Getting Life Insurance with Pre-Existing Health Conditions
Having a health condition doesn’t automatically disqualify you from life insurance. While it may affect your rates or coverage options, many people with chronic conditions can still get affordable coverage. Here’s what you need to know.
The Good News
Insurance companies have become more accepting of health conditions over the past decade. Improved medical treatments mean people with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even cancer histories are living longer, healthier lives. Insurers have adjusted accordingly.
How Health Conditions Affect Your Options
When you have a health condition, you typically fall into one of these categories:
1. Standard Rating (Best Case)
Well-controlled conditions may qualify you for standard rates:
- Diabetes with good glucose control (A1C under 7)
- High blood pressure managed with medication
- Asthma with no recent hospitalizations
- Depression treated successfully
- Thyroid disorders under control
2. Rated/Table Rated (Common Case)
More serious or poorly controlled conditions get “rated,” meaning higher premiums:
- Recent heart attack or stroke (in last 5 years)
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Obesity (BMI over 40)
- Cancer treatment within last 2-5 years
- Sleep apnea untreated
Expect to pay 25-300% more than standard rates, depending on severity.
3. Declined (Worst Case)
Some conditions may result in denial:
- Active cancer treatment
- Recent heart attack (within 6-12 months)
- Advanced kidney or liver disease
- AIDS diagnosis
- Recent stroke with major complications
But even if declined for traditional coverage, you have options (see below).
Common Health Conditions & What to Expect
Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes (Well-Controlled):
- A1C under 7: Often get standard or slightly rated premiums
- No complications: Can qualify for good rates
- Managed with diet/medication: Better than insulin-dependent
Type 1 Diabetes:
- Generally higher premiums
- Good control still helps significantly
- May need to shop multiple carriers
Tip: Show 12-month history of good glucose control before applying.
High Blood Pressure
Controlled with Medication:
- Usually qualifies for standard or near-standard rates
- Readings consistently under 140/90: Best case
- One of the most insurable conditions
Uncontrolled:
- Readings over 160/100: Expect rated premiums or decline
- Get it under control before applying
Heart Disease
Past Heart Attack:
- 0-12 months ago: Usually declined
- 1-3 years ago: Heavily rated, 50-200% higher premiums
- 5+ years ago with no issues: May get reasonable rates
Bypass Surgery or Stents:
- Similar timeline to heart attack
- Normal stress tests help your case
- Controlled cholesterol and blood pressure essential
Cancer
Past Cancer (In Remission):
- Type matters: Skin cancer (non-melanoma) much easier than pancreatic
- Time matters: 2 years clean minimum, 5+ years better
- Stage matters: Early stage = better odds
Active Treatment:
- Usually declined for traditional coverage
- Guaranteed issue policies available
- Reapply after 2+ years cancer-free
Mental Health
Depression/Anxiety (Treated):
- Usually no problem if stable on medication
- No recent hospitalizations (in last 2 years)
- May just need doctor’s statement
Severe Mental Illness:
- Recent hospitalizations: Likely declined
- Multiple medications: May be rated
- Stable for 5+ years: Better chances
Obesity
BMI Impact:
- BMI 30-35: May get standard rates
- BMI 35-40: Expect rated premiums
- BMI 40+: Significantly rated or declined
Tip: Lose weight before applying if possible. Even 20-30 lbs can change your rating class.
Options When Traditional Insurance Won’t Work
1. Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
What it is: Small policies ($5,000-$25,000) that accept everyone regardless of health. No medical exam, no health questions.
Pros:
- Guaranteed approval
- Simple application
- Covers final expenses
Cons:
- Low coverage limits
- Expensive for the coverage amount
- Graded death benefit (limited payout first 2-3 years)
2. Simplified Issue Policies
What it is: Policies with health questions but no medical exam. Faster approval.
Good for:
- Minor health issues
- People who hate needles
- Quick coverage needs
Coverage: Usually up to $250,000-$500,000
3. Guaranteed Acceptance Mortgage Protection
What it is: Some mortgage protection insurance policies offer guaranteed acceptance for recent homebuyers, regardless of health conditions.
Best for:
- New homeowners (within first 2-5 years)
- Health conditions that would cause decline elsewhere
- Primary goal is protecting the home
4. Group Life Insurance Through Work
What it is: Employer-provided coverage, usually guaranteed issue up to certain amounts.
Pros:
- Usually no health questions for basic coverage
- Often free or very cheap
- Immediate coverage
Cons:
- Usually only 1-2x your salary
- Coverage ends when you leave the job
- May not be enough for family needs
How to Improve Your Chances
Before You Apply:
- Get your conditions under control: Show 6-12 months of good management
- Gather documentation: Doctor’s notes showing stable, controlled condition
- Time it right: Wait for clean tests, after completing treatment, etc.
- Lose weight if needed: Even small losses can change your rating
- Quit smoking: Smokers pay 2-3x more – huge savings if you quit 12+ months
During the Process:
- Be honest: Lying on the application voids your policy
- Explain improvements: If you’ve made lifestyle changes, mention them
- Provide context: Help underwriters understand your situation
- Work with an agent: They can shop multiple carriers for best fit
Understanding Medical Exams
Most traditional policies require a medical exam (“paramedical exam”) that includes:
- Height and weight measurement
- Blood pressure check
- Blood and urine samples
- Sometimes EKG (for large policies or older applicants)
The exam is free, done at your home or office, and usually takes 20-30 minutes.
Tip: Fast for 8 hours before, avoid caffeine, and stay hydrated for best test results.
Shopping Different Carriers
This is crucial: Different insurance companies specialize in different conditions. One company may decline you while another offers standard rates for the same condition.
Examples:
- Company A specializes in diabetes – great rates for diabetics
- Company B is lenient on mental health conditions
- Company C offers good rates for cancer survivors
Working with an independent agent who represents multiple carriers helps you find the best match.
What If You’re Declined?
- Ask why: Get the specific reason for decline
- Request reconsideration: If you have new information or recent improvements
- Try other carriers: One decline doesn’t mean all will decline
- Look at guaranteed issue: Everyone needs some coverage
- Check work options: Group policies often have no health questions
- Reapply later: After condition improves or more time passes
Cost Examples
Here’s how health conditions might affect the cost of a $500,000, 20-year term policy for a 40-year-old:
| Health Status | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Excellent health | $35 |
| Controlled high blood pressure | $45 |
| Well-managed Type 2 diabetes | $65 |
| Heart attack 3 years ago | $95-150 |
| Cancer survivor (5 years clean) | $85-120 |
The Bottom Line
Don’t assume you can’t get life insurance because of a health condition. You have options:
- Best case: Shop traditional term life with multiple carriers – you may get reasonable rates
- Middle ground: Simplified issue policies with no medical exam
- Safety net: Guaranteed issue coverage for at least final expenses
- Specialized option: Mortgage protection with guaranteed acceptance if you’re a homeowner
The key is to apply. You might be pleasantly surprised at what’s available.
Get Expert Help
Navigating life insurance with health conditions is complex. An experienced agent can:
- Tell you which carriers are best for your specific condition
- Help you prepare documentation
- Shop multiple companies simultaneously
- Find guaranteed acceptance options if traditional coverage won’t work
MoProInsure.com offers free consultations and specializes in helping people with health conditions find coverage, including guaranteed acceptance mortgage protection options.
Remember: Having some coverage, even if it’s more expensive or lower than ideal, is better than leaving your family with nothing.