Getting Covered with High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, or Diabetes
Quick Answer
High blood pressure is common and manageable. You can still get life insurance:
Common health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes don’t mean you can’t get life insurance. You can still get coverage, though rates may be higher. This guide explains how to get life insurance with these conditions.
Life Insurance with High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is common and manageable. You can still get life insurance:
How it affects rates:
- Well-controlled blood pressure may result in standard rates
- Uncontrolled blood pressure leads to higher rates
- Very high blood pressure may require substandard rates
What insurers look for:
- How well your blood pressure is controlled
- Whether you take medication
- Your overall health
- Other risk factors
Tips for getting coverage:
- Take medication as prescribed
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Shop around for the best rates
Example: Someone with well-controlled high blood pressure (taking medication, blood pressure under control) may get standard or only slightly higher rates.
Life Insurance with High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is manageable and doesn’t prevent life insurance coverage:
How it affects rates:
- Well-controlled cholesterol may result in standard rates
- High cholesterol with other risk factors leads to higher rates
- Very high cholesterol may require substandard rates
What insurers look for:
- Your cholesterol numbers (total, HDL, LDL)
- Whether you take medication
- Your overall health
- Other risk factors
Tips for getting coverage:
- Take cholesterol medication as prescribed
- Follow a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Shop around for the best rates
Example: Someone with high cholesterol that’s well-controlled with medication may get standard or only slightly higher rates.
Life Insurance with Diabetes
Diabetes requires more consideration but you can still get life insurance:
Type 2 Diabetes:
- Well-controlled diabetes may result in standard or slightly higher rates
- Poorly controlled diabetes leads to higher rates
- Complications may require substandard rates
Type 1 Diabetes:
- Well-controlled Type 1 diabetes can qualify for coverage
- Rates depend on control and complications
- May require specialized underwriting
What insurers look for:
- How well your diabetes is controlled (A1C levels)
- Whether you take medication or insulin
- Your overall health and complications
- Other risk factors
Tips for getting coverage:
- Keep blood sugar well-controlled
- Take medication as prescribed
- Regular medical checkups
- Shop around for diabetes-friendly insurers
Example: Someone with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes (A1C under 7, no complications) may get standard or only slightly higher rates.
Strategies for Finding the Best Rates
Shop around:
- Different insurers rate health conditions differently
- Compare quotes from multiple companies
- Some insurers specialize in certain conditions
Control your condition:
- Take medication as prescribed
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Regular medical checkups
Work with an independent agent:
- Independent agents can compare multiple insurers
- They know which insurers are friendly to your condition
- They can help you find the best rates
Consider policy type:
- Term life insurance may be more affordable
- Some policies offer better rates for certain conditions
- Compare different policy types
Common Mistakes People Make
Not disclosing conditions: Always be honest about your health conditions. Not disclosing can lead to policy denial or cancellation.
Not shopping around: Different insurers rate conditions differently. Shop around for the best rates.
Not controlling conditions: Well-controlled conditions get better rates. Take medication and follow doctor’s advice.
Giving up too soon: Don’t assume you can’t get coverage. Many people with these conditions get life insurance.
How to Apply with Health Conditions
Follow these steps:
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Gather medical information. Have recent test results and medication information ready.
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Shop around. Get quotes from multiple insurers that are friendly to your condition.
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Be honest. Disclose all health conditions honestly on your application.
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Provide medical records. Insurers may request medical records to assess your condition.
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Work with an agent. An independent agent can help you find the best options.
The Bottom Line
You can get life insurance with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Well-controlled conditions may result in standard or only slightly higher rates. Shop around, control your condition, and work with an agent to find the best coverage.
Ready to find life insurance with your health condition? Find a qualified life insurance agent at AgentVerified.com who understands your condition and can help you find the best rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get life insurance with a pre-existing condition?
- Yes, many insurers offer coverage to people with pre-existing conditions, though premiums may be higher. No-exam and guaranteed issue policies are also available.
- Does a medical exam affect my life insurance rates?
- Yes, the medical exam results (blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, etc.) directly affect your premium rates. Better health generally means lower premiums.
- What health conditions make life insurance more expensive?
- Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, cancer history, high blood pressure, and obesity can increase premiums. However, well-managed conditions may still qualify for reasonable rates.