughter was hired right out of college by a federally run hospital; they required her to take a physical, update vaccinations, etc.
Everything was fine, she has medical coverage and life insurance.
I struggled with this issue over the last couple of years...especially since my family history of mitral valve disease is so high - 7 of 10 kids (now adults) have it. (The other 3 haven't been tested.) And so far 4 of us will have surgery, my sister Katie D makes #4 next week. I was concerned about starting a heart disease record for my now 11 & 13 yr olds that could affect their future insurability - & knowing that even if we found out they had mitral valve disease there was probably nothing we would need to do this early. After my mitral valve repair in Feb I went ahead and made the decision to have echos done on both of them. I thought it was better to know, in case something came up related to heart valve problems. The good news is they both came back showing no heart issues. It was suggested they get another echo done in their late teens to early 20's.
KAJ
Well-known member
Three of our four children have been tested. Two are good but the third one, our oldest daughter (11) has a dialated aorta. There is confusion about her valve. She sees the cardio again later this summer. In the meantime, the Dr. has restricted her from various arobic activities and competitive sports.
Karl
Karl
I am sure others will know more than I do, but I would guess it is absolutely critical that they never have a lapse in coverage. When Barb became eligible for different health care coverage I was able to make the switch with her. If there had been a lapse of coverage I would have been uninsurable for health care coverage.
