Last Updated: November 14th, 2025
High risk life insurance covers people with pre-existing medical conditions, dangerous occupations, or risky hobbies. You can get approved even with health issues like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer by working with an independent broker who specializes in impaired risk cases. Expect higher premiums and possible table ratings, but coverage is available from specialized carriers for nearly every health situation.
Getting life insurance with a pre-existing condition isn’t as hard as you think. If you have diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, or dozens of other health issues, you’re not automatically denied coverage. You’re just considered “high risk.”
The difference between getting approved and getting declined often comes down to one thing: working with the right broker who knows which insurance companies specialize in your specific situation.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to get approved for high risk life insurance, which conditions qualify, what to expect with pricing, and how to find the best coverage for your needs.
What Makes Someone “High Risk” for Life Insurance?
Life insurance companies evaluate risk based on how likely you are to pass away during the policy term. If you have factors that increase that likelihood, you’re classified as high risk.
You might be considered high risk if you have:
Medical conditions that affect life expectancy, dangerous hobbies like skydiving or rock climbing, high-risk occupations such as commercial fishing or logging, lifestyle factors including smoking or obesity, or a history of DUIs or serious driving violations.
The good news? High risk doesn’t mean uninsurable. It just means you’ll need a specialized approach.
Common Pre-Existing Conditions That Get Coverage
Most people think serious health conditions automatically disqualify them. That’s not true. We’ve helped hundreds of clients get approved with conditions including:
| Category | Covered Conditions |
|---|---|
| Chronic Health Conditions | Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2), Asthma, Arthritis, COPD, Crohn’s Disease, Sleep Apnea, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Back Pain, Gout, Anemia, Barrett’s Esophagus |
| Heart & Circulatory Issues | Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Stroke History, Atrial Fibrillation, Elevated PSA Levels, Polycythemia, Thrombocytopenia, Long QT Syndrome |
| Serious Medical History | Cancer, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, Elevated Liver Function, Obesity, Weight Loss Surgery, Sjogren’s Syndrome |
| Mental Health Conditions | Depression, PTSD, Anxiety Disorders (when properly managed) |
| Other Risk Factors | DUI Convictions, Criminal Records, Alcohol Use History, Bankruptcy, Foreign National Status, Other Chronic Ailments |
Every insurance company has different underwriting standards. What gets you declined at one company might get you approved at another. That’s why working with an independent broker who knows which carriers handle which conditions makes all the difference.
Understanding Table Ratings and Sub-Standard Classes
If you’re high risk, you won’t qualify for “Preferred” or “Standard” rates. Instead, you’ll receive a table rating, sometimes called a sub-standard rating.
Table ratings use a letter or number system (Table A through H, or Table 1 through 8). The higher the rating, the higher your premium. Here’s how it typically works:
| Rating Class | Premium Increase | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Base rate | Healthy applicants with no major health issues |
| Table 2 (B) | +50% | Minor controlled conditions like mild diabetes or hypertension |
| Table 4 (D) | +100% | Moderate health issues like well-managed heart disease |
| Table 6 (F) | +150% | Serious conditions like recent cancer treatment or multiple health issues |
| Table 8 (H) | +200% | Severe health complications or multiple high-risk factors |
Don’t let the premium increase scare you. A policy that costs twice as much is still worth having if it protects your family. And in many cases, we can find carriers that offer better ratings for your specific condition.
For more information about how life insurance underwriting works, visit the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
What to Do If You’ve Been Declined Before
Being declined once doesn’t mean you’ll be declined everywhere. Here’s why people get declined and what you can do about it:
Wrong Insurance Company
Every carrier has different risk tolerances. One company might decline you while another approves you with a table rating. That’s why independent brokers matter. We know which of our 30+ carriers are most likely to approve your specific situation.
Incomplete Application
Sometimes applications get declined because important medical documentation was missing or the underwriter didn’t have complete information. Reapplying with better documentation can change the outcome.
Timing Issues
If you were recently diagnosed or just finished treatment, waiting 6-12 months can dramatically improve your chances. Cancer survivors, for example, often get better rates the further they are from their last treatment.
If traditional coverage isn’t an option right now, you still have alternatives like guaranteed issue or graded benefit policies. These require no medical exam and accept everyone, though they come with higher premiums and coverage limits.
No Medical Exam vs. Guaranteed Issue Policies
When traditional fully underwritten policies won’t work, you have two backup options:
No Medical Exam Life Insurance
No medical exam life insurance policies skip the medical exam but still ask health questions. They’re faster to get approved (often within days) and work well if you have minor health issues that don’t require detailed underwriting. The trade-off is higher premiums and lower coverage limits compared to traditional policies.
Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
These policies accept everyone regardless of health. No exam, no health questions, guaranteed approval. The catch? They’re expensive and usually cap at $25,000 to $50,000 in coverage. They often include a waiting period where full benefits don’t kick in for 2-3 years.
We always recommend trying for traditional coverage first, even if you think you won’t qualify. You might be surprised. Only use no-exam or guaranteed issue policies as a last resort.
If you’re looking specifically for coverage to handle funeral and burial costs, final expense insurance provides affordable options designed for these expenses.
