How much more does life insurance cost with health conditions?

Health conditions affect life insurance premiums based on severity, management, and the specific condition's mortality implications. Understanding the impact helps you set realistic expectations and seek the most favorable underwriting available.

For well-controlled conditions at standard health metrics, the premium increase may be modest—a table rating of Table 2 (roughly 50% above standard) for mildly elevated blood pressure, for example. Well-managed Type 2 diabetes with good A1C control might qualify for Table 2–4 at many carriers (50–100% above standard).

More significant conditions—history of heart disease, certain cancers, severe obesity—can result in higher table ratings or flat extra premiums. A Table 8 rating might add 200% to standard premiums. Some conditions result in denial at traditional carriers entirely, requiring simplified or guaranteed issue alternatives.

The good news: carriers vary enormously in how they rate specific conditions. What is a Table 6 denial at one carrier may be a Table 2 offer at another that specializes in that condition. Working with an agent who knows which carriers are most favorable for your specific diagnosis can result in dramatically better pricing than applying blindly.

Agents in our network pre-screen carrier guidelines for common conditions before submitting a formal application.