Insurance companies categorize applicants into risk classifications to determine eligibility and premium rates. These classifications rely on various factors, including health status, lifestyle choices and occupation.
Life Insurance
Life Insurance for High-Risk Individuals (2025 Guide)
Updated: September 15, 2025
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Key Takeaways
High-risk life insurance applicants often face higher premiums and limited policy options.
Various factors like health, occupation and lifestyle contribute to a person's risk status.
High-risk applicants can usually still find coverage through careful planning and consultation.
What is Considered High Risk for Life Insurance?
Understanding life insurance risk factors helps you make informed decisions regarding policies for high-risk applicants. These factors influence your eligibility and directly affect the cost of your premiums:
- ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
- Cancer (any type or history)
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
- Heart Disease
- HIV & AIDS
- Kidney Disease
- Liver Disease
- Mental Health Conditions
- Stroke History
- Substance Abuse History
- Other chronic conditions requiring ongoing treatment
Medical and Health Risks
Chronic conditions can seriously affect premiums. Insurers often view these medical issues as indicators of potentially shorter life expectancy, elevating your risk profile. For instance, a recent diagnosis of a severe health condition could lead to much higher premiums compared to someone without such issues.
High-risk medical conditions that may affect your life insurance rates include:
Hobbies
Activities such as skydiving, scuba diving or mountain climbing can make insurers cautious. These pastimes are known as dangerous hobbies and are statistically more likely to result in accidental death, which can lead to higher premiums.
Occupations
Jobs with inherent dangers, such as working in construction, commercial fishing or law enforcement, likely qualify you as a high-risk applicant. Insurers evaluate these jobs based on historical data and incident rates, often leading to higher premium rates.
For example, a construction worker may encounter elevated premiums due to the increased risk of workplace accidents.
Lifestyle Choices
Personal habits such as smoking or excessive drinking can also place you in the high-risk life insurance category. For example, life insurance for a smoker comes with higher premiums than a policy for a nonsmoker.
Similarly, someone who engages in heavy drinking might also face higher premiums because insurers consider these lifestyle choices as factors that could shorten life expectancy.
Life Insurance Risk Classifications
Risk Classification | Description |
|---|---|
Preferred Best | This classification is for the lowest-risk applicants with excellent health and no risky behaviors. These people receive the most favorable premium rates. |
Super-Preferred | Applicants in this category have minimal risk factors but don't quite meet the Preferred Best classification criteria. They still enjoy relatively low premiums. |
Preferred | This category is for those who are generally healthy but may have minor risk factors, such as elevated cholesterol levels. Premiums are competitive but not low compared to the top two categories. |
Standard | This category includes applicants with moderate risk factors, such as mild health conditions or occupations with some level of risk. Premiums are generally higher in this category than in the Preferred category. |
Substandard or Rated | Substandard risk classification is for high-risk applicants. Factors such as severe health conditions, high-risk occupations or dangerous hobbies can land you here. Premiums for high-risk life insurance policies are typically higher, reflecting the increased risk. |
Understanding risk classifications can help you assess your risk levels and prepare to purchase the right life insurance for your needs.
Risk classification standards and available rating factors vary by state and insurance company.
How to Get Life Insurance for High-Risk Applicants
Getting life insurance as a high-risk applicant may present some challenges, but knowing the steps to take can help you find coverage and secure a policy that suits your needs.
- 1
Assess Your Risk Level and Coverage Needs
Start by honestly evaluating your risk factors and determining how much coverage you need. Calculate your debts, income replacement requirements and final expenses to establish your coverage amount before shopping for policies.
- 2
Gather Required Documentation
Collect all necessary medical records, financial documents and relevant health information before applying. Having comprehensive documentation ready demonstrates responsibility to insurers and speeds up the underwriting process.
- 3
Consult an Independent Agent
Although optional, working with an independent insurance agent can give you a broader view of the market. They can help you compare policies from multiple high-risk life insurance companies to find a policy that aligns with your specific risk factors and financial situation.
- 4
Consider No-Exam Policies
Getting approved for traditional policies can be difficult, so no-exam life insurance might be an option. These policies often come with higher premiums, but qualifying for them is easier, especially if you have significant health issues or other high-risk factors. This makes them an attractive choice for people looking for life insurance for high-risk patients.
- 5
Be Honest on Your Application
Fill out your application completely and accurately. Double-check all information before submitting, as incomplete applications often cause delays in the underwriting process.
Transparency is important when applying for life insurance for high-risk people. Disclose all relevant information about your health, occupation and lifestyle. Omitting details or providing false information can lead to complications, including the possibility of policy cancellation.
- 6
Prepare for the Medical Exam
If required, schedule your medical exam promptly and follow preparation guidelines. Arrive well-rested, fasted if required and bring all necessary documentation to ensure accurate results.
