Getting life insurance when you have pre-existing health conditions, risky hobbies, or other factors that insurance companies consider “high risk” can feel overwhelming. I’ve worked with hundreds of clients who thought they were uninsurable—only to help them secure the coverage they needed. The truth is, even if you fall into the high-risk category, you likely have more options than you realize.
For a complete overview, see learn more about term life insurance.
In my experience helping families protect their financial future, I’ve seen that most people who consider themselves “high risk” can still get coverage. It might cost more, or require some extra steps, but the protection is usually available. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about life insurance for high risk individuals.
What Makes Someone “High Risk” for Life Insurance?
Insurance companies evaluate risk by looking at factors that could affect your life expectancy. The higher the perceived risk, the more you’ll pay—or in extreme cases, the harder it becomes to get coverage at all.
Here are the main categories that typically put someone in the high-risk bucket:
Health Conditions
- Cardiovascular issues: Heart disease, high blood pressure, previous heart attacks
- Diabetes: Especially Type 1 or poorly controlled Type 2
- Cancer history: Even if you’re in remission
- Mental health conditions: Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder
- Chronic conditions: COPD, kidney disease, liver problems
- Neurological disorders: Epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s
Lifestyle Factors
- Tobacco use: Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, or vaping
- Dangerous hobbies: Rock climbing, skydiving, motorcycle racing
- Aviation: Private pilot activities
- Excessive alcohol consumption: History of treatment or DUI convictions
Occupational Hazards
- High-risk jobs: Commercial fishing, logging, mining, military combat roles
- Travel to dangerous locations: War zones or countries with high crime/disease rates
Other Risk Factors
- Poor driving record: Multiple violations or DUI convictions
- Extreme weight: Significantly overweight or underweight
- Drug use history: Even if it’s in your past
- Criminal background: Depending on the severity and recency
How Insurance Companies Evaluate High-Risk Applicants
When I sit down with a client who has risk factors, I explain that insurance companies don’t just automatically decline high-risk applicants. Instead, they use a sophisticated rating system to price the risk appropriately.
The Rating System
Insurance companies classify applicants into different rate classes:
Non-Tobacco Classes (from best to worst):
- Preferred Plus (Super Preferred): Best rates for the healthiest applicants
- Preferred: Excellent rates for those with minor, well-controlled conditions
- Standard Plus: Good rates for average health with some manageable issues
- Standard: Baseline rates for typical health profiles
- Table ratings: Additional charges based on risk level (Table 1-16)
Key insight: Even if you can’t qualify for the best rates, getting coverage at a higher premium is often better than having no coverage at all.
What Underwriters Look For
Underwriters don’t just look at your diagnosis—they evaluate how well you manage your conditions:
- Control and stability: Is your condition well-managed with medication?
- Time since diagnosis: Many conditions become more favorable over time
- Compliance: Do you follow your doctor’s recommendations?
- Lifestyle factors: Are you actively working to maintain your health?
For example, I’ve helped clients with well-controlled high blood pressure qualify for preferred rates, while someone with uncontrolled hypertension might face table ratings or even decline.
Types of Life Insurance for High-Risk Individuals
Not all life insurance is created equal when you’re dealing with risk factors. Different types of policies have different underwriting requirements, and knowing your options can make all the difference.
Fully Underwritten Term Life Insurance
This is traditional term life insurance with full medical underwriting—blood tests, medical exams, and review of your medical records.
Pros:
- Lowest cost if you qualify for good rates
- Highest coverage amounts available
- Can be converted to permanent coverage later
Cons:
- Strictest underwriting standards
- Longest approval process (4-8 weeks)
- May result in decline or very high ratings
Simplified Issue Life Insurance
These policies ask health questions but don’t require medical exams or blood tests.
Pros:
- Faster approval (often same day to one week)
- Less invasive application process
- Available for many conditions that would complicate fully underwritten policies
Cons:
- Limited coverage amounts (typically under $500,000)
- Higher premiums than fully underwritten policies
- Strict knockout questions can eliminate applicants quickly
Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
These policies accept all applicants within certain age ranges with no health questions.
Pros:
- Absolutely no health questions
- Cannot be declined for health reasons
- Available even with terminal diagnoses
Cons:
- Graded death benefit (limited payouts in first 2-3 years)
- Very limited coverage amounts
- Highest premiums
- Only available to older applicants (typically 50-85)
Group Life Insurance Through Employers
Don’t overlook the coverage available through your workplace.
