Hypertension And Life Insurance: What You Need To Know

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that affects millions of Americans. While it is possible to get life insurance if you have hypertension, your rates will depend on several factors, including your blood pressure readings, age, overall health, and the life insurance company you choose. In this article, we will explore the impact of hypertension on life insurance rates and provide tips for getting life insurance with high blood pressure.

How to get life insurance with high blood pressure

High blood pressure is unlikely to disqualify you from getting life insurance. However, your rates will depend on your blood pressure reading, whether your condition is being treated, and other health factors. Here are some tips on how to get life insurance with high blood pressure:

Demonstrate that you are managing your condition

Life insurance companies want to see that you are proactively managing your blood pressure. This includes taking prescribed medications, exercising regularly, eating healthily, and maintaining your stress levels. Demonstrating that you are actively managing your high blood pressure may improve your chances of finding affordable coverage.

Shop around for the best rates

Different life insurance companies have different underwriting requirements and niches. It is important to compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the most affordable coverage for your needs. An independent insurance agent or broker can help you shop around and find the best options for your specific situation.

Be transparent on your application

When filling out your life insurance application, it is important to be transparent about your health, including your high blood pressure. Misrepresenting your health can result in a claim being denied in the future. Be prepared to answer questions about your medical history, lifestyle, current medications, and blood pressure readings.

Consider guaranteed issue life insurance

If you have high blood pressure and are unable to find affordable coverage through traditional life insurance, you may want to consider guaranteed issue life insurance. This type of policy does not require a medical exam or questionnaire, but it may be more expensive and have lower payout amounts.

Improve your blood pressure to save on life insurance

Even if you initially get a higher premium due to high blood pressure, you can ask your insurer to underwrite you again at a lower rate if your health improves. Improving your blood pressure through medication, exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices can help you save on life insurance costs in the long run.

The impact of high blood pressure on life insurance rates

High blood pressure is unlikely to disqualify you from getting life insurance, but it can make it more difficult to find affordable coverage. If you have untreated high blood pressure, you will likely receive more expensive rates since insurers will view this as a higher risk.

Life insurance companies will take high blood pressure into account when determining your rates. Although each case is unique, there are some general patterns in how insurers respond to high blood pressure results.

Blood pressure ranges

Blood pressure within or close to the 120/80 range generally qualifies you for lower premiums, provided you don't have other health concerns. The further your blood pressure deviates from this range, the more likely you are to face higher premiums.

Influence of age

Older applicants—those in their 50s, 60s, or above—may see more leniency in rates associated with higher blood pressure numbers. Many life insurers will issue regular policies to this age group even with elevated blood pressure. However, it's important to remember that the older you are, the more you will generally pay for life insurance.

General health matters

Insurers will consider high blood pressure in the context of your overall health. Lifestyle factors such as exercise, diet, weight, and smoking status will be assessed, and positive results in these areas can mitigate the risk associated with high blood pressure.

Tips for getting life insurance with high blood pressure

• Have regular doctor checkups and faithfully take any prescribed medications for your condition.
• Avoid substances that can raise your blood pressure, especially before a medical exam for your policy.
• Work with an independent agent or broker who can help you shop for the best options across different insurers, as each carrier assesses risk factors differently.

The medical exam for life insurance with high blood pressure

If you're applying for life insurance, you'll likely need to take a medical exam. This will be used to determine your insurability and the premiums you'll pay. The exam will include routine screenings and questions about your health history. It's important to note that the results are not a "pass" or "fail", but rather they are used to place you in a risk class that will impact the rate you are offered.

Here's what you can expect from the medical exam for life insurance if you have high blood pressure:

Blood and urine samples

The insurance company will typically request a blood and urine sample to test for a variety of health alerts, including elevated blood sugar levels, abnormal liver and kidney functions, and the presence of certain substances such as cocaine, cotinine, and nicotine. These tests can also identify major health problems that might affect your insurability, longevity, and coverage eligibility, such as high urine acidity and high cholesterol levels.

Blood pressure check

Your blood pressure will be measured as part of the medical exam. This is one of the key factors that life insurance companies will consider when determining your premiums. If your blood pressure is well-managed and falls within or close to the 120/80 range, you may qualify for lower premiums. However, if your blood pressure is higher, it could impact your rates.

