KGO - Here are the notes that our '7 On Your Side' research staff compiled in regards to life insurance companies and their policies on offering standard insurance.

Please note that these are listed in alphabetical order. Those listed as giving "No response." are insurers that we called but did hear back from anyone. Although this information is current as of the date this story originally aired, it is always best to check with your life insurance agent directly for more specifics.

American General -- Does not give out information on rates.

Balboa Life -- Determined on a case-by-case basis. They price according to the risk of the patient. They will not turn anyone away because of certain conditions.

Blue Shield -- Only offers life insurance coverage if it is combined with health insurance.

Farmers New World -- Policies are rated depending on the severity of the health condition. With diabetes: may offer table-rated policies, meaning substandard rates. It also depends on what kind of medication the patient is on, how long they have been on the medication, severity of the diagnosis, etc. For cancer patients: standard rates do not apply. Underwriter would see how patient is doing following treatment, and consider how long they have been in remission. A rated policy is also an option. Rates depend on the condition of the policy owner and whether they are following the proper regiment for caring for their health.

Gerber Life Insurance -- No response.

Globe Life -- No response.

Hartford Life -- Will offer standards rates to people who have survived breast and prostate cancer, if they meet certain qualifications.

Jackson National -- May offer policies depending on the type of condition, length of time since diagnosis, etc. Determined on a case-by-case basis.

Matrix Life Insurance -- Depends on the type of cancer, age of the person, and how recently the patient was diagnosed.

MetLife Financial Services -- Underwriters make the final decision. They do not offer any coverage to people who are HIV positive or who are current cancer patients. If the patient has been cancer-free for 5-7 years, they may require a medical records review and could offer a policy.

Primerica -- No response.

Prudential Financial -- Determined on a case-by-case basis. Will not offer to current cancer patients. However, if they have been in remission for 5 or 10 years and are considered stable, they may be offered a policy. For diabetes, it depends on the severity. Dependence on insulin or orally-ingested pills may disqualify a patient.

State Farm Life -- All policies are determined on a case by case basis. State Farm does not cover HIV or terminally ill patients. If a person's condition is in remission, they may offer a 'rated' policy. They may also provide coverage for diabetics, depending on what type of diabetes the patient has. Underwriters make the final decision.

U.S. Financial Life -- "Applicants with diabetes, heart disease and depending on the time frame, some cancers (such as thyroid, testicular and prostate) may receive standard rates from U.S. Financial Life Insurance Company if qualified through their Clinical Undewriting process."

___________________________

Copyright 2006, ABC7/KGO-TV/DT.