High Cholesterol And Life Insurance: What's Possible?

High cholesterol is a common health concern, with around 38% of American adults suffering from the condition. It can be a barrier to securing an affordable life insurance policy, as insurance companies offer the best rates to those in good health. However, it is still possible to get life insurance if you have high cholesterol, and you may even qualify for some of the most affordable rates, depending on your specific cholesterol levels and how well you are managing your condition.

How to prepare for a life insurance medical exam

Life insurance rates are largely based on your life expectancy. Generally, the younger and healthier you are, the less you’ll pay in life insurance premiums. A life insurance medical exam is a standard part of the application process. The purpose of the exam is to assess your overall health to determine the level of risk you pose to the life insurance company.

In the weeks leading up to the exam:

• Drink plenty of water. Drinking water can help dilute concentrations of sugar and protein, and clear toxins from your system.
• Limit your salt intake. Too much salt can make your urine too concentrated and lead to dehydration.
• Eat a healthy diet. Food that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products can help lower your blood pressure. It’s a good idea to avoid processed food that has added sodium.
• Limit alcohol. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. That’s one drink per day for women and two per day for men. Drinking more than a moderate amount can raise your blood pressure and reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications.
• Limit high-cholesterol foods, sugar, and fat.
• Avoid non-essential over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines and decongestants, which can raise blood pressure and glucose levels.

12-24 hours before the exam:

• Avoid strenuous exercise, which can negatively impact your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Go to bed early. Sufficient sleep contributes positively to vital signs such as pulse and blood pressure, which are critical factors that can influence your exam results.
• Avoid food and drink (except water) if you're required to fast – even if it's not required.
• Drink a glass of water shortly before your exam.
• Wear lightweight clothing (for your weigh-in) and a short-sleeve shirt (for the blood draw).

On the day of the exam:

• Avoid caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, soda and tea.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, which can raise your blood pressure.
• Drink plenty of water. Being well hydrated also makes it easier to provide urine and blood samples.
• Have a photo ID ready. You’ll most likely need a government-issued ID, like your driver’s license, state-issued photo ID or passport.
• Have your medical information ready, including a list of medical conditions, treatments, prescription medications and contact information for your physician(s).
• Wear short sleeves or sleeves that can be rolled up so the examiner can get your blood sample.

Will my application be declined?

High cholesterol is a common health concern, with about 38% of American adults suffering from it. Despite how common this condition is, it may make it difficult to secure an affordable life insurance policy.

Life insurance companies offer the best rates to people in good health. Some life insurance companies require blood testing when applying for life insurance. High cholesterol may increase the price of life insurance. Depending on the insurance company, it could even cause your application to be denied.

However, there are insurance companies that don't require these blood tests. If you have high cholesterol and need life insurance quickly, you can expect to pay a higher premium than if your cholesterol levels are lower. If you have time to lower your cholesterol levels before buying a policy, you might see a lower rate.

In general, if your cholesterol is very high, uncontrolled by medication, or if you have other health issues, your life insurance application might be declined. However, if your high cholesterol is controlled with medication, it will not affect your life insurance rates.

If your application is declined and you don't have time to lower your cholesterol before buying a policy, you may want to consider guaranteed issue life insurance, which is a type of whole life insurance. Guaranteed issue life insurance does not require a medical exam or health check and is guaranteed regardless of your health situation. However, these types of policies tend to have relatively low coverage limits and high premiums and may have minimum age requirements.

Factors that affect your life insurance rates

Your cholesterol levels are just one risk factor that insurers will consider when determining the cost of your premiums. Your age, gender, and overall health profile will also play an important role in how much you'll pay for your policy.

During the application process, you usually have to take a medical exam, which includes a blood test. The blood test assesses you for several medical conditions—one of which is high cholesterol.

Insurers look at two main numbers related to your cholesterol results: your total blood cholesterol level and the ratio of your total cholesterol to your HDL cholesterol. They may also ask about your LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, as these can increase your risk of other health conditions such as heart attack and stroke.

How to calculate your cholesterol ratio

Your total cholesterol number divided by your HDL cholesterol number will give you your total cholesterol-to-HDL ratio. Most doctors consider a ratio below 5:1 to be good, so a higher ratio might be a cause for concern for life insurance companies.

