How To Get The Best Life Insurance Rates For People With High Blood Pressure In 2023

Life insurance is a vital financial tool that can protect your loved ones from the unexpected. But getting life insurance can be challenging if you have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is higher than normal, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

High blood pressure can have serious health risks and challenges, such as increased risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss, as well as lower life expectancy and quality of life. High blood pressure can also affect your life insurance rates and options, as life insurance companies consider your blood pressure as one of the factors to determine your risk and rate.

But don’t worry, you can still get life insurance if you have high blood pressure. You just need to know how to shop for the best life insurance policy for your needs and budget, and how to lower your life insurance premiums by lowering your blood pressure.

In this article, we will explain how high blood pressure affects life insurance rates, how to find the best life insurance policy for people with high blood pressure, and how to lower life insurance premiums by lowering blood pressure.

How High Blood Pressure Affects Life Insurance Rates

Life insurance companies use blood pressure readings or ranges to determine the risk and rate for applicants based on their systolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart beats, and diastolic pressure is the pressure when the heart rests between beats. The CDC defines normal blood pressure as less than 120/80 mm Hg, elevated blood pressure as 120-129/less than 80 mm Hg, stage 1 high blood pressure as 130-139/80-89 mm Hg, and stage 2 high blood pressure as 140 or higher/90 or higher mm Hg.

The higher your blood pressure, the higher your life insurance rates will be. This is because high blood pressure can increase the risk of various health problems that can shorten your lifespan and increase the likelihood of a claim. Some of these health problems include:

• Coronary artery disease
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Aneurysm
• Kidney disease
• Vision loss
• Dementia

Depending on your blood pressure reading or range, you may be assigned a different rating class by the life insurance company. The rating class determines how much you will pay for your life insurance policy. The rating classes are usually:

• Preferred Plus: This is the best rating class for people who are in excellent health with no history of medical issues or risky habits. If you have normal or optimal blood pressure (less than 120/80 mm Hg), you may qualify for this rating class.
• Preferred: This is the second-best rating class for people who are in very good health with minor medical issues or family history of moderate conditions. If you have elevated or borderline high blood pressure (120-129/less than 80 mm Hg or 130-135/80-85 mm Hg), you may qualify for this rating class.
• Standard Plus: This is the third-best rating class for people who are in good health but have a negative family history or a single condition that prevents them from qualifying for a Preferred rating class. If you have stage 1 high blood pressure (130-139/80-89 mm Hg), you may qualify for this rating class.
• Standard: This is the fourth-best rating class for people who are in average health with a couple of common but manageable issues, such as high cholesterol or diabetes. If you have stage 2 high blood pressure (140 or higher/90 or higher mm Hg), you may qualify for this rating class.
• Substandard: This is the lowest rating class for people who are in poor health with multiple or severe medical issues or risky habits. If you have very high blood pressure (180 or higher/120 or higher mm Hg) or other health issues related to your blood pressure that affect your mobility or organ function, you may qualify for this rating class.

The difference between rating classes can be significant in terms of cost. For example, according to our data from Policygenius.com, a 40-year-old male non-smoker who wants a $500,000 term life policy for 20 years would pay:

• $32 per month if he qualifies for a Preferred Plus rating class
• $38 per month if he qualifies for a Preferred rating class
• $46 per month if he qualifies for a Standard Plus rating class
• $54 per month if he qualifies for a Standard rating class
• $105 per month if he qualifies for a Substandard rating class

As you can see, the difference between the best and the worst rating class is more than three times the cost. That’s why it’s important to shop around and compare quotes from different life insurance companies, as they may have different blood pressure readings or ranges and offer different rates for people with high blood pressure.

The type of life insurance policy you choose can also affect your rates and options if you have high blood pressure. There are different types of life insurance policies, such as:

• Term life insurance: This is the most common and affordable type of life insurance. It provides coverage for a specific period of time, such as 10, 20, or 30 years, and pays a death benefit if you die during that time. Term life insurance usually requires a medical exam or uses accelerated underwriting to qualify for coverage. If you have high blood pressure, you may have to pay higher rates or be denied coverage depending on your health and lifestyle.
• Whole life insurance: This is a type of permanent life insurance that provides coverage for your entire life as long as you pay the premiums. It also has a cash value component that grows over time and can be used for loans or withdrawals. Whole life insurance usually requires a medical exam or uses simplified issue underwriting to qualify for coverage. If you have high blood pressure, you may have to pay higher rates or be denied coverage depending on your health and lifestyle.
• Universal life insurance: This is another type of permanent life insurance that provides coverage for your entire life as long as you pay the premiums. It also has a cash value component that varies depending on your premium payments and market conditions. Universal life insurance usually requires a medical exam or uses simplified issue underwriting to qualify for coverage. If you have high blood pressure, you may have to pay higher rates or be denied coverage depending on your health and lifestyle.
• No-exam life insurance: This is a type of life insurance that does not require a medical exam to qualify for coverage. It can be either term or permanent, and it can use simplified issue underwriting, guaranteed issue underwriting, or no underwriting at all. No-exam life insurance can be easier and faster to get than other types of life insurance, but it also has some drawbacks. It usually offers lower coverage amounts (up to $500,000), higher premium rates, and fewer policy options than other types of life insurance that require a medical exam or use accelerated underwriting.

