Guide to Qualifying for Life Insurance with Medical Conditions

However, just because you have a history of medical issues does not mean that you are uninsurable.

By understanding a few insider secrets to life insurance with medical conditions, you can significantly improve your chances of getting the coverage you need at the best possible rate. The following article, Guide to Qualifying for Life Insurance with Medical Conditions, provides information related to qualifying for life insurance with medical conditions, as well as a list of health conditions that may affect rates and/or policy approval.

As a part of the underwriting process life insurance companies routinely evaluate an applicant’s health and medical history. The company’s underwriting decision involves policy approval or denial and assigning premium rates based on the individual applicant’s determined level of risk. Given this process, a person’s health can have a significant impact on qualifying for life insurance with medical conditions and associated premium rates.

Minor conditions controlled through diet and/or medication may not have an impact on rates, while more serious or uncontrolled conditions may cause rates to increase significantly or coverage to be declined. Given the potential impact of medical conditions on your life insurance policy approval and premium rates, it is important to put your best foot forward when applying for coverage.

However, these plans may automatically decline certain health conditions due to a lack of detailed medical information, lab results, etc.  If you have a history of medical issues, a fully underwritten policy may be a better choice for obtaining life insurance with medical conditions. Fully underwritten policies allow the insurance company to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your health and medical conditions, then assign an appropriate underwriting class.

The best policy option, whether fully underwritten or no exam coverage, will ultimately depend on your individual situation and history. If you have been denied covered based on medical considerations and have been found to be uninsurable, there are additional policy options in the form of guaranteed issue plans. Though more expensive than traditional coverage, these plans provide for guaranteed approval and coverage.

There are three essential keys to qualifying for life insurance with medical conditions. It is important that you work with an experienced independent agent, choose the right insurance company, and provide complete and accurate information about your medical conditions and health history.

Not all life insurance agents are created equal. Working with an experienced independent agent gives you a significant advantage in navigating the application process. Insurance companies often have varying standards when considering different medical conditions, an agent’s understanding of these underwriting “niches” can significantly work to your benefit. An independent agent has access to potentially dozens of insurance companies and can help to match you with the insurer that best fits your individual situation. This process of “shopping” your application to several companies can ensure that you get the best value and is traditionally only available through an independent agent or broker.

For life insurance applicants with high-risk medical conditions choosing the right insurance company can literally make the difference between getting affordable coverage or potentially being declined. As mentioned above, insurance companies often have different underwriting standards when evaluating certain health and medical issues. For example, Protective will offer a “preferred best” underwriting class to an applicant being successfully treated for high blood pressure, while Prudential will not. However, Prudential traditionally offers better underwriting classes for smokeless tobacco, sleep apnea, and medical marijuana. It is important to consider these underwriting “niches,” as well as company ratings when choosing an insurance company.

When applying for life insurance with medical conditions, it is extremely important to provide complete and accurate information related to your health conditions and medical history. The requested information may include diagnosis, treatment dates, plan of care, medications, prognosis, and other relevant data. Insurance companies often have a standard underwriting questionnaire for common medical conditions which outline specific information needed. Providing complete and accurate information allows the underwriter to accurately assess your condition and make decisions based on your individual situation. It may also be helpful to submit a cover letter to the insurance company addressing your condition and highlighting any positive health and/or lifestyle considerations. Your agent can assist in putting together a cover letter for the insurance company’s underwriting team.

The fact is that most life insurance applicants are not necessarily in perfect health. The key, as mentioned above, is to work with an experienced independent agent, choose the right insurance company, and provide complete and accurate health information when applying. Insurance companies understand that each applicant has their own health profile and will evaluate each individual applicant for coverage assigning an appropriate underwriting class and/or rating. The following provides examples of how common medical conditions are viewed by insurers and can potentially impact approval and/or premium rates.   

It can also involve having to drink more to get the same effect, or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as alcohol use disorder can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, reformed alcoholism may result in a Table B or greater rating increasing rates by 150% or more above standard, while continued alcohol use may result in a decline of coverage.

Learn more: Alcohol Use Disorder

 In Alzheimer's, the brain cells degenerate and die, causing a steady decline in memory and mental function. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or other related conditions can impact premium rates and/or approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, progressive Alzheimer's may result in a significant table rating or decline of coverage.

