High blood pressure affects nearly 1 in 2 adults in the U.S. — but most people have no idea how it impacts their life insurance options.
Here’s the truth:
✅ You can still get great life insurance — even with hypertension.
But the rates, approval process, and policy type depend on how well your blood pressure is controlled and what the insurance company sees in your overall health.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know to get affordable coverage — even if your doctor says your blood pressure is “a little high.”
💡 Can You Get Life Insurance If You Have High Blood Pressure?
Yes — and in many cases, you can still qualify for standard or even preferred rates, depending on:
- Your average blood pressure readings
- Whether you’re taking medication
- Your age and gender
- Other health factors (weight, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, etc.)
- How long you’ve had hypertension and whether it’s under control
🧠 What Counts as “High” Blood Pressure?
Most insurers follow general medical guidelines:
| Category | Systolic / Diastolic |
|---|---|
| Normal | < 120 / < 80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 / < 80 |
| Hypertension Stage 1 | 130–139 / 80–89 |
| Hypertension Stage 2 | 140+ / 90+ |
| Hypertensive Crisis | 180+ / 120+ (emergency) |
💡 If you’re in Stage 1 or even Stage 2 but controlled with medication, you’re still insurable.
🧾 What Do Insurance Companies Look At?
When you apply for life insurance with high blood pressure, underwriters will review:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Age of diagnosis | Earlier diagnosis = more long-term risk |
| Current readings | Need 2–3 average readings under control |
| Medications | Insulin, beta-blockers, diuretics |
| Consistency | Are you staying stable over time? |
| Related issues | Heart disease, stroke, diabetes |
| Smoking status | Smokers = automatic risk class downgrade |
| Family history | Parents’ heart or stroke history can impact rates |
🩺 Do You Need a Medical Exam?
Not always. Many companies now offer no-exam policies for people with well-controlled hypertension.
✅ However, if you’re applying for high coverage amounts (over $250,000) or are over 50, expect:
- A quick medical exam
- Blood pressure reading
- Basic labs (cholesterol, glucose)
💡 Tip: Schedule your exam early in the day when blood pressure is naturally lower.
🏆 Best Life Insurance Companies for High Blood Pressure (2025)
Here are the carriers known for being lenient and fair with high BP:
1. Mutual of Omaha
- 🔹 Great for: Applicants over 50
- 🔹 Accepts hypertension controlled with meds
- 🔹 Offers no-exam term and final expense options
- 🔹 Strong financial ratings and approval speed
✅ Why it’s great: Flexible underwriting and generous ranges for age-related BP readings.
2. Banner Life (Legal & General)
- 🔹 Great for: Younger adults with elevated BP
- 🔹 Offers Preferred Plus rates for slightly elevated BP
- 🔹 Known for transparent guidelines
- 🔹 Excellent term life pricing
✅ Why it’s great: You can still qualify for top-tier rates even on meds if everything else checks out.
3. Pacific Life
- 🔹 Great for: Healthy applicants with minor issues
- 🔹 Competitive underwriting and term pricing
- 🔹 High coverage limits
- 🔹 Offers up to $1 million without exam in some cases
✅ Why it’s great: Very favorable for people with single risk factors (like hypertension) but overall good health.
4. Protective Life
- 🔹 Offers living benefits and strong term rates
- 🔹 Accepts blood pressure up to 145/90 for standard rates
- 🔹 Good for applicants with family history of heart issues
✅ Why it’s great: Balanced underwriting = great for those with mild BP issues but otherwise active and fit.
5. AIG (for guaranteed issue)
- 🔹 Offers no-exam, no-health-questions policies
- 🔹 Up to $25,000 coverage
- 🔹 Great for seniors or those with complications
- 🔹 Approval in minutes
✅ Why it’s great: If you’ve been declined elsewhere, this is the fallback that still pays out.
💰 What Will You Pay?
| Age | Control Status | Monthly Cost (Est. Term Policy) |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | Controlled on meds | $25–$35/month |
| 45 | Controlled, good lifestyle | $35–$55/month |
| 55 | With other issues (diabetes, cholesterol) | $60–$120/month |
| 65+ | Final expense policy | $45–$95/month |
💡 Cost depends on risk class (Preferred, Standard, Rated) — and control is the key.
🧾 Real-Life Example:
Jessica, 44, has been on blood pressure medication for 6 years.
She exercises, doesn’t smoke, and her average BP is 125/85.
She applies for a $500,000 20-year term with Banner Life.
✅ Gets Preferred rate
✅ Premium: $37/month
✅ No exam required
Moral: Well-managed = no problem.
✅ Tips to Get Better Rates
✅ Get a doctor’s letter confirming control
✅ Monitor your BP and submit recent readings
✅ Avoid caffeine, alcohol, or stress before exams
✅ Apply when your BP has been stable for 6+ months
✅ Use an independent agent to compare options
⚠️ When You Might Be Declined
You may be declined if:
- You have Stage 2+ uncontrolled hypertension
- Your BP is over 160/100 even on meds
- You’ve had a recent stroke, heart attack, or TIA
- You’ve ignored treatment recommendations
Even then, guaranteed issue coverage is still an option.
✅ Final Thoughts
Having high blood pressure doesn’t disqualify you from life insurance — and in most cases, you can still get strong coverage at good prices.
The key is:
- Apply with the right company
- Show control and consistency
- Avoid hidden risk factors (like smoking)
It’s not about being perfect — it’s about proving you’re stable, proactive, and protecting your future.
Want to see which life insurance companies approve people with high blood pressure?
➡️ Click here to compare your options →