Can life insurance deny you for pre-existing conditions?

Asked by: Mckayla Mraz  |  Last update: November 1, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (37 votes)

It's hard to specify which pre-existing conditions make you ineligible for life insurance because insurers evaluate risk on a case-by-case basis. However, severe, uncontrolled health conditions that significantly shorten life expectancy are most likely to result in denial of traditional coverage.

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.

What disqualifies a person from 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.

Why won't insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

The possibility of complications or long term and expensive treatment are statistically predictable and catastrophic. They have to draw the line somewhere, so they exclude all pre existing conditions. The argument is that with sufficient numbers of policyholders, the odds even out.

Which case is likely to be declined by a life insurer?

Death From Illegal or Criminal Activity

If you die during an everyday activity, your insurer will likely pay out your death benefit to the beneficiaries. However, if you pass while doing something illegal, the insurance company can refuse payment. Some illegal or criminal activities are obvious.

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

40 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.

Under what circumstances will life insurance not pay?

But it's important to be aware that there are a few instances where life insurance won't pay out. Top reasons life insurance won't pay out may be because the policyholder lied on their application, their death was the result of suicide, or they passed away during the waiting period.

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'.

How does insurance check 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.

Can an insurer exclude coverage for a pre-existing condition?

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 common is it to be denied life insurance?

Almost 1 in 5, or 20%, of life insurance claims are denied by insurance companies, often due to material misrepresentation or incomplete medical history in the life insurance application.

Who Cannot be a life insurance beneficiary?

Ineligible Beneficiaries: Minors: Generally, minors (individuals under the age of 18 or 21, depending on the jurisdiction) cannot be named as direct beneficiaries of a life insurance policy. In such cases, a trust or custodian may be designated to manage the proceeds until the minor reaches the age of majority.

How do I fight life insurance denial?

How to Appeal a Denied Life Insurance Claim
  1. Common Reasons for Denial. ...
  2. Review the Denial Letter Thoroughly. ...
  3. Gather All Relevant Documents. ...
  4. Contact the Insurance Company. ...
  5. Understand the Appeal Process. ...
  6. Write a Formal Appeal Letter. ...
  7. Include Supporting Evidence. ...
  8. Misrepresentation and Fraud.

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.

Can you be denied life insurance for high blood pressure?

Can I get life insurance with high blood pressure? You can qualify for life insurance with high blood pressure. However, you may pay higher rates since life insurers must account for a higher risk level that this condition presents.

Can you get life insurance if you have anxiety?

You can get a life insurance policy if you have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder such as anxiety or depression. However, you may be charged a higher premium depending on the frequency, severity, treatment, and diagnosis details of the mental health condition.

Can preexisting conditions be denied?

Coverage for 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.

Can I get life insurance with a pre-existing condition?

Pre-existing conditions don't automatically disqualify you from life insurance. Specialized life insurance policies cater to individuals with health concerns. Honesty about your health history in the application process is crucial. The severity of your condition significantly impacts policy options and costs.

What is the waiting period for pre-existing diseases?

Almost all health insurance plans cover pre-existing diseases after a waiting period of usually 2 to 3 years. This implies that any hospitalization expenses related to the declared ailments can be claimed only after 2 to 3 successful years with the insurer.

What pre-existing conditions are not covered in insurance?

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 does pre-existing condition last?

A group health plan can count as pre-existing conditions only those conditions for which you actually received (or were recommended to receive) a diagnosis, treatment or medical advice within the 6 months immediately before you joined that plan. This period is known as the “look back” period.

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

Insurers then use your permission to snoop through old records to look for anything that they might be able to use against you. If you have a pre-existing condition, they'll try to deny your claim on the grounds that you were already injured and their insured had nothing to do with it.

What is the average death benefit payout?

The average life insurance payout in the U.S. is about $168,000, according to Aflac. However, the payout of your life insurance policy will depend on the face amount (death benefit) you choose and any money accelerated, borrowed against or withdrawn from the policy prior to the payout.

What voids a life insurance policy?

Life insurance covers death due to natural causes, illness, and accidents. However, the insurance company can deny paying out your death benefit in certain circumstances, such as if you lie on your application, engage in risky behaviors, or fail to pay your premiums.

What age does life insurance not pay?

Whole life policies are a form of permanent life insurance and they typically have no age limit. However, depending on the insurer, age limits can vary from around 80 to 85.