Can I Get Term Life Insurance with a Pre-Existing Condition?

If you have a pre-existing health condition, you might think term life insurance is out of reach. The good news: most people with pre-existing conditions can still get coverage. While you may pay higher premiums than someone in perfect health, affordable protection is available. Even if you've been declined for coverage before, there are options. Let's explore exactly how pre-existing conditions affect your ability to get coverage and what you can do to secure the best rates.

The Short Answer: Yes, You Can Get Coverage

Approximately 60% of Americans have at least one chronic health condition. Insurers know this and have developed underwriting guidelines for nearly every condition. Complete denial is rare and usually only happens with severe, uncontrolled conditions.

The key factors insurers consider:

• Type of condition: Some conditions are much riskier than others
• How well controlled it is: Managed conditions get better rates
• When it was diagnosed: Recent diagnoses may trigger postponement
• Complications: Presence of related health issues
• Treatment compliance: Following doctor's orders matters
• Overall health: Other risk factors compound the issue

How Pre-Existing Conditions Affect Your Rates

Instead of denying you, insurers typically:

Increase your premium by assigning you to a lower rate class:

• Preferred Plus (best rates): Perfect health
• Preferred: Minor health issues
• Standard Plus: Moderate health issues
• Standard: More significant health issues
• Table Ratings (Table 2-16): Serious conditions, each table adds 25% to Standard rate

Add flat extras: Additional charge per $1,000 of coverage (usually $2.50-10.00) for specific high-risk conditions

Apply exclusions: In rare cases, exclude coverage for deaths related to specific conditions—learn more about policy exclusions

Postpone coverage: Ask you to reapply after condition stabilizes or treatment completes

Common Pre-Existing Conditions and Insurability

Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes (well-controlled):

• Typical rate class: Standard to Table 2-4
• Premium increase: 50-100% above preferred rates
• Key factors: HbA1c levels, time since diagnosis, complications, treatment compliance

Example: 35-year-old with Type 2 diabetes, HbA1c of 7.0%, no complications

• May qualify for Standard or Table 2 rates
• $500,000 20-year term: $50-75/month vs. $25-30 for non-diabetic

Type 1 Diabetes:

• Typical rate class: Table 4-8 or higher
• Premium increase: 100-200%+ above preferred rates
• Key factors: Control, age at diagnosis, complications

Tips to improve your rates:

• Get HbA1c below 7.0% before applying
• No missed doctor appointments
• Consistent medication compliance
• Control blood pressure and cholesterol
• Maintain healthy weight

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Mild, controlled hypertension:

• Typical rate class: Preferred or Standard Plus
• Premium increase: 0-25%
• Key factors: Blood pressure readings, medication, control duration

Example: 30-year-old with BP 135/85 on medication

• May qualify for Preferred or Standard Plus
• Minimal premium impact with good control

Moderate to severe hypertension:

• Typical rate class: Standard to Table 4
• Premium increase: 25-100%
• Key factors: Readings, related organ damage, compliance

Tips to improve your rates:

• Get BP consistently under 140/90 (preferably under 130/80)
• Take medications as prescribed
• Wait 3-6 months of good control before applying
• Maintain healthy BMI
• Limit alcohol and sodium

High Cholesterol

Controlled with medication:

• Typical rate class: Preferred to Standard Plus
• Premium increase: 0-25%
• Key factors: Total cholesterol, LDL/HDL ratio, treatment

Example: 32-year-old with total cholesterol 220, on statin

• Likely qualifies for Standard Plus or better
• Minimal to no premium increase

Tips to improve your rates:

• Get total cholesterol under 200
• LDL under 100, HDL above 40
• Maintain treatment for 6+ months before applying

Asthma

Mild, controlled asthma:

• Typical rate class: Preferred to Standard
• Premium increase: 0-25%
• Key factors: Severity, hospitalizations, medication use

Moderate to severe asthma:

• Typical rate class: Standard to Table 4
• Premium increase: 25-100%
• Key factors: Steroid use, ER visits, lung function tests

Tips to improve your rates:

• No hospitalizations for 12+ months before applying
• Controlled with minimal medication
• No missed work due to asthma
• Avoid applying during allergy season if seasonal asthma

