Can I get life insurance if I have high blood pressure?

Asked by: Miss Jacklyn Metz V  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.8/5 (18 votes)

In severe cases of high blood pressure, some life insurers may deny coverage but this is typically not the norm. With research and a willingness to comparison shop, those with high blood pressure may be able to find a form of life insurance coverage that provides the financial protections you or your dependents need.

How much does high blood pressure affect life insurance rates?

If your blood pressure is uncontrollable and very high, you'll have a higher mortality risk and therefore higher life premiums. But 1/3 of Americans have this condition. Life insurance companies can't deny a third of Americans coverage. Instead, they tend to charge higher premiums, but this isn't always the case.

What medical conditions prevent you from getting life insurance?

Generally, the younger and healthier you are, the lower your rates will be, while certain pre-existing medical conditions — including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and depression — are likely to raise the price of premiums and if severe enough, can disqualify you from getting coverage altogether.

How can I lower my blood pressure before a life insurance test?

Drinking lots of water in the days ahead of the exam can help clear unwanted chemicals out of your system and reduce your blood pressure. On the day of the exam, it'll make it easier for the examiner to collect blood and urine samples.

Is high blood pressure a pre-existing conditions for health insurance?

This may include any health issue, from extremely serious conditions like cancer or diabetes to slightly less serious conditions like high-blood pressure, asthma or acne. Health insurance companies are seldom willing to provide coverage to individuals who are suffering from any pre-existing medical condition.

Life Insurance with High Blood Pressure

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Which pre-existing conditions are not covered?

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. They cannot limit benefits for that condition either. Once you have insurance, they can't refuse to cover treatment for your pre-existing condition.

Can I be denied health insurance because of a pre-existing condition?

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. ... They don't have to cover pre-existing conditions.

What should I avoid before life insurance test?

The Day Before the Exam
  1. Avoid alcohol and nicotine. Both can increase your blood pressure. ...
  2. Avoid red meat. Red meat is a high-cholesterol food.
  3. Avoid over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines and nasal decongestants. These types of medications can increase blood pressure.
  4. Get a good night's sleep.

Does life insurance require blood test?

It's a normal part of a life insurance medical exam, which certain plans require for coverage. ... Insurers use your blood test to confirm the information you've already provided on your application and understand your overall health. The healthier you are, the better your rates will be.

How can I settle my high blood pressure?

Here are 10 lifestyle changes you can make to lower your blood pressure and keep it down.
  1. Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline. ...
  2. Exercise regularly. ...
  3. Eat a healthy diet. ...
  4. Reduce sodium in your diet. ...
  5. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. ...
  6. Quit smoking. ...
  7. Cut back on caffeine. ...
  8. Reduce your stress.

Can I get life insurance with heart disease?

The short answer is yes, it is possible to get life insurance after a heart attack. There are two common types of life insurance, each suited for different stages of life or levels of risk tolerance. Term life insurance is purchased to provide coverage for a specific period of time.

Why would I get denied for life insurance?

Their reasons could be anything from a serious medical condition (like heart disease) or poor results from your life insurance medical exam to nonmedical reasons like bankruptcy, a criminal record, a positive drug test or even a dangerous hobby.

Does life insurance check medical records?

Life insurers check your medical records to make sure the information you provided coincides with your medical records. ... Life insurance companies use this information to make sure you are a good risk. But they also use it to see if anyone committed insurance fraud and lied on their application.

Is high blood pressure considered heart trouble?

High blood pressure is a condition that makes the heart work harder than normal. And left untreated, it scars and damages your arteries and can lead to heart disease such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, eye damage, heart failure and fatty buildups in the arteries, called atherosclerosis.

Can I get life insurance with high blood pressure and diabetes?

A blood glucose level below 135 is typically considered good, but you can often get coverage if your level is higher but controlled. High blood pressure issues will raise your life insurance rates.

Is controlled high blood pressure considered heart disease?

High blood pressure is not heart disease on its own. However, having high blood pressure can lead to cardiovascular complications and can weaken or damage your heart.

What kind of blood work is done for life insurance?

With the life life insurance blood test, they'll be looking for high blood pressure, high cholesterol or glucose levels, as well as indications of nicotine, tobacco or drug use. Depending on your results, you may be able to qualify for one of an insurers' best underwriting rate classes.

What happens if you fail a life insurance drug test?

You'll be declined for life insurance coverage if a blood or urine test indicates you use any illegal drugs, such as amphetamines or opiates. The only exception to this rule is marijuana, as each insurer evaluates marijuana consumption differently.

Do all life insurance policies require a physical?

Most life insurance companies require applicants to pass a medical exam before they will approve a policy, but not necessarily for all types of policies. If a company offers life insurance coverage without requiring an applicant to obtain a medical exam, the type of coverage is typically term life insurance.

How do you beat a life insurance physical?

Seven Tips to Pass Your Life Insurance Medical Exam
  1. Schedule Your Life Insurance Medical Exam in the Morning. ...
  2. Don't Drink Coffee or Smoke Beforehand. ...
  3. Avoid Salts and Fatty Foods. ...
  4. Drink Lots of Water. ...
  5. Avoid Working Out. ...
  6. Get a Good Night's Sleep. ...
  7. Have Important Documentation Ready.

How do I prepare for life insurance test?

How to prepare for a life insurance medical exam
  1. Eat healthy. During the life insurance physical, the examiner will take a blood sample for testing and he or she will check your blood pressure and pulse. ...
  2. Drink water. ...
  3. Consider fasting. ...
  4. Skip the gym. ...
  5. Get a good night's sleep. ...
  6. Wear lightweight clothing.

How do I pass a paramedical exam?

How to Pass Your Paramed
  1. Ask your agent for the paramedical exam requirements. ...
  2. Know Your Dates – Make sure you have the dates of any surgeries, treatments, and tests.
  3. Have your physician contact information available – Examiners will ask you for the names & contact information of any physicians you have.

How do insurance companies know if you have a pre-existing condition?

How do insurance companies know if you have a pre-existing condition? Life insurance applications ask questions about your health, and the process typically requires you to give the insurer permission to access any medical records needed to validate your information.

Can you get life insurance with pre-existing conditions?

The most popular and cost-effective type of life insurance, term life insurance offers coverage for a set period of time, typically 10-30 years. That means you can lock in protection for your family exactly when you need it. If your pre-existing condition is under control, you may be able to qualify for term life.

What's considered a pre-existing condition?

A health problem, like asthma, diabetes, or cancer, you had before the date that new health coverage starts. Insurance companies can't refuse to cover treatment for your pre-existing condition or charge you more.