Learn more: Alzheimer's Disease

Anemia can be temporary or long-term, and it can range from mild to severe. Treatments for anemia range from taking supplements to undergoing medical procedures. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as anemia can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, recovered anemia may qualify for a preferred underwriting class. Whereas, sickle cell disease and other severe forms of anemia may result in a Table D or greater rating increasing rates by 200% or more above standard or a complete decline of coverage.

Learn more: Anemia

Aneurysms usually don't cause symptoms, so you might not know you have an aneurysm even if it's large. Aneurysms can develop in several parts of your body, including the aorta, brain, and other parts of the body, such as your legs, groin or neck. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as an aneurysm can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, an unrepaired aneurysm may result in a decline of coverage.

Learn more: Aneurysm

People with anorexia place a high value on controlling their weight and shape, using extreme efforts that tend to significantly interfere with their lives. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as anorexia can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, recovered anorexia stable for at least one year may qualify for a Table B or greater rating increasing rates by 150% or more above standard, while current anorexia issues may result in a decline of coverage.

Learn more: Anorexia Nervosa

These feelings of anxiety and panic interfere with daily activities, are difficult to control, and are out of proportion to the actual danger. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as anxiety disorder can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, mild or well-controlled anxiety disorders may qualify for a preferred underwriting class, while more severe disorders may result in a Table B or greater rating, increasing rates by 150% or more above standard.

Learn more: Anxiety Disorders

However, some arrhythmias may cause bothersome, sometimes even life-threatening, signs and symptoms. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as an arrhythmia can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, a few premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) may qualify for a standard underwriting class, while many PVCs or other arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation may result in a Table B or greater rating increasing rates by 150% or more above standard.

Learn more: Arrhythmia

For others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life threatening asthma attack. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as asthma can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, mild asthma requiring no medications may qualify for a preferred underwriting class, while more severe cases of asthma may result in a standard or greater rating.

Learn more: Asthma

Being extremely obese means you are especially likely to have health problems related to your weight. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as obesity can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, underwriting classes based on height/weight can range from preferred plus (best class), to table ratings increasing rates significantly or a decline of coverage altogether. The following chart provides an example of height/weight ratios and associated underwriting classes. 

Learn more: Life Insurance for Overweight Individuals (Getting the Best Rates Possible)

To get rid of calories and prevent weight gain, people with bulimia may use different methods such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, weight-loss supplements, or diuretics. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as bulimia can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, uncontrolled bulimia may result in a decline of coverage.

Learn more: Bulimia

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. But survival rates are improving for many types of cancer, thanks to improvements in cancer screening and cancer treatment. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as cancer can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, cancer may result in underwriting classes ranging from preferred to a complete decline of coverage based on cancer type, treatment, prognosis, time in remission, and other factors.

As examples, fully recovered basal cell carcinoma may qualify for a preferred class, while fully recovered breast cancer, colon cancer, melanoma, or prostate cancer greater than 10 years ago may qualify for a standard underwriting class. Recent cancer diagnosis, ongoing treatment, or other complications may result in a decline of coverage.     

Learn more: Life Insurance for Cancer Patients and Survivors (Coverage Option)

This condition may be treatable by correcting the cause. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions associated with an enlarged heart can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, an enlarged heart may result in a standard or greater underwriting class, to include a decline of coverage based on the underlying condition.

Learn more: Enlarged Heart (Cardiomegaly)

Stroke is the most common cause of death and the leading cause of permanent disability in the United States. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as carotid artery disease or a history of a stroke can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, a single stroke, fully recovered with no paralysis, may qualify for a Table B or greater rating increasing rates by 150% or more above standard, while multiple strokes, paralysis, or other complications may result in a decline of coverage.     

Learn more: Carotid Artery Disease

Defects range from simple, which might cause no problems, to complex, which can cause life-threatening complications. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as congenital heart disease can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, minor heart defects may qualify a standard or greater rating, while more severe cardiac issues may result in a decline of coverage.     

Learn more: Congenital Heart Disease

It's caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as COPD can impact life insurance premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, mild COPD may qualify for a Table B or greater rating increasing rates by 150% or more above standard, moderate COPD may qualify for a Table D or greater rating increasing rates by 200% or more above standard, and severe COPD may result in a decline of coverage.     

