Since 1994
By Gil G Edwards, RICP®, Founder & CEO, Termco · Licensed agent, NPN 676445 · Updated
GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) have become common. If you take one, you may wonder whether it will make life insurance harder to get. In most cases, the medication itself is not the deciding factor. What matters is the full picture of your health, and which carrier reviews it.
How underwriters generally view GLP-1 use
Every carrier has its own guidelines, and they are evolving as these medications become more widely used. Still, underwriters tend to ask the same core questions.
Why was it prescribed?
GLP-1s are prescribed for different reasons, and the reason matters.
- Type 2 diabetes. Underwriters typically focus on how well your diabetes is controlled. They may look at A1C results, how long you have had diabetes, other medications, and any complications involving the heart, kidneys, eyes or nerves. Steady, well-managed treatment is generally viewed more favorably than poorly controlled diabetes.
- Weight management. The focus usually shifts to your weight: your current height and weight, your highest weight, how much you have lost, and whether the loss has held. Related conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or sleep apnea are also considered.
What is your weight history?
Many carriers no longer look only at today's weight. Because GLP-1s can lead to significant weight loss, an underwriter may also want to know your weight before treatment and the trend since. A lower weight today is a positive sign, but it is usually weighed alongside that history.
How long have you been on it, and is your weight stable?
Time matters. Someone who started a GLP-1 a few weeks ago is in a different situation than someone who has taken it consistently for a year or more and has kept their weight steady. Underwriters know that weight can return when treatment stops, so stability over time, and consistent use, can count in your favor. Some carriers may want to see a period of stable weight before giving full credit for weight lost.
What does the rest of your health look like?
Blood pressure, cholesterol, lab results, tobacco use, family history and other conditions all play a role, just as they do for any applicant. Improvements in these numbers while on treatment can help.
What to have ready
Having this information handy helps your agent find the right fit and helps the application go smoothly:
- The medication name, dose, and the date you started (and stopped, if applicable)
- Why it was prescribed (diabetes, weight management or another reason)
- Your current height and weight, your highest weight, and your weight when you started treatment
- Recent A1C results, if you have diabetes
- Recent blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, if you know them
- Other medications and diagnoses, plus your doctor's name and contact information
Always answer application questions completely and honestly. Carriers commonly review prescription history and medical records, and accurate answers protect you and your family.
Why carrier matching matters
Carriers do not all view the same health history the same way. One may be cautious about recent weight loss, while another may give more credit for steady progress or well-controlled diabetes. Applying to the wrong carrier can mean a less favorable offer than you might have received elsewhere.
Since 1994, Termco has helped people match their health profile to the carrier most likely to approve them. We look at your situation first, then point you toward carriers whose guidelines fit. There is no cost for a quote and no obligation to apply.
Get a quote that fits your health
Share a few basics and a licensed agent will follow up. No detailed health questions on the form.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get term life insurance while taking Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro or Zepbound?
Generally, yes. Many carriers do not treat GLP-1 use by itself as a reason to decline. Underwriters usually focus on why the medication was prescribed, your weight history, related health conditions and how stable your health is. Outcomes vary by carrier and by individual.
Do I have to disclose GLP-1 medication on a life insurance application?
Yes. Answer every application question fully and honestly, including prescriptions. Carriers commonly check prescription history databases and medical records, and inaccurate answers can lead to a delayed decision, a changed offer, or problems with a claim later.
Does it matter whether I take a GLP-1 for diabetes or for weight loss?
Usually, yes. When it is prescribed for type 2 diabetes, underwriters typically look at how well the diabetes is controlled, such as A1C results and any complications. When it is prescribed for weight management, they tend to focus on your current and past weight, how much weight you have lost, and whether it has stayed off.
Should I wait until my weight is stable before applying?
It depends. Some carriers may give more credit after your weight has been stable for a period of time, while others may already view your situation favorably. A licensed agent can help you weigh applying now versus waiting, so you are not left without coverage longer than necessary.
What if I stopped taking my GLP-1 medication?
Tell the carrier when you stopped and what your weight has done since. Underwriters know weight can return after stopping treatment, so many will look at your current weight and the trend over time rather than a single number.
Will taking a GLP-1 automatically mean higher rates?
Not necessarily. Pricing depends on your complete health picture and on each carrier's guidelines, which differ. That is why comparing carriers can matter. We can't predict a rate until a carrier reviews your information.
This page is general information, not medical or underwriting advice. Underwriting decisions are made by each insurer and vary by carrier and individual. Talk with your doctor about your medications.