Updated: September 15, 2025
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Because pre-existing conditions could cause early death, insurance companies consider it risky to insure individuals who have them, leading to higher rates.
According to MoneyGeek's analysis, Lincoln Financial offers the cheapest life insurance policy for women with pre-existing conditions, averaging $24 per month ($287 annually) for a 10-year term policy with a $500,000 coverage amount.
Transamerica is the cheapest life insurance company for men with pre-existing conditions, with an average rate of $35 per month ($426 annually) for a 10-year term policy with $500,000 coverage.
Protective is the most affordable whole life insurance provider for people with pre-existing conditions, costing an average of $655 per month ($7,859 annually) for women and $720 per month ($8,635 annually) for men.
Simplified issue, guaranteed issue and instant life insurance policies are strong alternatives to term life insurance policies for those with pre-existing conditions.
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.
| Lincoln Financial | $24 | $287 |
| North American | $29 | $344 |
| Midland National | $29 | $344 |
| TransAmerica | $29 | $350 |
| Protective Insurance | $29 | $351 |
| Principal National | $30 | $366 |
| Securian | $31 | $374 |
| CoreBridge | $31 | $374 |
| Guardian Life | $31 | $375 |
| SBLI | $32 | $383 |
| Legal&General | $32 | $387 |
| Cincinnati Life | $33 | $392 |
| Pacific Life | $33 | $393 |
| Nationwide | $33 | $397 |
| Columbus Life | $36 | $435 |
| Assurity | $37 | $437 |
| Mutual of Omaha | $36 | $440 |
| Equitable Life | $37 | $441 |
| Gerber Life (Fabric) | $38 | $446 |
| Life Insurance Co of The South West | $37 | $448 |
| National Life Group | $37 | $448 |
| Foresters Financial | $38 | $459 |
| Prudential | $40 | $480 |
| Ameritas | $41 | $493 |
| John Hancock | $41 | $495 |
| AAA | $50 | $600 |
| Fidelity Life | $55 | $652 |
| Ethos | $90 | $1,081 |
*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.
| Protective Insurance | $655 | $7,859 |
| North American | $681 | $8,174 |
| Midland National | $681 | $8,174 |
| Pacific Life | $688 | $8,253 |
| Columbus Life | $737 | $8,839 |
*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.
Having a pre-existing condition doesn't mean you're out of options for affordable life insurance. While these conditions can increase your rates, several strategies can help you find comprehensive coverage at a reasonable price, giving you the financial protection you need. Here's how to find comprehensive coverage at a reasonable rate:
Some pre-existing medical conditions can make following conventional health improvement routes difficult. If you can, working out, maintaining a healthy diet and quitting smoking helps reduce your life insurance rates.
Improving your health can make you eligible for a rate reconsideration. You may need to undergo a medical exam to get this lower rate.
Applying right after being diagnosed with a severe health condition will likely result in higher life insurance rates. You may even be denied if you don't have an established history of controlling the condition or a treatment plan with your physician.
A qualified agent can help you learn which companies offer affordable rates for your condition.
Different insurance companies evaluate pre-existing conditions differently, with some specializing in health issues. Comparing quotes from at least five to seven companies can reveal surprising rate differences. This approach can save you thousands over the policy term.
If traditional coverage proves difficult to obtain, explore guaranteed issue policies that accept all applicants regardless of health history. These policies are typically more expensive with lower coverage limits and waiting periods, but they provide protection when other options aren't available.
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.
