Being turned down for life insurance can feel like a dead end, but it’s not. In most cases, you just applied to the wrong company.
Why Was My Life Insurance Application Denied?
Being denied by underwriting can feel personal and frustrating. You thought you were getting approved for a life insurance policy… until you got a letter in the mail or a call from your agent telling you otherwise.
The good news? A denial from one life insurance company doesn’t mean you’re uninsurable.
We help individuals who were denied life insurance coverage obtain the coverage they need, often at competitive rates. This guide will show you:
- Why your application may have been declined
- What steps to take next
- How to apply to the right company this time
Top Reasons Life Insurance Applications Get Denied
Several factors can cause your life insurance application to be rejected. These are the most common.
Medical History That Raises Red Flags
Most life insurance denials are due to health issues, but often, the wrong company was chosen for your health profile.
You may have been denied due to:
- Heart Conditions such as:
- Cancer History like:
- GI Conditions such as:
- Neurological problems:
Often, these denials are due to working with the wrong company or applying too soon after diagnosis or treatment for your health condition.
The Fix – Work with an agent who understands high-risk underwriting (hint, hint). Many top-rated insurers handle these cases, but most captive agents don’t know where to look.
Even if denied in the past, we may be able to secure a table-rated offer or approval with a flat extra, while other agents may only receive a denial.
Lab Results from Your Paramedical Exam
A surprising number of people have been declined life insurance due to abnormal lab results from a paramed exam. Some examples include:
| Lab Result | Red Flag Level |
|---|---|
| Heart Test | An abnormal EKG during paramed |
| PSA (prostate test) | Higher than age guidelines |
| Hemoglobin A1C (diabetic control) | Above 8 can be problematic |
| BNP (heart failure) | Over 1,000 pg/ml |
| eGFR (kidney function) | Under 60 |
| CDT (alcohol abuse marker) | Positive |
| HIV or Hepatitis | Positive but not disclosed on application |
| Cholesterol | Greater than 300 |
| Bilirubin | Above 6 |
| Cotinine | Positive, but tobacco/nicotine use not disclosed |
| Drug Tests | Positive |
Next Step: Request copies of your lab tests and denial letter. Then contact us – we’ll help you understand what went wrong and how to fix it.
Medical Records or Prescription History
Underwriters pull your records and prescription history behind the scenes.
These can trigger a decline if:
- You skipped a recommended test or have an upcoming surgery
- You were prescribed meds for schizophrenia, dementia, or chemotherapy
- There’s a note about substance abuse or marijuana that wasn’t disclosed
- A mistake in your chart, such as a mix-up with someone who shares your name.
If you have recently lost significant weight due to exercising, insurers may decline your application if this is not documented in your records.
What to Do Next: Ask for a copy of your MIB report (Medical Information Bureau) and get a copy of your medical records from your doctor.
We can help you review it and clear up misinformation.
Prescription History
Sometimes, a life insurance company may decline coverage due to your prescription history. When that happens, it’s usually due to one of the following:
- Not disclosing prescriptions on the application
- Having prescriptions for high-risk medical conditions that are uninsurable
- Strict accelerated underwriting programs like Corebridge Financial’s SimpliNow Choice program
Life insurance companies today utilize prescription databases that provide information about your prescription history. These databases include medicines that you were prescribed but did not fill at your pharmacy.
Uninsurable High-Risk Prescription History
There are several medications for which life insurance companies will decline you as soon as they see your medication history.
Examples include medications used for:
- Dementia medications
- Schizophrenia medications
- Chemotherapy medications
- HIV Positive medications (except for companies that insure HIV+)
- Pain medications – when multiple medications are involved
- Other medications used to treat severe mental health conditions.
Whatever your history is, let us know, and we’ll do our best to find coverage for you.
It’s Too Soon After a Major Health Event
Some insurers have mandatory waiting periods after serious diagnoses or procedures. Examples:
- 3-12 months after a heart attack.
- 1-5 years after cancer treatment
- 3-6 months after diagnosis of a chronic condition like asthma or diabetes.
Driving Record Problems
Life insurance underwriting includes your DMV record. Too many violations — especially DUIs, reckless driving, or vehicular manslaughter — can lead to a decline.
Most life insurers use their points system to assign point values to different infractions. The total of all motor vehicle violations will dictate whether life insurance is available.
Criminal Record
Some convictions trigger automatic postponement or denial:
- Charges Pending = Postpone
- Awaiting Trial or Sentencing = Postpone
- Currently in Jail = Decline
- On Probation or Parole = Postpone
Life insurance may be available after probation is over:
- Misdemeanor – Standard rates are possible.
- Single felony – 1 year postponement from the end of probation
- Multiple Felonies/Major Felonies – Decline is the likely outcome
Lifestyle Risks (and the Wrong Insurance Company)
If you’ve been denied because you participate in activities such as:
- Scuba diving
- Mountain climbing
- Private piloting
You’ve applied to the wrong life insurance company, and we can help you correct that quickly.
What to Do If You’ve Been Denied Life Insurance
Here’s a step-by-step checklist:
- Get the denial letter. It will explain the reason(s) for the decline.
- Request your lab results. We can interpret them for you.
- Ask for your MIB report. We’ll help check for incorrect medical info.
- Tell us your full story. We’ll match you with companies that are a fit.
- Consider temporary coverage, such as accidental death insurance, if needed.
Request a quote from us today, and we’ll help you get started on finding the right company.
Denied Life Insurance Claim After Death?
If you’re dealing with a denied life insurance claim, the issue is different — and potentially legal. Most denials happen during the two-year contestability period, where insurers can void a policy due to:
- Misstatements on the application (especially related to health or drug use)
- Undisclosed medical history
Generally speaking, there is a two-year contestability period after the policy is issued, during which the company can deny your death claim for fraud.
FAQ
You have questions about getting denied life insurance, and we have the answers!
It could be due to medical history, recent treatment, lab results, lifestyle risks, driving/criminal record, or undisclosed prescriptions.
Yes. Often, immediately, especially if the issue was a mismatch with the insurer. Some cases require a waiting period.
There’s no formal “blacklist,” but underwriting databases (MIB) retains application activity for 7 years.
Yes, depending on the type, treatment, and the amount of time that has passed. We specialize in high-risk approvals.
Final Thoughts
Getting denied isn’t the end — it’s just a bump in the road.
Let us help you find a life insurance company that wants your business. We’ll explain your options clearly and help you move forward with confidence.
We’ll shop for the best life insurance options and help you find companies that want your business.
