Yes, you can get life insurance with a pre-existing condition. Options include traditional term life with medical underwriting, simplified issue policies with no exam, and guaranteed issue plans with no health questions. Your approval and rates depend on condition type, how well it’s managed, and which insurer you apply with.
About 3 in 4 American adults have at least one chronic condition, according to the CDC. If that includes you, here’s the good news: a pre-existing condition doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting life insurance.
It can make the process more complicated. You might pay higher premiums or need to explore different policy types. But the right coverage is out there, and in many cases it’s more affordable than you’d expect.
This guide walks you through what insurers look for, the types of policies available, and how to give yourself the best shot at approval.
What Counts as a Pre-Existing Condition?
A pre-existing condition is any health issue you’ve been diagnosed with, treated for, or received medical advice about before applying for life insurance. Some conditions carry more underwriting risk than others.
Common pre-existing conditions include:
Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
Heart disease (including history of heart attack, bypass surgery, or stents)
Cancer (approval often depends on type, stage, and how long you’ve been in remission)
High blood pressure and high cholesterol
Asthma and COPD
Mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD)
Autoimmune disorders (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis)
HIV
Obesity
Sleep apnea
This isn’t a complete list. Every insurer evaluates conditions differently. A condition that gets you declined at one company may be approved at standard rates with another. That’s why shopping around matters.
How Insurers Evaluate Pre-Existing Conditions
When you apply for life insurance, the insurer’s underwriting team reviews your health to determine your risk level. They assign you a rate class that affects your premium. Here’s what they’re looking at.
Type of condition. Heart disease and cancer carry more risk than controlled high blood pressure or mild asthma.
Time since diagnosis. The longer you’ve been stable, the better your chances. Many cancer survivors can qualify after 2-5 years in remission.
How well it’s managed. Insurers want to see that you’re following your treatment plan, taking prescribed medications, and attending regular checkups.
Current health markers. Blood pressure readings, A1C levels for diabetics, cholesterol numbers, and BMI all factor in.
Lifestyle choices. Smoking, alcohol use, and lack of exercise can compound the risk of any pre-existing condition.
Most insurers group applicants into rate classes. Preferred rates go to the healthiest applicants. Standard rates are the baseline. If your condition adds risk, you may receive a substandard (also called “table”) rating, which means higher premiums.
A substandard rating isn’t a rejection. It just means the insurer sees additional risk. And the difference between a substandard rating at one company and a standard rating at another can be significant.
One important thing to know: if you already have a life insurance policy and develop a health condition later, it won’t affect your existing coverage. Your premiums stay the same for the life of that policy.
Life Insurance Options for Pre-Existing Conditions
You have several paths to coverage depending on your health situation. Here’s how they compare:
Feature
Traditional Term Life
Simplified Issue
Guaranteed Issue
Medical exam required
Yes
No
No
Health questions
Detailed application
Limited questionnaire
None
Coverage amounts
Up to $1 million+
Typically $5,000-$500,000
Usually up to $25,000
Premiums
Lowest (if approved)
Moderate
Highest per dollar of coverage
Approval speed
2-6 weeks
Days to 2 weeks
Immediate to a few days
Best for
Well-managed conditions
Moderate health concerns
Serious conditions or multiple declines
Waiting period
None
Usually none
Typically 2-3 year graded benefit period
Traditional term life gives you the most coverage for the lowest cost. If your condition is well-managed and you have solid medical documentation, this is worth trying first. Each insurer underwrites differently, so a decline from one doesn’t mean you’ll be declined everywhere.
Simplified issue policies skip the medical exam and ask only a short list of health questions. Premiums are higher than fully underwritten policies, but this is a strong option if you want coverage without the hassle of bloodwork and exams. Learn more about no-medical-exam life insurance options.
Guaranteed issue policies accept every applicant regardless of health history. No exam, no health questions. The trade-off is higher premiums, lower coverage limits (typically $25,000 or less), and a graded benefit period. During the graded period (usually 2-3 years), if the insured passes away from natural causes, beneficiaries receive a return of premiums paid plus interest rather than the full death benefit. After the graded period, full benefits apply.
Group life insurance through your employer is another option. Most group plans don’t require medical underwriting, so your health conditions won’t be a factor. Coverage amounts are limited and the policy typically ends when you leave the job, but it can provide a baseline of protection.
Tips to Improve Your Approval Chances
Getting approved with a pre-existing condition often comes down to showing insurers you’re a good risk. Here are practical steps that make a real difference.
Follow your treatment plan. This is the single most important thing you can do. Take your medications as prescribed, keep all your doctor appointments, and follow through on recommended screenings. Insurers review your medical records, and consistent treatment shows you’re managing your condition.
Get your numbers in line. If you have diabetes, work with your doctor to keep your A1C in a healthy range. For high blood pressure or cholesterol, consistent readings within target levels signal that your condition is controlled.
Quit smoking. Tobacco use on top of a chronic condition dramatically increases your premiums. Most insurers classify you as a non-smoker after 12 months without tobacco, and your rates drop significantly.
Maintain a healthy weight. BMI is a factor in underwriting. Even modest weight loss can move you into a better rate class.
Don’t wait. Life insurance premiums increase with age. On average, rates for people with pre-existing conditions go up 8-10% per year. The best time to apply is when your condition is stable and well-documented.
Be honest on your application. Never omit or misrepresent a health condition. If an insurer discovers undisclosed conditions during the two-year contestability period, they can deny the claim entirely. Full disclosure protects your family.
Why Work With an Independent Broker
Not all insurance companies evaluate health conditions the same way. One insurer might decline you for a history of depression while another offers standard rates. One might be strict on diabetes but flexible on controlled high blood pressure.
That’s where an independent broker makes the difference. Unlike captive agents who represent one company, an independent broker can shop your application across dozens of carriers to find the best fit for your specific health situation. This is especially important for high-risk life insurance cases where the right carrier match matters most.
At Best Life Quote, we work with 30+ carriers and specialize in helping people with pre-existing conditions find affordable coverage. With over 30 years of experience and CLU credentials, we know which companies are most favorable for specific conditions, and we handle the comparison so you don’t have to.