The Effect of High Blood Pressure on Life Insurance Rates

When you apply for life insurance, the underwriters look at a number of different things when determining the rate that you will pay. High blood pressure is one of these critical factors that determine what premium you will pay. Of course, not all companies have the same rating system for high blood pressure, so you will have to compare in order to get the best rate. At the same time, you need to be aware that your blood pressure rating will likely have an impact on the price you pay for life insurance.

Reasons for Considering Blood Pressure when Determining Life Insurance Rates

There are various reasons that life insurance companies choose to look at high blood pressure as a rating factor. Some of the reasons that insurance companies include as reasons for including high blood pressure as a risk factor include:

·-High blood pressure can contribute to both heart disease and cause hardening of the arteries
-High blood pressure can affect your eyesight by hardening blood vessels that will have a detrimental effect on your eyesight
-Over time, hardening of the arteries can be a contributing factor in a stroke
· High blood pressure has a detrimental effect on the circulation in your kidneys

Improving Your Life Insurance Rates Despite Your Blood Pressure Rating

Having high blood pressure does not mean that you will definitely pay higher rates because insurance companies also look at several different factors. In addition to high blood pressure, insurance companies look at your complete medical history, the cause of your high blood pressure, the medications you take to control the high blood pressure, the amount of time you have been taking high blood pressure medications, and any steps that you have taken to improve your health and lower your blood pressure. Of course, some companies do look at high blood pressure negatively, so it’s important to become familiar with which companies will give you the best rates. Especially if you are applying for seniors life insurance, which could already be higher than normal ratings. Its important to educate yourself prior to applying.

Obtaining the Top Rates – Even with High Blood Pressure

In some cases, if you take blood pressure medication that controls your high blood pressure, you may still be entitled to a life insurance company’s best rate. This is particularly true if the medication has proven to help you control the condition.

There are no guidelines that are consistent from company to company when it comes to blood pressure. Therefore, you must do research in order to ensure you get the lowest rate available for your age and health condition. In addition, if you are a non-smoker, you may find yourself with a lower rate in spite of your high blood pressure. But, again, that is an underwriting preference that varies among life insurance companies. As with any condition, the more companies you research, the better your chances are of securing the lowest available rate.