Living with a chronic illness doesn’t mean you’re out of options when it comes to life insurance. While it’s true that health plays a major role in coverage and cost, having a chronic condition doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting a policy.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- What life insurance options are available with a chronic illness
- How your specific condition might impact your rates
- The best companies and policies for chronic illness
- Tips to improve your chances of approval
🧬 What Is Considered a Chronic Illness for Life Insurance?
A chronic illness is a long-term condition that typically lasts a year or more and requires ongoing medical attention. Common examples include:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Asthma
- High blood pressure
- COPD
- Cancer (past or present)
- Autoimmune diseases like lupus or MS
- Chronic kidney disease
- HIV/AIDS
Each insurer evaluates these conditions differently, and outcomes can vary widely based on how well your illness is managed.
💡 Can You Get Life Insurance With a Chronic Condition?
Yes, but your options and pricing will depend on:
- Type of illness
- Severity and stage
- Treatment and control
- Overall health
- Age
Some insurers are more lenient than others. For example:
- Well-managed diabetes or high blood pressure may still qualify for standard or even preferred rates.
- Recent cancer or advanced heart failure may lead to limited options like guaranteed issue policies.
🧾 What Type of Life Insurance Can You Qualify For?
Let’s break down your options:
1. Term Life Insurance
- Most affordable option
- Good for people with mild or well-controlled conditions
- Medical exam usually required (unless simplified issue)
- Best for younger applicants with stable conditions
2. Whole Life Insurance
- Permanent coverage with cash value
- More expensive but offers lifelong protection
- May be available with simplified underwriting
3. Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
- No medical questions or exams
- Designed for people with serious or uncontrolled illnesses
- Lower coverage amounts (often $5,000–$25,000)
- Higher premiums and a 2-year waiting period before full payout
4. Final Expense Insurance
- A type of whole life insurance
- Focused on covering funeral costs
- Usually accepts moderate health risks
- Easier approval than traditional policies
🏆 Best Life Insurance Companies for Chronic Illness
Some insurers are more favorable to applicants with health conditions. These companies often underwrite based on realistic management, not just diagnosis.
Top Picks:
- Mutual of Omaha – Flexible underwriting for diabetes and heart issues
- AIG – Offers guaranteed issue policies with no health questions
- Prudential – Known for covering applicants with complex health histories
- Foresters Financial – Offers simplified and final expense coverage
- Americo – Competitive final expense policies for moderate-risk applicants
📈 What Impacts Your Rates?
Even with a chronic illness, you may still get affordable coverage — especially if you:
- Take prescribed medications regularly
- Follow treatment plans
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid tobacco
- Have good bloodwork/lab results
- Haven’t been hospitalized recently
Tip: Ask your doctor to provide up-to-date records that show your condition is under control.
📋 How to Apply Successfully With a Chronic Illness
Getting approved is all about strategy. Here’s what you should do:
- Work with an independent agent – They can compare policies across many carriers and match you with the best fit.
- Be honest on your application – Misrepresentation can lead to denial or policy cancellation.
- Provide full medical records – Transparency and documentation improve your odds.
- Ask about simplified issue options – These may skip the medical exam.
- Don’t apply to too many companies at once – Multiple hard inquiries can hurt your chances.
🧠 What If You’ve Been Denied Life Insurance Before?
Don’t panic. Many people with chronic conditions are denied at least once — but that doesn’t mean you’re uninsurable.
Try these next steps:
- Reapply with a different company (preferably one known to cover your condition)
- Look into guaranteed issue policies if needed
- Consider group life insurance through an employer
- Explore final expense options
🧮 What Will It Cost?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — but here’s a general idea:
| Chronic Condition | Possible Monthly Cost (Term Life, Age 40, $250k) |
|---|---|
| Type 2 Diabetes (controlled) | $40–$70 |
| High Blood Pressure | $30–$50 |
| Asthma (mild) | $25–$45 |
| Cancer (remission, 5+ years) | $60–$120 |
| COPD (moderate) | $100+ (often final expense only) |
Note: These are just estimates — premiums vary by age, gender, state, and carrier.
✅ The Bottom Line
Yes — you can get life insurance with a chronic illness.
The key is to:
- Understand your options
- Work with the right companies
- Apply strategically
Even if your condition is serious, guaranteed issue and final expense plans can offer peace of mind and protection for your loved ones.
📚 Read Next:
👉 Life Insurance Without a Medical Exam: How It Works
👉 Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance: Pros and Cons Explained
