Now that you know how high blood pressure can affect your life insurance rates, let’s explore the types of policies available. Whether your condition is mild, moderate, or more complex, there are several options designed specifically for seniors with high blood pressure. Here’s a closer look at the best fit for your health needs and financial goals.
Pre-existing conditions are incredibly common among seniors and don’t automatically disqualify you from getting life insurance. In fact, many policies are designed with these health concerns in mind. One of the most common and most manageable, is high blood pressure. In this guide about life insurance for people with high blood pressure, we’ll walk you through how it can affect your rates, what insurers look for, and how to find the right coverage for your needs.
If you’re interested in these or any of our other life insurance options, call us at (866) 786-0725 to learn more. Be sure to check our free online quoting tool for personalized pricing estimates.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. This can put extra strain on your heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems over time.
A normal reading is around 120/80 mmHg. According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure is a reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher and affects nearly half of U.S. adults.
Blood Pressure Is Measured Using Two Numbers:
- Systolic pressure (top number): the pressure when your heart beats
- Diastolic pressure (bottom number): the pressure when your heart rests
While it’s a serious condition, high blood pressure is common among seniors, and it’s often manageable with medication, regular monitoring, and lifestyle changes. Fortunately, having high blood pressure doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting life insurance, especially with senior-focused options like final expense policies.
Common Causes of High Blood Pressure
The CDC reports that nearly half of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, and only about 1 in 4 have it under control. High blood pressure can be linked to underlying medical conditions, or it can develop gradually over time.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Aging: Blood vessels naturally stiffen as you age
- Family history: Genetics can play a role in your risk
- Poor diet: High salt or cholesterol intake
- Lack of exercise: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to hypertension
- Stress: Chronic stress can raise blood pressure
- Smoking or alcohol use: Both can damage blood vessels and raise BP
- Underlying conditions: Diabetes, kidney disease, and thyroid problems can contribute
Are you a senior over 80? You have life insurance options, including guaranteed coverage with no medical exam required. Call us at (866) 786-0725 for more information, and be sure to check our free funeral expense calculator for a clear, itemized view of funeral costs based on your preferences.
Life Insurance for People With High Blood Pressure: Can They Get Insured?
Seniors with high blood pressure can qualify for life insurance. Many insurance providers recognize that hypertension is a manageable condition, and they offer policies specifically designed for applicants with pre-existing health concerns.
Is High Blood Pressure Considered a Pre-Existing Condition?
It is considered a pre-existing condition, but it’s one of the most common and accepted among life insurance providers. If your condition is stable and you’re following treatment, many insurers will approve you at standard rates.
Risk Classifications Used by Insurers
Insurance companies assign applicants to risk categories based on overall health.
These classifications affect your monthly premiums:
- Preferred: Excellent health and no major conditions
- Standard: Average health, controlled conditions like hypertension
- Substandard: Higher risk due to uncontrolled or multiple conditions
Well-controlled blood pressure typically puts you in the standard category. If you have very high readings or complications, you may be placed in a substandard class, which could mean higher premiums
Blood Pressure Guidelines for Seniors
What’s considered “high” can vary by age. Many insurers allow seniors to have slightly higher readings than younger applicants, especially if the condition is treated and stable.
For example:
- 120/80 mmHg or lower = Ideal
- 130-139/80-89 mmHg = Elevated but manageable
- 140/90 mmHg or higher = High, may impact rate class
Keep in mind, one elevated reading doesn’t tell the whole story. Insurers often consider multiple readings over time and whether you’re taking prescribed medications.
Contact Final Expense Benefits to learn more about life insurance and to develop your insurance plan. Call us at (866) 786-0725 for more information, and be sure to check our free funeral expense calculator for a clear, itemized view of funeral costs based on your preferences.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Approved for Life Insurance with High Blood Pressure
Having high blood pressure may affect your rates, but there are steps you can take to improve your chances of getting approved and possibly even lower your premiums.
These simple lifestyle adjustments can make a meaningful difference:
- Take prescribed medications consistently
- Reduce sodium and processed foods in your diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol
- Practice stress management techniques
Exercise Tips for Seniors With High Blood Pressure
Physical activity not only improves cardiovascular health, but it also shows insurers that you’re proactive.
