Since 1994
By the Termco teamLicensed life insurance agents since 1994Updated
Decline, postpone, or just a higher price
An insurer can respond to an application in a few ways: approve it at a standard or better class, approve it at a higher "rated" price, postpone it (ask you to reapply after a waiting period, often after recent treatment or surgery), or decline it. A decline from one insurer isn't a verdict from all of them, because each sets its own guidelines.
Things that often lead to a decline or postponement
- Recent or current cancer treatment. Many cancers become insurable after a period of remission, which varies by type and stage.
- Serious heart or lung disease, such as recent heart attack or heart failure, or severe COPD.
- Being on an organ transplant list or awaiting major surgery.
- Recent substance abuse or treatment, or current illegal drug use.
- Several recent DUIs or a suspended license.
- Incarceration, probation or pending criminal charges. Many insurers require a waiting period after probation ends.
- A terminal diagnosis.
- Misrepresenting information on the application. If found during underwriting it can mean a decline; if found after a claim, a denied claim.
Things that usually just affect the price
- Well-controlled chronic conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea, asthma, anxiety or depression.
- Weight above the insurer's build charts. Insurers compare height and weight to their own tables. If you're losing weight with a GLP-1, see term life on GLP-1 medications.
- Tobacco and nicotine, which means tobacco rates, not a decline. See term life for smokers.
- Family history of heart disease or cancer at a young age, which may limit the best classes.
- Risky hobbies or jobs, such as private aviation, scuba or climbing, which may add a flat extra charge or an exclusion.
- Age, which limits term lengths, not eligibility, until quite late in life.
Non-health requirements
Insurers also need an insurable interest (you can insure your own life, and generally the life of someone whose death would cost you financially) and that the coverage amount makes sense for your income and net worth. Most require U.S. residency, though some insurers work with visa holders and permanent residents.
How to improve your odds
- Get your records together: diagnoses with dates, medications and doses, recent lab results.
- Pre-screen with an agent before applying. A quiet, confidential conversation can point you to the insurer most likely to approve you, and avoid a decline on record with the MIB.
- Apply when you're stable. Waiting a few months after a new diagnosis or treatment change can help, weighed against going uncovered.
- Consider alternatives if you're declined everywhere: group coverage at work, simplified-issue or guaranteed-issue policies, or reapplying later.
Termco starts with a short health conversation for exactly this reason. See your estimates and we'll take it from there.
About the prices on this page. Every price shown is an example estimate from Termco's own pricing model, the same one behind our quote tool. It's calibrated to typical published term rates from insurers rated A- or better, but it is not a quote from any insurer, not an offer of insurance, and not a guarantee. Your actual rate depends on the insurer and its underwriting of your full application.
See estimates for your age and health
Eight quick questions, no account needed. A licensed Termco agent confirms your exact rate before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
What medical conditions disqualify you from life insurance?
Few conditions disqualify you everywhere. Recent cancer treatment, serious heart or lung disease, a terminal illness and being on a transplant list commonly lead to a decline or postponement. Many chronic conditions that are well controlled only affect the price.
Can you be denied life insurance for being overweight?
Being above an insurer's build chart usually raises the price rather than causing a decline, unless your weight is very high or combined with other health issues. Insurers' build charts differ.
Does a DUI disqualify you from life insurance?
A single DUI several years ago often has little effect. A recent DUI, or more than one, may lead to higher rates, a postponement or a decline, depending on the insurer.
If one insurer declines me, will others?
Not necessarily. Insurers have different guidelines. But a decline is recorded with the MIB and other insurers will ask about it, so it's best to pre-screen before applying.
Related guides
- How Is Term Life Insurance Priced? The Factors That Set Your Rate
- How Much Is $500K Term Life Insurance for a 40-Year-Old?
- Term vs. Whole Life Insurance: Which Do You Need?
- How Much Life Insurance Do I Need? A Simple Way to Figure It Out
- Term life insurance by state
This page is general information, not medical, legal, tax or underwriting advice. Underwriting decisions are made by each insurer and vary by insurer and individual.