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According to blood pressure category guidelines developed by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, many Americans have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.1 Having high blood pressure does not automatically prevent an individual from applying for or obtaining life insurance coverage. However, your rates can depend on the severity of your blood pressure readings and numerous other factors. Below, we’ll discuss how high blood pressure impacts life insurance and explore some policy options for those with hypertension.
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You may be able to apply for life insurance with high blood pressure. Approval, coverage amounts, policy terms, and premium rates vary by insurer and are subject to underwriting. Insurers may evaluate the severity of an applicant's hypertension, treatment history, overall health, and additional risk factors when determining eligibility and rates.2
Life insurance companies may vary in what reading they classify as high blood pressure. However, many consider high blood pressure to be a minimum reading of 135 (systolic) over 85 (diastolic). Some may have stricter requirements of 130 over 80.2 Insurers often group applicants with high blood pressure based on the American Heart Association’s elevated blood pressure categories.
High blood pressure doesn’t automatically result in high premiums. Several other factors can impact the rates you’ll pay:
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Help cover yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.
Get StartedPeople with high blood pressure have various life insurance options to choose from:
Term life insurance provides coverage for a specified period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years, depending on the policy. If you outlive the policy, you may have options to renew coverage or apply for a new policy. Term life insurance generally offers a death benefit for a defined period and may have lower premiums than some permanent life insurance products. Therefore these options may work if you're managing premium expenses.2
Whole life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that provides coverage for lifetime as long as required premiums are paid and policy requirements are met. Some whole life policies include a cash value growth component that may accumulate value over time based on the terms of the policy.
You may have access to the policy's cash value through loans, withdrawals, or surrendering the policy, subject to policy provisions, fees, surrender charges, and other limitations. Outstanding loans and withdrawals may reduce the policy's death benefit and cash value.
Whole life insurance premiums are generally higher than premiums for comparable term life insurance coverage, although costs and features vary by product and insurer. However, those who want lifelong coverage and a savings component may find this policy worth considering.2
Universal life insurance offers the same lifelong coverage and cash value component with fixed interest as whole life insurance. However, you can adjust your death benefit to fit your coverage or budget needs. Those who want lifelong coverage but need more flexibility could opt for universal life insurance.4
Guaranteed issue life insurance is generally designed for individuals who may have difficulty qualifying for coverage through traditional underwriting. These policies typically do not require a no medical exam and may not include health-related questions, depending on the insurer and product.
However, these policies may have waiting periods. Your beneficiaries only receive a refund of premiums paid if you pass away during the specified waiting period.5
Final expense insurance is generally a form of whole life insurance designed to provide a smaller death benefit that beneficiaries may use for expenses such as funeral costs, medical bills, or other financial obligations. Beneficiaries are generally not required to use proceeds for any specific purpose. Some final expense policies may include a cash value component and may not require a medical exam.
If your primary concern is helping loved ones cover your end-of-life expenses and you want to balance coverage and cost, this may be worth looking into.6
Following a few tips can help those with high blood pressure find desired coverage at competitive rates:
Independent insurance agents are insurance professionals who help you shop for quotes and navigate the life insurance process. They earn commissions from life insurers when they sell a policy. Independent insurance agents work for themselves, not a life insurer, which can allow them to focus more on your needs. An insurance agent, especially one experienced in helping applicants with health conditions, can help you find multiple quotes and help you determine a policy that meets your needs and fits your budget despite having high blood pressure.
Insurers vary in how they calculate risk, meaning each insurer may charge different premiums for the same individual and coverage amount. Plus, insurers must compete with each other to win the business of applicants.
Therefore, shopping for multiple quotes is one of the best ways for those with high blood pressure to find competitive rates on the coverage they need. Agents can help by gathering quotes for you and showing you how policy costs, coverages, and terms differ.
Visiting your doctor regularly can help reduce rates and perhaps improve approval chances for a couple of reasons:
Those with new high blood pressure diagnoses or related health issues may consider visiting the doctor regularly so the doctor can provide a treatment strategy and medication to help you manage your condition. Those with stable and well-managed conditions may not require frequent doctor visits. Ultimately, talk to your doctor to determine what’s right for you.
