How to Get Life Insurance If You Have a Pre-Existing Condition

Getting life insurance when you have a pre-existing condition can feel overwhelming, but it’s not impossible. While some insurers may charge higher premiums or impose restrictions, many companies offer coverage tailored to individuals with health conditions. With the right strategy, you can find a policy that fits your needs and budget.

This guide will walk you through how to secure affordable life insurance—even if you have a medical condition.

Can You Get Life Insurance with a Pre-Existing Condition?

Yes! Many people with pre-existing conditions qualify for life insurance, but approval and pricing depend on factors like:

✔ Type and severity of the condition (e.g., controlled high blood pressure vs. advanced cancer)
✔ Current health status (recent hospitalizations, medication use, treatment success)
✔ Age and lifestyle habits (smoking, alcohol use, weight, exercise)
✔ Type of policy you’re applying for

Some conditions make approval more difficult, but others have little to no impact on eligibility.

Common Pre-Existing Conditions That Affect Life Insurance

Condition	Impact on Coverage
High Blood Pressure	Mild impact if controlled with medication
Diabetes	Type 1 is riskier than Type 2, but good management helps
Heart Disease	Higher rates, but some insurers specialize in covering it
Cancer	Approval depends on type, stage, and time in remission
Obesity	May increase rates, but weight loss can help reduce costs
Asthma	Mild cases usually have little impact
Depression/Anxiety	Controlled cases often qualify for standard rates

The better your condition is managed, the higher your chances of getting approved at a lower rate.

Steps to Get Life Insurance with a Pre-Existing Condition

1. Choose the Right Type of Policy

There are different types of life insurance, and some are easier to qualify for than others.

Policy Type	Best For	Approval Process	Cost
Term Life	Most people with manageable conditions	Requires medical exam (in most cases)	Affordable
Whole Life	Those needing lifelong coverage	Medical underwriting required	Higher cost
Guaranteed Issue	People with severe conditions who can’t qualify elsewhere	No medical exam, approval guaranteed	Most expensive
Simplified Issue	Those who want to avoid medical exams but have mild/moderate conditions	No exam, but health questions required	Higher than term life, but lower than guaranteed issue

If your condition is well-controlled, term life or whole life are the best options. If you have a severe condition, guaranteed issue policies may be your only choice.

2. Compare Multiple Insurance Companies

Not all insurance companies evaluate health conditions the same way. Some insurers specialize in covering people with pre-existing conditions, so it pays to shop around.

How to Compare Policies:

Get quotes from at least 3-5 different providers
Check customer reviews for companies that work with high-risk applicants
Look for insurers that offer no-exam or simplified underwriting options

3. Improve Your Health Before Applying

Even small health improvements can help you qualify for better rates. Steps to take before applying include:

Control Your Condition – Follow your doctor’s treatment plan, take medications as prescribed, and get regular check-ups.
Lose Weight – If obesity is a concern, losing even 10-20 pounds may lower your risk profile.
Quit Smoking – Tobacco use significantly increases life insurance rates. Most insurers require at least 12 months of non-smoking for lower rates.
Improve Blood Pressure & Cholesterol – A healthy diet and exercise can help lower these numbers before a medical exam.

4. Consider No-Exam Life Insurance

If your health condition might result in a denial or high rates, consider a no-exam life insurance policy. These policies skip the traditional medical exam and instead rely on:

Your answers to health questions
Prescription history
Medical records
DMV and credit reports (in some cases)

While no-exam policies cost more than traditional life insurance, they can be a good option for people with pre-existing conditions who might struggle to qualify for standard policies.

5. Work with a High-Risk Life Insurance Specialist

If you’re struggling to find coverage, consider working with an insurance company that specializes in high-risk applicants. These companies know which insurers are more likely to approve your condition and can help find the best rates.

What If You Get Denied?

If you’re denied for life insurance, don’t panic. There are still options available:

✅ Apply with a different insurer – Every company evaluates risk differently. Another provider may approve you.
✅ Try a simplified or guaranteed issue policy – These policies have easier approval but cost more.
✅ Improve your health and reapply – Addressing key health concerns and waiting 6-12 months may lead to better approval chances.
✅ Consider employer-sponsored life insurance – Many workplaces offer group life insurance with guaranteed approval, even for those with health issues.

How Much Will Life Insurance Cost with a Pre-Existing Condition?

Life insurance rates depend on the severity of your condition and how well it’s managed. Below is a general idea of how different conditions impact costs:

Health Condition	Typical Impact on Cost
Well-managed high blood pressure	Small increase
Type 2 diabetes (controlled)	Moderate increase
History of heart attack (over 5 years ago)	Higher rates, but possible approval
Recent cancer diagnosis	Denial or guaranteed issue policy only

To get the best possible rate, compare multiple insurers and work on improving your health before applying.

Final Thoughts

Having a pre-existing condition doesn’t mean you can’t get life insurance—it just means you need to be strategic about how and where you apply. By choosing the right policy, improving your health, and shopping around, you can find affordable coverage that protects your loved ones.