Life Insurance With High Blood Pressure

Life Insurance With High Blood Pressure | The Complete Definitive New Guide for [2022]

Applying for the best life insurance with high blood pressure is not complicated at all. It is a simple process when applying with the correct companies and a good agent. Did you know that over 70 million adults in the United States have high blood pressure? This breaks down to over 29% of all adult Americans who are afflicted with this condition. Even though this is a very common condition, life insurance companies consider it to be an additional risk factor they must consider.

Using the most applicable companies for this very common condition is critical. If your high blood pressure is controlled, you may qualify for preferred rates with the correct companies. Let’s dive in and learn how to apply for life insurance and receive the best rates possible, step-by-step.

 

 

Can You Get Life Insurance With High Blood Pressure?

The question can you get life insurance with high blood pressure comes up all the time and the answer is normally yes you can. As long as your pressure readings are stable and within the recommended limits. You can apply and be approved for life insurance with excellent rates even though you use blood pressure medication daily. The main concept is being able to keep your blood pressure within limits using medication. If you have hypertension and you do not use medication, that can be a problem. 

 

Can High Blood Pressure Affect My Rates?

In a short answer, yes it does. All life insurance companies pay special attention to high blood pressure, which is also known as Hypertension. The carriers look for normal blood pressure readings that are stable and do not excessively fluctuate from day today. When they find that good safe blood pressure readings are not apparent, a red flag goes up in the underwriting department. The higher your blood pressure condition, the higher your rates could become. A severe condition can trigger a decline in your application.

Best Types of Life Insurance With High Blood Pressure

Term Insurance (temporary):

There are two excellent types of life insurance with high blood pressure. They are temporary and permanent forms of life insurance. The first type is the Term Life insurance plan designs which are the temporary plan designs. These types of policies cover the insured for a specific time stated in the policy contract. These term periods usually range by 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, 25 years, 30 years. An excellent company from Maryland called Banner Life now offers 35 year and 40-year term policies. This works out great for people looking for long-term periods and younger applicants.

 

Universal Life (permanent):

The second type of life insurance with high blood pressure would be the permanent life insurance plan designs such as Universal Life and Whole Life. Universal life will last the entire lifetime of the individual covered under the policy. It costs about 3-4 times as much as a term does but it can be bundled with term to create an excellent life insurance portfolio. Whole life is not cost-effective and many of the companies have dropped it from their product lines. Whole Life costs about ten times as much as term plans. The cash build-up feature is what drives up the cost of the premium.

*Here is a list of the most common types of life insurance for high blood pressure with a link pointing to specific blog posts for additional information:

• Term Life Insurance – read more
• Universal Life Insurance – read more
• No Medical Exam Life Insurance – read more
• Return of Premium Life Insurance – read more

 

Can I Buy Life Insurance Without Taking a Medical Exam? 

Yes, you sure can and you have a great choice of companies to choose from too. Many people today want to buy life insurance but dread the idea of having to take a medical exam. The blood test is usually the part people dislike and this in itself can prevent people from applying.

If you are one of those people, you can stop worrying right now because there is another way. No Medical Exam life insurance may be just the right plan design for you and these plans can have approval times in 24-48 hours which is a fraction of the fully underwritten plans.

 

What Are the Risk Factors of High Blood Pressure?

The most important issue is the excessive blood pressure that is placed on arterial walls caused by hypertension. These high-pressure readings can and eventually will damage blood vessels as well as internal organs also. The higher the blood pressure and the longer it goes on being untreated, is a recipe for life-threatening damage in time.