Learn more: COPD

Eventually, the decreased blood flow may cause chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or other coronary artery disease signs and symptoms. A complete blockage can cause a heart attack. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as coronary artery disease can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, mild coronary artery disease and/or a single stent may qualify for a Table B or greater rating increasing rates by 150% or more, while more serious coronary artery disease and/or multiple stents may qualify for a Table D or greater rating increasing rates by 200% or more above standard, and severe disease, a heart attack under age 40, or other complication may result in a decline of coverage.     

Learn more: Coronary Artery Disease

Crohn's disease can be both painful and debilitating and sometimes may lead to life-threatening complications. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as Crohn's disease can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, mild to moderate Crohn's disease may qualify for a Table B or greater rating increasing rates by 150% or more above standard, while more serious Crohn's disease and/or complications may result in a decline of coverage.     

Learn more: Crohn's Disease

Those diagnosed with this disorder may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities and sometimes feel as if life isn't worth living Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as depression can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, mild depression and/or controlled with one medication may qualify for a preferred underwriting class, multiple medications and/or psychiatric involvement may qualify standard, while severe bipolar disorder or SSI disability may result in a decline of coverage.    

Learn more: Depression

Chronic diabetes conditions include Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes, while gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and may resolve after delivery. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as diabetes can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, Type 1 diabetes may qualify for a range of underwriting classes ranging from Table D or greater rating increasing rates by 200% or more above standard, through a complete decline of coverage based on age of diagnosis, insulin use, tobacco history, and other considerations.

While, Type 2 diabetes may qualify for underwriting classes ranging from Table B or greater rating increasing rates by 150% or more above standard, through a complete decline of coverage based on age of diagnosis, level of control (A1C), insulin use, tobacco history, and other considerations. 

Learn more: Life Insurance for Diabetics: 7 Tips to Qualifying for Affordable Coverage

Diverticulitis can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and a marked change in your bowel habits. Mild diverticulitis can be treated with rest, changes in your diet, and antibiotics. Severe or recurring diverticulitis may require surgery.

Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as diverticulosis or diverticulitis can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, diverticulosis may qualify for a preferred underwriting class, mild to moderate diverticulitis (infection) may qualify for a standard or greater underwriting class, while severe recurring diverticulitis and/or associated complications may result in a decline of coverage.

Learn more: Diverticulosis / Diverticulitis

Drug addiction can start with the experimental use of a recreational drug in social situations, and, for some people, the drug use becomes more frequent. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as drug addiction can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, drug addition recovered over three years may qualify for a Table D or greater rating increasing rates by 200% or more above standard, while current or more recent drug addiction may result in a decline of coverage.

Learn more: Drug Addiction

Each beat of your heart is triggered by an electrical impulse normally generated from special cells in the upper right chamber of your heart (pacemaker cells). An electrocardiogram records the timing and strength of these signals as they travel through your heart. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions associated with an abnormal EKG can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, abnormal EKG findings may result in a standard or greater underwriting class, including a decline of coverage based on the underlying condition.

Learn more: EKG Abnormalities

Some people with epilepsy simply stare blankly for a few seconds during a seizure, while others repeatedly twitch their arms or legs. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as epilepsy can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, Petit Mal seizures with minimal residual effects may qualify for a Preferred underwriting class, Grand Mal seizures greater than six months and employed may qualify for a Table B or greater rating, increasing rates by 150% or more above standard, or chronic Grand Mal seizures involving disability may result in a decline of coverage.

Learn more: Epilepsy / Seizures

At its most severe, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as fatty liver can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, fatty liver may qualify for a standard or greater underwriting class.

Learn more: Fatty Liver

Breast symptoms tend to be most bothersome just before menstruation. Simple self-care measures can usually relieve discomfort associated with fibrocystic breasts. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as fibrocystic breasts can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, fibrocystic breasts may qualify for a preferred or greater underwriting class.

Learn more: Fibrocystic Breasts

Most people can manage the discomfort of GERD with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. But some people with GERD may need stronger medications or surgery to ease symptoms. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as GERD can impact rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, GERD with or without treatment may qualify for a preferred or greater underwriting class.

