Yle has learned that having a confirmed ADHD diagnosis can impact insurers' willingness to issue insurance policies. Earlier this spring news emerged that ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, diagnoses are surging in Finland.
Iltalehti has reported that one provider denied a student travel insurance because of ADD, a subtype of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Insurer IF, for example, told Yle it may not issue a policy if an applicant is recently diagnosed with ADHD.
"Insurance is increasingly being sought at a stage when ADHD testing is still ongoing or when the insured has just received a diagnosis. In these situations, insurance may be denied," said IF's Katri Hajanne-Kemppinen.
The ADHD association in Finland said it has received a handful of questions related to insurance matters, particularly in regard to accessing accident insurance as well has health policies for travel exceeding 30 days.
"Some individuals may hesitate to seek support and help due to concerns about the potential impact of an ADHD diagnosis. They may wonder what limitations or restrictions it could impose on them," said Katariina Berggren of the association.
She also said IF's stance was unfortunate, noting that many people living with ADHD manage very well, with symptoms not posing any limitations on their lives.
Turva, another insurance provider, said it may postpone the granting of health insurance, for example, if a person's symptom profile is very complex, and it's not yet clear if reported symptoms are caused by ADHD.
Once tests are concluded and the diagnosis is clear, Turva said it can issue the insurance. That said, having ADHD means the company excludes costs related to ADHD since it's a pre-existing condition.
Turva, however, said it grants accident and travel insurance regardless of whether a person is diagnosed with ADHD.
Banks take an interest
These days banks also take into account a customer's potential ADHD when selling mortgage protection insurance, which covers a loan in case of death, disability or unemployment.
Danske Bank told Yle that an ADHD diagnosis alone is not a barrier to it granting mortgage protection insurance.
OP Bank said that a customer can obtain loan repayment protection regardless of ADHD.
S-Bank, however, said that it can't comment on the eligibility of an individual customer based on a specific illness.