If high blood pressure is left untreated, it can lead to risk factors such as:

• Heart Attacks or Possible Stroke – High blood pressure can thicken and harden the artery walls and can lead to fatal heart attacks or massive strokes.
• Dementia – Narrowed or partially blocked arteries can constrict and greatly limit the flow of blood to the brain. The result can become a case of dementia leading to a certain type of dementia (vascular dementia). A stroke that interrupts blood flow to the brain also can cause vascular dementia. A stroke can even cause this form of vascular dementia.
• Thick, Torn, or Narrow Blood Vessels in the Eyes – If your eye’s blood vessels are affected, it can cause partial or even complete loss of vision.
• Aneurysms –  High blood pressure can even cause your blood vessels to weaken and bulge out of shape forming what is known as an aneurysm. The main problem is if an aneurysm ruptures, it can be fatal. Many times a person will hemorrhage to death before they can get to a hospital.
• Kidney Failure – Restricted blood flow to the kidneys caused by hypertension can cause kidney damage or complete failure which is also life-threatening.
• Memory and Comprehension Issues – High blood pressure can also affect one’s ability to think, understand and remember. Many people that have high blood pressure also experience a poor memory that gets worse over time.

 

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Applying for life insurance with high blood pressure is together different than years ago. Hypertension can be easily controlled with modern-day medication and the carriers can issue preferred rates.

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Can Using High Blood Pressure Medication Affect My Rates?

Using high blood pressure medication is a plus. It shows the insurance companies that care about your health and want to lower your blood pressure. Anytime you apply for life insurance with high blood pressure. The companies will look closely at what type of prescription medications you are taking. Also the dosage you take daily is very important, even if you take medication that keeps your readings at perfectly normal levels.

One of the big questions they want answers to is how long has your blood pressure been under control. The last issue they want to see is fluctuating high-pressure readings from day today. Taking any form of medication will be taken into consideration by all of the life insurance companies.

Here is a basic list of medications used for controlling high blood pressure.

These are the most common drugs they look for on your application.

• Diovan
• Bystolic
• Lisinopril
• Toprol
• Atenolol
• Metoprolol
• Hydrochlorothiazide
• Amlodipine

 

What Do the Insurance Company Underwriters Consider High Blood Pressure?

What is Considered Normal and What is Considered High?

A blood pressure reading is broken down into two different numbers.

• Systolic – This is the upper number which is the maximum pressure your heart exerts while beating.
• Diastolic – This is the lower number which is the pressure in your arteries between beats.

A common question is what number is more important than the other. Quite a bit of medical research has been done concerning this question and it has been found that both numbers are equally important in good heart health. Keep in mind that most research has shown a greater risk of stroke and heart-related disease can be linked to the higher systolic pressures when compared to increased diastolic pressures.

The Blood Pressure Guidelines Are as Follows:

• Normal – Systolic: 120 / Diastolic: 80
• Prehypertension – Systolic: 120-140 / Diastolic: 80-90
• Stage 1 Hypertension – Systolic: 145-160 / Diastolic: 90-99
• Stage 2 Hypertension – Systolic: 160-180 / Diastolic: 100-110
• Major Hypertension – Systolic: Over 180 / Diastolic: Over 110

The Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

The majority of people have no real signs or symptoms and this is the bad part. Even if pressure readings reach dangerously high levels they don’t even know it because there is no pain or discomfort. The worst part of this medical condition is you may never know you have it unless you are tested. That is why it is important to go to the doctor periodically. You can qualify for excellent rates by keeping your condition in check.

Some people complain of headaches, shortness of breath, or even nosebleeds. These symptoms usually aren’t reached until a life-threatening stage is present. This means the high blood pressure has escalated to an advanced stage. This is when the condition is at a dangerous point.

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The most important aspect of high blood pressure is there are no symptoms at all. You may feel perfectly normal but your blood pressure may be at a dangerous level. This is why annual visits to your doctor’s office are so necessary.

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When Should You See a Doctor?

Your blood pressure check should be the very first step in your office visits to your doctor. As the doctors know, a pressure check should be done in both arms. This is to see if there is any difference in pressure readings. Your doctor will use the correct size cuff to properly fit your arm size.

Too small a cuff size can give a false reading of having this condition. If you’ve already been diagnosed, your doctor will usually recommend more frequent examinations. An electronic pressure tester can be purchased for home use for less than $75.00 They are very simple to use without any medical training required.