Height and weight measurements

The medical exam will also include taking your height and weight measurements. These measurements, along with your blood pressure readings, can help identify health issues such as high cholesterol levels and heart disease risk.

Pulse rate

In addition to blood pressure, your pulse rate will also be checked during the medical exam. This is another factor that can provide insights into your overall health and risk factors.

Additional tests for older applicants

If you are age 50 or older and applying for a large amount of life insurance, you may be required to undergo additional tests, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) and a treadmill stress test. Your medical records may also be requested from your primary care physician.

Preparation tips

To ensure that your medical exam accurately represents your health condition, there are several things you can do to prepare:

• Watch your diet in the days leading up to the exam. Avoid processed foods, sugar, sodium, and red meat, which can raise your cholesterol levels. Instead, focus on eating fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.
• Avoid rigorous exercise on the morning of the exam, as it can temporarily increase your blood pressure.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
• Limit alcohol consumption before the exam, as it can lead to high blood pressure readings.
• Consider fasting to avoid high blood sugar levels during the exam.
• Get a good night's sleep before the exam to lower your heart rate and improve your overall health.
• Schedule the exam for the morning to minimize the fasting period.
• Avoid substances that can raise your blood pressure, such as coffee, alcohol, and smoking.

How to improve your chances of getting life insurance with high blood pressure

High blood pressure is unlikely to disqualify you from getting life insurance, but it may affect the rates you are offered. Here are some tips to improve your chances of getting life insurance with high blood pressure:

Demonstrate that you are managing your condition

Insurance companies will want to see that you are actively managing your high blood pressure. This can include taking prescribed medications, making lifestyle changes, and having regular doctor check-ups. Demonstrating that you are taking steps to manage your blood pressure can show insurers that you are doing your best to stay healthy.

Avoid substances that can raise your blood pressure

Especially before a medical exam for your policy, avoid substances that can temporarily raise your blood pressure, such as coffee, alcohol, and tobacco products. These substances can cause your blood pressure to appear higher than it usually is, which may affect the rates you are offered.

Work with an independent agent

An independent agent or broker can help you find the best options across different insurance companies. They can shop around on your behalf and find an insurer that is more likely to offer you an affordable policy.

Choose the right type of life insurance

There are several types of life insurance policies available, such as term life insurance, whole life insurance, universal life insurance, and guaranteed issue life insurance. Term life insurance is generally the most affordable option, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Whole life insurance and universal life insurance offer lifelong coverage but may be more expensive. Guaranteed issue life insurance does not require a medical exam or questions, but the death benefit is usually limited.

Improve your overall health

In addition to managing your blood pressure, focus on improving your overall health. Life insurance companies will consider your blood pressure in the context of your general health. Factors such as exercise, diet, weight, and smoking status can all impact your risk assessment. Improving these areas can help mitigate the risk associated with high blood pressure.

The best life insurance companies for people with high blood pressure

High blood pressure is unlikely to disqualify you from getting life insurance, but your rates will depend on your blood pressure reading, whether your condition is being treated, and other health factors. Here are some of the best life insurance companies for people with high blood pressure:

Legal & General America

Legal & General America, which also does business as Banner Life and William Penn, has some of the longest term lengths (up to 40 years) and most competitive life insurance rates available, even for people with a history of medical conditions. If your blood pressure is under 135/85 with or without treatment, you may be eligible for the lowest rates, usually reserved for people in excellent health.

Protective

Protective offers some of the most affordable and comprehensive life insurance options. You can be eligible for rates usually reserved for people in excellent health if you’re under the age of 60 with a blood pressure reading below 135/85, with treatment.

Corebridge Financial

Corebridge Financial (formerly AIG Life & Retirement) has similar blood pressure guidelines as Legal & General America. People with blood pressure under 135/85, with or without treatment, can be eligible for the best rates, usually reserved for people in excellent health.

MassMutual

MassMutual is a mutually owned company, which means policyholders have the chance to earn dividends. MassMutual's guidelines around high blood pressure are similar to other insurers — as long as your condition is well-managed, it generally won’t have a significant impact on your rates.

Brighthouse Financial

Brighthouse Financial offers a no-medical-exam option that allows people with few risk factors to skip the medical exam and complete an online health interview instead. Even if you have high blood pressure, as long as it’s controlled with up to one medication, you can apply for instant-approval coverage.

Frequently asked questions