According to the statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 45% of American adults have high blood pressure. High blood pressure can be a significant concern for those seeking life insurance. While it may seem impossible, there are ways to find the right policy and coverage that fits your needs. The key is understanding how high blood pressure affects life insurance rates and what policies are available.

In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of life insurance with high blood pressure, including the types of policies available, requirements to apply, factors affecting rates, and how Alia Quotes can help you secure the best policy for you. 

So if you’re searching for life insurance with high blood pressure, read on to learn more!

High Blood Pressure – What Is It?

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, refers to a common medical condition in which the force of blood pushing on your blood vessels is too high. If left untreated, it has been known to be linked to serious health problems such as heart disease and stroke. It’s essential to have regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your blood pressure and keep it within a healthy range for these reasons.

Common risk factors for high blood pressure include obesity, lack of physical activity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, older age, family history of hypertension, kidney disease, and certain medications. If you fall into any of these risk factors or if you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure by your doctor, it’s important to work closely with them and make lifestyle changes in order to reduce your risk for complications.

How High Blood Pressure Affects Life Insurance Coverage

Since having high blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease, insurance companies must consider these possibilities when determining rates for life insurance policies. If you have recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it is important to understand how it may affect your life insurance policy.

High blood pressure may indicate that you are a higher-risk client, and your premium may be higher than someone who does not have the condition.

Blood pressure gauge reader 145 over 90

If you don’t already have a life insurance policy but are interested in getting one, make sure you inform your agent about any pre-existing medical conditions, such as high blood pressure. Your agent will then be able to help you find an appropriate policy that offers coverage at an affordable rate despite your medical condition.

Life Insurance Policies Available For Individuals With High Blood Pressure

Individuals with high blood pressure should be aware that there are different types of life insurance policies available to them, depending on the severity of their condition. While many life insurance companies may decline coverage for individuals with high blood pressure, there are still options available.

It’s important to understand that each type of policy has its own set of drawbacks when it comes to individuals with high blood pressure. However, most insurers will work with customers on an individual basis in order to find the best policy for their needs and budget.

It’s important to speak with an experienced insurance agent who can provide more information on what type of policy would be best suited for your particular situation as well as answer any questions you may have before making a decision.

Term Policy

Term life insurance is among one of the most popular options for individuals with high blood pressure, as it allows them to have coverage for a fixed amount of time at an affordable rate. Term policies are generally less expensive than other types of life insurance, and premiums remain the same throughout the policy’s duration. 

This type of policy is also beneficial because it can be tailored to fit a person’s changing needs, allowing them to adjust their coverage as needed. Additionally, since term policies are often renewable, individuals can keep their coverage in place even if their condition becomes worse over time. 

For those looking for an affordable and reliable way to protect their family after they pass away, term life insurance is a great option.

Start your application for term life insurance.

Permanent Life Policy

Permanent life insurance is an excellent option for individuals with high blood pressure who are seeking long-term coverage. Permanent life insurance provides lifelong protection, ensuring that beneficiaries receive a death benefit no matter when the policyholder passes away. 

Permanent life insurance policies often gain cash value over time. This means that they can be borrowed against or used to pay premiums. This can be particularly helpful for individuals with high blood pressure, as it can provide additional funds to cover medical expenses or other costs associated with their condition. 

Overall, permanent life insurance offers a reliable and comprehensive form of coverage for those looking to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Start your application for permanent life insurance.

Universal Policy

Universal life insurance policies are a great option for individuals with high blood pressure who want to protect their family and investments. With this type of coverage, policyholders can adjust the death benefit and premiums according to their needs, making it a more flexible option than whole life insurance. 

Universal policies allow the cash value to be invested in mutual funds or other investment options, allowing policyholders to benefit from potential returns on their money. The cash value also accumulates tax-deferred and can be used as collateral against loans or used to pay premiums in times of financial difficulty. 

For those with high blood pressure looking for more control over their life insurance policy, universal life is an excellent choice.

Start your application for universal life insurance.

Final Expense

Final Expense insurance is a great option for individuals with high blood pressure who would like to ensure financial security for their loved ones. A final expense insurance policy is designed to help cover the cost of burial and other end-of-life expenses so that your family will not be burdened in times of financial difficulty.

The primary benefit of these life insurance policies is that they do not require a medical exam or health questionnaire, making them an ideal choice for those with pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure. These premiums are typically lower than other types of life insurance, and coverage can begin immediately upon approval. 

Final expense insurance is a great way to ensure your family’s financial security without having to worry about being declined due to high blood pressure.

Start your application for final expense insurance.

Survivorship Policy

A Survivorship Policy is an excellent option for individuals with high blood pressure who want to provide financial security to their loved ones. With a Survivorship Policy, the death benefit is paid out only after both insureds on the policy have passed away, making it ideal for couples or family members who are looking to secure each other’s financial future. 

