How do life insurance underwriters view individuals who have high blood pressure?

The answer will vary from company to company because their underwriting requirements vary. However, there are some common underwriting guidelines used by underwriters when evaluating an application for those with this medical condition.

Life insurance with high blood pressure is considered more risky by life insurance companies because if the condition is not controlled it can result in a much higher likelihood of a person having a heart attack or stroke which makes you a much higher insurable risk.

Life insurance companies will evaluate your medical condition based on whether you blood pressure is deemed to be controlled or uncontrolled. Blood pressure which is controlled is largely viewed much more positively by most life insurance companies.

If your blood pressure readings show satisfactory readings for at least 6 months or more (most companies prefer at least 2 years), and there are no additional health risk factors, you will likely receive a very positive rating and lower premiums.

Using more than one medication to control high blood pressure will likely result in a slightly higher premium.

What is the health risk of high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is also known as “Hypertension” or HPN or HTN. The disease is caused by an increase in the arterial pressure and causes the heart to work harder. The most serious physical effects of high blood pressure are a higher increase of having a potential heart attack or stroke.

Anyone who has a persistent reading of 140/90 mmHG and higher is considered as having high blood pressure.

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There are two types of measurement to evaluate your blood pressure. The first is known as “Systolic” which measures the heart during contractions, and “Diastolic” which measures the heart at rest.

Additional symptoms which can be indicative of high blood pressure include headaches, dizziness, light-headedness, fainting episodes, ringing in the ears and blurred vision. These are all serious symptoms which require medical attention.

For those seeking life insurance with high blood pressure, the good news is that this medical condition can be treated through medication and altering your lifestyle. Positive steps to lower your blood pressure may also be achieved by altering your diet, exercise, reducing stress and by quitting smoking.

Finding life Insurance with high blood pressure

You should not be discouraged if you have had difficulty in finding coverage for life insurance with high blood pressure. Not all life insurance companies are the same and the underwriting requirements can vary significantly from company to company. Some life insurance companies are much more liberal than other companies.

Overall, you stand a better chance of finding a more favorable life insurance rating and lower premium if your blood pressure has been under control for at least two years. Also, if you are only taking a single medication to control your condition you will also receive a better rating.

Your premium will also depend on whether there are any other health and lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, and stress that might also impact how you will be rated.


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