Individuals concerned about blood pressure management should consult their healthcare provider regarding appropriate lifestyle choices, nutrition, physical activity, and treatment options.
Factors that healthcare professionals may discuss as part of a blood pressure management plan can include:
Life insurance may be more impactful to your budget if you have high blood pressure, but plenty of options are available, and insurers consider other factors when deciding whether to approve you for a policy. Controlling your hypertension and leading a healthy lifestyle may help reduce your blood pressure and demonstrate a good faith effort to manage the condition. If you’re seeking life insurance coverage at cost-conscious rates despite having high blood pressure, Aflac is here to help. Speak with an agent today to learn more about your options and get a quote.
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Considering family life insurance? Learn how life insurance for families can financially protect loved ones in case you pass away and get a quote from Aflac.
A life insurance grace period is the time between when your payment was due and when your policy will lapse. Learn how life insurance grace periods work.
Considering family life insurance? Learn how life insurance for families can financially protect loved ones in case you pass away and get a quote from Aflac.
A life insurance grace period is the time between when your payment was due and when your policy will lapse. Learn how life insurance grace periods work.
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - High Blood Pressure Facts. Updated June 2, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/data-research/facts-stats/index.html. Accessed July 7, 2026.
2 Policygenius - Best life insurance for high blood pressure (2024). Updated February 19, 2025. https://www.policygenius.com/life-insurance/high-blood-pressure/. Accessed July 7, 2026.
3 WSJ - How Pre-existing Conditions Affect Your Life Insurance Options. Updated December 8, 2025. https://www.wsj.com/buyside/personal-finance/life-insurance/life-insurance-with-pre-existing-conditions. Accessed July 8, 2026.
4 NerdWallet - What is Universal Life Insurance? Pros, Cons and Cost. Updated October 6, 2025. https://www.nerdwallet.com/insurance/life/learn/universal-life-insurance. Accessed July 7, 2026.
5 MoneyGeek – What Is a Life Insurance Waiting Period? Updated June 25, 2026. https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/life/life-insurance-waiting-period/. Accessed July 7, 2026.
6 Final Expense Benefits – Life Insurance for People With High Blood Pressure: What Affects Your Eligibility. Updated May 6, 2025. https://finalexpensebenefits.org/life-insurance-for-seniors-with-high-blood-pressure/. Accessed July 7, 2026.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Aflac life plans – A68000 series: Term Life Policies: In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Pennsylvania & Virginia, Policies: ICC1368200, ICC1368300, ICC1368400. In Delaware, Policies A68200, A68300 & A68400. In New York, Policies NY68200, NY68300 and NY68400. Whole Life Policies: In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Pennsylvania & Virginia, Policies: ICC1368100. In Delaware, Policy A68100. In New York, Policy NYR68100. Juvenile Life (B61000 series): In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas & Virginia, Policies: ICC18B61JWO & ICC18B61JTO. In Delaware, Policies B61JWO & B61JTO. Not available in NY. Q60000 series/Term Life: In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania & Texas, Policy ICC18Q60200M. In Delaware, Policy Q60200M. In New York, Policy: NYQ60200M. Whole Life: In Arkansas, Delaware & Oregon Policy Q60100M. In Idaho, Policy Q60100MID. In Oklahoma, Policy Q60100MOK. In New York, Policy: NYQ60100M. Not available in VA.
Accidental-Death Benefit Rider: ICC1368055. In New York, NYQ60055
Receipt of accelerated death benefits may affect eligibility for public assistance programs. Benefits may also be taxable, and are not expected to receive the same favorable tax treatment as other types of accelerated death benefits that may be available.
Aflac Final Expense insurance coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Aflac Incorporated and is administered by Aetna Life Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (NAIC 92908).
In AR, DE, ID, OK and VA: Policies ICC21-AFLLBL21 and ICC21-AFLRPL21; and Riders ICC21-AFLABR22, ICC21-AFLADB22, and ICC21-AFLCDR22.
Coverage/plan levels may not be available in all states, including but not limited to NJ, NM, NY, VA or VT. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on plan selected. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.
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Aflac New York | 22 Corporate Woods Boulevard, Suite 2 | Albany, NY 12211
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