Depression and Anxiety

Mild to moderate, stable:

• Typical rate class: Standard to Standard Plus
• Premium increase: 0-50%
• Key factors: Hospitalizations, suicide attempts, medication stability, functioning

Example: 28-year-old with depression, on one SSRI, stable for 2+ years, working full-time

• Likely qualifies for Standard rates
• Minimal premium impact

Severe or unstable:

• Typical rate class: Table 2-8 or postponement
• Premium increase: 50-200%
• Key factors: Recent hospitalizations, multiple medication changes, suicide attempts

Tips to improve your rates:

• Stable on same medication for 12+ months
• No hospitalizations for 2+ years
• Consistent treatment and therapy
• Full-time employment or functioning
• No suicidal ideation in past 2 years

Cancer History

Cancer in remission:

• Typical rate class: Standard to Table ratings, depends heavily on type and time since treatment
• Premium increase: 50-200%+
• Key factors: Cancer type, stage, treatment, years in remission

Timeline matters:

• 1-2 years in remission: Often postponed or Table 6-12
• 3-5 years in remission: Table 2-6
• 5-10+ years in remission: Standard to Table 2
• 10+ years, early-stage: Preferred to Standard

Example: 34-year-old, Stage 1 breast cancer, 5 years in remission, no recurrence

• May qualify for Standard or Table 2
• $500,000 20-year term: $40-60/month

Tips to improve your rates:

• Wait as long as possible after treatment (if you can afford to wait)
• Get all clear from oncologist
• No recurrence or complications
• Excellent overall health otherwise

Sleep Apnea

Treated with CPAP:

• Typical rate class: Standard Plus to Standard
• Premium increase: 0-25%
• Key factors: CPAP compliance, BMI, severity

Untreated or non-compliant:

• Typical rate class: Table 2-6
• Premium increase: 50-150%

Tips to improve your rates:

• Use CPAP 4+ hours per night, 70%+ of nights
• Download compliance report to show insurer
• Lose weight if overweight
• Control blood pressure

Heart Disease

Minor issue (MVP, benign arrhythmia):

• Typical rate class: Standard Plus to Standard
• Premium increase: 0-50%

Moderate (prior heart attack, angioplasty, stents):

• Typical rate class: Table 4-12
• Premium increase: 100-300%+
• Key factors: Time since event, heart function (ejection fraction), lifestyle changes

Severe (heart failure, bypass surgery):

• Typical rate class: Likely denied or extreme table ratings
• Premium increase: 300%+ or denied

Tips to improve your rates:

• Wait as long as possible after cardiac event (2-5 years)
• Excellent stress test results
• Ejection fraction above 50%
• No chest pain or symptoms
• Control all risk factors (BP, cholesterol, weight)

Strategies to Get the Best Rates with Pre-Existing Conditions

1. Timing Matters

Don't apply immediately after diagnosis or treatment. Insurers want to see:

• Stable condition for 6-12+ months
• Effective treatment
• No complications
• Good prognosis

Example: If diagnosed with high blood pressure, wait 6 months of good control before applying.

2. Get Your Condition Under Control

Before applying:

• Follow all doctor recommendations
• Take medications exactly as prescribed
• Attend all appointments
• Get relevant health metrics into optimal ranges
• Document compliance

Example: Get HbA1c from 8.5% to 6.8% before applying for diabetes coverage.

3. Work with an Independent Agent

Independent agents have access to multiple carriers, each with different underwriting guidelines. One insurer might rate you Table 4 while another offers Standard.

What to look for:

• Agent represents 10+ carriers
• Experience with your specific condition
• Willingness to shop your case
• Honest about your prospects

4. Consider Simplified or Guaranteed Issue Policies

If standard underwriting rates you too high:

Simplified issue: Limited health questions, no exam, faster approval

• Coverage up to $250,000-$500,000
• Higher premiums than fully underwritten
• May be cheaper than Table 6+ ratings

Guaranteed issue: No health questions, guaranteed approval

• Coverage typically limited to $25,000-$50,000
• Expensive, but available to everyone
• Often has waiting period before full death benefit

5. Build Your Case

Help your agent present your application favorably:

• Get recent physical with good results
• Obtain letters from treating physicians
• Document medication compliance
• Show lifestyle improvements (weight loss, exercise, diet changes)
• Provide context for concerning issues

Example: If you had one high blood pressure reading but others are normal, provide all readings to show it was an anomaly.

