✅ What Is a Pre-Existing Condition?
A pre-existing condition is any medical condition that you were treated for or diagnosed with prior to taking out a life insurance policy. Typical examples include:
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Cancer
Heart disease
Asthma
Depression or anxiety
Obesity
HIV/AIDS
Kidney diseaseAutoimmune diseases
????️ Can You Obtain Life Insurance with a Pre-Existing Condition?
Yes, you can obtain life insurance. However:
Your premiums could be higher
The coverage choices could be restricted
Some insurers might charge a waiting period
The underwriting process could be longer???? Steps to Obtain Life Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions
- Know Your Health Status
Before applying, have your medical history, treatments details, and any drugs you take at hand. Being knowledgeable allows you to provide correct information.
- Utilize an Independent Broker
An independent broker will be able to shop for you and obtain quotes from more than one insurance company and determine which companies cover high-risk applicants.
- Select the Right Policy Type
???? Term Life Insurance Gives you protection for a specific number of years (e.g., 10, 20, 30 years)
Less expensive but subject to medical underwriting
???? Whole Life Insurance
Lasts for your whole life
Accumulates cash value
Less affordable, but can have easier approval conditions???? Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
No health questions or medical exam
Smaller coverage levels (e.g., $10,000–$50,000)
Frequently has a 2-3 year waiting period???? Simplified Issue Life Insurance
No medical exam, but you respond to health questions
More coverage than guaranteed issue
Faster approval
???? What Insurers Consider
Insurers will consider:
The nature of the condition
How severe it is
Whether it's well-controlled
Your history of treatmentLifestyle issues (smoking, alcohol, weight, etc.)
???? How to Enhance Your Chances
Take Care of Your Condition
Stick to medication, attend visits, and heed your physician's instructions.
Stop Smoking & Shed Weight
Changes in lifestyle can reduce your premiums.
Reveal Everything HonestlyLying or omitting health issues can lead to denied claims.
Get a Medical Exam (if needed)
If your condition is under control, a medical exam could prove you’re insurable at a good rate.
Consider Group Life Insurance
Offered through employers, often with no medical exam.???? Cost of Life Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions
Premiums depend on:
Age
Severity of the condition
Type of policy
Coverage amount
Medical history and lifestyleExample:
A 40-year-old with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes may pay 20–50% more than a healthy applicant of the same age.⏳ Waiting Periods
Certain policies have a graded death benefit. If you die within the waiting period (typically 2 years), the insurance company only returns premiums plus interest — not the entire death benefit.
???? What if You Get Denied?
Try a different insurer – each uses distinct underwriting guidelines
Wait and reapply – if you get healthier
Look into guaranteed issue or group coverage???? Top Life Insurance Companies for Pre-Existing Conditions (as of 2025)
Mutual of Omaha – ideal for simplified issue
AIG – provides guaranteed issue life insurance
Banner Life – competitive for diabetes, hypertension
Haven Life – welcoming to younger applicants with mild conditions
Prudential – famous for flexible underwriting on complex cases???? Documents You’ll Need
Medical history records
Doctor’s contact info
Medication list
Lab/test results (if applicable)
Driver’s license and ID???? When to Talk to an Expert
If you have a serious condition or have previously been turned down, speak with a life insurance broker who has experience in high-risk situations. They can advise you on which insurers are most likely to accept you.