Does High Cholesterol Affect Life Insurance?

  1. 11783 POINTS
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    Larry GilmorePRO
    Agent Owner, Gilmore Insurance Services, Marysville, Washington State
    Yes, in most cases high cholesterol does effect the classification a person receives when applying for life insurance. However, companies do look at high cholesterol differently as they do not across the board class the same way for it. If working with an agent and you know you cholesterol score have them research which companies treat your score favorably. There can be quite a swing in classifications and cost depending on the company. I have moved several "standard ratings" because of cholesterol ratios to "Preferred" simply by their underwriting standards. Some underwrite cholesterol tightly, others not so much.
    Answered on April 10, 2013
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  2. 63333 POINTS
    Peggy Mace
    Most of the U.S.
    High cholesterol can affect life insurance rates. It will have even more impact if you have other health conditions that are exacerbated by high cholesterol (like coronary artery disease), or if other health conditions are contributing to your high cholesterol (like anxiety, liver disease, diabetes, or uncontrolled sleep apnea). For health and life insurance reasons, it is a good idea to take whatever steps that you need to take to get your cholesterol in an acceptable range.
    Answered on February 8, 2014
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  3. 7479 POINTS
    Steve Kobrin
    President, The Firm of Steven H. Kobrin, LUTCF, 6-05 Saddle River Rd #103, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
    High cholesterol can affect life insurance in a few different ways. Is it high, but normal with medication? Then you just need a carrier who will accept that, and there are a number of them. Is it high, even with medication? Some people do run naturally run high; then we have to prove that abnormal is normal for you. That can be done. Is it high, and related to other abnormalities, such as heart disease? Under those circumstances we need to get details on the composite picture of your health. Even, unfortunately, with serious medical conditions, you could qualify for coverage, and the price could be higher than standard.  You would have coverage, and that is the bottom line.
    Answered on February 28, 2014
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  4. 63333 POINTS
    Peggy Mace
    Most of the U.S.
    Yes, high cholesterol can affect life insurance. It can raise rates, or even cause a decline, if cholesterol is very high. Even more significant than high cholesterol is the ratio of total cholesterol to good cholesterol. To find your ratio, divide your total cholesterol number by your HDL ("good" cholesterol) number. If your ratio is over 8, you might want to get on cholesterol lowering medication before applying for a policy.
    Answered on February 28, 2014
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  5. 37376 POINTS
    David G. Pipes, CLU®, RICP®
    Business Development Officer, T.D. McNeil Insurance Services, Fresno, California
    High cholesterol isn’t normal.  Standard rates are based upon an assumption that you are normal.  There is as great deal of information that can guide an underwriter on how to adjust the premium for the increased risk that your case represents.  Some companies have a wider ranger for normal than others and some have done extensive studies on certain health conditions.  These companies might be better suited to provide you with life insurance at a reasonable rate.
    Answered on March 5, 2014
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