If you’re dealing with health issues, you might think life insurance is out of reach. I’ve worked with hundreds of families facing similar concerns, and I want you to know that having health conditions doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting coverage. While the process might be more complex and premiums could be higher, most people with health issues can still secure valuable protection for their loved ones.
For a complete overview of term life options, see our comprehensive term life insurance guide.
Can You Get Life Insurance with Health Issues?
The short answer is yes—most people with health conditions can obtain some form of life insurance coverage. In my experience, even individuals with serious conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer histories often qualify for policies, though the terms and pricing will vary based on their specific circumstances.
Insurance companies are in the business of managing risk, not avoiding it entirely. They’ve developed sophisticated underwriting systems that allow them to price policies appropriately for different health profiles. What matters most is how well your condition is controlled, how long you’ve been stable, and what your overall health picture looks like.
I’ve helped clients with everything from high blood pressure and depression to more serious conditions like previous heart attacks or cancer diagnoses. While some faced higher premiums or coverage limitations, the vast majority were able to secure meaningful protection. The key is understanding what insurers look for and positioning your application in the best possible light.
How Insurers Evaluate Health Issues
When underwriters review applications from people with health conditions, they consider several critical factors that can significantly impact your rating and premium:
Disease Control and Stability - How well is your condition managed? Stable, well-controlled conditions typically receive much better ratings than those with recent changes or poor control.
Time Since Diagnosis or Last Episode - Most conditions improve in the underwriter’s eyes with time. A heart attack five years ago with no complications rates much better than one from last year.
Treatment Compliance - Are you following your doctor’s recommendations? Taking prescribed medications consistently? Regular medical follow-ups show responsibility and reduce insurer risk.
Severity and Complications - Early-stage conditions without complications fare better than advanced stages or those with multiple organ involvement.
Age at Onset - Generally, conditions diagnosed later in life receive more favorable treatment than those appearing in younger individuals.
Overall Health Profile - Your complete medical picture matters. Multiple minor conditions might combine to create a higher risk profile than one well-controlled major condition.
Lifestyle Factors - Smoking, excessive alcohol use, obesity, or sedentary lifestyle can compound health condition impacts significantly.
What to Expect: Rates and Underwriting
Understanding the potential outcomes helps set realistic expectations for your application. Here’s what you might encounter based on health condition severity:
Mild Health Issues (well-controlled high blood pressure, treated depression, minor skin cancers):
- May qualify for Preferred or Standard Plus rates
- Expect 10-35% higher premiums than best-class pricing
- Simplified medical underwriting often possible
- Coverage amounts typically unrestricted
Moderate Health Issues (controlled diabetes, past cancer with good prognosis, stable heart conditions):
- Standard to Table 2-4 ratings common
- Premiums 50-125% higher than preferred rates
- Full medical underwriting required
- May include flat extra charges for specific timeframes
Severe Health Issues (recent heart attack, advanced diabetes with complications, multiple serious conditions):
- Table 4-8 ratings or possible decline
- Premiums 100-250% higher than standard rates
- Extensive medical records review required
- Coverage amounts may be limited
The underwriting process for health conditions typically involves medical exams, blood work, and review of your medical records. For serious conditions, insurers may request attending physician statements (APS) directly from your doctors. This process can take 4-8 weeks, compared to 2-3 weeks for healthy applicants.
Some conditions may receive flat extras—additional per-thousand charges applied for specific timeframes. For example, a cancer survivor might receive a “$5 flat extra for 5 years,” meaning an additional $5 per $1,000 of coverage for the first five years, after which the premium decreases.
Best Types of Coverage for Health Issues
Different policy types offer varying advantages for people with health conditions, and choosing the right approach can make a significant difference in both approval odds and long-term value:
Simplified Issue Life Insurance - Features limited health questions (typically 8-15) with no medical exam required. Best for those with mild to moderate conditions who might not pass full underwriting. Trade-off includes higher premiums and lower coverage limits, usually under $50,000.
Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance - Accepts all applicants regardless of health, with no medical questions. However, it includes graded death benefits (typically 2-3 year waiting period) and significantly higher premiums. Face amounts usually limited to $5,000-$25,000.
Fully Underwritten Policies - Require complete medical underwriting but offer the most competitive rates for your risk profile. Best option if your health conditions are well-controlled and you can document good management over time.
Group Life Insurance - Through employers often provides guaranteed coverage during open enrollment periods, regardless of health status. May offer opportunity to purchase additional voluntary coverage with minimal underwriting.
Final Expense Insurance - Specifically designed for older adults with health issues, featuring simplified underwriting focused on immediate insurability concerns rather than long-term health management.
Working with an independent agent becomes crucial because different carriers have varying appetites for specific health conditions. One company might decline your diabetes application while another offers standard rates.
Tips for Getting Approved
Successfully navigating life insurance applications with health conditions requires strategic preparation and presentation. Here are the most important steps I recommend to my clients:
1. Organize Your Medical Information - Gather complete medical records, including test results, treatment summaries, and current medications. Present a clear timeline of your condition’s progression and current status.
2. Work with Your Doctor - Schedule a recent check-up before applying. Current lab work and physician notes documenting good control significantly strengthen your application.
3. Be Completely Honest - Insurance companies share information through databases like MIB. Attempting to hide conditions will result in application denial or future claim disputes.
4. Time Your Application Strategically - Apply when your condition is most stable. If you’ve recently changed medications or had test result changes, consider waiting for stability.
5. Consider Multiple Applications - Different carriers evaluate the same condition differently. An independent agent can submit applications to multiple companies to find the best outcome.
6. Emphasize Positive Lifestyle Changes - Document exercise routines, dietary improvements, weight loss, or smoking cessation. These factors can significantly improve your rating.
7. Prepare for the Medical Exam - Schedule it when you’re feeling well, avoid caffeine beforehand, and bring a complete list of medications and dosages.
How We Can Help / Working with an Independent Agent
Navigating life insurance with health conditions becomes significantly easier when you work with an experienced independent agent who understands underwriting nuances across multiple carriers. I’ve spent years learning which companies offer the most favorable treatment for specific health conditions and how to present applications for the best possible outcomes.
As an independent agent, I have access to dozens of insurance companies, each with different underwriting guidelines and risk appetites. While one carrier might decline your diabetes application, another might offer standard rates. This carrier diversity becomes crucial when dealing with health issues, as it dramatically increases your chances of finding appropriate coverage at reasonable rates.
I also help clients understand realistic expectations and prepare thoroughly for the underwriting process. This includes reviewing your medical history, identifying potential concerns before they become problems, and positioning your application to highlight positive factors while properly addressing health conditions.
- Most health conditions don’t automatically disqualify you from life insurance, though they may increase premiums or limit coverage options
- Well-controlled, stable conditions typically receive much better underwriting treatment than poorly managed or recent diagnoses
- Different insurance companies have varying appetites for specific health conditions, making carrier selection crucial
- Simplified issue and guaranteed issue policies provide options when traditional underwriting isn’t favorable
- Complete honesty about health conditions is essential, as insurance companies share medical information through industry databases
Related Reading
- Simplified Issue Term Life Insurance: The Complete Guide — Fast approval without medical exams
- Guaranteed Issue Term Life Insurance: The Complete Guide — No health questions asked
- Life Insurance for High Risk Individuals: The Complete Guide — Options for challenging health situations
- 20 Year Term Life Insurance Cost in 2026 — Understanding term life pricing
Don’t let health conditions prevent you from exploring life insurance options. While the process may be more complex than for perfectly healthy applicants, most people can find some form of coverage that provides valuable protection for their families.
Life insurance is one of those things you want to get right the first time. I help families compare options from multiple top-rated carriers so they can make confident decisions about protecting their loved ones, regardless of their health challenges.
Ready to explore your options? Contact me for a free consultation and let’s discuss which carriers and policy types might work best for your specific health situation. Together, we can find coverage that fits both your needs and your health profile.
