Parkinson's disease and specified atypical parkinsonian disorders

Definition

Parkinson's disease means a definite diagnosis of primary Parkinson's disease, a permanent neurologic condition which must be characterized by bradykinesia (slowness of movement) and at least one of:

• muscular rigidity, or
• rest tremor.

The insured person must exhibit objective signs of progressive deterioration in function for at least 1 year, for which the treating neurologist has recommended dopaminergic medication or other generally medically accepted equivalent treatment for Parkinson's disease.

Specified atypical parkinsonian disorders means a definite diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, or multiple system atrophy.

The diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or a specified atypical parkinsonian disorder must be made by a neurologist. 

Exclusion

No benefit is payable under this condition for all other types of parkinsonism.

1 year exclusion period for Parkinson's disease and specified atypical parkinsonian disorders

No benefit will be payable for Parkinson's disease or specified atypical parkinsonian disorders if, within 1 year following the later of:

• the date the application for the policy was signed
• the policy date
• the underwriting decision date if included in the policy, or
• the most recent date the policy was put back into effect (reinstatement) 

the insured person has any of the following:

• signs, symptoms or investigations that lead to a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, a specified atypical parkinsonian disorder or any other type of parkinsonism, regardless of when the diagnosis is made, or
• a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, a specified atypical parkinsonian disorder or any other type of parkinsonism.

Your responsibility to notify us about Parkinson's disease and specified atypical parkinsonian disorders

You have a responsibility to notify us about Parkinson's disease or specified atypical parkinsonian disorders, regardless of when a diagnosis is made:

• If we are notified within 6 months of the date of the diagnosis and the coverage for Parkinson's disease or specified atypical parkinsonian disorders is excluded based on the 1 year exclusion, coverage for all other covered critical illnesses will continue.
• If information is not provided within 6 months of the date of diagnosis, we have the right to deny a claim for Parkinson's disease or specified atypical parkinsonian disorders or any critical illness caused by Parkinson's disease or specified atypical parkinsonian disorders or its treatment.