Taking these steps helps you navigate the application process and positions you to find the most affordable high-risk life insurance that meets your needs.
High-Risk Life Insurance Required Documentation Checklist
High-risk applicants should gather comprehensive documentation before applying to streamline the underwriting process and demonstrate their commitment to managing their health or risk factors.
Essential documents to prepare:
- Complete medical records from your primary care physician
- Specialist reports for any chronic conditions
- Current medication lists with dosages and prescribing doctors
- Hospital discharge summaries from recent stays
- Lab results and diagnostic test reports from the past two years
- Employment verification and income documentation
- Driver's license and motor vehicle records (if applicable)
- Financial statements showing assets and debts
For specific conditions:
- Cancer survivors: Pathology reports and treatment completion letters
- Diabetics: Recent A1C test results and glucose monitoring logs
- Heart disease patients: Cardiac catheterization and stress test results
Having this documentation ready can speed up your application and show insurers you're proactive about your health management, potentially resulting in better rate classifications.
High-Risk Life Insurance Policy: Medical Exam Preparation
Proper preparation for your life insurance medical exam can help ensure accurate results and potentially improve your risk classification, especially important for high-risk applicants.
Before your exam:
- Schedule your appointment for morning hours when you're most rested.
- Fast for eight to 12 hours before the exam (water is acceptable).
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and intense exercise 24 hours prior.
- Get a full night's sleep to help normalize blood pressure.
- Bring a list of current medications and dosages.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with short sleeves.
Day of the exam:
- Arrive hydrated but avoid overhydrating.
- Be honest about your medical history and lifestyle habits.
- Ask questions if you don't understand any part of the process.
- Request a copy of your results for your records.
For high-risk applicants specifically:
- Bring recent medical records that show stable condition management.
- Be prepared to discuss how you monitor and control your condition.
- Explain any positive lifestyle changes you've made recently.
High-Risk Life Insurance Cost
The cost of life insurance for high-risk people costs more than standard policies becasue insurers face higher odds of paying death benefits sooner.
Your age, chosen policy type and risk severity all affect your premiums. Older applicants and those choosing whole life policies pay more than younger people with term coverage. Serious health conditions, high-risk occupations and dangerous hobbies increase costs further.
You can expect significantly higher premiums if you're classified as high-risk, but coverage remains available. The tables below show average life insurance costs for smokers and people with poor health.
High-Risk Life Insurance Quotes: Average for Smokers
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Coverage Level:$100,000
| 10 years | $36 | $437 |
| 15 years | $45 | $538 |
| 20 years | $55 | $664 |
| 25 years | $80 | $957 |
| 30 years | $91 | $1,096 |
| 35 years | $113 | $1,361 |
| 40 years | $169 | $2,038 |
Rates shown are estimates based on MoneyGeek analysis of industry data for 40-year-old male smokers. Your actual rates will vary based on your specific health profile, location, chosen insurer and underwriting results. These rates are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute quotes or guarantees of coverage availability.
High-Risk Life Insurance Quotes: Average for People in Poor Health
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Coverage Level:$100,000
| 10 years | $15 | $172 |
| 15 years | $19 | $215 |
| 20 years | $23 | $267 |
| 25 years | $30 | $361 |
| 30 years | $38 | $437 |
| 35 years | $43 | $522 |
| 40 years | $69 | $828 |
Rates shown are estimates based on MoneyGeek analysis of industry data for 40-year-old male smokers. Your actual rates will vary based on your specific health profile, location, chosen insurer and underwriting results. These rates are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute quotes or guarantees of coverage availability.
Tips to Get Affordable High-Risk Life Insurance
You can use several strategies to find an affordable high-risk life insurance policy:
Improve Your Health
Health improvements directly lower your insurance premiums. If you quit smoking or reduce cholesterol levels, you'll move into a less risky classification with lower premiums. Even small health improvements can save you hundreds annually.
Choose Term Over Whole Life
High-risk term life insurance policies cost significantly less than whole life coverage. Term policies provide coverage for specific periods (10, 20 or 30 years) without cash value components, making them more affordable for high-risk applicants.
Bundle Policies
Insurance companies offer discounts when you purchase multiple policies through them, such as auto, home and life insurance. Bundling these policies can reduce your life insurance premium and make high-risk coverage more affordable.
Compare quotes from at least three insurers because high-risk pricing varies significantly between companies. Some insurers specialize in high-risk applicants and offer better rates than traditional providers.
CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE COVERAGE TYPES
If traditional term, whole or universal life insurance policies are too expensive or unavailable, consider these alternatives:
- Guaranteed Acceptance Life Insurance: No medical exam required, but coverage amounts are limited, and premiums are higher
- Group Life Insurance: Available through employers, often with simplified underwriting
- Final Expense Insurance: Smaller coverage amounts designed to cover burial costs and final expenses
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Policy: Covers death or injury from accidents only, with lower premiums than full life insurance
Life Insurance for High-Risk Individuals: Bottom Line
Getting life insurance when you're a high-risk individual may mean facing higher premiums and limited policy choices. Insurers may label you "high-risk" because of various insurance risk factors, including pre-existing health conditions, participation in dangerous hobbies or employment in high-risk jobs that life insurance companies consider precarious.
Understanding what contributes to a high-risk status can help you prepare for the financial implications and explore the availability of high-risk life insurance policies.
High-Risk Life Insurance Policies: FAQ
We answer common questions about life insurance for high-risk applicants to help you make more informed financial decisions.
What is a high-risk life insurance applicant?
A high-risk life insurance applicant is someone with personal factors, such as health conditions or lifestyle choices, that statistically increase their likelihood of passing away sooner. High-risk classification often results in higher insurance premiums.
Can high-risk applicants get life insurance?
Yes, high-risk applicants can get life insurance, though they'll pay higher premiums than standard applicants. Many insurers specialize in high-risk coverage and offer policies tailored to people with health conditions, dangerous occupations or risky hobbies.
Do all insurers classify risk the same way?
No, risk classifications differ among life insurance companies. Shop around and compare offers from multiple insurers to find the best fit for your specific risk profile.
Why do insurance companies charge more if they believe you are a high-risk customer?
Life insurance companies charge more for high-risk applicants because they're more likely to file claims sooner. This elevated risk requires higher premiums to offset the potential payout and maintain profitability.
What are no-exam life insurance policies?
No-exam policies are life insurance plans that don't require a medical exam. These policies offer convenience but usually come with higher premiums and lower coverage limits than traditional policies.
How does risk affect insurance premiums?
Risk directly influences life insurance premiums because it determines how likely an insurer is to pay out a claim. High-risk people face higher premiums due to increased probability of early death.
How can you lower your premiums?
To lower your high-risk life insurance premiums, improve your health and lifestyle by quitting smoking, reducing cholesterol or managing chronic conditions. These changes can lower your premiums significantly over time.
Can you be denied life insurance coverage?
Yes, you may be denied life insurance coverage for severe health conditions or extremely high-risk occupations. However, specialized insurers often provide alternatives when traditional companies decline coverage.
Do premiums change over time?
Premiums can increase as you age or if your risk profile changes, such as developing new medical conditions. Term life premiums typically increase at renewal, while whole life premiums usually remain level.
Which is better: high-risk term life insurance or high-risk whole life insurance?
High-risk term life insurance works better for temporary needs and costs less, covering you for set periods (10 to 30 years). High-risk whole life insurance provides lifetime coverage with cash value but costs significantly more.
Do life insurance companies charge different life insurance rates by job?
Yes, life insurance companies charge different rates based on occupations. Insurers consider some professions riskier than others, with high-risk careers like commercial fishing or logging attracting higher rates due to occupational hazards.
How do you find the best high-risk life insurance companies?
To find the best high-risk life insurance companies, compare quotes from multiple insurers, focusing on those specializing in high-risk coverage. Look for companies with strong financial stability, positive reviews and policies designed specifically for your risk factors.
Is it possible to find life insurance for high-risk seniors?
Yes, you can find life insurance for high-risk seniors. Many insurers offer policies tailored to older adults with higher risks, though premiums will be higher than standard policies due to age and health factors.
Best High-Risk Life Insurance Rates: Our Review Methodology
High-risk life insurance applicants face higher premiums and limited options compared to standard applicants. We designed our research to show you what to expect when shopping for coverage.
We collected quotes from major life insurance companies with broad national coverage that provide online quotes. This ensures our rate data reflects what you'll actually encounter when shopping for coverage.
Sample Customer Profile
We used a standard profile to collect baseline quotes:
- 40-year-old man
- Non-smoker
- 5 feet 9 inches tall and 160 pounds
- Average health rating
For high-risk scenarios, we modified this profile by changing tobacco use status for smokers and requesting quotes for applicants with poor health ratings.
We modified the profile by age, gender, height, weight, tobacco use, health rating and geographic location to collect a variety of quotes and determine the best and cheapest life insurance companies for several types of customers. We collected quotes for term life insurance with varying term lengths and coverage amounts.
Data Analysis
We identified pricing patterns in our data set and used those trends to calculate average rates for different customer profiles. This approach provides realistic rate expectations for high-risk applicants across various coverage scenarios.
The result: Average rate data that helps high-risk applicants understand what they'll pay for different coverage amounts and term lengths based on our comprehensive market analysis.
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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.