Is it hard to get life insurance with high blood pressure?

Asked by: Duane Koch  |  Last update: April 19, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (32 votes)

A: Many people hold onto the notion that if they have a pre-existing condition like high blood pressure, they won't be able to obtain life insurance. This is false. Many people also believe that if they do get a policy, it will be at much higher rates than most. This is also untrue.

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

Generally, a person can qualify for life insurance with high blood pressure as long as no other more serious health conditions are present and if they can demonstrate they are following their physician's advice for managing their blood pressure.

Will high blood pressure deny life insurance?

High blood pressure can lead to a greater risk of health complications, such as cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks and strokes. In cases of high blood pressure combined with other related illnesses — like heart disease — some life insurers may deny coverage altogether.

Is high blood pressure disqualifying?

A driver with a BP at or greater than 180 systolic and / or 110 diastolic has stage 3 hypertension and is disqualified. The driver may not be qualified, even temporarily, until blood pressure is reduced to equal to or less than 140/90 and treatment is well tolerated.

What medical conditions increase life insurance?

5 Medical Conditions That Raise Life Insurance Rates Most
  • Heart disease. This condition will affect life-insurance rates most. ...
  • Diabetes. People with Type I diabetes that developed during childhood will have higher rates -- and sometimes trouble finding a company that will insure them. ...
  • Cancer. ...
  • Obesity. ...
  • Pulmonary disease.

Life Insurance with High Blood Pressure

35 related questions found

What will disqualify you from 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.

Can you be denied life insurance for pre-existing conditions?

Due to the added risk health problems create for insurers, some pre-existing conditions can raise your premium or even disqualify you entirely from certain types of life insurance. A few common examples of pre-existing conditions include high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and asthma.

Can drinking water lower blood pressure?

It's encouraged to drink water throughout the day to stay properly hydrated. Along with helping to lower blood pressure, it can assist in lubricating the body, reducing the risk of conditions like kidney stones and urinary tract infections, and it can help improve brain function.

What is dangerously high blood pressure?

If you get a blood pressure reading of 180/110 or higher more than once, seek medical treatment right away. A reading this high is considered “hypertensive crisis.”

How can I bring my blood pressure down immediately?

However, there are several ways to temporarily lower your blood pressure in just a matter of minutes—give these methods a try if you'd like to lower your blood pressure immediately: Take a warm bath or shower. Stay in your shower or bath for at least 15 minutes and enjoy the warm water.

Is high blood pressure considered a heart condition?

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. Hypertension is one cause of cardiovascular disease—a term that encompasses the heart and blood vessels.

Is high blood pressure a heart condition for travel insurance?

Hypertension travel and holiday insurance

Whilst having high blood pressure is a common condition, you need to declare this to your insurer to make sure you are fully covered for anything that could be directly or indirectly related such as heart conditions or strokes.

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

When people with diabetes apply for life insurance, the rest of their health makes a big difference. If you have high blood pressure or are overweight, your rates could skyrocket or even make you ineligible for coverage.

What is high blood pressure Stage 1?

Elevated blood pressure tends to get worse over time unless steps are taken to control blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure may also be called prehypertension. Stage 1 hypertension. Stage 1 hypertension is a systolic pressure ranging from 130 to 139 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure ranging from 80 to 89 mm Hg.

How insurance companies check for pre existing conditions?

There are some insurance providers who, while determining an applicant's pre-existing medical condition, will consider their medical history in entirety. Some other providers may only consider at the applicant's medical history for a period dating back to the past 4 years.

How long can you live with high blood pressure?

If left untreated, a blood pressure of 180/120 or higher results in an 80% chance of death within one year, with an average survival rate of ten months. Prolonged, untreated high blood pressure can also lead to heart attack, stroke, blindness, and kidney disease.

Does anxiety cause high blood pressure?

Anxiety doesn't cause long-term high blood pressure (hypertension). But episodes of anxiety can cause dramatic, temporary spikes in blood pressure.

What is stroke level blood pressure?

A hypertensive crisis is a severe increase in blood pressure that can lead to a stroke. Extremely high blood pressure — a top number (systolic pressure) of 180 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher or a bottom number (diastolic pressure) of 120 mm Hg or higher — can damage blood vessels.

Is vodka good for high blood pressure?

Can excess alcohol affect your blood pressure? Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension), your doctor may advise you to reduce the amount of alcohol you drink.

What alcohol is best for high blood pressure?

One study found that three glasses of nonalcoholic red wine a day over a month led to a significant drop in blood pressure in men with heart disease risk factors. But men who drank red wine with alcohol, or 3 ounces of gin, had no change in their blood pressure.

What is the main cause of high blood pressure?

What causes high blood pressure? High blood pressure usually develops over time. It can happen because of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as not getting enough regular physical activity. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes and having obesity, can also increase the risk for developing high blood pressure.

What is considered high risk for life insurance?

However, typically, life insurance companies may consider you to be a high-risk applicant if you have a dangerous occupation, engage in risky hobbies like skydiving, smoke, have below-average health and/or have underlying health conditions.

What 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, as well as pregnancy. They cannot limit benefits for that condition either.

What are 3 reasons you may be denied from having life insurance?

Why Do Life Insurance Claims Get Denied?
  • Failure to Disclose a Medical Condition or Other Pertinent Information. ...
  • Life Insurance Premiums Were Not Paid. ...
  • Outliving a Term Life Insurance Policy. ...
  • A Death by Suicide. ...
  • Making a Life Insurance Claim.

What are 3 factors that may affect your life insurance premium?

8 Factors That Affect Life Insurance Premiums
  • Age. Your date of birth is the top factor affecting your life insurance premium. ...
  • Gender. Women tend to live longer than men. ...
  • Health History. ...
  • Family Health History. ...
  • Smoking. ...
  • Hobbies. ...
  • Occupation. ...
  • The Policy.