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No physicians have yet responded to my plea, but one listmember
thought it might be possible to get a respected name to offer a
statement that we could all use whenever this issue comes up. That is
what I was aiming for with my original post.

The insurance company I am working with responded to my enquiry as
follows: "The insurance company requires a 50-75% surcharge for this
condition if there have been any symptoms within the past 2 years;
25-50% surcharge after 2 years.  These are the surcharges for the "best"
cases.  In your case, I have surcharged you 25% for celiac for each
of you and Edmund.    I cannot reduce the surcharge I have placed on
this policy."  I think it rather strange that they are penalizing the small
percentage of celiacs who react to gluten, and presumably offering a
break to those who don't have quick reactions. It seems clear to me
that this shows their ignorance of the condition. I will continue to try
to educate them but am still waiting for a statement by a knowledgeable
physician I can quote, before I continue my conversation with the
underwriter.

Most of the responses I got were in the "incredulous that they'd raise
the premiums when the risks for someone on a gluten-free diet are
approximately what they are for the general population" school of
hought. Several more were of the "outraged! they're just out to make
more money!" persuasion. (I agree with both!)

There were several suggestions that this issue is a good reason to
self diagnose -- a sort of "don't ask don't tell" theory of applying for
insurance. Others suggested ways around using insurance at all,
or joining up with a group plan that won't ask questions.

Among the one-off answers I got were

   * to check with my state insurance commission
     whether doing this was even legal (unfortunately
     I am sure it is)

   * the note that since "treatment" for our disease
     is purely dietary, it was not going to cost the
     insurance company anything (well, I say that's
     not entirely so -- there are blood and bone tests
     that should routinely be done)

   * that it's a shame I am being penalized for telling
     the truth. ("The surest way to remain poor is to
     be honest."  -- Napoleon Bonaparte)

   * A listmember in South Africa argued that her villi
     were 100% healed and so she should be considered
     normal -- and they agreed!

   * A fellow who has sold medical insurance for the
     past 23 years says, "I am surprised they offered
     you a policy at all. If they are willing to cover Celiac
     and all they want is another 25% premium, Take It."

I will sign up for this insurance but continue to press them for a
more reasonable policy on insuring celiacs. As with all the battles
we fight on so many fronts, you can only keep plugging away at
trying to educate those who have so much influence over our lives
(food manufacturers, doctors, schools, restaurants, insurers).

Thanks for all the responses.

--
Linda Blanchard
http://www.nowheat.com
celiac cooking, food allergies, science fiction and more