If you’ve ever wanted life insurance but felt overwhelmed by paperwork, medical exams, and long waits — there’s a faster, easier option out there.
It’s called simplified issue life insurance, and it’s one of the easiest ways to get covered without needles, nurses, or months of back-and-forth.
Let’s break down how it works, who it’s best for, and whether it might be the right fit for your life.
💡 What Is Simplified Issue Life Insurance?
Simplified issue life insurance is a type of policy that lets you skip the traditional medical exam.
Instead, you answer a few basic yes-or-no health questions, and in many cases, you can get approved in minutes to days.
It’s ideal for people who:
- Don’t want to go through a full exam
- Need coverage quickly
- Have minor health conditions but still want decent rates
You still have to qualify — but it’s simplified underwriting, not zero underwriting.
🩺 What’s the Difference Between Simplified Issue and Guaranteed Issue?
These two get confused all the time — but they’re very different:
| Feature | Simplified Issue | Guaranteed Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Exam | ❌ No exam | ❌ No exam |
| Health Questions | ✅ Yes | ❌ None |
| Coverage Amounts | 💰 $25,000–$500,000+ | 💰 $5,000–$25,000 |
| Approval Speed | ⚡ Fast | ⚡ Fast |
| Cost | 💵 Lower | 💵 Higher |
| Who It’s For | Most healthy applicants | High-risk or serious health issues |
🧠 What Questions Will They Ask?
Typical health questions may include:
- Have you been diagnosed with cancer, heart disease, or stroke in the past 5 years?
- Have you been hospitalized in the past 2 years?
- Have you been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS?
- Do you use oxygen, a wheelchair, or need help with daily activities?
- Have you been declined for life insurance before?
If you can answer “no” to most or all, you’ll likely qualify.
📋 What Types of Policies Use Simplified Issue?
You can get term, whole, or even final expense policies through simplified issue.
Here’s what that could look like:
✅ Term Life (10, 20, 30 years)
- Coverage up to $500,000 or more
- Great for parents, homeowners, or income protection
- Fixed premiums, large payouts
✅ Whole Life
- Permanent coverage
- Cash value growth
- Smaller benefit (often $10k–$50k), but lasts your whole life
✅ Final Expense (Burial Insurance)
- Small policies meant to cover funeral and last expenses
- Easy to qualify for
- Usually ages 50–85
💸 How Much Does Simplified Issue Life Insurance Cost?
The cost depends on:
- Your age
- Your answers to health questions
- The amount of coverage you want
- Whether it’s term or permanent life insurance
Here’s an example:
- A healthy 35-year-old woman could pay $18/month for $250,000 in simplified issue term coverage
- A 60-year-old man could pay $75/month for $20,000 in simplified issue whole life coverage
It’s more expensive than traditional underwritten policies — but cheaper than guaranteed issue.
You’re essentially paying for speed + convenience.
🛠️ Pros and Cons of Simplified Issue Life Insurance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ No medical exam | ❌ Higher premiums than fully underwritten |
| ✅ Fast approval (often same day) | ❌ Lower coverage limits than traditional term |
| ✅ Easier for people with minor health issues | ❌ Not everyone qualifies |
| ✅ Great for busy people | ❌ Can be confusing to compare policies |
💬 Who Is Simplified Issue Life Insurance Best For?
✅ Busy parents who want to get covered fast
✅ People with mild to moderate health conditions
✅ Anyone who’s been putting it off because of the exam
✅ Freelancers or gig workers without employer benefits
✅ Seniors who want final expense coverage with minimal hassle
It’s also a great fit if:
- You’ve been declined before, but not for serious health reasons
- You want coverage now, not in six weeks
- You just hate the idea of blood tests and long wait times
📦 Real-Life Example:
Lisa is a 43-year-old single mom. She’s healthy but hasn’t been to the doctor in years — and doesn’t have time for a medical exam.
She applies online for a 20-year, $300,000 simplified issue term life policy.
After answering a few health questions, she’s approved the next day — and pays just $31/month.
No nurse. No labs. No delays.
Now she knows her kids are protected, no matter what.
❓What If I’m Denied for Simplified Issue?
If you don’t qualify, don’t panic. You still have options:
- Apply with a different carrier — some are more flexible than others
- Consider guaranteed issue coverage
- Try for a lower benefit amount
- Work with a broker who knows which companies fit your situation best
Even if one door closes, another often opens.
✅ Final Thoughts
Simplified issue life insurance is the “no-drama” way to get protected.
No blood tests. No needles. No awkward physicals.
Just a few health questions — and coverage that can start in days, not months.
If you’ve been putting off life insurance because it sounds like a hassle…
If you’re busy, anxious, or just tired of forms and delays…
This might be the simplest, smartest step you take all year.
Want to check simplified issue rates right now — with no exam, no pressure?
➡️ Click here to compare plans