Can You Get Life Insurance If You Have a Pre-Existing Condition?
Exploring Your Options, Pros & Cons, and the Power of Planning Ahead
When it comes to life insurance, one of the most common—and frustrating—questions people face is: Can I still get life insurance if I have a pre-existing medical condition? Whether you’re managing diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, or even anxiety, the short answer is yes. The longer answer? It depends on how you navigate your options.
Let’s break it down, explore your choices, and shed light on how pre-existing condition life insurance doesn’t just exist—it can still play a powerful role in your financial legacy.
What Is Considered a Pre-Existing Condition for Life Insurance?
In the eyes of insurers, a pre-existing condition is any illness, diagnosis, or ongoing treatment you had before applying for a policy. That can include:
- Diabetes (Type 1 or 2)
- Heart disease
- Cancer history
- Asthma or COPD
- Anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders
- High cholesterol or high blood pressure
- Obesity or sleep apnea
- HIV or hepatitis
Each insurance carrier evaluates these differently, which is why understanding the underwriting process is critical. We broke this down in “Understanding the Underwriting Process in Life Insurance”, and it’s worth reviewing if you're unsure how your medical history affects eligibility.
Types of Life Insurance Available With Pre-Existing Conditions
The good news? You’ve got options. The key is choosing a life insurance policy that fits your health profile and long-term goals.
Simplified Issue Life Insurance
No medical exam, but you’ll answer health questions. This is ideal if you have manageable conditions like controlled hypertension or minor anxiety. Rates are higher, but approval is faster.
Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
No exam, no health questions—just age-based eligibility. These policies are ideal for more serious conditions (like recent cancer survivors), but usually cap benefits at $25,000 to $50,000.
Traditional Underwritten Policies
Yes, you can still qualify for a fully underwritten policy even with a condition like diabetes or a past heart event. If your condition is well-managed and you work with a skilled broker, you could land a competitive rate. In fact, rate classes vary widely, as we explain in “Understanding Rate Classes in Life Insurance”.
How to Increase Your Chances of Approval
If you’re applying with a pre-existing health issue, here’s what helps:
- Documented Treatment Compliance: Show that you’re taking your medication, following your doctor’s advice, and staying consistent with care.
- Stable Lab Work: Recent labs showing controlled A1C, cholesterol, or blood pressure go a long way.
- Time Since Diagnosis: If your condition has been stable for a few years, insurers will view you as less risky.
- Avoid Tobacco: Smoking while managing a pre-existing condition will crush your chances of a favorable policy.
Pro tip: Get a routine medical checkup before applying. It gives insurers a clear view of your current health, and may even lead to a better rate class. We dive deeper into this in “The Importance of Medical Checkups in Life Insurance Applications”.
Why Life Insurance Still Matters—Even With a Pre-Existing Condition
Too many people mistakenly believe they’re uninsurable. That’s a myth—one we tackled head-on in “Life Insurance Myths Debunked”.
Here’s the truth: life insurance is still one of the most powerful tools you have to protect your family, lock in a legacy, and preserve financial freedom across generations. Even a smaller policy can help cover final expenses, medical bills, or support a loved one’s education.
Look at how families like the Rockefellers used life insurance to build generational wealth in “How the Rockefellers Used Life Insurance to Build an Empire of Generational Wealth”. They didn’t rely on perfect health—they relied on planning, strategy, and the right tools. You can too.
Pros and Cons of Getting Life Insurance With a Pre-Existing Condition
Pros:
- Peace of mind: Your loved ones are financially protected.
- Access to riders: Many policies still allow for add-ons like critical illness or disability riders.
- Legacy-building: It’s never too late to create a long-term financial impact.
- Tax advantages: Life insurance death benefits are typically tax-free.
Cons:
- Higher premiums: Expect to pay more, especially if you skip the medical exam route.
- Limited benefit amounts: Some simplified or guaranteed issue policies cap benefits.
- Policy exclusions: Always read the fine print. Some policies may exclude death from certain pre-existing conditions during the first few years.
You’re Not Alone—And You’re Not Out of Options
If you’ve been told “no” before, it doesn’t mean “never.” The life insurance industry has evolved. Carriers are more flexible than they used to be, and with the right guidance, even those with serious pre-existing conditions can find a policy that fits.
Let us help you strategize. At Insurance Elevated, we work with dozens of carriers, customize plans to your health history, and make sure you're not just getting insured—but setting up a long-term financial blueprint for your family.
Schedule a free consultation today to explore your options and get covered with confidence: