Getting term life protection with high cholesterol / blood pressure
Having a history of high cholesterol or blood pressure does not mean you cannot get life insurance coverage any more.
Fast Facts
- Some 5,000,000 people in the UK have high cholesterol levels but remain undiagnosed.
- 32% of males and 29% of females have high blood pressure or are treated for high blood pressure.
Source: British Heart Foundation
What is high blood pressure and high cholesterol?
When your blood pressure and cholesterol levels are consistently above normal levels for your age and gender, you are considered to have hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. This raises your risk of developing heart disease, strokes and kidney disease later in life.
Applying for a term life insurance policy when you have high blood pressure and cholesterol:
When you are making your application, be honest about your condition. In the policy application, say “yes” if you have already been diagnosed as having high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol.
How high is high?
Blood pressure: Although blood pressures are expected to increase as age increases, the normal level is at 120/80.
HDL (High-density lipoprotein) levels: The higher, the better. A score of 60 or above is optimal. Scores that are considered high risk:
- Females: <50
- Males: <40
LDL (Low-density lipoprotein) levels: the lower, the better. The upper limit is at 100 p 129, with the ideal score at 70 or less.
Triglycerides: A score of 150 or less is considered normal.
Life insurance companies vary in their policies in dealing with hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. In evaluating the application, underwriting will also look into the following factors:
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Time of diagnosis. It is expected that lowering blood pressure and cholesterol will take time. If your levels are high, the insurance company may postpone issuing the policy until your numbers improve.
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Age at diagnosis. The older you are diagnosed, the better.
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Smoking and alcohol consumption.
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Existence of other related diseases (the presence of kidney problems, diabetes or angina) will negatively affect the application.
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Change in lifestyle and compliance with the doctor’s orders. If you can show that you are closely monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and following what the doctor ordered and there are no complications, the, chances are, you can get a standard rating.
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Being overweight. This is considered a major risk factor.
Is it under control?
This is one of the questions that the insurance company will ask. It will look at:
- The doctor’s report, including the history of prescription medications you have
- The reading history for the past year or two
Taking medication and changing your lifestyle means that you are taking action to have your blood pressure and cholesterol under control. This is in contrast with someone who does not do anything to control his blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
To secure your family's future, fill in the form on the right and get your term life insurance quote now.