High Cholesterol And Life Insurance: Is It Possible?

High cholesterol is a common health concern, with around 38% of American adults suffering from the condition. While it may not prevent you from getting life insurance, it can make it more difficult to secure an affordable policy. Life insurance companies offer the best rates to people in good health, and some require blood testing when applying for life insurance. High cholesterol may increase the price of life insurance or even cause your application to be denied. However, there are insurance companies that don't require these blood tests, and controlling high cholesterol with medication is viewed positively by insurers.

How to prepare for a life insurance medical exam

Preparing for a life insurance medical exam is important if you want to get the best possible life insurance quote. Here are some tips on how to prepare:

In the weeks leading up to the exam:

• Drink plenty of water to help dilute concentrations of sugar and protein and clear toxins from your system.
• Limit your salt and alcohol intake. Too much salt can make your urine too concentrated and lead to dehydration, while alcohol can raise your blood pressure and reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. Avoid processed foods and red meat, which can cause higher blood pressure.
• Limit caffeine and nicotine.
• Get enough sleep. Aim for at least six hours a night to help maintain healthy blood pressure.

The day before the exam:

• Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and red meat.
• Refrain from strenuous exercise to avoid an elevated heart rate, which could negatively impact your results.
• Get a good night's sleep.

On the day of the exam:

• Avoid caffeinated drinks.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid food to make it easier to provide urine and blood samples.
• Have a photo ID and your medical information, including a list of medical conditions, treatments, prescription medications, and contact information for your physician(s), ready.
• Wear short sleeves or sleeves that can be easily rolled up for the blood sample.
• Be mindful of your posture during the blood pressure reading. Keep your feet flat on the floor, avoid crossing your legs, and ensure your bladder is empty to get the most accurate reading.

Will my life insurance application be declined for high cholesterol?

If you have high cholesterol, it is unlikely that your life insurance application will be declined. However, it may cause the insurance company to offer you a higher premium than someone whose cholesterol is in the healthy range. This is because high cholesterol is considered a risk factor by insurance companies, as it can lead to other health issues such as heart disease or stroke.

In rare cases, very high cholesterol combined with other health complications can make you ineligible for the two most common types of life insurance: term and whole life insurance. However, there are other options available, such as guaranteed issue life insurance, which is a type of whole life insurance that does not require a medical exam or health check. These policies tend to have relatively low coverage limits and high premiums and may have minimum age requirements.

Your cholesterol levels are just one factor that insurers will consider when determining the cost of your premiums. Other factors include your age, gender, overall health profile, and lifestyle habits. Insurers will also look at the ratio of your total cholesterol to your HDL ("good") cholesterol, as a higher ratio signifies a higher risk of heart disease.

If you are taking medication to control your high cholesterol, this will not necessarily disqualify you from getting life insurance. In fact, being on cholesterol medication means that you are treating your condition, which life insurers view positively. Lower cholesterol, even if achieved through medication, means a lower risk of heart attack or stroke, which translates to a lower overall risk for the insurance company and potentially better rates for you.

If your application is declined due to high cholesterol and other health conditions, you can consider applying for other types of life insurance that do not require a medical exam or health history for approval. It is important to note that each insurance company has its own underwriting criteria, so it is worth speaking to an independent broker or specialist to find the best coverage for your specific circumstances.

How to lower your life insurance rates if you have high cholesterol

High cholesterol is a common health concern, with about 38% of American adults suffering from it. It can lead to other health issues like heart disease or stroke, and most life insurance companies consider it a risk factor when determining the cost of your premiums. 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.

• Medication: If your high cholesterol is under control with medication, you can expect to pay some of the most affordable life insurance rates. Taking medication to manage your cholesterol levels can help reduce the risk of heart disease and improve your overall health profile, resulting in lower premiums.
• Lower your cholesterol levels: If you receive higher life insurance rates than expected based on your cholesterol test results, you can ask the insurance company to reconsider how much you pay after one year of owning your policy. They may require you to take another medical exam to demonstrate that you have successfully lowered your cholesterol levels.
• Shop around for insurance companies: Not all life insurance companies consider high cholesterol a deal-breaker. Some companies offer competitive rates for individuals with high cholesterol, especially if it is well-managed. It is recommended to connect with an independent broker to find the right coverage at the best price for your specific situation.
• Improve your overall health: Life insurance companies evaluate the potential risk of insuring you when determining your premium. They consider various factors such as age, medical history, and lifestyle habits, in addition to cholesterol levels. Improving your overall health and reducing other risk factors can help lower your premiums.
• Consider alternative insurance options: If your application is declined due to high cholesterol and other health conditions, you can explore alternative insurance options such as guaranteed issue life insurance or group life insurance, which typically have fewer health requirements. However, these policies usually have lower coverage amounts and higher premiums.

How does high cholesterol affect your life insurance premiums?

High cholesterol can affect your life insurance premiums in several ways. Firstly, it is considered a risk factor by insurance companies as it increases the chances of heart attacks and strokes, which are among the leading causes of death in the US. Consequently, high cholesterol can lead to higher premiums or even denial of coverage. The impact on premiums also depends on the management of cholesterol levels and the presence of other health complications. If cholesterol levels are well-controlled with medication, it may not affect premiums at all. However, very high cholesterol levels combined with other health issues can result in higher premiums or ineligibility for common types of life insurance.

Insurance companies assess cholesterol levels through medical examinations, including blood tests, as part of the application process. They consider both the total blood cholesterol level and the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL ("good") cholesterol. A higher ratio signifies a greater risk of heart disease and can affect premiums.

To lower cholesterol levels before a life insurance exam, individuals can take proactive measures such as exercising, changing their diet, and consulting their doctor for specific advice. Additionally, individuals can work with independent brokers to find the right coverage and ensure competitive pricing.

What questions will a life insurance company ask about my high cholesterol?

When applying for life insurance, you will typically need 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. The insurance company may ask about the following:

• Your total blood cholesterol level
• The ratio of your total cholesterol to your HDL cholesterol
• Your LDL cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol
• Your triglycerides, another type of fat in the blood

The total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio is important because a higher ratio signifies a higher risk of heart disease. Even if your total cholesterol is low, a high ratio can affect your life insurance rates.

In addition to the blood test, you will also need to fill out a health questionnaire. On this form, you will likely be asked to disclose your recent cholesterol levels and any medications you are taking to manage your cholesterol. The insurance company may also ask about your health history and your family history of disease or medical conditions.

Frequently asked questions