Life Insurance with Pre-existing Conditions

What Counts as a Pre‑Existing Condition?

We specialize in assisting those with well-managed medical conditions secure affordable life insurance rates.

One of the first steps in our process is to guide our clients through the intricacies of how their premiums are calculated after the underwriting phase is complete.

During the underwriting phase, insurers examine your medical history to determine the appropriate rate class for you.

Most insurers use well-defined categories for healthy applicants, typically including Preferred Plus, Preferred, Select, and Standard. Each of these categories reflects varying levels of risk, with a notable price variance of 10–25% between them.

For individuals facing health challenges, life insurance companies may offer more expensive table-rated classes that accommodate those with pre-existing conditions, allowing them to secure coverage despite their health concerns. 

Our mission is to help healthy clients with well‑managed conditions secure the best pricing available—often the preferred or even preferred plus rate class.

For clients with more complex medical histories, we focus on securing approval and aiming for the most favorable outcome, typically the Standard rate class.

If you’re thinking about applying for coverage, simple lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference in your rates. Losing a few pounds or improving your blood pressure may be enough to qualify for a better rate class.

What underwriters care about most is stability—consistent improvement and clear evidence that you’re following your doctor’s recommendations.

Life Insurance for High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is one of the most common conditions, and most applicants can still qualify for coverage if their readings are well‑controlled.

Underwriters look closely at your average blood pressure, medication history, and whether you follow up regularly with your doctor.

If you have high blood pressure and take medication, most life insurance companies will classify you as preferred.

For the best rates, we look for providers that list treated hypertension as eligible for the preferred plus category, which costs less. 

Life Insurance for High Cholesterol 

Insurers evaluate cholesterol by looking at your total cholesterol, HDL (“good” cholesterol), LDL (“bad” cholesterol), and your cholesterol ratio.

Well‑managed cholesterol—especially with a strong HDL level—can still qualify for competitive preferred plus rates.

Since cholesterol levels can differ among insurance providers, it’s important to work with our agents who understand how your levels align with their guidelines. 

Life Insurance for Diabetics

People seeking life insurance with diabetes can usually find affordable rates, especially healthy diabetics who control their blood sugar levels well with diet or oral medications. 

Underwriters look at A1C levels, medication use, age at diagnosis, and any complications. Consistent management is the key to securing the best possible rates.

If you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes, we suggest waiting at least six months before applying to establish a track record of control.

Applicants with a long-term history of diabetes should ensure their A1C is under eight before applying for coverage.

Although applicants taking oral medication for Type 2 diabetes are usually not eligible for preferred rates, many can still be insurable at standard rates.

Life Insurance for Overweight People

Weight is one of the simplest factors that insurers evaluate, and most companies use height‑and‑weight charts to determine rate classes.

We know which insurers offer the most flexible build and BMI guidelines, so we can quickly determine how your numbers fit within each carrier’s standards.

Being overweight doesn’t automatically mean higher premiums—many companies still offer preferred pricing to applicants who fall slightly outside the “ideal” range.

People in otherwise good health with moderate weight issues often qualify for standard rates, while those in the obese range may see higher premiums.

 Family History of Cancer or Heart Disease

Insurers may consider your family history of early heart disease or cancer, even when your own health is well‑managed.

When applying, please share this information with us so we can match you with companies that take a more flexible approach.

Most underwriters look at whether a parent or sibling was diagnosed with or passed away from heart disease or cancer before age 60, and some also consider how many relatives were affected.

Applicants with a difficult family history generally qualify for rates ranging from preferred plus to standard plus, depending on the insurance carrier. 

Life Insurance for Anxiety and Depression

People seeking coverage with a few common forms of mild depression, such as situational depression or seasonal affective disorder, can normally get preferred plus rates. 

Those with moderate depression or anxiety may qualify for the more expensive standard rate class if they have no suicidal thoughts, prior hospitalizations, and are on only a few medications.

Unfortunately, you can also be denied for life insurance coverage if your condition is classified as severe depression.

Life Insurance for Sleep Apnea 

Sleep apnea is a common health condition, and we consistently see insurers approve applicants who use a CPAP machine.

Underwriters just want to see compliance, a recent sleep study, and no major complications, such as untreated hypertension.

Controlled sleep apnea often qualifies for standard or even Preferred rates. While untreated or severe cases may lead to higher premiums, coverage is still widely available.

Comparison Table: Underwriting Outcomes by Condition