Life Insurance with Pre-existing Conditions
Yes — you can get life insurance with a pre-existing condition in most cases. Most conditions are insurable, either at standard rates (for well-controlled mild conditions) or with a premium loading ranging from +5% to +300% above standard rates. Only the most severe cases require specialist impaired-life insurers, and even then coverage is usually available.
Pre-existing Conditions & Life Insurance: Key Facts
- 85%+ of pre-existing conditions are insurable, either at standard rates or with a premium loading.
- Premium loadings range from +5% (mild, well-controlled conditions) to +300%+ (severe, progressive conditions).
- Full disclosure is legally required — non-disclosure is the most common reason life insurance claims are denied after death.
- Multiple conditions compound loading additively, so well-managed control of each condition is the most effective way to reduce total cost.
- Specialist impaired-life insurers cover even severe cases (advanced COPD, late-stage kidney disease) that standard insurers decline.
All Conditions at a Glance
Premium loading ranges are approximate. Individual rates depend on severity, control level, age, and insurer.
| Condition | Category | Premium Loading | Insurability | Est. Coverage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 Diabetes | Metabolic | +20–50% | Available with Rating | $1,100,000 | Calculate → |
| High Blood Pressure | Cardiovascular | +5–30% | Often Standard Rates | $1,100,000 | Calculate → |
| Heart Disease | Cardiovascular | +50–200% | Available with Rating | $1,050,000 | Calculate → |
| Cancer Survivor | Oncology | +50–300% | Available After Cancer-Free Period | $1,100,000 | Calculate → |
| Depression & Anxiety | Mental Health | +50–150% | Available with Rating | $1,050,000 | Calculate → |
| Asthma | Respiratory | +0–20% | Often Standard Rates | $1,100,000 | Calculate → |
| Sleep Apnea | Respiratory | +25–100% | Available with Rating | $1,100,000 | Calculate → |
| Obesity | Metabolic | +25–100% | Available with Rating | $1,100,000 | Calculate → |
| COPD | Respiratory | +75–200% | Specialist Insurer Needed | $1,000,000 | Calculate → |
| Epilepsy | Neurological | +25–75% | Available with Rating | $1,050,000 | Calculate → |
| Multiple Sclerosis | Neurological | +100–300% | Specialist Insurer Needed | $1,000,000 | Calculate → |
| Crohn's Disease | Gastrointestinal | +25–75% | Available with Rating | $1,100,000 | Calculate → |
| Kidney Disease | Renal | +50–300% | Specialist Insurer Needed | $1,050,000 | Calculate → |
| Stroke Survivor | Cardiovascular | +75–300% | Available After Waiting Period | $1,000,000 | Calculate → |
| HIV/AIDS | Infectious Disease | +25–100% | Available with Rating | $1,100,000 | Calculate → |
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Ca Cardiovascular Conditions
High Blood Pressure
Yes — high blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most commonly insured pre-existing conditions. Well-controlled hypertension (BP below 140/90 on medication) often qualifies for standard rates. Uncontrolled or stage 2 hypertension may face a 20–30% premium loading. Coverage is available at virtually all insurers.
Heart Disease
Yes — most people with heart disease can get life insurance, but premiums are significantly higher. A heart attack survivor 6–24 months post-event with good cardiac function (EF above 50%) typically faces 50–100% premium loading. Most insurers want at least 6 months of stability; 12–24 months gives the best rates. Severe cardiac disease may require specialist insurers.
Stroke Survivor
Yes — stroke survivors can get life insurance, but a waiting period (typically 2 years post-stroke) is required before competitive rates are available. Full neurological recovery with no residual deficits gets the best rates. Partial recovery with residual deficits (weakness, speech) attracts higher loading. Coverage is available for most stroke survivors through specialist insurers.
Me Metabolic Conditions
Type 2 Diabetes
Yes — people with Type 2 diabetes can get life insurance in 2026. Well-controlled diabetes (A1C below 7.0, no complications) typically qualifies for a 20–30% premium loading above standard rates. Poorly controlled or complicated cases may face 50%+ loading. The estimated coverage need for a typical applicant is $1.1 million.
Obesity
Yes — people with obesity can get life insurance. BMI is a primary rating factor for all life insurance applicants, not just those who disclose obesity as a condition. A BMI of 30–35 typically adds 25–50% premium loading. BMI 35–40 adds 50–75%. BMI above 40 (Class III obesity) can add 75–150%+ or result in decline at some standard carriers.
Re Respiratory Conditions
Asthma
Yes — asthma is one of the most straightforward pre-existing conditions to insure. Mild, well-controlled asthma (using only a rescue inhaler occasionally) often qualifies for standard rates. Moderate asthma on daily controller medication adds a small loading (10–20%). Severe asthma requiring oral steroids or with frequent hospitalizations faces more significant rating.
Sleep Apnea
Yes — sleep apnea is routinely insured by most life insurance companies. CPAP-compliant patients with mild sleep apnea typically face a 25–50% premium loading. Moderate sleep apnea with good compliance adds 50–75%. Untreated or severe sleep apnea can attract 75–100%+ loading due to cardiovascular risk. The coverage need for a typical applicant is approximately $1.1 million.
COPD
Yes — most people with COPD can get life insurance, but premiums are substantially higher than standard rates, and specialist insurers are often required. Mild COPD (GOLD Stage I) may qualify with 75–100% loading at some specialist carriers. Severe COPD (GOLD Stage III–IV) typically requires impaired-life specialists. Coverage is available in most cases, even for advanced COPD.
Me Mental Health Conditions
Ne Neurological Conditions
Epilepsy
Yes — most people with epilepsy can get life insurance. Seizure-free periods are the most critical factor. Two or more seizure-free years typically results in a 25–50% premium loading. Frequent or uncontrolled seizures attract higher loading (75%+). Coverage is routinely available through standard or specialist carriers for most epilepsy cases.
Multiple Sclerosis
Yes — people with Multiple Sclerosis can get life insurance, but coverage typically requires specialist impaired-life insurers and premiums are significantly higher than standard rates. Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) with infrequent relapses and minimal disability may qualify with 100–150% loading at specialist carriers. Progressive forms (PPMS, SPMS) typically face 200–300%+ loading.
On Oncology Conditions
Ga Gastrointestinal Conditions
Re Renal Conditions
In Infectious Disease Conditions
How Life Insurance Underwriting Works for Pre-existing Conditions
1. Medical History Review
Insurers request your GP records and specialist reports. They assess current condition severity, control level, medications, complications, and trend. Providing complete records upfront speeds up the process.
2. Risk Classification
Based on your records, the underwriter assigns a risk class: standard (no loading), rated (% loading), exclusion (condition-specific exclusion), postpone (apply again in future), or decline. Most pre-existing conditions result in a rated classification.
3. Premium Calculation
Your standard premium (based on age, sum assured, and term) is multiplied by the loading percentage. A 50% loading means 1.5× the standard premium. Our calculators show you the recommended coverage amount — brokers then get you the best-available rate for that amount.