Can I get life insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?

Asked by: Vance Klocko  |  Last update: September 16, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (14 votes)

Fortunately, pre-existing conditions don't have to stop you from getting a life insurance policy.

What pre-existing conditions disqualify you from life insurance?

What medical conditions prevent you from getting life insurance?
  • Anxiety and depression.
  • Asthma.
  • Diabetes.
  • Heart disease.
  • High blood pressure.
  • High cholesterol.
  • HIV.
  • Obesity.

Why doesn't insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Health insurance companies may deny coverage for pre-existing conditions for several reasons: Risk Assessment: Insurers assess the risk associated with covering an individual. Pre-existing conditions are often seen as higher risk because they may require more medical care, leading to increased costs for the insurer.

What is a pre-existing condition waiting period?

The time period during which a health plan won't pay for care relating to a pre-existing condition.

What disqualifies you from a life insurance policy?

Pre-existing conditions – meaning any health issue or condition that existed before applying for coverage – are often considered high-risk by insurance companies and can lead to disqualification. Chronic conditions that require long-term medication or treatment can also impact eligibility.

Can You Get A Life Insurance Policy With Pre-Existing Conditions?

25 related questions found

What makes a person uninsurable for life insurance?

People are typically denied life insurance because they fall into a high-risk category. This is often due to health challenges like diabetes, obesity or a previous diagnosis of serious disease.

What reasons will life insurance not pay?

17 Common Reasons Life Insurance Won't Pay Out
  • Nonpayment of Premiums.
  • Death during the Contestability Period.
  • Misrepresentation on Application.
  • Employer Failed to Submit a Disability Waiver of Premium.
  • Problems with the Beneficiary.
  • Policy was included in a Trust or a Will.
  • Denials Due to Suicide Exclusion.

How do I get insurance with a pre-existing condition?

Is there health insurance for pre-existing conditions? Choosing a health plan is no longer based on the concept of a pre-existing condition. A health insurer cannot deny you coverage or raise rates for plans if you have a medical condition at the time of enrollment.

How far back do insurance companies look for pre-existing conditions?

To determine if a condition is pre-existing, insurers examine medical history, treatment records, and diagnosis reports. They may use “look-back periods,” which are specific timeframes—typically six months to a year before coverage begins—to review medical history.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover pre-existing conditions?

No insurance plan can reject you, charge you more, or refuse to pay for essential health benefits for any condition you had before your coverage started. Once you're enrolled, the plan can't deny you coverage or raise your rates based only on your health.

What type of insurance can be denied due to pre-existing conditions?

Health insurers can no longer charge more or deny coverage to you or your child because of a pre-existing health condition like asthma, diabetes, or cancer, as well as pregnancy.

How far back is a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing medical condition is a disease, illness or injury for which you have received medication, advice or treatment or had any symptoms (whether the condition has been diagnosed or not) in the five years before your joining date. Health insurance doesn't usually cover 'pre-existing conditions'.

What illness does life insurance not cover?

Life insurance pays beneficiaries upon the insured's death, covering expenses like mortgages, education, and future income. Life insurance policies cover most causes of death, but exclusions such as suicide, dangerous or illegal activities, substance abuse, and misrepresentation can apply.

Do insurance companies still consider pre-existing conditions?

Yes. Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance companies can't refuse to cover you or charge you more just because you have a “pre-existing condition” — that is, a health problem you had before the date that new health coverage starts.

Can I be denied life insurance?

Insurers may reject your life insurance application if there's reason to believe you can't afford the premiums. This might happen if you have a history of bankruptcy, lots of outstanding debt or a low income.

Can you get life insurance with pre-existing medical?

Yes, you can still get life insurance with existing medical conditions. It may cost more, depending on the health issues you have. Insurers are likely to view people with pre-existing conditions as higher risk when providing cover.

How do life insurance companies find out about pre-existing conditions?

When you apply for life insurance, the insurance company may ask questions about your age, fitness level, lifestyle, and medical history. They may also ask questions about your family medical history. In many cases, you'll be required to undergo a medical exam to qualify.

What is a waiting period for a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition exclusion waiting period is the length of time after the start date of an insurance policy that a person must wait before any pre-existing conditions are covered.

Can insurance see medical records?

The answer varies depending on the state. In California, the retention period can be anywhere from two to ten years, depending on the type of procedure or healthcare provider. However, an insurance claim medical report should only look as far back as the injury in question.

What life insurance is best for pre-existing conditions?

People with pre-existing conditions have several life insurance options: Term life insurance: Term life insurance policies have more favorable premiums and large death benefits, but coverage only lasts 10 to 30 years. This policy may be right for you if you'd like the most coverage for your budget.

Do any insurers cover pre-existing conditions?

In some cases, you'll also need to give the insurer access to your medical records. The insurer can then decide if they want to insure you or not for a pre-existing condition. So, you may be able to get insurance for a pre-existing medical condition that is excluded with Moratorium underwriting.

Will my new insurance cover an old medical bill?

Conclusion: Will My Insurance Cover an Old Medical Bill? Your insurance will only cover an old medical bill if that insurance was in effect on the date medical services were provided. If you did not have health insurance in effect on the date of service, any new insurance won't pay for that old medical bill.

What disqualifies you from getting whole life insurance?

Specific Conditions that May Disqualify You

Certain health conditions and lifestyle choices can significantly impact your eligibility for full coverage life insurance. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure are among the top concerns for insurers.

What disqualifies life insurance payout?

Life insurance proceeds can be denied. Some denials are legitimate, like in case of policy lapses, material misrepresentations, or exclusions in the form of illegal activities or war. In other cases, bad-faith insurers use elaborate methods to reject claims so they do not have to pay the proceeds.

How long do you need to have life insurance before it pays out?

Insurance companies can delay payment for six to 12 months if the insured party dies within the first two years of the policy.