Yes. Most people with high cholesterol can get life insurance. People who keep their levels in check with medicine can often get some of the lowest rates.
The CDC says about 10% of US adults 20 and older had total cholesterol over 240 between 2017 and 2020. On its own, high cholesterol is usually not a big barrier to coverage.
Insurers look at two main numbers. One is your total cholesterol. The other is your ratio of total cholesterol to HDL, the good kind. A ratio under 5 to 1 is seen as good. A ratio over 5 to 1 but under 7.5 to 1 often lands in the Standard class. Insurers usually look at your numbers over the last year.
Each company draws its own line. Policygenius says Banner Life gives its lowest rates for ratios under 5.5 to 1, with or without medicine. Corebridge goes up to 6 to 1 for people over 45. So shopping around matters.
What insurers look at
- Your total cholesterol
- Your total to HDL ratio (Policygenius says under 5 to 1 is good)
- Your LDL, HDL and triglycerides
- Your medicines and how well they work
- Your numbers over the last year
- Other issues like heart disease or a past stroke
Coverage that may fit
The usual fit. A ratio under 5 to 1 with no other health issues can reach Preferred Plus at some companies.
No exam, but you answer health questions. Coverage often reaches about $50,000, and you can still be turned down for serious conditions. Good if you want to skip the exam, but note that a blood test is often how insurers check cholesterol.
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 high cholesterol alone.
Common questions
Does taking a statin hurt my chances?
No. People who use medicine to keep their levels in check can often get some of the lowest rates.
What number matters most?
Insurers focus on total cholesterol and your total to HDL ratio.
How far back do they look?
Usually about the last year, per Policygenius.
Sources
General information, not medical advice. Insurer rules change. An agent can tell you which companies treat your condition best.