These policies typically do not require a medical exam and may even offer lower premiums than other life insurance policies, making them a great choice for those with pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure. Many of these policies are designed to grow over time, allowing your family to enjoy the benefits of increased coverage without paying additional premiums. 

A Survivorship Policy is an ideal way to ensure that your family will be taken care of in times of need without having to worry about being declined due to high blood pressure.

Requirements For Life Insurance Coverage

In order to have better chances at attaining life insurance coverage with high blood pressure, insurers may require the following:

Woman checking her insurance options on her phone

Medical Exam and Records

Medical exams and records are essential components of the process for obtaining life insurance with high blood pressure. During the medical examination, your doctor will take various readings to assess your level of risk. This may include blood pressure readings, cholesterol levels, and any existing medical conditions that could contribute to an increased risk of death or illness.

You may be asked to provide medical records from past doctors’ visits in order to prove that you have been actively managing your condition. These documents can help insurers determine whether or not they should provide coverage based on your current health status. 

Blood Pressure Readings and Chart

The blood pressure readings obtained during a medical exam are an important factor in assessing one’s risk level when applying for life insurance with high blood pressure. Blood pressure readings should be taken at least twice during the exam, and the results should be recorded on a chart. This chart should include information such as systolic and diastolic pressures, pulse rate, and any other pertinent data related to heart health. 

The chart can then be used to compare blood pressure levels over time. By looking at this data, doctors can track trends in one’s health and make recommendations for lifestyle changes or medications if necessary. It is also beneficial to keep a copy of this chart for personal records so that it can be referenced if needed in the future.

Medical Conditions and Medications

If you are applying for life insurance with high blood pressure, it is important to understand that your medical condition may affect the premium rate you receive. Certain medications used to treat high blood pressure may also be taken into consideration when determining your rate. 

It is essential that all of these factors are disclosed to the insurer at the time of application in order to ensure that you receive a fair and accurate quote. Any changes in medical conditions or medications should also be reported in order to maintain an up-to-date record. By doing this, you can help ensure that you receive the best possible coverage for your individual needs.

Factors that Can Affect Life Insurance Rates with High Blood Pressure

When determining your coverage, insurance companies may consider the following factors if you have high blood pressure:

Age of Diagnosis

The age during which an individual is first diagnosed with high blood pressure can significantly impact their life insurance premiums. Generally, the younger you are at the time of diagnosis, the less expensive your premiums will be. This is because younger people tend to have fewer health complications and a longer life expectancy than those who develop hypertension later in life.

Insurance companies may also consider how long ago you were diagnosed with high blood pressure when determining your rates. Those who have had it for many years may be viewed more favorably than someone who was recently diagnosed. Additionally, it’s important to note that certain medications used to treat high blood pressure can affect your rates as well.

Be sure to talk to an insurance agent about any prescriptions you’re taking so that they can properly assess your eligibility for coverage.

Severity of Symptoms

The severity of symptoms associated with high blood pressure can have a major impact on the life insurance premiums you’ll pay. Generally, those with milder symptoms will be rated more favorably than those with more severe cases. Symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and shortness of breath are taken into consideration when determining your rates. It’s important to note that even if you have mild symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll qualify for the lowest rates available.

Having a history of complications or hospitalizations due to high blood pressure may also influence your rates. If you’ve had any serious medical events related to hypertension in the past, be sure to alert your insurance agent so they can properly assess your eligibility for coverage. Additionally, certain lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise habits can also affect your insurance premiums.

Be sure to notify your insurance provider about any changes you may have made in order to manage your high blood pressure and lower your risk of future complications.

Treatment Plan

It’s important to have a treatment plan in place to manage your high blood pressure and reduce the risk of future complications. A treatment plan should involve lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, healthy eating habits, reducing or eliminating alcohol and caffeine intake, and quitting smoking.

Additionally, it’s important to work with your doctor to find the proper medication or combination of medications to help keep your blood pressure at a safe level. It’s also beneficial to monitor your blood pressure regularly with an at-home device so that you can track any changes and make adjustments as necessary.

Having a comprehensive treatment plan that is tailored to your needs may result in being classified as a lower risk than without making any changes to manage symptoms.

Where Do Insurance Companies Gather Information From?

Medical underwriting guidelines can differ among insurance companies, but they all rely on a data collection process to assess the level of risk associated with a potential policyholder.

This data collection process usually involves gathering information from 5 multiple sources.

Physicians – Firstly, the underwriter will request a report from your treating physician or specialist who is managing your high blood pressure and any other underlying health conditions. This report will provide important information about your medical history, including any diagnoses, treatments, and medications prescribed.

