If you have a medical condition like high blood pressure, you may have questions about your eligibility for life insurance. However, finding life insurance as a person with high blood pressure may be easier and more affordable than you think. Many life insurance companies will take your overall health—rather than just your blood pressure—into account when determining the rate you’ll pay for your policy. In this article, we’ll discuss how blood pressure can impact your life insurance premiums and how to manage high blood pressure so you can get the right coverage at an affordable rate.
How does high blood pressure impact my life insurance rates?
While it’s common to assume life insurance rates for individuals with high blood pressure are sky high, many life insurance carriers will offer more affordable rates for individuals who are controlling their blood pressure with treatment.
During the life insurance medical exam, you’ll likely be asked what blood pressure medication(s) you’re taking and how you’re managing your condition. Treating/managing high blood pressure can look like eating a balanced diet, cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, eliminating smoking, working out regularly, and reducing stress. All of this will give the life insurance underwriter an idea of how you’re handling your high blood pressure and better determine your life insurance rates. The better you can manage your high blood pressure (and any other chronic conditions you may have), the more likely it is you’ll be able to find a life insurance policy that meets your needs.
How do I lower my blood pressure?
You should consult with your doctor when deciding the best treatment plan for your high blood pressure. Some individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure, however, can lower or maintain healthy numbers by making a few lifestyle changes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a few ways that might help improve your overall health and blood pressure are:
Increasing physical activity: The CDC recommends around 150 minutes a week, or 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week. This can be as simple and low-impact as taking a walk.
Cutting back on sugar, refined carbohydrates and sodium: Instead, try to fit in more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Drinking less caffeine and alcohol intake: Try switching to decaf coffee a few times a week. The CDC also recommends limiting alcohol consumption to no more than 2 drinks per day for men and no more than 1 drink per day for women.
Eliminating smoking: You can explore both prescription and non-prescription smoking cessation resources.
Managing stress: Increasing physical activity, unplugging from social media and seeking professional mental health support are all good places to start when trying to manage stress.
SelectQuote Can Help Those with High Blood Pressure Find Life Insurance
At SelectQuote, we can help you navigate your options to find the right coverage for you—even if you have high blood pressure. Our life insurance calculator can help you determine how much coverage might be right for you. Then, in just minutes, our experienced life insurance agents can find life insurance quotes from some of the most trusted insurance companies in the nation on your behalf and answer any questions you may have about the process. Get started with us today!
