Can You Get Life Insurance With COPD? 
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease . It manifests itself in chronic bronchitis , emphysema , or -LRB- most commonly -RRB- a combination of the two . Most COPD is caused by a history of smoking and is progressive in nature . When applying for life insurance , underwriters will look at pulmonary function , whether or not the patient is still smoking , severity and frequency of symptoms , and whether portable oxygen is used . Very mild COPD may qualify for medically underwritten coverage . Generally , simplified issue policies must be used for persons with moderate to severe COPD . If oxygen is used , the applicant will most likely need to purchase guaranteed issue life insurance , if it is available at their age . 