According to the CDC, nearly half of the adults in the United States (47%, or 116 million) have high blood pressure hypertension, which is a systolic blood pressure over 130 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure over 80 mmHg on a blood pressure reading, or those who are taking medication to control their hypertension.

So it’s little surprise that this very common health condition affects the cost and availability of life insurance for millions of consumers each year. But it is still possible to find affordable term life insurance coverage even if you have high blood pressure. The key is knowing what the life insurance company cares about most on your application, and being prepared as best you can for the medical exam and any questions they might ask.

When applying for life insurance, the insurance company will likely ask about your blood pressure levels as well as other health factors such as your age, family history, and lifestyle habits. If your blood pressure is high, it may result in higher premiums or a higher risk classification. However, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of getting affordable life insurance coverage, and it involves two key things: managing your blood pressure as best you can and working with PolicyConnection to get the best policy at the best price.

First, it is important to manage your blood pressure through lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. And if necessary, you should work with your doctor to get your blood pressure under control through medication. Having normalized blood pressure levels at the time of your life insurance application will make a big difference in the rates we can obtain for you. It’s also essential to be a savvy consumer and understand that dozens of top companies will approach hypertension differently when it comes to underwriting, and that your specific circumstances create a unique situation that different companies may approach with very different rate options. PolicyConnection has the proprietary UnderRight™ database that not only tracks how insurance companies approach high blood pressure, but also scores their underwriting performance in specific situations over time and thousands of applications. This gives our team unparalleled clarity in making the best recommendation for your individual circumstances and needs.

Another option for Life Insurance with High Blood Pressure

One final option to consider is a guaranteed issue life insurance policy. These policies do not require a medical exam or ask about your health history, and they tend to have higher premiums and lower death benefit ceilings than traditional policies. However, they can be a good option for those who may have difficulty getting approved for traditional policies. We’ll always work to get you a regular policy first, before considering your guaranteed issue options. In conclusion, having high blood pressure may make it more difficult to find affordable life insurance, but it is still possible with PolicyConnection to find great rates. By taking steps to manage your blood pressure and shopping smart with PolicyConnection on your side, you’re much more likely to find a policy that fits your needs and budget.