How to protect your family if you or a loved one have Lupus

A lupus diagnosis can be overwhelming, and it’s important to know how to protect yourself and your family. Life insurance can be a vital tool to help you protect the financial future of you and your loved ones. 

In this article, we will discuss some steps you can take to ensure you and your family are better prepared to navigate life after receiving a diagnosis. 

What is Lupus?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects more than 1.5 million Americans, predominantly female, and causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue in the body. Lupus can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, and organs, and can be a debilitating and life-altering condition. 

Maintain your health and wellness after diagnosis

Taking care of your health is crucial if you’ve recently been diagnosed with Lupus. You should work closely with your doctors to develop a treatment plan and follow it consistently. 

Lupus can be unpredictable, and your symptoms, such as fatigue, joint pain/swelling, skin rashes, etc., may vary, but managing your condition can help you maintain a higher quality of life. It’s essential to be proactive about managing your Lupus and take steps to minimize flare-ups. 

Some lifestyle changes that can help you manage your condition better include:

• Maintaining a healthy diet 
• Getting regular exercise 
• Getting enough rest

Purchase a life insurance policy

One of the ways you can financially protect your family if you are diagnosed with Lupus is by having life insurance. It can help your family pay for your final expenses, pay off debts, maintain their standard of living, and give you peace of mind knowing that your family will be financially secure.

Types of life insurance policies

When you are a person living with Lupus, it’s essential to consider the type of life insurance policy that is best for you and your family. There are two main types of life insurance: term life insurance and whole life insurance. 

Term life insurance provides coverage for a set period, typically 10, 20, or 30 years, and is generally less expensive than whole life insurance.

Whole life insurance is more expensive than term life, but it provides coverage for your entire life and includes a cash value component that grows over time. 

With a permanent life insurance policy, you can also access the cash value of your policy tax-free, which can be helpful if you need to supplement your income due to medical expenses related to Lupus.

Build a network of support

Living with Lupus can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Building a support network can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Consider joining a support group or connecting with others living with Lupus. 

You may also want to work with a therapist or counselor to manage the emotional impact of the disease. If you are able to do so, call on friends, family members, and loved ones who can step up or even step in on days when you need some extra help managing life’s responsibilities and symptoms at the same time. 

Bottom Line

Lupus can be a challenging disease to manage, both physically and emotionally. However, armed with research and support, you can take control of your Lupus and take steps to protect your future and the futures of your loved ones.