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Dev Gaymes · Licensed Insurance Advisor
February 27, 2026 · 9 min read · Last reviewed February 2026 by Dev Gaymes
Having a pre-existing condition doesn't mean you can't get life insurance - it means you need the right agent who knows which carriers are most favorable for your specific situation. Different insurers evaluate conditions very differently, and the gap in pricing can be enormous.
Have a specific condition? The health conditions guide goes deeper on individual diagnoses and what underwriters actually weigh.
As an independent agent working with 30+ carriers, I've helped thousands of clients with health challenges find affordable coverage. Here's what you need to know.
Common Conditions and Your Options
| Condition |
Typical Impact |
Best Policy Type |
| Type 2 Diabetes (controlled) | Standard to mild table rating | Term or Permanent |
| High Blood Pressure (medicated) | Often standard rates | Term or Permanent |
| Depression / Anxiety | Preferred to standard | Term or Permanent |
| Cancer (5+ years in remission) | Standard to table rated | Term or Simplified Issue |
| Cancer (recent / active) | Decline or high table rating | Guaranteed Issue |
| Heart Disease / Prior Heart Attack | Table rated to decline | Simplified or Guaranteed |
| Obesity (BMI 30–39) | Standard to mild table rating | Term or Permanent |
| Sleep Apnea (treated with CPAP) | Standard rates with many carriers | Term or Permanent |
| HIV (well-managed) | Approved at select carriers | Specialized Underwriting |
"Table rating" means a percentage increase to standard premiums (e.g., Table 2 = 50% higher). Specific outcomes depend on carrier, severity, treatment compliance, and time since diagnosis.
5 Strategies for Getting Approved
- Work with an independent agent. This is the single most important step. Different carriers have vastly different underwriting guidelines. One carrier may decline you while another offers standard rates. We shop 30+ carriers to find your best fit.
- Get your condition well-managed before applying. Good A1C numbers, consistent medication, regular doctor visits, and healthy lifestyle changes all improve your underwriting class.
- Be completely honest on your application. Misrepresentation can void your policy entirely. Your agent should help you present your health history in the best factual light - not hide it.
- Consider a graded or modified policy. Some carriers offer policies with a 2–3 year waiting period for full benefits at lower premiums than guaranteed issue. These can bridge the gap while your condition stabilizes.
- Ask about informal inquiries. Before a formal application, we can submit your health profile anonymously to multiple carriers to see who would offer the best terms - without any record on your insurance history.
Your Options at Every Level
Mild Conditions
Fully Underwritten
Controlled hypertension, treated anxiety/depression, mild asthma, sleep apnea with CPAP. Most carriers will offer standard or near-standard rates.
Moderate Conditions
Simplified Issue
Cancer in remission, controlled Type 2 diabetes, prior heart issues. No exam, health questionnaire. Coverage up to $500K. Learn more →
Serious Conditions
Guaranteed Issue
Active cancer, recent heart event, multiple serious conditions, prior denials. No health questions. Everyone approved. Coverage $5K–$50K. Learn more →
Don't give up after one denial. A denial from one carrier doesn't mean you're uninsurable. Every carrier has different guidelines, and an independent agent can often find coverage where a captive agent couldn't.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get life insurance with diabetes?
Yes. Well-controlled Type 2 diabetes can often qualify for standard or near-standard rates with the right carrier. An independent agent can shop multiple carriers to find the best rate for your situation.
Can you get life insurance after cancer?
Yes. If you are 5 or more years in remission, many carriers will offer standard or mildly rated coverage. For recent or active cancer, guaranteed issue policies accept all applicants regardless of health.
Does a pre-existing condition make life insurance more expensive?
It can, but the impact varies greatly by carrier and condition. Common conditions like treated hypertension or anxiety often qualify for standard rates. Working with an independent agent who shops multiple carriers is the best way to find affordable coverage.
What if I have been denied life insurance?
A denial from one carrier does not mean you are uninsurable. Different carriers have different underwriting guidelines. Guaranteed issue policies accept everyone regardless of health history.
