Health challenges are more common than ever—nearly half of U.S. adults have at least one chronic condition. But if you’ve been diagnosed with a medical issue, you may worry life insurance is either too expensive or impossible to get.
The truth? You have more options than you think.
At Trinity Insurance Partners, we help individuals with health concerns find reliable, affordable life insurance—without getting lost in complex underwriting. In this guide, we explain how to navigate the process in 2025 and protect your family’s financial future.
What Is a Pre-Existing Condition in Life Insurance?
A pre-existing condition is any health issue diagnosed or treated before you apply for life insurance. Common examples include:
- Diabetes (Type 1 or 2)
- Cancer (current or in remission)
- Heart disease or past heart attack
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- Asthma or COPD
- Depression or anxiety disorders
- Kidney or liver disease
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, MS)
(CDC – Chronic Diseases in America)
Each insurer defines and evaluates these differently, which is why working with an expert broker is crucial.
How Pre-Existing Conditions Affect Life Insurance
- Premium Costs May Be Higher
Insurers assess risk. A chronic illness could raise your monthly cost or move you into a substandard rating tier. - Policy Approval May Take Longer
Underwriting often includes a full medical exam, access to your health records, and questionnaires about your condition. - Coverage Options Might Be Limited
Some policies (like term life) may have stricter criteria. Others—like guaranteed issue or simplified issue—don’t ask many health questions, but offer lower coverage.
Life Insurance Types to Consider
Term Life Insurance
- Most affordable option
- Can be harder to qualify for with serious conditions
- Best for healthy individuals managing chronic issues well
Whole Life Insurance
- Higher premiums, but lifetime coverage and cash value
- Easier approval for moderate health risks
Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
- No medical questions
- Limited to $25,000–$50,000
- Ideal for end-of-life expenses or those denied elsewhere
Simplified Issue Life Insurance
- Short health questionnaire, no exam
- Quicker approval than traditional policies
- Good option for people managing mild conditions
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Covered
- Control Your Condition
Show recent medical records that prove you’re compliant with treatment and doctor recommendations. - Quit Tobacco
Smoking worsens almost every rating category. Quitting even 12 months before applying can lower your premium. - Get a Broker to Shop for You
Trinity Insurance Partners compares top-rated insurers who specialize in high-risk cases, saving you time and money. - Request a Preliminary Underwriting Review
Many carriers allow you to submit basic info to get a non-binding quote before the full application process. - Don’t Hide Your Condition
Insurers will find out through records or prescription databases. Full disclosure leads to better results.
Questions Insurers Might Ask
Be prepared to answer:
- When were you diagnosed?
- What medications are you taking?
- Have you been hospitalized recently?
- Is your condition stable?
- Do you use tobacco or alcohol?
The more details you provide (and the more stable your health), the more favorable your offer will be.
Companies That Are Friendly to High-Risk Applicants
While every case is unique, these companies are often more flexible:
- Mutual of Omaha (whole & guaranteed issue)
- Banner Life (term life with diabetes accommodations)
- Prudential (cancer survivors & cardiac history)
- AIG (no-exam policies)
- American National (simplified underwriting)
Trinity Insurance Partners works with all of these and more to ensure the best fit for each client.
The Role of Trinity Insurance Partners
We understand the complexity of applying for life insurance with a medical history. Our process includes:
- Reviewing your unique health profile
- Matching you with friendly insurers
- Preparing you for underwriting
- Offering no-exam and guaranteed-issue alternatives
- Ensuring you’re never overcharged or denied without cause
Conclusion: Protection Is Still Possible
Having a pre-existing condition doesn’t disqualify you from life insurance—it just requires a smarter approach. With the right strategy, you can protect your loved ones and your financial future.
At Trinity Insurance Partners, we make this journey easier. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or recovering from a serious diagnosis, we’ll help you get the coverage and peace of mind you deserve.
