Buying Life Insurance With High Blood Pressure

Doctor measuring patient's blood pressureObtaining life insurance with high blood pressure can be challenging, but it is definitely possible.

The key to finding affordable life insurance coverage is to be honest and upfront about your health condition and shop around for different policies from different companies.

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If you have your hypertension under control, you may even qualify for preferred rates. However, the insurance company may require additional medical information and testing to determine your risk level. It is essential to provide accurate information on your application - any false information can cause denial or cancellation of the policy.

"Be honest about your health condition and shop around for different policies - it's possible to obtain affordable life insurance with high blood pressure."

Comparing policies from various providers is an important step in finding the right plan that meets both your needs and budget. Take some time to research available options, looking at factors such as coverage amounts, type of policy, exclusions, premiums, and other costs associated with the policy. Making sure you understand what is included in each policy and how it will help you protect your loved ones is paramount to getting the coverage that's right for you.

It is wise to work with a licensed agent who can provide expert advice on the best policies for your situation. They can help guide you through each step of the process and make sure you get the coverage that fits your needs and budget.

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Main Points at A Glance

  • High blood pressure may result in higher premiums or even denial of coverage for life insurance.
  • It is still possible to obtain life insurance with high blood pressure by shopping around and comparing policies from different insurance companies.
  • Taking medication for hypertension and having it under control may qualify for preferred rates, but insurance companies may require additional medical information and testing to determine risk level.
  • Honesty and upfront disclosure about health condition are important when applying for life insurance, as false information can result in denial of coverage or cancellation of the policy.
  • Finding affordable life insurance with high blood pressure may require extra effort and research, but it is possible.

Understanding High Blood Pressure and Life Insurance

A person with high blood pressure will likely have to pay higher life insurance premiums than someone with healthy readings. To understand why, it's important to understand what high blood pressure readings are considered by life insurance companies.

For most life insurance companies, hypertension is considered if the systolic reading is 135 or higher, and the diastolic reading is 85 or higher.

"High blood pressure puts you at greater risk for premature mortality, which means that you may have to pay more for life insurance coverage than someone with healthy readings."

Each insurer may vary slightly and it is worth verifying the company’s terms before applying for coverage. Those with elevated readings (systolic of 130 or higher and diastolic of 80 or higher) should also take note as this could increase premiums depending on the insurer.

High blood pressure puts you at greater risk for premature mortality, which means that you may have to pay more for life insurance coverage than someone with healthy readings.

A 2018 study found a correlation between hypertension and early cardiovascular death in men before age 55, while another research showed that people with normal blood pressure tend to live longer than those with high blood pressure, with 5.1 years longer among men and 4.9 years among women on average.

Treating hypertension can significantly reduce your risk of health complications and early death. If you are managing your condition effectively with medication prescribed by a doctor, you could qualify for a term life insurance policy at an affordable rate.

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What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure—also known as hypertension—is a common medical condition that is defined by measuring the force of the blood against artery walls as it flows through your body. Blood pressure readings are communicated as two numbers, with systolic readings (the first number) usually representing the maximum pressure occurring when your heart pumps and diastolic readings (the second number) reflecting the minimum pressure when your heart rests. As per the American Heart Association, a normal reading should be less than 120/80 mmHg.

High blood pressure is typically defined by life insurance companies as a systolic reading of 135 or higher and diastolic reading of 85 or higher. Elevated readings—systolic 130 or higher and diastolic 80 or higher—could also lead to increased premiums depending on the insurer.

Insurance companies consider hypertension a risk factor because people diagnosed with hypertension are more likely to suffer from major health complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, visual impairment and stroke. To put it in perspective, a 2018 study found that men before age 55 have an increased risk of cardiovascular death due to hypertension, while another research showed that those with normal blood pressure live up to 5-5.1 years longer on average than those with high blood pressure.

If you are managing your high blood pressure effectively with medication prescribed by a doctor, you may still be able to get an affordable life insurance policy; however, it may not come without its restrictions and exclusions.

Lifestyle changes such as reducing stress levels, exercising regularly, eating healthily and quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure and improve your chances of securing an affordable life insurance policy.

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Can You Get Life Insurance Coverage Having Hypertension?

You can absolutely still get life insurance with high blood pressure! Typically, insurers will assign applicants to a risk class based on their hypertension status. If you have your condition under control and take medication for it, you can qualify for the most affordable premiums. However, if you have untreated high blood pressure, this will be viewed as a higher risk situation and you may receive more expensive rates.

There are certain factors that the insurance company will consider to determine your premium cost. These include traditional variables such as age and gender, as well as lifestyle choices such as alcohol or drug use and family medical history. In addition, the average blood pressure reading and any medications taken to manage it will sometimes play a role in calculating your premium rate.