6. Consider Multiple, Smaller Policies

Some insurers have different underwriting for policies under $250,000 vs. larger amounts.

Strategy: Instead of one $500,000 policy, get two $250,000 policies from different insurers.

The Application Process with Pre-Existing Conditions

What to Expect

More detailed questions: Expect extensive questions about:

• Diagnosis dates
• Treatment history
• Medications and dosages
• Hospitalizations
• Complications
• Doctor visits and compliance

Medical records review: Insurers will definitely request your records to verify:

• What you disclosed
• Treatment compliance
• Test results
• Prognosis from doctors

Possible additional requirements:

• Attending Physician Statement (APS): Detailed form from your doctor
• Specialist reports
• Recent lab work or tests
• Longer underwriting timeline (6-10 weeks vs. 4-6)

Be Completely Honest

Never hide or minimize health conditions:

• Insurers will find out: Medical Information Bureau (MIB), prescription databases, and medical records reveal everything
• Consequences of lying: Policy can be voided, claims denied, you're reported to MIB
• Better to disclose: Even if it increases rates, you'll have valid coverage

If you forgot something: Call your agent immediately to update the application before underwriting completes.

What If You're Denied?

If one insurer denies you, don't give up:

Try another carrier: Underwriting guidelines vary significantly. Company A might deny what Company B approves at Table 6.

Ask for reconsideration: If you have mitigating information or the denial seems incorrect, you can appeal.

Wait and reapply: If denied due to recent diagnosis or treatment, wait 6-12 months and try again.

Explore alternatives:

• Simplified issue policies
• Guaranteed issue policies
• Group life insurance through employer
• Accidental death insurance (covers only accidental deaths, much cheaper)

Improve your health: Use denial as motivation to get healthier, then reapply in 1-2 years.

Real-World Success Stories

James, 29, Type 1 Diabetes

• Diagnosed at age 12, HbA1c 6.9%, no complications
• Worked with independent agent who knew diabetes-friendly insurers
• Approved at Table 4 (100% above preferred rates)
• $500,000, 20-year term for $60/month
• Higher than ideal but affordable protection for his family

Maria, 33, Depression

• Diagnosed 5 years ago, stable on one medication, working full-time
• Disclosed everything honestly
• Approved at Standard rates (only 25% above preferred)
• $750,000, 30-year term for $55/month
• Thrilled with minimal impact on rates

David, 37, Cancer Survivor

• Stage 2 colon cancer, 4 years in remission
• Excellent health otherwise
• Approved at Table 4
• $1,000,000, 20-year term for $140/month
• Expensive but critical protection for his young family

Pre-Existing Conditions and COVID-19

The pandemic introduced new considerations:

COVID-19 history:

• Mild case, full recovery: Little to no impact
• Hospitalization: May trigger postponement or Table ratings
• Long COVID symptoms: Depends on severity and duration

Timing: Most insurers now treat COVID-19 like any other respiratory illness if fully recovered for 2-4 weeks.

The Evoro Life Difference

At Evoro Life, we work with multiple top-rated carriers, each with different underwriting guidelines for pre-existing conditions. This means we can shop your case to find the best possible rates.

Our approach:

• Honest assessment: We'll tell you upfront what to expect
• Strategic carrier selection: We match your condition to insurer strengths
• Guidance for improvement: We help you optimize your health before applying
• Simplified issue options: For those who need alternatives to traditional underwriting

We believe everyone deserves affordable protection, regardless of health history.

Don't Let Your Condition Stop You

Having a pre-existing condition doesn't mean you can't get life insurance. It just means you need:

• The right approach
• An experienced independent agent
• Access to multiple carriers
• Patience and preparation
• Honest disclosure

The peace of mind from knowing your family is protected is worth the effort and the potentially higher premium.

Ready to get covered? Get your quote in 18 minutes and let our licensed agents help you navigate the underwriting process. We specialize in finding coverage for applicants with health concerns and will work to get you the best possible rates.