Having high cholesterol doesn’t automatically disqualify you from life insurance, but it can influence your rates.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to find the best life insurance options for your situation and avoid paying too much by choosing the wrong company.
Can I Get Life Insurance with High Cholesterol?
Yes, you can get life insurance even if you have high cholesterol. While it may increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other health conditions, most insurance companies will still offer coverage.
It’s rare to be declined just because of high cholesterol, but higher cholesterol levels may lead to higher premiums as there’s plenty of evidence available that supports high cholesterol being a significant risk factor for heart disease.
What Do Life Insurance Companies Consider to Be High Cholesterol?
When it comes to life insurance, “high cholesterol” is typically defined based on total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglyceride levels.
Life insurance companies use these measurements to determine the level of risk associated with your health.
During the underwriting process, you’ll likely undergo a paramedical exam, which will include a cholesterol lab test.
The key metrics insurance companies look at include:
- Total cholesterol
- Cholesterol Ratios
- Total cholesterol/HDL ratio
- LDL/HDL ratio
- HDL – high-density lipoprotein (the good cholesterol)
- LDL – low-density lipoprotein (the bad cholesterol)
- Triglycerides
Total cholesterol/HDL ratio – The lower the ratio, the lower the risk of coronary heart disease.
LDL/HDL Ratio – The higher this ratio, the greater the risk for coronary atherosclerosis.
For example, a high LDL/HDL ratio indicates a greater risk of coronary atherosclerosis.
If you’re wondering why underwriters are concerned about cholesterol, the reason is the risk of developing heart conditions.
| Coronary Risk based on LDL/HDL ratio* | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 the average risk | 1.0 | 1.5 |
| Average risk | 3.6 | 3.2 |
| 2x average risk | 6.2 | 5.0 |
| 3x average risk | 8.0 | 6.1 |
Best Life Insurance Companies for High Cholesterol
Not all life insurance companies view high cholesterol the same way. Some companies offer better terms for individuals with high cholesterol, while others are more strict.
Here’s a quick look at underwriting guidelines by company:
| Company | Best Rate Class | 2nd Best Rate Class | 3rd Best Rate Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allianz | < 200 (5.0) | <260 (7.0) | – |
| American General | 300 (4.5) | 300 (5.5) | 300 (6.5) |
| American National (2) | 300 (4.5) | 300 (5.5) | 300 (6.0) |
| Assurity (2) | 210 (4.5) | 250 (5.5) | – |
| Aviva | 260 (5.0) | 270 (6.0) | – |
| Banner Life1 | 300 (4.5) | 300 (5.5) | 300 (6.5) |
| Brighthouse | 220 (4.5) | 240 (5.0) | – |
| Cincinnati Life | 240 (4.5) | 250 (5.0) | 280 (6.0) |
| Corebridge Financial | 300 (4.5) a 300 (5.0) b 300 (5.0) c | 300 (5.5) 300 (6.0) 300 (6.0) | 300 (6.5) 300 (7.0) 300 (7.0) |
| Equitable | 300 (5.0) | 300 (5.5) | 300 (6.0) |
| Fidelity | 240 (6.0) | – | 300 (8.0) |
| Foresters (2) | 220 (4.5) | 230 (5.0) | 260 (6.5) |
| Global Atlantic | 260 (5.0) | 270 (6.0) | – |
| Guardian | 240 (4.0) | 260 (5.0) | 280 (6.0) |
| Illinois Mutual (2) | <220 (5.0) | <250 (6.0) | <280 (7.0) |
| John Hancock (3) | 250 (5.0) | 300 (5.5) | 300 (7.5) |
| Lincoln National | 300 (5.0) | 300 (6.0) | – |
| Metlife | 220 (4.5) | 240 (5.0) | 260 (6.0) |
| Minnesota Life | 240 (5.0) | 260 (6.0) | 280 (7.0) |
| Mutual of Omaha | 300 (5.0) | 300 (6.0) | 300 (7.0) |
| Nationwide | 230 (5.0) | 250 (5.5) | 300 (6.5) |
| New York Life | 275 (4.5) | 300 (4.6) | 300 (6.1) |
| North American | 300 (5.0) | 300 (6.0) | – |
| Pacific Life (1) | 300 (4.0) | 300 (5.0) | 300 (6.0) |
| Penn Mutual | 220 (4.5) | 260 (5.5) | 280 (6.0) |
| Principal | 240 (4.0) | 270 (5.5) | 300 (6.5) |
| Protective Life2 | 275 (4.5) | 275 (5.5) | – |
| Prudential | 300 (5.0) | 300 (6.0) | 300 (7.0) |
| Sagicor (2) | 220 (5.0) | 240 (6.0) | – |
| SBLI (1) | 300 (4.5) | 300 (5.0) | 300 (6.0) |
| Symetra | <300 (4.5) | <300 (6.0) | <300 (6.5) |
| Transamerica | 230 (5.0) | 260 (5.5) | 300 (6.2) |
Life Insurance Companies to Avoid
The following companies penalize you for taking cholesterol medication:
- American National
- Assurity Life Insurance
- Foresters
- Illinois Mutual
- Sagicor Life
Additionally, if you have health issues such as a history of atrial fibrillation, heart problems, open heart surgery, or a myocardial infarction history, let us know so we can factor that into underwriting.
If you have multiple sclerosis, insurers look at cholesterol levels as some studies have shown high cholesterol levels have shown an increased risk of lesions on the brain for MS patients.
Life Insurance Policies for High Cholesterol: Tips to Lower Your Rates
If you’re looking to lower your cholesterol to get better life insurance rates, there are several steps you can take:
- Avoid Trans Fats – Eliminate cakes, cookies, and fried foods.
- Lose Weight – Reducing weight can positively affect your cholesterol
- Exercise More – Regular physical activity can improve cholesterol levels
- Eat a Heart Health Diet – Incorporate high-fiber foods like oatmeal, prunes, and beans.
- Include Fish and Nuts in Your Diet – These can help lower LDL cholesterol
If possible, try to manage your cholesterol levels before taking the paramedical exam.
Medical Conditions that Affect Cholesterol
Certain medical conditions may affect your cholesterol levels, including:
- Diabetes
- Kidney Disease
- Medications – Birth control, beta-blockers, depression meds.
- Heavier People
- Pregnancy
- Underactive Thyroid
Smoking may affect HDL cholesterol by lowering it. Additionally, a history of alcohol misuse can increase triglyceride levels, which is a concern for life insurance underwriters.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have the answers if you have questions about cholesterol and life insurance.
Final Words
If you have high cholesterol, don’t wait to get life insurance. By understanding how cholesterol affects life insurance rates and knowing which companies are the most lenient, you can make informed decisions and secure the best coverage for your needs.
At RiskQuoter, we help match you to the best companies and rates based on your health history, including cholesterol levels. Get in touch with us today to find the right life insurance plan for you.