Learn more: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease  

You might not know you have the condition until it's discovered by accident, such as when a blood test shows elevated bilirubin levels.  Gilbert's syndrome requires no treatment. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as Gilbert's Syndrome can impact rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, Gilbert's Syndrome may qualify for a Preferred or greater underwriting class.

Learn more: Gilbert's Syndrome

Severe or prolonged inflammation associated with glomerulonephritis can damage your kidneys. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as glomerulonephritis can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, acute recovered glomerulonephritis may qualify for a standard or greater underwriting class, chronic glomerulonephritis with good renal function may qualify for a Table B or greater rating increasing rates by up to 150% or more above standard or chronic glomerulonephritis with poor renal function may result in a decline of coverage.

Learn more: Glomerulonephritis 

They are often harmless, not requiring treatment. Some heart murmurs may require follow-up tests to rule out a serious underlying heart condition. Treatment, if needed, is directed at the cause of your heart murmur. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions associated with a heart murmur can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, heart murmurs may result in a standard or greater underwriting class, to include a decline of coverage based on the underlying condition.

Learn more: Heart Murmur

Too much iron can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as liver disease, heart problems, and diabetes. Treatment can include removing blood from the body. Because much of the body's iron is contained in red blood cells, this treatment lowers iron levels. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as hemochromatosis can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, hemochromatosis may qualify for a Table D or greater rating, increasing rates by 150% or more above standard, while severe complications or associated conditions may result in a decline of coverage.

Learn more: Hemochromatosis

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), increasing the risk of liver failure, liver cancer, or cirrhosis. Hepatitis C is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis C virus, resulting in liver inflammation and can lead to serious liver damage. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as hepatitis can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, fully recovered Hepatitis A may qualify for a preferred or greater underwriting class, hepatitis B or C longer than 2 years with normal liver function may qualify for a Table D or greater rating increasing rates by 200% or more above standard, while hepatitis with abnormal liver function or current symptom may result in a decline of coverage.

Learn more: Hepatitis

Even without symptoms, damage to blood vessels and your heart continues. High blood pressure increases your risk of health problems such as a heart attack or stroke. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as hypertension can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, well-controlled high blood pressure may qualify for a preferred or greater underwriting class, moderately controlled high blood pressure may qualify for a standard or greater underwriting class, and poorly controlled high blood pressure may qualify for a Table B or greater underwriting class increasing rates 150% or more above standard.

Learn more: Life Insurance with High Blood Pressure: 5 Frequently Asked Questions

Chronic kidney disease may not become apparent until your kidney function is significantly impaired. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as kidney disease can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, chronic kidney disease may result in a significant Table rating or a decline of coverage.

Learn more: Kidney Disease

It can be difficult to diagnose because the signs and symptoms often mimic those of other ailments. While there's no cure for lupus, treatments can help control symptoms. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as lupus can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, lupus discoid (skin) without complications may qualify for a preferred or greater underwriting class, lupus erythematosus (internal) with no complications for two years may qualify for a Table D or greater rating increasing rates by 200% or more above standard, while lupus erythematosus with complications or lupus nephritis (kidney) may result in a decline of coverage.

Learn more:  Lupus

Some people with mitral valve prolapse, however, require treatment. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as mitral valve prolapse can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, uncomplicated mitral valve prolapse may qualify for a preferred or greater underwriting class, while complicated mitral valve prolapse may qualify for a Table B or greater rating increasing rates by 150% or more above standard. 

Learn more: Mitral Value Prolapse

This disease can cause nerves to deteriorate, becoming permanently damaged. There is no cure for multiple sclerosis. However, treatments can help speed recovery from attacks and manage symptoms. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, multiple sclerosis stable for one year may qualify for a Table B or greater rating increasing rates by 150% or more above standard, while multiple sclerosis involving instability or complications may result in a decline of coverage.

Learn more: Multiple Sclerosis

There's no cure for muscular dystrophy. But medications and therapy can help manage symptoms and slow the course of the disease. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as muscular dystrophy can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, localized muscular dystrophy may qualify for a Table B or greater rating increasing rates by 150% or more above standard, while severe muscular dystrophy may result in a decline of coverage.

