Life Insurance With Pre-Existing Conditions
A pre-existing condition does NOT disqualify you from life insurance. Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer history, depression, COPD, obesity — coverage is available from carriers that specialize in impaired-risk underwriting. An independent broker finds the right carrier for your specific condition.
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The #1 misconception about life insurance is that you need to be perfectly healthy to qualify. In reality, the life insurance industry insures millions of people with diabetes, heart disease, cancer history, depression, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, sleep apnea, and virtually every other common health condition.
Different carriers have dramatically different underwriting guidelines for the same condition. One carrier might decline a Type 2 diabetic; another offers Standard rates. One carrier might rate up a cancer survivor by 200%; another offers Preferred after 5 years in remission. This is why an independent broker who shops 14+ carriers simultaneously is essential for anyone with a health condition — a captive agent from one company can only show you one answer.
The key concept is risk classification. Carriers assign you to a health tier based on your medical history: Preferred Plus (best health, best rates), Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard, or Substandard/Table-Rated (health conditions, higher rates). Even a “Table 4” rating (a significant increase) still results in approved coverage — which is infinitely better than no coverage at all.
Coverage by Specific Health Condition
Type 2 Diabetes
Most carriers approve Type 2 diabetes. Best rates if: A1C under 7.5%, no complications (neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney disease), well-controlled on oral medications (not insulin), diagnosed after age 40. Carriers like Prudential, Protective, and Lincoln Financial are known for diabetes-friendly underwriting. Expect Standard to Table 2 ratings (20–50% above standard rates). Coverage amounts up to $2M available.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Very commonly approved. Well-controlled hypertension on 1–2 medications with readings under 140/90 typically receives Standard or even Preferred rates. Uncontrolled hypertension (readings consistently above 160/100) may result in Table ratings or postponement until controlled.
Cancer History
Available after remission period. Most carriers require 1–10 years cancer-free depending on cancer type and stage. Skin cancer (basal/squamous): may qualify immediately after treatment. Early-stage breast cancer: 1–3 years remission. More aggressive cancers: 5–10 years. Rates depend on type, stage, treatment, and time since remission.
Depression and Anxiety
Most carriers approve stable mental health conditions. Key factors: stable medication (same Rx 6+ months), no hospitalizations (past 2–5 years), no suicide attempts (past 5–10 years), able to work normally. Many applicants with depression receive Standard or Standard Plus rates.
Heart Disease
Post-heart attack or bypass: most carriers require 1–5 years post-event with stable cardiac function, normal stress test results, and controlled risk factors. Table 2–8 ratings are common. An independent broker knows which carriers are most lenient for cardiac history.
Obesity
BMI is a significant underwriting factor. BMI 30–35: Standard to Table 2. BMI 35–40: Table 2–6. BMI 40+: declined by some carriers but approved by others (Prudential, Globe Life). Weight loss and improved health metrics can result in better rates on future applications or at review.
Coverage Types for Pre-Existing Conditions
Fully Underwritten (Best Rates)
Traditional application with health questions, medical records review, and possibly a medical exam. This gives you access to the highest coverage amounts ($100K–$10M+) at the best rates available for your health classification. Even with a Table rating, fully underwritten policies are typically cheaper per dollar than simplified or guaranteed issue. This option works best if your condition is well-controlled and documented.
Simplified Issue (No Exam)
Limited health questions (typically 10–15 yes/no questions covering the past 2–3 years), no medical exam. If your condition falls outside the lookback window, you may qualify. Coverage: $10K–$500K. Same-day or next-day decisions. Rates are higher than fully underwritten but lower than guaranteed issue. Best for moderate health conditions or people who want quick approval without an exam.
Guaranteed Issue (No Questions)
Guaranteed acceptance regardless of any health condition. No health questions. No medical exam. No medical records review. You cannot be declined. Available ages 50–85. Coverage: $5K–$50K. Two-year graded benefit period (natural death in years 1–2 pays return of premiums only; after year 2, full death benefit). Highest rates per dollar but provides coverage when nothing else will.
Why an Independent Broker Is Essential for Pre-Existing Conditions
When you have a pre-existing condition, the carrier you apply to matters more than anything else. Two carriers can look at the identical medical history and reach completely different conclusions:
Carrier A (Lincoln Financial): Type 2 diabetes, A1C 7.2%, on metformin = Standard Plus. $500K 20-year term = $42/month.
Carrier B (State Farm): Same exact applicant = Table 4 rating. Same $500K 20-year term = $78/month.
That’s an $8,640 difference over 20 years for the same person, same condition, same coverage amount. The only difference is which carrier you apply to.
An independent broker like FreedInsure knows which of our 14+ carriers is most lenient for your specific condition, your specific medications, your specific health metrics. We don’t guess — we know from experience placing thousands of policies for people with health conditions. We shop your application informally across carriers before submitting formally, so you get the best available rate without accumulating denials on your MIB record.
A captive agent (State Farm, Northwestern Mutual, New York Life) can only show you one carrier’s answer. If that carrier is unfavorable for your condition, you get a bad rate or a decline — and that decline goes on your MIB record, making future applications harder. An independent broker avoids this entirely. Get your pre-existing condition quote →
Coverage Options by Health Status
| Underwriting Type | Health Questions | Medical Exam | Coverage | Approval Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fully Underwritten | Full health history | Usually yes | $100K–$10M+ | 2–6 weeks | Well-controlled conditions |
| Simplified Issue | 10–15 yes/no | No | $10K–$500K | Same day | Moderate conditions |
| Guaranteed Issue | None | No | $5K–$50K | Immediate | Serious/uninsurable conditions |
Who Should Read This
🩸 Diabetes
Well-controlled Type 2 approved by most carriers. Standard to Table 2 ratings. A1C under 7.5% gets best rates.
❤️ Heart Disease
1–5 years post-event with stable cardiac function. Table 2–8 common. Independent broker essential for best carrier match.
🧠 Mental Health
Stable depression/anxiety approved at Standard rates. Key: consistent medication, no recent hospitalizations, no recent attempts.
🏋 Obesity
BMI 30–40 approved with Table ratings. BMI 40+ approved by select carriers. Weight loss improves future rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
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