Skip to main content
When applying for life insurance, one of the most important factors that determines your premium is your health. Insurance companies assess your overall health condition to determine the risk they are taking by insuring you. The healthier you are, the lower your premiums will be. But what exactly do insurers look at, and how can you get the best possible rates? Let’s break it down.
Why Health Matters in Life Insurance
Life insurance is designed to provide financial protection to your loved ones after you pass away. Insurers evaluate risk by looking at factors such as age, lifestyle, medical history, and family health history. Since your health directly impacts your life expectancy, it plays a major role in how much you pay for coverage.
Think of it this way: If an insurance company believes you are at a higher risk of developing a severe health condition or passing away earlier than expected, they will charge higher premiums to compensate for the risk.
Health Factors That Impact Your Life Insurance Premiums
Here are the key health-related factors that insurers consider when calculating your premium:
1. Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, and respiratory disorders can lead to higher premiums. Insurers evaluate the severity of your condition, how well it is managed, and whether it is likely to worsen over time.
2. BMI (Body Mass Index) & Weight
Being overweight or underweight can affect your premium. A higher BMI is often linked to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. Some insurers have strict BMI requirements, while others are more lenient.
3. Blood Pressure & Cholesterol Levels
High blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol are indicators of heart disease risk. If these conditions are well-controlled through medication and lifestyle changes, you may still qualify for affordable rates.
4. Smoking & Tobacco Use
Tobacco use is one of the biggest factors that lead to higher life insurance rates. Smokers pay up to three times more than non-smokers because smoking is linked to cancer, heart disease, and lung disease. Even occasional smokers or those who use nicotine products (such as vapes or chewing tobacco) may be classified as smokers.
💡 Tip: If you quit smoking for at least 12 months, many insurers will consider you a non-smoker, potentially lowering your rates!
5. Alcohol & Substance Use
Excessive alcohol consumption or a history of substance abuse can impact your premiums. Insurers may look at DUI records, liver function tests, and any history of rehab when assessing your application.
6. Family Medical History
Even if you are in great health, your family’s medical history can impact your rates. If close relatives (parents or siblings) have had heart disease, cancer, or other genetic conditions at an early age, insurers may classify you as a higher risk.
7. Mental Health Conditions
Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can affect your premium, especially if there is a history of hospitalization, medication use, or suicide attempts. However, many insurers recognize that mental health management has improved, and having therapy or medication doesn’t always mean higher premiums.
8. Recent Medical Tests & Health Screenings
If your medical exams show abnormal results (such as high glucose levels, irregular heartbeat, or abnormal liver enzymes), insurers may increase your premium or request further tests. This is why regular check-ups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are key to securing lower rates.
How to Get the Best Life Insurance Rates
Even if you have some health concerns, there are ways to improve your chances of getting an affordable policy:
✅ Live a Healthy Lifestyle: Eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight.
✅ Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol: Non-smokers and moderate drinkers pay significantly lower rates.
✅ Manage Chronic Conditions: Take prescribed medications, attend doctor check-ups, and follow treatment plans.
✅ Consider No-Medical Exam Policies: Some insurers offer policies that don’t require a medical exam, though they may have higher premiums.
✅ Work with an Independent Agent: At PlanningTheFuture.org, we help you find the best life insurance options based on your unique health profile.
Your health is one of the most important factors in determining how much you pay for life insurance. While some health conditions may lead to higher premiums, making positive lifestyle changes and working with a knowledgeable agent can help you secure the best possible rates.
💡 Need help finding the right life insurance plan for your situation? Schedule a free consultation with one of our licensed agents today at PlanningTheFuture.org!