Having high blood pressure doesn't have to stop you from obtaining life insurance coverage. Your best bet is to take all of the necessary steps in order to keep your condition under control - whether that includes taking medication or making changes to your lifestyle - in order to show insurers that you are a low-risk applicant. That way, when applying for coverage, you can get the lowest possible rates available for someone in your demographic!

I remember when my friend Jack applied for life insurance and was worried about his hypertension affecting his premium rates. As per my advice, he made sure to keep his condition under control with medication and regular check-ups. When he finally got his coverage, he was pleasantly surprised to find out that his rates were lower than he expected.

Qualifying for Life Insurance with High Blood Pressure

Have you started the process of buying life insurance with high blood pressure, and are a bit overwhelmed? It's crucial to keep a few things in mind that might make it easier to get coverage:

  • Start by acknowledging that each case is unique, and life insurance companies understand this. You'll find that they have systems in place that consider different types of hypertension conditions.
  • Adopting healthy habits and maintaining good overall health could go a long way towards a favorable evaluation by the insurer. Remember, non-smoking, regular exercise, and a balanced diet are all positive factors that insurers appreciate. Of course, it helps if you already have a history of well-managed blood pressure readings - these checks are all part of the application process.
  • Now's the time to get your insurance specialist involved. They can help you navigate through the application steps and prepare for any medical examinations or questions about your health history. Transparency is key here; being open about your condition will ensure you get the right coverage at the best possible price. Keep in mind that age influences rates too; older applicants may see more leniency with elevated blood pressures. Yup, even with high blood pressure you’re still eligible for decent life insurance options!

The rates you will qualify for will depend on whether you are Stage 1, Stage 2, or Crisis Stage.

Blood Pressure Reading Systolic Diastolic
Hypertension Stage 1 130 to 139 80 to 89
Hypertension Stage 2 140 or above 90 or above
Hypertension Crisis Over 180 Over 120

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Providing Medical Information and Testing

Providing medical information and testing is an important step in the process of qualifying for life insurance with hypertension. It's important to provide detailed listings regarding any habits which they practice or any positive medical conditions in order to benefit from lower premiums. It's also valuable to have a record of in-check blood pressure readings before commencement of an application process.

It's important to remember the new medical guidelines issued by the American College of Cardiology in 2017 that changed the definition of high blood pressure from 140/90 to 130/80, and that closer monitoring and reaching numbers closer to 120/80 can result in lower premiums. In addition, older clients may enjoy more leniency regarding higher numbers on their readings as well.

Medical information is gathered from five separate sources such as physician reports, hospital records, your life insurance medical exam, Medical Information Bureau (MIB) report and RX report.

The underwriter will request a report from your doctor or specialist who is treating you for your high blood pressure and any underlying health conditions; if you have been hospitalized for treatment of hypertension or any related conditions; your weight and height measurements, blood pressure measurements, blood and urine sample & questions about your health and the health of your immediate family; MIB report to find out if you’ve applied for life insurance in the past and were either rated or denied coverage; and finally, a report from a national prescription drug database to verify what meds you have been prescribed currently and in the past, respectively.

After these data are collected & evaluated, applicants will be assigned a Rating Class which determines their cost of premiums.

Being Honest About Your Health Condition

It's important that you be honest and upfront about your blood pressure and any treatments you've undergone, so that the underwriters can get an accurate assessment of your health.

Treatment for high blood pressure is typically a two-fold approach: incorporating changes in diet and exercise, along with medication if needed. Be sure to share what preventative measures you have taken in order to manage your condition - discussing your diet and exercise regimen openly with your underwriter may result in more favorable rates. If you've made adjustments to your lifestyle, make sure to explain them thoroughly; this will help prove how serious you are about keeping your health under control.

It's also essential to keep up with regular checkups so that you can provide reports from medical professionals about how well your treatment plan is going. This will help demonstrate to the insurer that you are taking active steps towards managing your condition properly, which in turn could result in a better rate for you.

Being honest when applying for life insurance is critical - it's the best way to ensure that you get the policy you need at a price that fits within your budget, and no problems will come up when your loved ones attempt to claim the benefits.

Lying on a life insurance application can be grounds for the insurance company to deny paying out death benefits.

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Finding Affordable Life Insurance with High Blood Pressure

There are a few options you have to get the most affordable rate available with your high blood pressure. Most life insurance companies will require some type of treatment for hypertension before they can offer their lowest rates, but some may offer lower rates without treatment as long as your blood pressure levels are within their guidelines.

Age also plays a part as the older you are, the higher your blood pressure reading may be before they consider it too risky and raise your premium. For example, if you’re in your 60s, you may still be eligible for reasonable rates as long as your reading is below 140/85.

There could also be other lifestyle-based factors such as smoking, alcohol use or stress levels that affect insurance costs that may need to be taken into consideration when applying for life insurance coverage with hypertension.

An independent broker will provide a personalized assessment and advice on what options are best for your situation so don't worry if you're living with high blood pressure - there is still hope of finding affordable life insurance coverage!

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