How to Find the Best Life Insurance Policy for People with High Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure and want to get the best life insurance policy for your needs and budget, here are some tips on how to shop for it:

• Compare quotes from different insurers: As we mentioned earlier, different life insurance companies may have different blood pressure readings or ranges and offer different rates for people with high blood pressure. You should compare quotes from different insurers online or through an independent agent or broker to find the best deal for your situation.
• Check the financial ratings and customer reviews of the insurers: You should also check the financial ratings and customer reviews of the insurers that you are considering to make sure that they are reputable, reliable, and responsive. You can use rating agencies such as A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s, or Moody’s to check the financial strength and stability of the insurers. You can also use online platforms such as Trustpilot, Consumer Affairs, or Better Business Bureau to check the customer satisfaction and complaints of the insurers.
• Read the policy details carefully: You should also read the policy details carefully and ask questions if you do not understand something or if you want to make changes to the policy. You should look for any exclusions, limitations, fees, charges, riders, or benefits that might affect your coverage or costs.
• Consult an independent agent or broker if you need help: Shopping for life insurance can be confusing and overwhelming, especially if you have high blood pressure and have special needs or circumstances. If you need help with choosing a policy, you should consult an independent agent or broker who can offer unbiased advice and guidance and help you compare different options from different insurers.

How to Lower Life Insurance Premiums by Lowering Blood Pressure

One of the best ways to lower your life insurance premiums is to lower your blood pressure. Lowering your blood pressure can improve your health and reduce the risk of high blood pressure-related diseases, which can lead to better rating classes and lower life insurance rates.

Here are some tips on how to lower your life insurance premiums by lowering your blood pressure:

• Follow a healthy diet and exercise plan: The most effective way to lower your blood pressure is to follow a healthy diet and exercise plan that suits your needs and goals. You should consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting any blood pressure management program. You should aim to eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats. You should also limit your intake of salt, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine. You should also exercise regularly according to your fitness level and preferences. You should aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, as well as strength training exercises for all major muscle groups at least twice a week, according to the CDC.

• Take medication as prescribed: If your doctor has prescribed medication to lower your blood pressure, you should take it as directed and follow up with your doctor regularly. You should not stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor, as this can cause your blood pressure to rise again or cause other side effects. You should also inform your life insurance company if you are taking medication for high blood pressure, as this can show that you are managing your condition and may qualify you for lower rates.
• Request a reevaluation or apply for a new policy after lowering blood pressure: If you have already bought a life insurance policy and have lowered your blood pressure since then, you may be able to lower your life insurance premiums by requesting a reevaluation or applying for a new policy. A reevaluation is when you ask your current insurer to review your policy and adjust your rates based on your current blood pressure and health. A new policy is when you shop for a new life insurance policy from a different insurer that offers better rates based on your current blood pressure and health. However, both options have some pros and cons that you should consider before making a decision.

A reevaluation can be easier and cheaper than applying for a new policy, as you do not have to go through the underwriting process again or pay any fees or charges. However, a reevaluation may not guarantee lower rates, as your insurer may have other factors that affect your rates, such as age, health history, or lifestyle changes. A reevaluation may also take some time, as your insurer may require you to provide proof of your blood pressure lowering, such as medical records, lab tests, or photos.

A new policy can be faster and more effective than requesting a reevaluation, as you can shop for the best rates from different insurers based on your current blood pressure and health. However, a new policy can also be more expensive and risky than requesting a reevaluation, as you have to go through the underwriting process again and pay any fees or charges. A new policy may also result in higher rates or denial of coverage if your health has worsened since you bought your original policy.

Conclusion

Life insurance is a vital financial tool that can protect your loved ones from the unexpected. But getting life insurance can be challenging if you have high blood pressure. High blood pressure can affect your life insurance rates and options, as life insurance companies consider your blood pressure as one of the factors to determine your risk and rate.

But don’t worry, you can still get life insurance if you have high blood pressure. You just need to know how to shop for the best life insurance policy for your needs and budget, and how to lower your life insurance premiums by lowering your blood pressure.

In this article, we explained how high blood pressure affects life insurance rates, how to find the best life insurance policy for people with high blood pressure, and how to lower life insurance premiums by lowering blood pressure.

We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you are interested in getting life insurance for people with high blood pressure, you can get a free quote online or contact an agent for more information. Life insurance for people with high blood pressure can be challenging but not impossible. You should explore all your options and find the best one for you.