 

The Two Main Types of High Blood Pressure

Primary Hypertension:

For most people, there is no identifiable cause of high blood pressure. This type of condition is called primary hypertension which usually develops through the years gradually.

Secondary Hypertension:

An underlying medical condition can be the second type of cause for hypertension. This type is called secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension tends to appear suddenly and cause a more advanced degree than does primary hypertension. Some medications can cause secondary form hypertension from side-effects including:

• Kidney problems
• Adrenal gland tumors
• Thyroid conditions
• Defects in blood vessels that you were born with.
• Medications, such as birth control pills, over-the-counter cold remedies, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers, and even some prescription medications.
• Needless to say, Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines can create hypertension. 
• Drinking alcoholic beverages is usually in excess.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

The following categories are some of the main causes of high blood pressure. You will find that you have no control of some of these causes and others you can work with to try to improve and lower your blood pressure in the future.

• Age – The risk of this condition increases as you get older. Through early middle age, or about age 40, high blood pressure is more common to develop in men. Women will usually develop hypertension after age 60.
• Family History – High blood pressure tends to be passed along in family genes. Many people that have hypertension also have hypertension in their parent’s health history.
• Overweight & Obesity – The more you weigh, the more blood you need to supply oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. Body fat is also required to be supplied with blood flow. As the volume of blood circulated through your blood vessels increases, so does the pressure on your artery walls. This pressure on the artery walls is hypertension.
• Physical Activity – People that are sedentary who are inactive tend to have higher heart rates. The higher your heart rate, the harder your heart must work. This creates a stronger force on your arteries. Lack of physical activity also causes people to become overweight or obese. Exercising is great for your overall health and reduces your hypertension.
• Tobacco Products – Smoking or chewing tobacco immediately raise your blood pressure. The dangerous chemicals found in tobacco such as nicotine and tar can damage the lining of your artery walls. This causes your arteries to narrow down in size, increasing your pressure levels. Even inhaling secondhand smoke can increase amplify your condition.
• Sodium Intake – Too much sodium in your diet can cause your body to retain fluids. The added fluids magnify your hypertension condition. You may have to work hard to limit the salt in your system. This is due to the fact just about everything you eat has salt added to it.
• Insufficient Vitamin D – Too little vitamin D in your diet can lead to high blood pressure. Vitamin D may affect enzymes produced by your kidneys that have a direct impact on your pressure readings.
• Alcoholic Abuse – As time goes by heavy drinking can damage your heart. Having more than two drinks a day may affect your pressure readings. Always drink in moderation.
• Mental Stress – High-stress levels can lead to a temporary increase in pressure. If you try to relax by eating more, using tobacco products, or drinking alcohol, you will only increase your problems.
• Chronic Medical Conditions – Chronic conditions also may increase your risk of high blood pressure, such as cardiovascular conditions, kidney disease, and diabetes.

Children Can Also Be at Risk of Hypertension 

Although this condition is by far most common in adults, children could also be at risk, too. For a growing number of kids, poor lifestyle habits, such as an unhealthy diet, obesity, and lack of exercise. This can also contribute to higher than normal blood pressure readings.

The excessive pressure levels on your arterial walls caused by this condition can damage your blood vessels. This can also damage the vital organs in your body. The higher your pressure readings and the longer it goes uncontrolled, the greater the damage can be caused.

Preparing For a Blood Pressure Test

Before your Para-med visit, make sure you do not drink coffee, tea, or any type of energy drink. Anything containing caffeine will elevate blood pressure test readings. If a Para-med takes your blood pressure and finds high readings. Those results will go right to the insurance company underwriting department to be processed. Your blood pressure might be normal. But the Para-med’s elevated reading is what they are going to work from.

This will cause nothing but complications with what should normally be a smooth sailing application process. At this point, you’re going to have to prove that this elevated reading is not your normal reading. Keep in mind that life insurance companies adjust their health classifications to the severity level of hypertension that you have.