Pros:
- Usually guaranteed issue up to certain amounts
- Often the most affordable option for high-risk individuals
- May include supplemental coverage options
Cons:
- Coverage ends when you leave your job
- Limited portability options
- May not provide adequate coverage amounts
Strategies for Getting Coverage When You’re High Risk
Over the years, I’ve developed several strategies that help high-risk clients secure better coverage or lower premiums:
Work with an Independent Agent
This might be the most important advice I can give you. Independent agents have access to multiple insurance companies, each with different underwriting philosophies and risk appetites.
Some companies specialize in diabetic clients, while others are more lenient with heart conditions or mental health issues. When you work with a captive agent who only represents one company, you’re limited to that company’s underwriting guidelines.
Consider Multiple Applications
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. If your risk factors are significant, it often makes sense to apply to multiple carriers simultaneously. Different companies may offer vastly different rates for the same condition.
I’ve seen situations where one company declined a client for diabetes, while another offered standard rates. The key is knowing which companies to target based on your specific situation.
Timing Matters
If your health condition is recent or unstable, it might be worth waiting before applying. Here’s what I typically recommend:
- Recent diagnosis: Wait 3-6 months for treatment to stabilize
- Cancer treatment: Wait at least 2 years post-treatment for most cancers
- Heart attack or stroke: Wait at least 6-12 months with good recovery
- Mental health treatment: Ensure you’re stable on medications for at least 12 months
Improve Your Health Profile
Even small improvements in your health can result in significantly better rates:
- Lose weight: Even 10-20 pounds can improve your rating
- Quit smoking: Most companies require 12 months tobacco-free, but some allow shorter periods
- Control chronic conditions: Consistently manage diabetes, blood pressure, or cholesterol
- Clean up your driving record: Avoid violations while your application is pending
Consider Life Settlements
If you already have a life insurance policy but can no longer afford the premiums, a life settlement might be an option instead of letting the policy lapse.
Common High-Risk Conditions and What to Expect
Let me walk you through some specific conditions I encounter frequently and what typical outcomes look like:
Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes (diagnosed after age 40):
- Well-controlled (A1C under 7.0): Standard to Table 2 ratings possible
- Fair control (A1C 7.0-8.0): Table 2-4 ratings
- Poor control (A1C over 9.0): Often declined
Type 1 Diabetes:
- Much more restrictive
- Best possible outcomes: Table 2-4 after many years of good control
- Never eligible for preferred rates
Heart Conditions
High Blood Pressure (controlled with medication):
- Under 140/90: Preferred rates possible
- 140-150/90-95: Standard to Table 2
- Over 160/100: Table ratings or decline
Previous Heart Attack:
- Within 2 years: Usually postponed or declined
- 2-5 years ago with good recovery: Table 4-8
- 5+ years with no complications: Table 2-4 possible
Cancer History
Skin Cancer (basal cell or squamous cell):
- After treatment: Often no impact on rates
- Multiple occurrences: Standard to Table 2
Breast Cancer:
- 5+ years post-treatment, no recurrence: Standard to Table 2
- 2-5 years post-treatment: Table 2-4
- Recent treatment or metastatic: Declined
Mental Health Conditions
Depression (stable, employed, single medication):
- Standard rates often possible
- Multiple medications or hospitalizations: Table ratings
- Disability or recent instability: Declined
The Application Process for High-Risk Applicants
When you’re considered high risk, the application process becomes even more important. Here’s what you can expect:
Be Completely Honest
This cannot be overstated—full disclosure is absolutely critical. Insurance companies share information through databases like MIB (Medical Information Bureau), and they will find out about undisclosed conditions. Non-disclosure can void your policy and leave your beneficiaries with nothing.
Gather Your Medical Records
For high-risk applications, underwriters will likely request:
- Complete medical records from your doctors
- Prescription history reports
- Hospital records for any surgeries or stays
- Specialist reports and test results
Having this information organized can speed up the process significantly.