Hospitals – In addition to physician reports, hospital records may also be obtained if you have been hospitalized for treatment related to hypertension or any other related conditions. These records can provide further insight into your health status and any related complications that may impact your risk level.

Medical Exams – Furthermore, a typical life insurance medical exam will be conducted, which includes measurements of your height, weight, and blood pressure, as well as taking blood and urine samples. You will also be asked a series of questions about your current health status and the health of your immediate family to gain a better understanding of any potential genetic risk factors.

Medical Information Bureau – To see whether you have ever been rated or declined for life insurance before, the underwriter will also obtain a report from the Medical Information Bureau (MIB). This information can help the underwriter understand your insurance history and any potential risks associated with previous applications.

Prescription Drug Database – Lastly, your underwriter will order an RX report from a national prescription drug database to verify the medications that you have been prescribed both currently and in the past. This information can help the underwriter understand any potential drug interactions or side effects that may affect your risk level.

Overall, the data collection process for medical underwriting is thorough and comprehensive, providing insurers with a clear understanding of a potential policyholder’s medical history and overall risk level.

How Alia Quotes Can Help

Alia Quotes is a life insurance comparison platform that provides you with the ability to shop and compare quotes from multiple carriers. With Alia Quotes, you can easily compare or calculate rates and coverage options for high blood pressure life insurance policies so that you can get the most comprehensive coverage at the most affordable rate.

Luckily all of the information you need to make an informed decision is available at your fingertips, making it simpler than ever to find the right policy for your needs.

Furthermore, we offer personalized assistance from qualified professionals who are trained to help you find the best possible coverage for your individual situation. By taking advantage of our service, you can rest assured that you are getting the best rate and coverage for your specific needs when it comes to life insurance with high blood pressure.

Need Help Figuring Out Your Insurance Options?

Ultimately, insurance companies typically view applicants with high blood pressure as higher risk, which may result in you paying a higher premium or a denial of coverage altogether. However, this doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to find life insurance if you have high blood pressure.

While obtaining life insurance coverage with high blood pressure can present challenges, it remains a crucial step in securing the financial stability of yourself and your loved ones. With proper guidance and strategy, acquiring comprehensive and affordable life insurance coverage, even with high blood pressure, is achievable.

With Alia Quotes, you can easily find the best life insurance policy for high blood pressure. Our team of professional advisors are available to provide personalized assistance and guidance in order to find the right coverage for your unique needs. Whether you’re looking for term or permanent life insurance with high blood pressure, Alia Quotes can help!

Do not let high blood pressure impede your capacity to safeguard your family’s future. Contact us or schedule a call with our team today to learn more.

Couple signing up for life insurance after being diagnosed with high blood pressure

FAQs

Below are frequently asked questions related to life insurance and high blood pressure. For answers to questions like these and more, be sure to check out our FAQ page.

What happens if my high blood pressure gets worse?

If your blood pressure increases after you purchase life insurance, this will not affect the rate of your policy. This is an advantage of purchasing a policy sooner rather than later. As long as payments are made regularly, the rate will stay constant until the term ends.

It is essential to have a comprehensive treatment plan in place, tailored to your needs and monitored regularly. This should involve lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and healthy eating habits, reducing or eliminating alcohol and caffeine intake, and quitting smoking if applicable. Additionally, it’s important to work with a doctor who can help you find a medication or combination of medications that will help keep your blood pressure at a safe level.

If you follow this advice and make any necessary adjustments along the way, it may help lower your risk factor in terms of getting life insurance with high blood pressure. It’s important to speak with an insurance agent who understands how hypertension can affect coverage so they can provide more information on what options are available for you.

Can your life insurance policy be canceled after you develop high blood pressure?

Upon approval, a life insurance policy cannot be canceled unless premium payments are discontinued. If fraud is detected, the insurance company could decide not to pay death benefits.

Make sure you have a comprehensive treatment plan in place and that it is monitored regularly. This should include lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, eating healthy, and quitting smoking if applicable. 

By following these steps and monitoring your blood pressure regularly, you can reduce your risk factor for getting life insurance with high blood pressure. It’s also important to speak with an insurance agent who understands how hypertension can affect coverage so they can provide more information on what options are available for you.

What medical conditions prevent you from attaining life insurance?

There are several medical conditions that may prevent you from getting life insurance, including:

  • Terminal illnesses such as cancer
  • Chronic illnesses such as HIV or diabetes
  • Heart disease or stroke
  • Severe mental health conditions such as schizophrenia
  • Substance abuse or addiction

If you have one of these conditions, you may still be eligible to get life insurance, but you may need to pay higher premiums or accept coverage limitations.

Is high blood pressure a disability?

High blood pressure is not typically considered a disability. However, if it is severe or uncontrolled and leads to other health complications, it may be considered a disability by some insurers or government agencies. In such cases, you may be eligible for disability benefits or other forms of support.