 

Questions the Carriers Will Ask When Applying for Life Insurance With High Blood Pressure

• Do you have a history of elevated pressure readings?
• Do you have a family history of high blood pressure?
• What prescription medications are you currently taking?
• What is your average blood pressure reading when tested?
• When was your last blood pressure test?

*These questions are all very important so the medical underwriter knows what health classification to place you in. This will determine what your final rates will be when your application has been completed.

Carriers Look Closely at Your Height and Weight

Height and weight will have a direct reflection on hypertension. Many overweight people have high blood pressure which usually goes hand in hand. A medical underwriter will take a close look at your most recent pressure readings. As a result, they will also look at your long-term history with the condition. There are blood pressure readings that will decide what your status is as medical risk.

 

The Three Basic Health Classifications:

• Standard Rate Class – This generally requires a steady reading that does not exceed 150/90 controlled by medications. Readings may be higher for older age groups of those over 50, and 60 years of age.
• Preferred Rate Class – You may be considered a preferred risk if your readings are under 140/90 controlled by medication. Also a reading of 150/90 without medication depending on the insurance carrier. This would entitle you to lower premiums than those in the Standard rate classification.
• Preferred Best Rate Class – If your blood pressure readings are normally under 140/90 and you are not on any medications. If you are not considered to have hypertension, you would be eligible for the lowest possible premium rate class.

 

The Many Benefits of Working With an Independent Insurance Agent

An independent insurance agent is also referred to as a broker. These types of agents such as ourselves work with all the top-rated insurance companies in the country. The independent agents especially those that specialize in life insurance will know what company will be your best fit and offer you the lowest rates.

They do not work for insurance companies so they always have your best interest in mind and not carriers like a captive agent such as a State Farm agent would. When it comes to finding the lowest rates for people with health conditions, these brokers give you the best advantage to being approved with the lowest premiums possible.

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Time-consuming paper applications are now obsolete. You can now apply over the phone within 15 minutes and be approved in 24-48 hours without having to take a medical exam!

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What does Life Insurance Cost?

The cost of life insurance will depend on several categories to consider. If you are interested in comparing life insurance quotes for high blood pressure, the severity of your condition needs to be known first. How well it is controlled by medication is a very important factor the insurer’s underwriters will be looking at.

We recommend running a quick 5-minute medical prescreen to be able to get a good idea of what company to use and what health class you will be assigned. A prescreen entails answering a few questions on our online form which is located on our prescreen page. This will help to eliminate looking at inaccurate rates that will not even apply to you.

You can use our instant quoting system to compare life insurance quotes for high blood pressure from about 40 carriers. If you have a mild condition or hypertension use the preferred rates or standard plus rates in the health class drop-down menu. If your case is more severe you can use the standard rates in the drop-down menu. If you want to get your quotes the easy way, just give us a call and we will be happy to quote you right over the telephone.

Just keep in mind this is just speculation because an experienced agent needs to be consulted to know for sure. Here is a simple list of the underwriting categories I referred to above depending on what type of policy and company you are applying with.

• Current Age
• Tobacco Use
• Medical Conditions
• Para-Med Exam
• Driving Record
• Parents Longevity
• Medical Records
• Height & Weight
• M.I.B. Report

*If this looks complicated, don’t worry because it’s not. About 90% of the work involved in applying for life insurance is done by your agent anyway. All you have to do is just answer a few questions using a simple telephone application.

In Conclusion

If you are planning on applying for life insurance with high blood pressure, call us for a free quote right over the phone. We can quickly point you in the right direction. You can also activate our website’s quote engine and instantly compare life insurance quotes from over 40 top companies.

You will then get an idea of the approximate cost for the plan design you have an interest in. If you have any medical conditions, we can run a simple prescreen to see what company will offer you the lowest rates before you ever sit down to apply. Many thanks for reading this blog post!

All the best,
Jack Venturi
800-897-5699

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You can also set up a time at your convenience to get all your questions answered and get pointed in the right direction. There is no cost or obligation for our help.