Emphysema is a chronic lung condition-often within COPD-characterized by destruction of alveoli, reduced elastic recoil, and airflow limitation. Symptoms include dyspnea and exercise intolerance. Underwriting focuses on smoking history, FEV1/FVC ratios, oxygen use, and exacerbation frequency. Severity ranges from mild to oxygen-dependent disease, materially affecting mortality risk and insurability. Stable, treated cases may still obtain coverage with ratings.

Producers pre-screen for smoking history, inhaler use, oxygen, and hospitalizations. Pulmonary function tests (FEV1/FVC) and stability determine the offer. Mild, well-controlled emphysema may qualify with modest ratings; ongoing smoking and low FEV1 often cause declines. Advisors set expectations and may postpone until pulmonary rehab improves numbers.