Prepare for Additional Requirements
High-risk applicants often face additional underwriting requirements:
- Attending Physician Statements (APS): Detailed reports from your doctors
- Medical exams with specialists: Cardiac stress tests, pulmonary function tests
- Additional blood work: More comprehensive lab panels
- Cognitive assessments: For certain neurological conditions or older applicants
Consider a Cover Letter
For complex medical situations, I often recommend including a cover letter with the application that explains:
- Current status of your health condition
- Treatment compliance and lifestyle modifications
- Any positive changes since diagnosis
- Why you’re a good risk despite the condition
Alternative Solutions When Traditional Coverage Isn’t Available
Sometimes traditional life insurance simply isn’t feasible due to health conditions or other factors. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
Accidental Death Insurance
While not comprehensive life insurance, accidental death policies:
- Don’t consider health conditions
- Provide coverage for deaths due to accidents
- Are much more affordable than traditional life insurance
- Can be a stopgap while working toward traditional coverage
Final Expense Insurance
These smaller policies (typically $5,000-$50,000) are designed to cover funeral costs and final expenses:
- Simplified underwriting with basic health questions
- Available to older applicants (typically 50-85)
- Graded benefits for the first few years
- More expensive per dollar of coverage but easier to qualify for
Mortgage Protection Insurance
If your primary goal is protecting a mortgage, mortgage life insurance:
- Often has simplified underwriting
- Decreases in benefit as your mortgage balance decreases
- May be available when traditional term life isn’t
Self-Insurance Through Investments
While not technically insurance, building a substantial investment portfolio can serve similar purposes:
- No underwriting requirements
- Potentially higher returns than insurance cash values
- More liquidity and control
- Requires significant time and higher contributions to build meaningful value
Working with the Right Insurance Professional
Finding the right agent or broker when you’re high risk is crucial. Here’s what to look for:
Experience with High-Risk Cases
Ask potential agents about their experience with your specific condition. Someone who regularly works with diabetic clients will know which carriers are most favorable and how to position your application for success.
Access to Multiple Carriers
Independent agents and brokers who work with multiple insurance companies can shop your case to find the best fit. Captive agents representing only one company may not have suitable options for high-risk clients.
Willingness to Advocate for You
The right agent will work to position your case in the best possible light, communicate with underwriters on your behalf, and help gather necessary documentation.
Transparent About Challenges
A good agent will be honest about your challenges while remaining optimistic about finding solutions. Be wary of agents who make unrealistic promises about rates or guaranteed approvals.
The Real Cost of Being High Risk
I want to be straight with you about what high-risk classification means for your premiums. The additional cost can be significant, but it’s important to put it in perspective.
Rate Increases by Table Rating
Here’s roughly what you can expect for rate increases:
- Table 1-2: 25-50% above standard rates
- Table 3-4: 75-100% above standard rates
- Table 5-6: 125-150% above standard rates
- Table 7-8: 175-200% above standard rates
Example: $500,000 Term Policy
For a 45-year-old male non-smoker:
- Preferred Plus: ~$45/month
- Standard: ~$65/month
- Table 2: ~$85/month
- Table 4: ~$115/month
- Table 6: ~$145/month
Yes, the high-risk client pays more than three times the preferred rate—but that $145/month still provides half a million dollars of protection for his family.
Why It’s Still Worth It
Even at higher premiums, life insurance for high-risk individuals often represents incredible value. Consider that $145/month over 20 years equals $34,800 in premiums for $500,000 in coverage. That’s a return of nearly 15:1 if a claim occurs.
Moving Forward: Taking Action Despite the Challenges
If you’ve been avoiding life insurance because you think you’re uninsurable, I encourage you to reconsider. In my experience, the vast majority of people who think they can’t get coverage actually can—it just might cost more than they initially hoped.
Start with What’s Available
Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. If you can only qualify for a table-rated policy or simplified issue coverage, that’s still infinitely better than no coverage at all. You can always apply for additional coverage later if your health improves.
Consider Laddering Your Coverage
You might use a combination of different policy types:
- Employer group life for immediate, affordable coverage
- A simplified issue policy for additional protection you control
- Plans to apply for fully underwritten coverage if your health stabilizes
Focus on What You Can Control
While you can’t change your medical history, you can:
- Work to improve your current health
- Maintain compliance with treatment plans
- Build a relationship with a knowledgeable insurance professional
- Stay informed about new products and programs for high-risk individuals
The insurance industry continues to evolve, with new products and more lenient underwriting guidelines appearing regularly. What wasn’t possible a few years ago might be available today.
Remember, life insurance isn’t just about you—it’s about protecting the people who depend on you financially. Even if coverage costs more than you’d like, the peace of mind it provides for your family is invaluable. The key is working with someone who understands the high-risk market and can guide you to the best available options for your specific situation.
If you’d like to explore your options for life insurance for high risk individuals, I’d be happy to review your situation and help you understand what coverage might be available. Every case is unique, and there are often solutions available that people don’t initially consider.
- Understand that “high risk” doesn’t mean uninsurable—most people with health conditions, risky hobbies, or dangerous occupations can still get life insurance coverage, though it may cost more.
- Focus on demonstrating control and stability of your conditions to underwriters, as they evaluate how well you manage your health rather than just looking at diagnoses.
- Compare quotes from multiple insurance companies since different carriers evaluate and price the same risk factors very differently, potentially saving you significant money.
- Prepare for the underwriting process by gathering medical records, being honest about all health conditions and lifestyle factors, and working with professionals who understand high-risk cases.
- Bring any existing quotes you’ve received to an independent agent for review, as they can help you understand your options and find better rates across different carriers.
