---
title: Life Insurance With Asthma: Can You Qualify? | Coverfolk
url: https://coverfolk.com/health/asthma
updated: 2026-10-08
---

# Life insurance with asthma

Yes. Mild or exercise asthma can get the best rates at some companies. Even daily inhaler users can often get Standard rates.

[What insurers look at](#looks)

Updated October 8, 20264 sources[Fact checked](/editorial-standards)

The short answer

Yes. Mild or exercise asthma can get the best rates at some companies. Even daily inhaler users can often get Standard rates.

**About 8.0% of US adults (about 20.3 million) had asthma. Across all ages it was 7.7%, about 25 million people.**[Source: CDC: Most Recent National Asthma Data](https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/most_recent_national_asthma_data.htm)

The CDC says about 8% of US adults had asthma in 2021. Most people with asthma can get regular life insurance.

Mild or exercise asthma gets the best rates. People who use a daily inhaler like albuterol can still get up to Standard rates. Severe asthma with hospital visits costs more. Insurers ask about your triggers, medicines, ER visits, home breathing machines and smoking.

Pick the right company. Policygenius says Banner Life may offer up to Preferred Plus for mild asthma. It also says Transamerica is not a good option for people with asthma.

## What insurers look at

* How severe it is (mild, exercise only, or severe)
* Your medicines, like daily albuterol
* Hospital or ER visits for asthma
* Use of a breathing machine at home
* What sets it off
* Whether you smoke

## Coverage that may fit

**Term life**

The usual fit. Policygenius says Banner Life may offer up to Preferred Plus for mild or exercise asthma.

**Simplified issue**

No exam, but you answer health questions. Coverage often reaches about $50,000, and you can still be turned down for serious conditions. People with mild asthma may skip the exam and answer questions by phone or online.

**Guaranteed issue**

For people who cannot pass health questions. There is no exam and no health questions, coverage tops out around $25,000, and the price is high. Mutual of Omaha sells it to people 45 and older, per Policygenius. Most have a waiting period, often 2 years, before the full amount pays for a natural death (Policygenius, graded death benefit). Rarely needed for asthma alone.

## Common questions

Does using an inhaler mean I pay more?

A daily inhaler can mean up to Standard rates, per Policygenius. Mild asthma can get better rates.

Do I need a medical exam?

Maybe not. People with mild asthma may skip it.

Which insurers are good for asthma?

Policygenius names Banner Life for mild asthma and says Transamerica is not a good fit.

## Sources

1. [CDC: Most Recent National Asthma Data](https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/most_recent_national_asthma_data.htm)
2. [Policygenius: Life Insurance for People With COPD & Asthma](https://www.policygenius.com/life-insurance/lung-conditions/)
3. [Policygenius: Can You Buy Life Insurance With Pre-Existing Conditions?](https://www.policygenius.com/life-insurance/pre-existing-conditions/)
4. [NAIC: Tips for Buying Life Insurance](https://content.naic.org/index.php/article/consumer-insight-tips-buying-life-insurance)

General information, not medical advice. Insurer rules change. An agent can tell you which companies treat your condition best.