Insurance companies consider any medical condition you have before signing up for a policy as a pre-existing condition, and your eligibility depends on the specific type of condition you have.

Most insurers consider you a higher risk if you have pre-existing medical conditions, resulting in higher life insurance premiums. If you opt for no-exam life insurance, coverage amounts are usually limited compared to medically underwritten life insurance.

Lincoln Financial and Transamerica offer the cheapest life insurance for pre-existing conditions, for term coverage. The most affordable option depends on term length and gender.

The table below highlights the cheapest term life insurance for pre-existing conditions across different term lengths.

*Rates shown are based on sample term life insurance quotes for 40-year-olds with poor health ratings, reflecting higher-risk health profiles and pre-existing conditions. Coverage amount is $500,000. Actual premiums and availability vary by insurer, health history, age, coverage amount and underwriting guidelines.

People with manageable pre-existing conditions can still qualify for traditional whole life insurance, though premiums will be higher than for healthier applicants.

Protective offers the most affordable whole life insurance for pre-existing conditions, averaging $655 per month ($7,859 annually) for women and $720 per month ($8,635 annually) for men for a $500,000 policy. The table below shows average rates from major insurers.

*Rates shown are based on sample whole life insurance quotes for 40-year-olds with a poor health rating, reflecting higher-risk health profiles and pre-existing conditions. Coverage amount is $500,000. Actual premiums and availability vary by insurer, health history, age, coverage amount and underwriting guidelines.

Major insurers offer different types of life insurance to people with pre-existing conditions. These options balance accessibility with cost, since underwriting rules vary by policy type and insurer. While term coverage is available, rates often run higher than for those without health concerns. Permanent coverage, including whole life, is also an option, especially in simplified or guaranteed forms.

Any health condition, illness or injury that exists before you sign up for a life insurance policy can be considered a pre-existing medical condition. Since a pre-existing condition can lower your life expectancy and cause early death, insurance providers consider it risky to insure people with these conditions.

Here are some examples of pre-existing medical conditions:

When you have pre-existing conditions that don't qualify for standard rates but aren't severe enough for outright denial, insurers use a table rating system. This classification ranges from Table 1 through Table 10, with each table representing increasing health risks and higher premiums. Table 1 represents the lowest additional risk, while Table 10 indicates the highest.

Each table typically increases your premium by 25% above standard rates. For example, a Table 2 rating might cost 50% more than standard coverage, while Table 4 could mean 100% higher premiums.

Table ratings aren't permanent. As your health improves or more time passes since your diagnosis, you may qualify for a better rating class. Many insurers allow reapplication after two to three years, potentially moving you to a lower table or even standard rates.

The life insurance underwriting process takes approximately two to eight weeks, depending on your health complexity and how quickly medical records are obtained. Underwriters review your application, medical exam results and prescription history and may request records from your doctors.

They evaluate multiple factors beyond just your pre-existing condition: overall health trends, medication compliance, lifestyle choices and how well you manage your condition. For example, a diabetic with excellent A1C levels and regular doctor visits presents much lower risk than someone with poor glucose control.

Don't be surprised if underwriters ask follow-up questions or request additional medical information. This thorough review can work in your favor as it allows underwriters to see the complete picture of your health rather than making decisions based on diagnosis alone. The more documentation showing you actively manage your condition, the better your chances for favorable rates.

If you're denied coverage, don't give up permanently. Wait at least six months before reapplying, especially if your health has improved or you've reached important milestones like cancer remission anniversaries or better diabetes control.

Document your health improvements with physician letters highlighting stable test results, successful treatment compliance, or lifestyle changes. Updated lab work, cardiac stress tests or specialist evaluations can demonstrate improved insurability. Your doctor's letter should specifically address how you've managed your condition and your current prognosis.

Consider applying with different insurers, as each company has different underwriting guidelines. An insurer that denies coverage for your specific condition might approve you two years later, while another company might offer coverage immediately. Working with an independent agent who knows which insurers are most favorable to your condition can save months of trial and error.

We analyzed the most affordable life insurance companies and plans for pre-existing medical conditions. Our research found that Lincoln Financial and Transamerica offer the most affordable rates if you have an existing condition. You can also find good deals with Protective, North American and Midland National.

We answer frequently asked questions about life insurance for pre-existing medical conditions:

Finding affordable life insurance for people with pre-existing health conditions can be challenging, but some insurers are more flexible than others. Our research aimed to identify which companies actually approve coverage for people with health challenges and what that coverage costs.

Data Collection Process

We gathered quotes from 28 major life insurance companies specifically for people who wouldn't qualify for standard rates. Rather than using healthy applicant profiles that don't reflect real-world challenges, we requested quotes for a 40-year-old in poor health seeking a $500,000 policy.

This approach matters because most life insurance research focuses on healthy people who get preferred rates. That doesn't help if you're managing diabetes, heart disease or other conditions that affect your insurability.

Sample Profile Details

Our quotes reflect coverage for someone whose health issues would typically result in:

• Higher premiums than standard rates
• Additional underwriting requirements
• Potential coverage limitations

We averaged the rates from companies that demonstrated flexibility for pre-existing medical conditions during application.

Why This Methodology Works

Generic life insurance quotes don't show the real costs for people with health challenges. By focusing specifically on insurers working with higher-risk applicants, we identified your options rather than companies that would likely decline your application.

The $500,000 coverage amount represents substantial financial protection for most families while remaining accessible to people who face health-related premium increases.

Practical Application

These quotes give you realistic rate expectations when shopping for coverage with pre-existing conditions. Your actual premium will depend on your specific health situation, but this data shows which insurers offer competitive rates for non-standard applicants.

The rating "poor health" used in this analysis covers a wide range of conditions. Some insurers specialize in certain health issues, so it's worth comparing quotes from multiple companies even if you've been declined elsewhere.