Your Health Condition Doesn't Define Your Family's Future

Yes. The vast majority of pre-existing conditions are insurable — including diabetes, heart disease, cancer in remission, COPD, anxiety, depression, and many others. The key is finding the right carrier. Different companies have vastly different underwriting guidelines for the same condition. An independent broker who works with 48+ carriers can find the best match for your specific health profile, often at rates much lower than you'd expect.

It depends on the condition and how well it's managed. Many common conditions (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, mild asthma, anxiety/depression, sleep apnea) have minimal impact on rates when well-controlled with medication. More serious conditions (heart disease, cancer, Type 1 diabetes) may result in 50-200% higher rates, but coverage is still available. Guaranteed issue is the most expensive option but accepts everyone.

A decline from one carrier doesn't mean you can't get coverage. We regularly help people who've been declined find coverage with a different carrier at reasonable rates. Each carrier has different underwriting guidelines — what one declines at any price, another may approve at standard rates. The key is not applying blindly to multiple carriers (which creates more declines on your record) but working with a broker who pre-screens your profile.

Yes, but timing matters significantly. Most carriers require at least 6-12 months post-event before they'll consider an application. At 1-2 years post-heart attack with good recovery (normal ejection fraction, no stents or single stent, controlled risk factors), several carriers offer table-rated coverage. At 5+ years with excellent health markers, some carriers may offer standard rates. An independent broker knows which carriers are most lenient at each time interval.

Yes. Cancer survivors can get life insurance, and rates improve significantly with time in remission. The key factors are: type of cancer (skin cancer vs. pancreatic cancer have very different outlooks), stage at diagnosis, years in remission (5+ years is the threshold for many carriers to offer standard rates), and treatment type. Early-stage cancers with 5+ years clear can often get standard or near-standard rates.

Yes, though options depend on severity. Mild COPD (FEV1 above 65%, no oxygen use) is insurable with many carriers at table-rated premiums. Moderate COPD may require simplified issue. Severe COPD with oxygen use is typically limited to guaranteed issue. Key factors: FEV1 percentage, oxygen use, hospitalization history, and smoking status. Former smokers with mild COPD often get better rates than current smokers without COPD.

For most people, no. Anxiety and depression that are stable on medication with no recent hospitalizations, suicide attempts, or disability claims typically have minimal impact on rates. Many carriers offer standard or even preferred rates for well-managed mental health conditions. However, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or recent psychiatric hospitalizations may result in higher rates or require specialized carriers.

No — multiple applications create multiple inquiries on your medical records (MIB), which can raise red flags with future carriers. An independent broker pre-screens your health profile against all 48+ carriers to identify the single best match BEFORE you apply, so you only submit one application to the most favorable carrier. This approach maximizes your approval odds and minimizes your record of inquiries.

Yes, always. Failing to disclose a known condition is considered fraud and can result in your policy being voided and claims denied — potentially leaving your family with nothing. The good news: with 48+ carriers available, there is almost certainly one that views your condition favorably. Honest disclosure with the right carrier always produces better outcomes than non-disclosure.

Guaranteed issue policies accept everyone regardless of health — no medical exam, no health questions, no possibility of denial. They're designed for people with serious conditions who can't qualify for any other type of coverage. The tradeoffs: higher premiums (30-50% more), lower coverage limits ($5,000-$50,000), and a 2-3 year graded death benefit period. Available for ages 50-85 with most carriers.