Why Term Life Insurance Works Better for High Risk Applicants
If you’re high risk, we usually recommend term life insurance over permanent policies. Here’s why:
Term policies cost less, which matters when you’re already paying higher rates due to your health. More insurance companies compete for term business, giving you more options. And if your health improves, you can often convert to a permanent policy later or reapply for better rates.
A 20-year term policy gives you affordable coverage during the years when your family needs it most. You can always reassess later when circumstances change.
How to Get Approved: The Right Process
Getting approved for high risk life insurance requires strategy, not luck. Here’s the process that works:
Step 1: Work with an Independent Broker
Independent brokers (like us) represent multiple insurance companies. We can shop your application to 30+ carriers to find the best fit. A captive agent only has one company’s products, which limits your options.
Step 2: Gather Your Medical Records
Complete medical records help underwriters make informed decisions. Get records from all your doctors, especially for any diagnosed conditions. Include test results, treatment plans, and medication lists.
Step 3: Let Your Broker Shop Your Case
Your broker will submit your information to multiple carriers without triggering a formal application. This “informal underwriting” lets us see which company will give you the best rating before you officially apply.
Step 4: Apply to the Best-Fit Carrier
Once we identify the carrier most likely to approve you with the best rates, you submit a formal application. This avoids declined applications on your record.
Step 5: Complete the Medical Exam (If Required)
Most traditional policies require an exam. The examiner comes to your home, takes vitals, draws blood, and collects a urine sample. It takes about 30 minutes.
Step 6: Underwriting Review
The insurance company reviews your application, exam results, and medical records. This takes 2-6 weeks depending on complexity. Your broker can follow up and advocate for you if issues arise.
Step 7: Get Your Decision
You’ll receive an approval with your rating class and premium, or a decline with reasons. If approved, your coverage starts as soon as you pay your first premium.
Best Life Insurance Companies for High Risk Cases
Not all insurance companies handle high risk cases well. These carriers have strong track records with impaired risk applicants:
Banner Life offers competitive rates for controlled chronic conditions and has excellent underwriting flexibility.
Transamerica specializes in diabetes cases and other metabolic conditions with favorable table ratings.
Prudential handles serious medical histories well and has experience with cancer survivors.
AIG (formerly American General) provides options for applicants with multiple risk factors and complex health situations.
We work with all of these carriers plus 25+ others to find you the best possible coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get life insurance if I have multiple pre-existing conditions?
Yes, though you’ll likely receive a higher table rating. Insurance companies evaluate your overall health profile, not just individual conditions. A 50-year-old with controlled diabetes and mild high blood pressure might still qualify for Table 2 or Table 4 ratings. We’ve helped many clients with multiple conditions get approved.
How much more expensive is high risk life insurance?
It depends on your rating. Table ratings typically add 25% to 200% to standard premiums. A Table 2 rating might add 50%, while a Table 6 could double your cost. Despite higher premiums, coverage is still affordable for most families and worth having.
What if I improve my health after getting a policy?
Many policies let you request a rating reconsideration after 1-2 years if your health improves significantly. If you lose weight, get diabetes under control, or successfully complete cancer treatment, you can apply for better rates. Some policies also include conversion options to upgrade your coverage.
Do I need a medical exam for high risk life insurance?
Most traditional policies require an exam, but no-exam options exist if you can’t qualify through standard underwriting. The exam helps insurance companies accurately assess your health. Better health than expected on exam day can actually help you get a better rating.
How long does the approval process take?
Traditional policies take 2-6 weeks from application to approval. No medical exam policies can be approved in 24-48 hours. Guaranteed issue policies often approve immediately. Complex medical histories may take longer as underwriters review detailed records.
Can I get life insurance with cancer?
Yes, but timing matters. Most carriers want to see you cancer-free for at least 2-5 years depending on cancer type and severity. Early-stage cancers with successful treatment have much better approval odds than aggressive or metastatic cancers. We can help you navigate the waiting periods and find carriers with favorable cancer underwriting.
What’s the difference between “impaired risk” and “high risk” life insurance?
They’re the same thing. “Impaired risk” is the industry term for applicants who don’t qualify for standard health ratings. “High risk” is the more common consumer term. Both refer to coverage for people with pre-existing conditions or risk factors.
Key Takeaways
High risk doesn’t mean uninsurable. Most pre-existing conditions can get coverage from specialized carriers with the right broker.
Independent brokers give you more options. Working with a broker who represents 30+ carriers lets you find the company most likely to approve your specific situation.
Previous declines don’t predict future outcomes. Different carriers have different underwriting standards. Being declined once doesn’t mean you’ll be declined everywhere.
Table ratings increase premiums but provide essential protection. Even if you pay 50-100% more than standard rates, life insurance still offers crucial financial security for your family.
Timing and preparation improve your chances. Gathering complete medical records, working with specialists, and applying to the right carrier at the right time significantly increases approval odds.
Need help getting approved? We specialize in high risk cases and work with over 30 insurance carriers. Our expertise in impaired risk underwriting means we know exactly which companies will give you the best chance at approval.
Fill out the form on this page to get your free quote.
