Will high blood pressure raise my life insurance premiums?

High blood pressure can potentially lead to higher life insurance premiums, but that is not always the case. Life insurance companies assess risk factors when determining your rate, and high blood pressure is a risk factor because it increases the likelihood of health conditions such as heart disease and stroke. Other factors may mitigate this increase, though, such as your overall health and whether or not you smoke.

What if I’m denied life insurance?

If you are turned down for a policy, there's no reason to be discouraged. You have a few options to consider: You may appeal the decision, which can involve demonstrating to the company that your condition is well-managed or not as serious as it may appear. For some individuals, a medical exam can increase their blood pressure from nervousness; if this is the case for you, you may have a better chance of purchasing a policy if you can demonstrate that your blood pressure is usually lower. Show your potential insurer that you have a treatment plan prepared by a medical professional for lowering your blood pressure. Once you have been working on the plan for a year, reapply for life insurance. Check to see if your workplace offers group life insurance. This is often easier to purchase since there is no medical underwriting. Consider a guaranteed issue policy that does not require medical questions or an exam.

What if my term life insurance ends, and I still want coverage?

If you want to keep your life insurance after your term policy expires, there are three basic choices. You may be able to: Extend the current term policy. If you remain healthy, you could qualify for an extension of your policy without the need for a medical exam. This is called a guaranteed renewal policy and usually can only be renewed for one more year. Keep in mind that you would have needed to select a term policy that includes this option when you originally purchased the policy. Convert the term policy to a permanent policy. If your term policy has a conversion clause, you could convert your coverage to a permanent policy. If you have some health issues, it could be easier to convert your term policy than apply for a new permanent policy. Typically, these types of conversion riders need to be activated well before the end of your term policy, so check with your insurance agent to be sure you don’t miss the deadline. Get a different life insurance policy. You could apply for a new term or permanent policy. If you are in your 40s and 50s, your premiums may be higher than before. But if you have taken care of your health, you could still qualify for decent rates.

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Best life insurance for high blood pressure

Written by

Mary Van Keuren

Edited by

Natasha Cornelius, CLU

Updated Apr 01, 2025

At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for . This content is powered by HomeInsurance.com (NPN: 8781838). For more information, please see our .

The Bankrate promise

At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for . This content is powered by HomeInsurance.com (NPN: 8781838). For more information, please see our .

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Key takeaways

High blood pressure might make it more difficult to find affordable life insurance, but shopping around may help you get the coverage you need.
Demonstrating that you are actively managing your high blood pressure may improve your chances of finding affordable coverage.
Guaranteed issue life insurance may be a good option for those with high blood pressure who have difficulty getting approved for life insurance, especially if they are ages 50+.

Many insurers request a medical check before approving you for life insurance. Your exam will likely include a blood test, urine test and blood pressure check along with an evaluation of your medical history. While high blood pressure may not exclude you from coverage, it could affect your ability to get the best rates. Bankrate’s editorial team has reviewed what you need to know if you’re applying for life insurance and have high blood pressure.

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High blood pressure and life insurance

The Center for Disease Control indicates that almost one-half of all adults in the United States (48 percent) suffer from high blood pressure (hypertension). Living with high blood pressure significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, which makes those with this condition a greater risk to insure. However, as long as you’re managing your condition with medication and diet, you will likely be able to find life insurance coverage.

How does high blood pressure impact life insurance?

To purchase life insurance, high blood pressure must be taken into account. Although each case is unique, there are some overarching patterns when it comes to how life insurance companies respond to high blood pressure results. Understanding these patterns may help you better predict whether your blood pressure will increase your premium.

Blood pressure ranges: Important new medical guidelines issued by the American College of Cardiology in 2017 dramatically reduced the definition of high blood pressure from 140/90 to 130/80. In life insurance underwriting, blood pressure within or close to the 120/80 range generally qualifies you for lower premiums, provided you don’t have other health concerns.
Influence of age: Older insurance applicants – those in their 50s and 60s or above – may see more leniency in rates associated with higher blood pressure numbers. Many life insurers will issue regular policies to this group even if their blood pressures are elevated. Keep in mind that the older you are, the more you will pay for life insurance in general, though.
General health matters: Life insurance companies will consider high blood pressure in the broader context of your overall health. Lifestyle factors such as exercise, diet and weight will be assessed, and good results can mitigate against the risk of your high blood pressure. Non-smoking, in particular, will generally be a very significant factor in determining risk.

Life insurance companies want to approve applicants and typically look for any positive reasons to write a policy. Before applying, take the time to list in detail all of your healthy habits and positive medical conditions. A cover letter from your licensed insurance agent can help in particularly complex situations.

Can I get life insurance with high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is unlikely to disqualify you from life insurance by itself. However, you are more likely to earn a favorable rate if your general health is good and you are managing your condition under the care of a medical professional.