How to lower your high cholesterol before a life insurance exam

Insurance companies typically look at your cholesterol levels over the last year when deciding your rate. However, taking steps to lower your cholesterol before an exam could help you get a lower rate. Exercising and changing your diet can help lower cholesterol, but your doctor will be able to provide specific advice for your situation.

How much will I pay?

The amount you will pay for life insurance with high cholesterol depends on several factors. Life insurance companies will evaluate your cholesterol ratio, which is calculated by dividing your total cholesterol by your HDL (good) cholesterol. A higher ratio indicates a higher risk of heart disease, which will result in higher premiums. Ideally, your total cholesterol should be under 200 mg/dL, and your HDL cholesterol should be above 40 mg/dL for men and above 50 mg/dL for women.

If your cholesterol ratio is below 5:1, you may qualify for Preferred Plus rates, which are typically the lowest rates available. However, if your ratio is above 5:1 but below 7.5:1, you will likely pay higher rates. It's important to note that each insurance company has its own underwriting guidelines, and the rates may vary.

Other factors that insurance companies consider when determining your premiums include your age, gender, overall health profile, and lifestyle habits. If you are taking medication to control your cholesterol, it is seen as a positive step by insurance companies, as it indicates that you are proactively managing your condition.

Additionally, your premiums may also depend on the type of life insurance policy you choose. Term life insurance is typically the most affordable option, offering guaranteed premiums for a set initial period. Whole life insurance offers lifetime protection with fixed premiums but tends to be more expensive. Guaranteed universal life insurance combines features of term and whole life insurance, providing fixed premiums through the life of the policy but without building cash value.

In summary, the cost of life insurance with high cholesterol can vary depending on your cholesterol levels, overall health, and the insurance company's guidelines. It's recommended to compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best rates for your specific situation.

What types of life insurance are available?

There are two main types of life insurance: term life insurance and permanent life insurance. Term life insurance is purchased to last for a specified period, such as 1, 5, 10, or sometimes as much as 30 years. Coverage expires when that period ends, and a payout will only happen if the insured person dies during the specified period. Permanent life insurance, on the other hand, provides coverage for the insured person's lifetime as long as premium payments are maintained.

Permanent life insurance is often called whole life insurance or cash value life insurance. It includes several subcategories, including traditional whole life, universal life, variable life, and variable-universal life. Whole life insurance typically has a fixed premium and death benefit amount, while universal life insurance allows for more flexibility in adjusting the death benefit and premium payments. Variable life insurance is tied to investment accounts, offering the potential for higher returns but also carrying more risk.

In addition to these main types of life insurance, there are also alternative options such as simplified issue life insurance, which does not require a medical exam, and guaranteed issue life insurance, which accepts all applicants within a certain age range but offers lower coverage amounts and higher premiums.

How to lower your premium

High cholesterol is a common health concern, with around 38% of American adults suffering from the condition. While high cholesterol alone may not cause your life insurance application to be denied, it may cause the insurance company to offer you a higher premium than someone whose cholesterol is in the healthy range. However, there are ways to lower your premium.

• Medication: If your high cholesterol is under control with medication, you can expect to pay some of the most affordable life insurance rates.
• Lower your cholesterol: If you've made healthy changes and are able to lower your cholesterol levels, you can ask your life insurance company for a reevaluation. If the results of the exam are favorable, you might see a decrease in your premium.
• Shop around: Different insurance companies treat high cholesterol and other determining factors differently. The best way to ensure that you’ll find the right coverage at the best price for your particular situation is to shop around and speak with an independent broker.
• Improve your overall health: Your cholesterol levels are just one risk factor that insurers will consider when determining the cost of your premiums. Your age, gender, and overall health profile will also play an important role in how much you’ll pay for your policy.
• Guaranteed issue life insurance: If your application is declined due to your cholesterol and other health conditions, you can consider applying for guaranteed issue life insurance, which is a type of whole life insurance that does not require a medical exam or health check. However, these types of policies tend to have relatively low coverage limits, high premiums, and may have minimum age requirements.

Frequently asked questions