Learn more: Muscular Dystrophy

Osteoporosis affects men and women of all races, but white and Asian women are at the highest risk. Medications, a healthy diet, and weight-bearing exercise can help prevent bone loss or strengthen already weak bones. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as osteoporosis can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, osteoporosis may qualify for a preferred or greater underwriting class.

Learn more: Osteoporosis

Paraplegia means that all or part of the trunk, legs, and pelvic organs are affected, while quadriplegia means the arms, hands, trunk, legs, and pelvic organs are affected. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as paraplegia or quadriplegia can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, paraplegia over age 60 may qualify for a Table B or greater rating increasing rates by 150% or more above standard, paraplegia under age 60 may qualify for a Table D or greater rating, increasing rates by 200% or more above standard, while quadriplegia may result in a decline of coverage.

Learn more: Paraplegia / Quadriplegia

Parkinson's disease symptoms worsen as your condition progresses over time. Although the disease can't be cured, medications may improve your symptoms. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as Parkinson's disease can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, non-progressive Parkinson's may qualify for a Table B or greater rating increasing rates by 150% or more above standard, slowly progressive Parkinson's may qualify for a Table D or greater rating increasing rates by 200% or more above standard, while more severe cases may result in a decline of coverage.

Learn more: Parkinson's Disease

The most common causes of peptic ulcers are infection with H. pylori and long-term use of aspirin and other painkillers, such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as peptic ulcers can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, stomach ulcers may qualify for a preferred or greater underwriting class, while duodenal ulcers may qualify for a standard or greater underwriting class.

Learn more: Peptic Ulcer

Peripheral artery disease can often successfully be treated by quitting tobacco, exercising, and eating a healthy diet. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as peripheral artery disease can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, a non-smoker with peripheral artery disease may qualify for a Table B or greater rating increasing rates by 150% or more above standard, while a smoker with peripheral artery disease may qualify for a Table D or greater rating increasing rates by 200% or more above standard.

Learn more: Peripheral Artery Disease

The disease can cause serious complications, including high blood pressure and kidney failure. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as polycystic kidney disease can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, polycystic disease with normal renal function may qualify for a Table D or greater rating, increasing rates by 200% or more above standard, while polycystic disease with impaired renal function may result in a decline of coverage.

Learn more: Polycystic Kidney Disease

An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, controlled rheumatoid arthritis may qualify for a Table B or greater rating increasing rates by 150% or more, while rheumatoid arthritis involving disability may result in a decline of coverage.

Learn more: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Central sleep apnea which occurs when your brain doesn't send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing, and complex sleep apnea syndrome which occurs when someone has both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as sleep apnea can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, sleep apnea corrected by surgery may qualify for a preferred or greater underwriting class, while sleep apnea successfully treated with CPAP may qualify for a Table B or greater rating increasing rates by 150% or more above standard.

Learn more: Qualifying for Life Insurance with Sleep Apnea (Including Underwriting Questions)

Early action can minimize brain damage and potential complications. The good news is that strokes can be treated and prevented. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as a stroke can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, a single stroke with full recovery and no paralysis may qualify for a Table B or greater rating increasing rates by 150% or more, while multiple strokes and/or paralysis may result in a decline of coverage.

Learn more: Stroke

Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as a suicide attempt can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, a single suicide attempt after one year may qualify for a Table B or greater rating increasing rates by 150% or more above standard, while multiple suicide attempts may result in a decline of coverage.

Learn more: Life Insurance and Suicide: 5 Important Policy Considerations

About 1 in 3 people who have a transient ischemic attack will eventually have a stroke, with about half occurring within a year. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as a transient ischemic attack can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, a transient ischemic attack may qualify for a Table B or greater rating increasing rates by 150% or more above standard.

Learn more: Transient Ischemic Attack

Ulcerative colitis can be debilitating and can sometimes lead to life-threatening complications. While it has no known cure, treatment can greatly reduce signs and symptoms of the disease. Applying for life insurance with medical conditions such as ulcerative colitis can impact premium rates and/or policy approval. Though underwriting standards vary by insurance company, ulcerative colitis may qualify for a Table B or greater rating increasing rates by 150% or more above standard.

Learn more: Ulcerative Colitis