Type | Description |
|---|---|
Instant Life Insurance | Accelerated underwriting allows coverage to be received in minutes. These policies rely on data sources, such as prescription history or medical records, rather than an in-person exam. Approval is quicker, but those with more serious pre-existing conditions may still face higher premiums or limited coverage amounts. |
Simplified Issue | Simplified issue policies skip the medical exam and instead use a short health questionnaire. They're easier to qualify for than traditional underwriting, though insurers may still decline coverage for severe conditions. Both simplified issue term life and simplified issue whole life are available, giving you the choice between temporary and permanent protection. |
Guaranteed Acceptance | Guaranteed acceptance policies require no health exam and no medical questions. Approval is certain, making them well-suited for individuals with significant health issues who can't qualify for other forms of coverage. Most guaranteed acceptance products are whole life policies, providing permanent protection with modest death benefits. These policies generally include a two-year waiting period before the full death benefit applies for natural causes. |
Group life insurance through your employer usually doesn't require medical exams or health questionnaires, making it an excellent option if you have pre-existing conditions. Most employers offer basic coverage equal to one to two times your annual salary at no cost, with options to buy additional coverage.
Group policies can't exclude you based on health conditions, but coverage amounts are usually limited. A major drawback of this policy is portability. You'll lose this coverage if you leave your job unless your plan offers conversion options.
If you have serious health conditions, maximize your group life benefits while employed, but don't rely on them as your only coverage. Consider it a foundation while exploring guaranteed or simplified issue policies for additional protection.
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. It's any medical issue you already have when you apply for coverage. Because 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:
Insurance companies generally classify applicants into risk tiers based on their overall health. Each tier has different thresholds for pre-existing conditions:
If you're in excellent health, not a smoker, don't have any pre-existing medical conditions and don't participate in risky activities, including occupation, you'll qualify for this category. Very few people are eligible for this health rating.
People who are generally in excellent health but have a few minor health conditions, like being slightly overweight and a minimal history of family diseases, qualify for this category.
If you've qualified for Standard Plus, you're in better-than-average health but have a few health issues that require medications and some family history of diseases.
This is the most common category. With a Standard health rating, you're in average health, might be on multiple medications and have a family history of severe health conditions.
People in this category have poor overall health, a recent serious health issue or a complicated family medical history. These factors make people in this category riskier to insure.
Underwriting guidelines and health rating classifications may vary by state and insurer. Some states have additional consumer protections that may affect the underwriting process.
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 how complex your health situation is and how quickly medical records are obtained. Underwriters review your application, medical exam results and prescription history and may request records from your doctors.
Underwriters 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, someone with diabetes who has 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. The thorough review can work in your favor because 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.
Proper preparation can improve your medical exam results and potentially lower your premiums. Fast for 8-12 hours before blood work, but take your regular medications unless instructed otherwise. The exam typically includes height, weight, blood pressure, pulse and basic blood and urine tests. Some policies require an EKG for older people and those with heart conditions.
Gather your medical records, current prescription list and physician contact information beforehand. Avoid caffeine and exercise on exam day, as both can temporarily elevate blood pressure and heart rate. Schedule your exam for the morning when possible, as vital signs are often more stable earlier in the day.
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.
Apply with different insurers because each company has different underwriting guidelines. An insurer that denies coverage for your specific condition might approve you two years later, while another insurer 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. We found that Lincoln Financial and Transamerica offer the lowest rates if you have an existing condition. You can also find good deals with Protective, North American and Midland National.
We answer common questions about life insurance for pre-existing medical conditions.
Life insurance companies that accept people with pre-existing conditions include Lincoln Financial and Transamerica, which MoneyGeek found offer the cheapest life insurance for people with pre-existing conditions. Other major companies that are flexible on pre-existing medical conditions include Protective, North American and Midland National.
Pre-existing conditions affect life insurance by potentially increasing your costs and limiting your coverage options if you have pre-existing conditions.
No single condition makes you automatically uninsurable for life insurance because every life insurance provider has different policies regarding pre-existing conditions.
Some conditions are more likely to cause providers to deny coverage than others, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, HIV and AIDS, obesity, asthma and cancer. This isn't an exhaustive list, so you should contact prospective providers directly to see if you qualify for coverage with a pre-existing condition.
Life insurance companies generally look back five to 10 years in your medical history when reviewing your medical records.
You can get life insurance coverage when you have a pre-existing condition through term life, instant life, guaranteed issue and simplified life insurance policies. Shopping with several carriers or speaking with an insurance agent helps you find the best life insurance policy with pre-existing 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:
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.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
