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Life Insurance with Sleep Apnea

Life Insurance with Sleep Apnea

Written By Doug Mitchell

  • Doug Mitchell, CLU

Doug Mitchell, CLU holds a BA degree in Finance from Auburn University as well as having obtained a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation from The American College in Bryn Mahr, PA.  Doug has spent close to 30 years in the insurance and financial planning industry and has held licenses to sell securities, long-term care insurance, health.  Doug is also a financial blogger addressing the topics of life insurance, annuities and retirement income planning.
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Holly Mitchell  &

  • Holly Mitchell

Holly Mitchell’s background in life insurance insurance goes back to 1985 when she worked for her father who was a New York Life agent. Holly has a marketing degree from Auburn University and has had a life insurance license since 2008. In addition to advising life insurance for customers all around the country, Holly is our website fact checker.

Rob Pinner   &

  • Rob Pinner

Rob Pinner is the founder and CEO of Pinner Financial Services servicing all 50 states. Rob started his insurance career in 2002.

Louis LaBash

  • Louis G. LaBash

Results-driven and innovative life insurance professional with 30 plus years of life insurance industry sales and marketing experience. Recognized as a pioneer in the field, leveraging phone and internet channels to exceed personal sales of over $100 million during the first decade of the 21st century. Creator of a highly effective intuitive IUL life insurance sales software that facilitated the sale of millions of dollars of indexed universal policies by numerous life insurance agents. Proven track record as a Managing General Agent (MGA), Life Agent, IUL Life Insurance Sales Software developer, and leading-edge creator of insurance marketing tools, educational content, and delivery systems.
  • Updated on February 24, 2021
Table of Contents

Life insurance is as important for the 18 million Americans with sleep apnea as it is for people without the disorder.

Because it’s such a common condition, there are millions of Americans with sleep apnea that are looking to get life insurance.

In this article, we’ll look at the factors behind life insurance rates for sleep apnea sufferers.

How Companies View Life Insurance With Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea affects sufferers in different ways, and life insurance quotes for this group vary as a result.

Life Insurance with Sleep Apnea

Below are some of the questions you will need to answer in order to get a quote that is accurate.

  • How long have you suffered from sleep apnea?
  • What form of sleep apnea have you been diagnosed with? Although obstructive sleep apnea is most common, central or mixed sleep apnea are other types.
  • How severe are your sleep apnea symptoms?
  • Have you undergone a sleep study? If so, when was it?
  • Are you currently suffering from other medical problems, such as arrhythmia or high blood pressure?
  • What is your height and weight?
  • Are you currently a cigarette smoker, or have you been in the past?
  • What is the current treatment for sleep apnea? Have you received an oral device or CPAP machine or undergone surgery?

Sleep Apnea Life Insurance Health Ratings

Based on the answers to the questions above we’ll be able to provide you with a good idea of how a life insurance company will price your policy.

Coverage for People with Mild Sleep Apnea

If you suffer from a mild form of sleep apnea and do not have any complications, you may be eligible to receive Preferred Plus rates – this means your life insurance policy price may not contain any increase related to your diagnosis.

Coverage for Those with Moderate Sleep Apnea

If you have been diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea, are receiving treatment, such as CPAP, and are following the recommendations of your treating physician, you may qualify for Preferred rates.

However, if you have moderate sleep apnea, and it is currently untreated but without complications, your health rating may range from table 2-4.

Table Ratings are rates that are higher than standard pricing for life insurance.

The higher the number, the higher the rate.

Coverage Options With Severe Sleep Apnea

If you are diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and are currently receiving treatment as well as following your physician’s treatment recommendations, your health rating will probably be Standard.

However, if you are suffering from severe sleep apnea and are not receiving treatment, you may not be able to get life insurance at this time.

In order to avoid being declined, be sure to seek sleep apnea treatment – which typically involves having a sleep study first.

One of the most important things that you can do for your health and your life insurance plan is to always follow your doctor’s orders. This will help you improve your health and lower your insurance premiums, which is a win-win situation for both you and your doctor.

Additionally, it’s vital that you get regular checkups and always follow up with your doctor periodically to ensure that everything is going as planned.

Your physician can help make any adjustments or additional treatments that you need to ensure that you have the best health possible.

Getting The Best Rates With Sleep Apnea

Like any other type of health condition, you first have to satisfy the application requirements as they pertain to sleep apnea. Then all other risks, too.

With sleep apnea, one thing to keep in mind is that it isn’t something vastly affecting mortality itself. But it is, however, a symptom that usually always follows another type of health risk. When you apply, you’ll need to disclose this.

One such condition, for example, which has a high correlation with sleep apnea, is being overweight.

To get the best rates, minimizing your health risks as they relate to being obese is a step in the right direction. Especially with sleep apnea.

Make sure you work with an agent who is familiar with this risk. And one who can get rates from a lot of different carriers willing to underwrite sleep apnea cases.

Bottom Line

When it comes to sleep apnea, you can get approved for life insurance. The biggest thing that insurance companies want to see is that you are or have been taking steps to manage the condition.

Uncontrolled sleep apnea can lead to additional health risks, such as a high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease.

If you have taken these steps, finding affordable life insurance coverage should be doable. Sometimes it means knowing which life insurance company to apply with.

As an independent life insurance agency BestLifeQuote.com knows which companies are likely to approve you based on your specific situation.

Compare rates using our quote engine on this page or call us at 1-800-712-8519 and we can help with you secure affordable life insurance coverage. 

We can also help with other types of coverage such as final cost insurance if this is something you are interested in.

Doug Mitchell, CLU

Doug Mitchell, CLU

Doug Mitchell, CLU holds a BA degree in Finance from Auburn University as well as having obtained a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation from The American College in Bryn Mahr, PA. Doug has spent close to 30 years in the life insurance and financial planning industry and has held licenses to sell securities, long-term care insurance, health. Some other notable items about Doug: Top of the Table Million Dollar Round Table member (MDRT). (MDRT is a global, independent association of the world’s leading life insurance advisors) | Premier Partner with Lincoln Financial and Cabinet Member | Served two years as President of the Auburn/Opelika Association of Financial Advisors | Life Millionaire status at Horace Mann Insurance Company and was awarded the Life Agent of the Year Award | New York Life, Executive Council Member | Currently serves as President of Ogletree Financial, a life insurance General Agency. | Doug is also a financial blogger addressing the topics of life insurance, annuities and retirement income planning.

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