If your high blood pressure is a significant concern, however, and you are not managing it effectively, you may be challenged to find affordable coverage. One alternative to traditional term or whole life insurance is guaranteed issue life insurance, which may cost more but does not include a medical exam or questionnaire as part of the underwriting process.

Guaranteed issue insurance is a type of permanent insurance generally available for those aged 50 up to age 80, although this will vary from insurer to insurer. Unfortunately, it is usually available for relatively low payout amounts, often $25,000 or less.

Tips for getting life insurance with high blood pressure

There are some proactive steps you can take to increase your approval chances for the best life insurance options, even when you have high blood pressure. Consider the following:

Have regular doctor checkups: Being under the care of a medical professional and faithfully taking any prescribed medicines for your condition show your insurer that you are doing everything possible to remain in good health.
Avoid substances that can raise your blood pressure: Especially in the days before you undergo a medical exam for your policy, avoid coffee, alcohol, smoking and any other substances that might raise your blood pressure.
Work with an independent agent: An independent agent or broker doesn't work for a single company and can help you look for the best options across a range of insurers. Since every carrier assesses risk factors differently, an agent or broker can help you shop your options and find the company that is most likely to write you an affordable policy.

Best life insurance for those with high blood pressure

For the most part, those with high blood pressure — particularly when coupled with otherwise good health — can purchase the same policies as others. The primary difference between a high-blood-pressure policyholder and one with normal readings would be reflected in the rates. Life insurance with high blood pressure may be pricier than coverage purchased without any health challenges, but by shopping around, you should be able to find a reasonably priced policy.

Whole life insurance

Whole life insurance is a form of permanent life insurance, with the insured person covered for the duration of their entire life, as long as premiums are paid. The policy provides a guaranteed death benefit and builds cash value over time. This policy type is generally more expensive than term insurance due to the permanency of the policy and anticipated payout. For someone with high blood pressure, it may be even more costly. For the assurance of financial protections throughout your lifetime, however, the cost may be worth it for your circumstances.

Term life insurance

Term life insurance is not permanent but rather covers an insured for a defined period (typically between 10 and 30 years), usually during the period of life when the need for financial protection for dependents is highest. Term life may be a good option for those with high blood pressure when the primary goal is to leave some fixed amount for loved ones to cover unexpected funeral expenses or outstanding debts like student loans. As with other life insurance policies, premiums may be higher depending on the severity of the insured’s blood pressure readings.

Guaranteed issue life insurance

Guaranteed issue life insurance, also known as guaranteed acceptance insurance, is another option for those with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, especially for older adults. It has no medical exam as part of the underwriting process. These policies typically offer limited death benefits, often with a maximum of $25,000.

Some guaranteed issue policies feature a graded death benefit period. This means that if the insured dies of natural causes or any other means outside of an accident within the first two years of buying the policy, the beneficiaries won’t receive the death benefit payout.

Guaranteed issue life insurance is geared toward individuals aged 50 to 80 who may have been declined for traditional coverage. Relative to the low coverage amount, it can often be on the pricey side, but you may be able to find an affordable policy by shopping around.

Frequently asked questions

High blood pressure can potentially lead to higher life insurance premiums, but that is not always the case. Life insurance companies assess risk factors when determining your rate, and high blood pressure is a risk factor because it increases the likelihood of health conditions such as heart disease and stroke. Other factors may mitigate this increase, though, such as your overall health and whether or not you smoke.
If you are turned down for a policy, there's no reason to be discouraged. You have a few options to consider:
- You may appeal the decision, which can involve demonstrating to the company that your condition is well-managed or not as serious as it may appear. For some individuals, a medical exam can increase their blood pressure from nervousness; if this is the case for you, you may have a better chance of purchasing a policy if you can demonstrate that your blood pressure is usually lower.
- Show your potential insurer that you have a treatment plan prepared by a medical professional for lowering your blood pressure. Once you have been working on the plan for a year, reapply for life insurance.
- Check to see if your workplace offers group life insurance. This is often easier to purchase since there is no medical underwriting.
- Consider a guaranteed issue policy that does not require medical questions or an exam.
If you want to keep your life insurance after your term policy expires, there are three basic choices. You may be able to:
- Extend the current term policy. If you remain healthy, you could qualify for an extension of your policy without the need for a medical exam. This is called a guaranteed renewal policy and usually can only be renewed for one more year. Keep in mind that you would have needed to select a term policy that includes this option when you originally purchased the policy.
- Convert the term policy to a permanent policy. If your term policy has a conversion clause, you could convert your coverage to a permanent policy. If you have some health issues, it could be easier to convert your term policy than apply for a new permanent policy. Typically, these types of conversion riders need to be activated well before the end of your term policy, so check with your insurance agent to be sure you don’t miss the deadline.
- Get a different life insurance policy. You could apply for a new term or permanent policy. If you are in your 40s and 50s, your premiums may be higher than before. But if you have taken care of your health, you could still qualify for decent rates.