It’s one of the worst emails you can get:
“Your life insurance application has been declined.”
Instant panic. Embarrassment. Frustration.
But here’s the truth:
✅ Yes, you can be denied life insurance — but it’s not the end.
And in most cases, there’s still a path forward.
This guide will break down:
- Why applications get denied
- What to do next
- And how to still get coverage, even if you’ve been turned away before.
❓Can Life Insurance Companies Really Deny You?
Yes — life insurance companies can legally deny your application based on risk.
They use a process called underwriting, where they evaluate:
- Your health
- Your lifestyle
- Your family history
- Your occupation and hobbies
- Your criminal record
- And even your financial profile
If they determine the risk is too high, they can:
- Decline you entirely
- Offer coverage at a higher price (called a “table rating”)
- Or ask you to reapply later
⚠️ Common Reasons People Get Denied Life Insurance
Here are the most frequent red flags that cause a denial:
1. Medical Conditions
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Recent heart attack or stroke
- Cancer (active or recent remission)
- Kidney or liver failure
- HIV/AIDS
- Severe obesity
- Untreated mental illness
2. Lifestyle Risk Factors
- Current tobacco use
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Drug use (especially within the last 2–5 years)
- Refusing to take prescribed medication
- Dangerous hobbies (skydiving, scuba, racing, etc.)
3. Criminal History
- Recent felony convictions
- Ongoing legal issues
- Probation or parole
4. Financial or Employment Instability
- Bankruptcy
- No steady income
- Applying for a very high policy with no income proof
💡 Good news: You can often still qualify — but you may need a different type of policy.
💡 What to Do Immediately After Being Denied
✅ 1. Don’t Panic — It’s Common
Tens of thousands of people get declined each year. It doesn’t mean you’re uninsurable — it just means you may not qualify for that specific type of coverage with that company.
✅ 2. Request a Copy of the Underwriting Report
Most companies will send you a letter explaining:
- Why you were declined
- What the main risk factor was
- Whether it was a health, lifestyle, or application issue
👉 Use this to course-correct.
✅ 3. Check the MIB File (Medical Information Bureau)
Insurers use the MIB to check past life insurance activity.
You can get a free copy of your MIB report here:
➡️ https://www.mib.com/request_your_record.html
If something is wrong or outdated, you can dispute it — just like a credit report.
✅ 4. Talk to a High-Risk Specialist or Independent Agent
A regular agent may not have access to high-risk carriers.
Look for a broker who works with:
- High-risk cases
- Guaranteed issue policies
- No-exam policies
- Impaired risk life insurance
They’ll match you with a company who will say yes.
💼 What Are Your Options After a Denial?
✅ 1. Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
- No medical questions
- No exam
- Everyone accepted
- Usually $5,000–$25,000 in coverage
- Best for final expenses or burial coverage
💡 Companies: AIG, Gerber Life, Mutual of Omaha
✅ 2. Simplified Issue Life Insurance
- A few medical questions
- No exam
- Fast approval
- Good for mild health conditions or past issues
💡 Example: If you were denied due to a recent surgery but are now stable, this is a strong fallback.
✅ 3. Group Life Insurance
- If you work part-time or full-time, check if your employer offers a group plan
- These plans often have no medical questions
- You can also join professional associations or unions that offer group coverage
✅ 4. Postpone & Reapply Later
If the reason you were denied is temporary (recent diagnosis, surgery, treatment), you may only need to wait 6–12 months before reapplying with better odds.
✅ 5. Get a Policy Through a Spouse or Partner
Some companies allow you to be added as a rider on a spouse or partner’s life insurance — even if you were previously denied on your own.
🧾 Real-Life Example:
Maya, 51, was denied term life insurance after a breast cancer diagnosis.
She had completed treatment and was cancer-free, but the diagnosis was too recent.
She worked with a high-risk broker who:
- Helped her apply for a guaranteed issue policy
- Set a reminder to reapply 24 months post-remission
✅ She now has $25,000 in guaranteed coverage
✅ And is likely to qualify for $100,000+ term after her reapply window
🚨 What Not to Do After a Denial
❌ Don’t apply to 5 more companies back-to-back
❌ Don’t lie or omit info on future applications
❌ Don’t ignore the reason you were declined
❌ Don’t assume you’re out of options — you’re not
✅ Final Thoughts
Yes — you can be denied life insurance.
But no — it doesn’t mean you’re out of luck.
Whether it’s:
- A health issue
- A lifestyle factor
- Or just the wrong company
…there’s almost always another path forward.
You just need to:
- Understand why
- Work with the right advisor
- And explore the alternatives that fit your unique situation
You deserve coverage — and it’s out there.
Denied for life insurance recently? Want to see what options are still available?
➡️ Click here to get matched with a policy that says yes →