High-Risk Life Insurance Underwriting - What You Need to Know
If you've been denied life insurance, or were hit with a table rating or flat extra, you're not alone. But you still have options.
Whether you live with a health condition, work in a high-risk job, or participate in high-adrenaline hobbies, this guide explains how high-risk underwriting works, which life insurance companies are best, and what types of life insurance you should consider.
What is High-Risk Life Insurance?
High-risk life insurance is designed for people who don't fit the "perfect health" mold. That includes:
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Past insurance denials
- High-risk hobbies or occupations
- If you've previously received a table rating or flat extra expense.
Insurers use underwriting to evaluate your risk level and decide what you'll pay. But here's the catch: not all companies underwrite risk the same way. That's where working with the right agent makes all the difference.
Common High-Risk Medical Conditions
We've written in-depth guides for dozens of high-risk medical conditions. Here are some of the most common:
Cancer History
- Cancer History
- Bladder Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Melanoma
- Testicular Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
- Colon Cancer
- Lymphoma
- Leukemia
Heart Conditions
- Heart Conditions
- Heart Tests
- High Blood Pressure
- Aortic Aneurysm
- Aortic Stenosis
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Bypass Surgery
- Heart Attack
- Heart Blocks
- Pacemakers
- Cardiomyopathy
- Mitral Valve
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Angina
Gastrointestinal
- GI Conditions
- Elevated Liver Enzymes
- Crohn's Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Hepatitis
- Barrett's Esophagus
Endocrine & Metabolic
Neurological Conditions
Other Medical Risks
- Asthma
- High Cholesterol
- Sleep Apnea
- HIV Positive
- Mental Health
- Weight
- Kidney Disease
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Anemia
Non-Medical High-Risk Categories
It's not just your health that insurers look at. You may be considered high-risk for reasons like:
The best life insurance company depends on your medical history and current health.
How High-Risk Life Insurance Underwriting Works
Each life insurance company has its own set of underwriting rules. But here’s a breakdown of the most common approaches:
Accelerated Underwriting
No medical exam. Instead, insurers use prescription databases, MIB reports, and digital health records.
Best for: Relatively healthy applicants or well-managed conditions.
Medical Underwriting
A full paramed exam, labs, and medical records. Most traditional term policies use this method.
Best for: Applicants with known medical conditions or older ages.
Non-Medical Underwriting
Focuses on the non-health risk aspects of your application, such as scuba diving, flying planes, occupation, driving record, credit history, etc.
Field Underwriting
This is where we come in. We collect the right details upfront to avoid declines and find the most favorable carrier.
Best for: Everyone. It’s your shortcut to better rates.
Learn More About Specific Underwriting Topics
We've created detailed resources on how underwriting works, including:
Flat Extras – How to Beat This Costly Life Insurance Expense
Denied Life Insurance? Here’s What to Do Next
Heart Conditions and Life Insurance: Your Guide to Getting Covered
Life Insurance for Cancer Patients & Survivors: How to Get Affordable Coverage
Worried about getting life insurance after a cancer diagnosis? You’re not alone, but the good...
Life Insurance and Gastrointestinal (GI) Conditions: A Comprehensive Guide
Best Life Insurance for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Best Life Insurance for Lymphoma Survivors
Best Life Insurance for Anemia – What to Know Before You Apply
Best Life Insurance for Leukemia
Barrett’s Esophagus – How It Affects Life Insurance
Best Life Insurance for Mountaineers
Angina Life Insurance – What to Know Before You Apply
Best Life Insurance for Parkinson’s Disease
Best Life Insurance for Aortic Aneurysm
Life insurance with an aortic aneurysm isn’t out of reach. In fact, many people with...
Best Life Insurance for Pulmonary Embolism
Life Insurance with Cardiomyopathy – What You Need to Know
Can You Get Life Insurance with a Mitral Valve Condition? Yes—Here’s How
Do you have mitral valve prolapse, mitral regurgitation, or stenosis? Learn how high-risk mitral valve...