Get approved and find the best rates — even with health issues
Browse All 5 ArticlesOne of the biggest myths in life insurance is that health conditions make coverage unaffordable or impossible to get. The truth is that underwriting varies dramatically between carriers — the same applicant can get a preferred rate from one carrier and a substandard rate from another. Working with an independent broker who knows each carrier's underwriting guidelines is the single most important factor in getting the best rate when you have a health condition.
Underwriting is the process by which an insurer evaluates your risk profile and assigns you a rate class. Rate classes range from Preferred Plus (best rates) to Substandard (higher rates). Your health history, current conditions, medications, family history, and lifestyle all factor in. Different carriers weight these factors differently — which is why shopping the market is essential.
Diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and a history of cancer are among the most common conditions underwriters evaluate. None of these are automatic declines. Well-controlled conditions with no complications often qualify for standard or near-standard rates. The key is knowing which carriers specialize in each condition.
Smokers typically pay 2–3x more for life insurance than non-smokers. However, rates vary dramatically between carriers for tobacco users. Some carriers are significantly more competitive for cigar smokers, e-cigarette users, or people who have recently quit. An independent broker can identify the most favorable carrier for your specific tobacco history.
For applicants with significant health conditions, no-exam policies can be a valuable option — they skip the medical exam and rely on database checks and health questions. Guaranteed-issue policies ask no health questions at all. These options cost more per dollar of coverage but provide access to insurance that might otherwise be unavailable.
Each article is written by licensed insurance professionals and reviewed for accuracy.
Answers to the most common questions about health conditions & underwriting.
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