Can you get life insurance with a pre-existing condition?
Yes, you can likely find a life insurance policy with a pre-existing condition if you shop around, but it can impact your options and premiums. Pre-existing conditions can make it more difficult and expensive to get life insurance — especially if you have a chronic or terminal health problem. The specific policy types you qualify for will depend on your particular medical problems, how well your condition is managed, and the insurer.
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What is considered a pre-existing condition for life insurance?
When you apply for life insurance, a pre-existing condition might be any health problem that could affect your longevity, and each insurer considers them differently. Due to the added risk that health problems create for insurers, some pre-existing conditions may be considered disqualifying conditions for life insurance and could potentially raise your premium or even prevent you from qualifying for certain types of life insurance.
A few common examples of pre-existing conditions include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Asthma
- Previous injuries (depending on severity and lasting effects)
Smoking and chewing tobacco, while not considered pre-existing conditions, will also make it more difficult to get approved and affect how much your life insurance costs. Quitting can result in a lower premium, depending on how long it's been since you stopped.
Pro tip:
If you develop a serious condition after you already have life insurance, it won't affect your rates. Your life insurance premium will remain the same for the length of your policy.
What types of policies are available for people with pre-existing conditions?
Here are several types of life insurance policies that may be available for people with pre-existing conditions:
Guaranteed issue life insurance
Guaranteed issue life insurance is a type of life insurance that doesn't require you to undergo a medical exam or complete a health questionnaire. It's often the recommended life insurance for cancer patients and others with serious conditions if they don't qualify for traditional life insurance.
Because you can get a guaranteed life insurance policy quickly and with no questions asked, it may be significantly more expensive than traditional policies. And there may be a rule that if you die within a few years of purchasing the policy, the insurer will simply return your premium payments to your family rather than paying out the death benefit.
Simplified issue life insurance
Simplified issue life insurance is a type of policy that skips the medical exam and uses a quick application process with health questions. It's typically faster and easier to get than traditional life insurance. However, you could be denied coverage based on certain risk factors, and it generally costs more than traditional life insurance.
Term life insurance
Term life insurance provides coverage for a set period of time, like 10, 15, 20, or 30 years. It pays a death benefit if you pass away during that time. You may qualify if you have pre-existing conditions, but your premiums could be higher depending on your health and the insurer. Some term life insurance policies may require a medical exam. It may be an affordable option, but keep in mind it doesn't pay out if you outlive the policy.
Group life insurance
Group life insurance is often offered by employers for a highly affordable premium. If you take part in a group life insurance policy via your employer's benefits, your health conditions most likely won't be taken into consideration. However, the death benefit may be limited, and the policy is only valid when you have that job. You might also be able to access supplemental life insurance through your employer.
Whole life insurance
Whole life insurance offers lifelong coverage and builds cash value over time. Applicants with manageable pre-existing conditions may qualify, but premiums can be higher than term life insurance.
Final expense insurance
Final expense insurance, or burial insurance, is designed to cover end-of-life costs, such as funeral expenses. It may be easier to qualify for, even with a pre-existing condition, and doesn't require a medical exam. You get to choose if you want to pay your premium monthly or annually.
Life insurance riders
Life insurance riders are optional add-ons to your policy. They provide additional benefits or coverage and can be helpful for people with pre-existing conditions because they may allow for more flexibility and tailored protection.
Here are some commonly available riders:
- Long-term care rider: This rider can be a valuable option for individuals with pre-existing conditions that may require ongoing care in the future. It allows you to claim your death benefit early in order to pay for assisted living and other long-term care needs.
- Living benefit rider: A living benefit rider enables you to access your death benefit while you’re still alive, typically at no additional cost to add it to your policy. It’s useful for individuals with chronic or critical illnesses who may need financial support for treatment and caregiving.
- Accelerated death benefit rider: Also known as a terminal illness rider, this type of living benefit rider allows you to access your benefit before you die if you’re diagnosed with a qualifying serious health condition — typically a terminal illness.
How do pre-existing conditions impact life insurance?
Pre-existing conditions may make life insurance more expensive and limit the types of policies available. However, by managing your condition and shopping around, you may be able to find coverage that fits your needs — even if it costs more or has restrictions. Some factors that could influence cost include:
- Age and overall health
- Higher premiums
- Condition management
- Severity and type of condition
How can I lower my premium with a pre-existing condition?
Here are some ways to potentially lower your life insurance premium if you have a pre-existing condition:
- Manage your condition
- Improve your overall health
- Compare policies and insurers
- Consider policies that don't require a medical exam
- Consider policies with a lower premium
- Reapply after your health improves
What does my life insurance company need to know about me?
When you apply for life insurance, the insurance company may ask questions about your age, fitness level, lifestyle, and medical history. They may also ask questions about your family medical history. In many cases, you'll be required to undergo a medical exam to qualify. You might be able to opt out of the medical exam, but doing so may increase your premium significantly.
Generally, your life insurance premium will be lower the younger you are, the better you maintain any conditions, and the less you participate in risky activities. When you purchase a policy, you might consider adding a guaranteed insurability rider in case you want to increase your death benefit at a later date without undergoing medical testing.
Will my premiums increase if my condition worsens?
No, your premiums typically won't increase if your condition worsens after you've already purchased a life insurance policy. Most life insurance policies have fixed premiums, meaning the amount you pay stays the same for the life of the policy regardless of your health changes.
If you apply for a new life insurance policy, your worsening health may impact your premiums.
How to get life insurance if you have health problems
If you have the right treatment plan for your pre-existing condition and you shop around for life insurance, you'll likely find a policy you qualify for. And minor, common health conditions may not drastically affect your eligibility or your premium. Every insurance company has a different approach to qualifying customers and underwriting policies, so research your options and obtain quotes from several providers.
Don't be tempted to lie about your health on your life insurance application; if your insurer later discovers false information or omissions, you could be disqualified from coverage or, at a minimum, experience a significant premium increase.
What if I'm denied life insurance due to health problems?
If you're denied coverage because of your health, you still have options. While traditional life insurance might not be an option for you, you still have choices like group life insurance and guaranteed issue life insurance.
Shopping around for life insurance may make a big impact. Different insurers have different underwriting guidelines. Comparing quotes from multiple companies could potentially help you find a policy that works for your health needs.
If your health improves over time, consider reapplying for life insurance at a later date. Insurers may reassess your application based on your improved health condition.
How to get life insurance through Progressive
You can get a life insurance quote online in just minutes. You'll answer some questions, and then you'll choose your coverage amount, term length, and other policy details. You can also call 1-866-912-2477 to speak with a licensed representative from Progressive Life by eFinancial who can help you find the right policy for you.
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