Ideal low-impact exercises include:
- Walking: 30 minutes a day can help lower BP
- Swimming: Gentle on joints and great cardio
- Tai Chi or Yoga: Reduces stress and supports flexibility
- Light strength training: Improves circulation and stability
Typical Coverage and Costs of Life Insurance for People With High Blood Pressure
Here’s a look at what average monthly premiums might look like for a $10,000 policy in 2025:
| Company |
Male 50y/o |
Female 50y/o |
Male 60y/o |
Female 60y/o |
Male 70y/o |
Female 70y/o |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$34 |
$27 |
$50 |
$40 |
$70 |
$56 |
|
|
$31 |
$26 |
$43 |
$35 |
$71 |
$53 |
|
|
$31 |
$24 |
$44 |
$33 |
$75 |
$53 |
|
|
$34 |
$29 |
$45 |
$35 |
$79 |
$59 |
|
|
$33 |
$26 |
$48 |
$36 |
$82 |
$58 |
These figures are estimates for a non-smoking applicant with a mild, well-controlled case of high blood pressure. Rates may increase based on case severity, seizure frequency, and other factors.
Best Life Insurance Policy Types for People With High Blood Pressure
Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance offers near-certain approval with no medical exam or health questions. While it comes with higher premiums and a two-year graded death benefit period, it’s a strong option for applicants who may not qualify for traditional or simplified policies. This type of coverage is best suited for seniors with severely high or unstable blood pressure or those who have been recently denied coverage elsewhere.
Whole Life Insurance
Whole Life Insurance requires you to answer a few basic health questions, but there’s no medical exam. If your blood pressure is well-managed with medication and you haven’t had a recent hospitalization, this may be the most affordable and accessible option, sometimes even with no waiting period. It is an ideal choice for seniors with well-controlled high blood pressure and no recent complications.
Modified Benefit Whole Life Insurance
Modified Benefit Whole Life Insurance offers limited benefits during the first two years and full coverage afterward. These policies are often used when health issues, like high blood pressure, present some underwriting risk, but not enough to require guaranteed issue. This coverage works best for seniors with moderate health risks or a recent diagnosis.
Can I Add Riders to My Life Insurance Policy?
Rider policies also known as endorsements, are customizable features or “add ons” one may include within their life insurance policy.
Common riders include:
- Accelerated Death Benefit: Receive part of the death benefit early if diagnosed with a terminal illness
- Guaranteed Insurability: Add coverage later without a new health screening
- Waiver of Premium: Skip payments if you become disabled
Seniors with high blood pressure can qualify for life insurance. Call us at (866) 786-0725 for more information, and be sure to check our free funeral expense calculator for a clear, itemized view of funeral costs based on your preferences.
What to Expect When Applying for Final Expense Insurance
Before you apply, it’s important to understand how insurers view high blood pressure and what it means for your eligibility and coverage options.
Underwriting Process: Life Insurance for People with High Blood Pressure
Know what you can typically expect during the underwriting process, below.
Step 1: Initial Phone Interview or Online Form – Basic health and lifestyle questions
Step 2: Health Questionnaire – Questions about medications, conditions, and recent doctor visits
Step 3: Approval or Follow-up – In many cases, no medical exam is needed
Final Expense Coverage for Seniors With High Blood Pressure
Final expense policies are made for seniors or individuals with chronic health issues, including high blood pressure. These policies require no medical exam and are easier to qualify for. If you are ever denied life insurance, you can still find coverage with any of our top-rated insurance companies.
These policies help pay for:
- Burial or cremation expenses
- Legal or estate-related costs
- Other funeral-related costs
- Outstanding medical bills
- Small debts or final wishes
Conclusion
Even with a condition like high blood pressure, securing life insurance is still well within reach. Seniors managing hypertension have access to a variety of coverage options, especially final expense policies that don’t require a medical exam.
By staying on top of your health, following your treatment plan, and working with an agent who understands your needs, you can find a policy that offers both protection and peace of mind.
Contact Final Expense Benefits to learn more about life insurance and to develop your insurance plan. Call us at (866) 786-0725 for more information, and be sure to check our free funeral expense calculator for a clear, itemized view of funeral costs based on your preferences.
FAQ
Can I be denied life insurance for high blood pressure?
Yes, but it’s rare. If your condition is uncontrolled or linked to other serious issues, guaranteed issue policies are still available.
Will I need a medical exam?
No, many policies designed for seniors do not require an exam.
What is considered ideal vs. high blood pressure for life insurance purposes?
Acceptable ranges vary by age and company. 130–145 systolic and 80–90 diastolic is general in senior underwriting, while 140/90 mmHg is commonly seen as elevated.
Can you get life insurance if you have hypertension and another condition?
Yes, especially with simplified or guaranteed issue coverage.
Is high blood pressure considered a pre-existing condition?
Yes, but it’s also one of the most common and accepted conditions. Many policies accept applicants with stable readings.
What life insurance companies accept high blood pressure?
Companies like Aetna, Mutual of Omaha, and Prosperity Life all offer policies that accept seniors with high blood pressure.
