Simplified issue life insurance fills the space between guaranteed issue policies and fully underwritten coverage. It’s designed for people—often middle-aged and seniors—who want protection quickly without going through medical exams or lengthy approval steps. If traditional life insurance feels too complicated or time-consuming, simplified issue can offer a practical, faster path to getting covered.
The Broker Advantage: Beyond Simplified Issue
As brokers, we don’t just sell simplified issue policies – we analyze whether you should even be considering simplified issue. Many clients come to us requesting simplified issue for speed, but our underwriting analysis often reveals better options. We recently had a 52-year-old with controlled blood pressure who wanted simplified issue for convenience. Our analysis showed he’d qualify for preferred rates through accelerated underwriting at 30% less cost with the same timeline.
Our approach follows this hierarchy:
- Accelerated Underwriting: Full coverage limits with preferred rates, no exam required
- Simplified Issue: Moderate limits with health questions only
- Guaranteed Issue: Limited coverage with no health questions
We match clients with the company where they’ll receive the best rate – not necessarily the one quoting the lowest rate. This requires complete honesty from our clients about their health to optimize results, but the savings often justify the consultation process.
Table of Contents
- What Is Simplified Issue Life Insurance?
- Key Benefits and Drawbacks
- Top 10 Health-Friendly Simplified Issue Companies
- Rising Companies Worth Watching
- Health Conditions Analysis
- Cost Comparison by Age and Health
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Simplified Issue Life Insurance?
Simplified issue life insurance represents the middle ground between guaranteed issue policies (no health questions, limited coverage) and traditional fully underwritten policies (extensive medical underwriting, highest coverage limits). This coverage type uses a streamlined application process that relies on health questionnaires rather than medical exams, lab work, or physician statements.
How Simplified Issue Differs from Traditional Underwriting
Underwriting Process Comparison
| Feature | Traditional Underwriting | Simplified Issue | Guaranteed Issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Exam | Required | Not Required | Not Required |
| Health Questions | Extensive (20+ questions) | Moderate (8-15 questions) | None |
| Medical Records | Often Required | Rarely Required | Never Required |
| Approval Time | 4-8 weeks | 24-48 hours | Immediate |
| Coverage Limits | Up to $10M+ | $100K – $500K | $5K – $50K |
| Age Range | 18-85 | 40-80 | 45-85 |
Key Benefits and Drawbacks
Understanding both the advantages and limitations of simplified issue life insurance helps you make an informed decision about whether this coverage type aligns with your needs and circumstances.
Primary Benefits of Simplified Issue Coverage
Speed and Convenience
- No Medical Exam: Eliminates scheduling, travel, and wait time for medical appointments
- Rapid Approval: Decisions typically within 24-48 hours vs. weeks for traditional policies
- Simple Application: Complete online or over the phone in under 30 minutes
- Immediate Coverage: Policy goes into effect as soon as approved and first premium is paid
Limitations and Considerations
Coverage and Cost Limitations
- Lower Maximum Limits: Typically capped at $500K vs. millions for traditional policies
- Higher Premiums: Typically 10-25% more expensive than fully underwritten policies
- Health Questions Can Disqualify: Unlike guaranteed issue, you can be declined
- Limited Rider Options: Fewer add-on benefits compared to traditional policies
Top 10 Health-Friendly Simplified Issue Companies
How We Evaluate Companies
Our rankings focus on companies with the most lenient health underwriting that consistently approve applicants with common health conditions. We evaluate based on actual approval rates for clients with diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, and other manageable conditions – not just marketing promises.
| Rank | Company | AM Best Rating | Best For | Max Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AIG | A | Most lenient health underwriting | $500K |
| 2 | Banner Life | A+ | Diabetes & chronic conditions | $500K |
| 3 | Pacific Life | A+ | Overweight applicants & anxiety | $1M |
| 4 | Foresters Financial | A | Member benefits & flexibility | $500K |
| 5 | Guardian Life | A++ | Complex health cases | $300K |
| 6 | Mutual of Omaha | A+ | Reliable approval & good rates | $300K |
| 7 | Transamerica | A | Digital experience | $500K |
| 8 | Principal Financial | A+ | Fast decisions & technology | $1M |
| 9 | Penn Mutual | A | Whole life options | $300K |
| 10 | Assurity | A | Personal service & regional focus | $250K |
Detailed Company Analysis
1. AIG – Most Lenient Health Underwriting
| Coverage Limit | Up to $500,000 |
|---|---|
| Age Range | 18-70 |
| Decision Time | 1-3 business days |
| Specialty | Accepts challenging health cases that others decline |
AIG excels at approving applicants with health conditions that other companies routinely decline. Their simplified issue underwriting takes a holistic approach, making them ideal for applicants with well-managed chronic conditions, previous cancer history (5+ years), or multiple minor health issues.
2. Banner Life – Diabetes Specialist
| Coverage Limit | Up to $500,000 |
|---|---|
| Age Range | 18-70 |
| Decision Time | 2-4 business days |
| Specialty | Industry-leading diabetes underwriting |
Banner Life offers the most lenient simplified issue underwriting for diabetic applicants, often approving cases that other companies decline. They accept both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes with HbA1c levels up to 8.5%, making them the go-to choice for diabetic applicants seeking meaningful coverage amounts.
3. Pacific Life – BMI and Mental Health Friendly
| Coverage Limit | Up to $1 million |
|---|---|
| Age Range | 18-75 |
| Decision Time | 24-48 hours |
| Specialty | Lenient BMI guidelines, anxiety/depression friendly |
Pacific Life accepts higher BMI applicants (up to BMI 42) and has favorable underwriting for anxiety and depression. They’re particularly good for applicants taking common psychiatric medications who have been stable for 12+ months.
Rising Companies Worth Watching
Lincoln Financial – Accelerated Underwriting Leader
Max Coverage: Up to $2.5 million | Age Range: 18-60
While traditionally more restrictive, Lincoln Financial‘s TermAccel program is becoming more health-friendly and offers the highest coverage limits in the market. Worth considering for healthy applicants needing high coverage amounts.
Brighthouse Financial – Emerging Player
Max Coverage: Up to $750,000 | Age Range: 20-70
Brighthouse Financial is a spinoff of MetLife. The company’s focus on digital experience and competitive rates makes them worth monitoring for future placements.
Ready to Find Your Best Match?
Each company has specific underwriting niches and ideal customer profiles. The key is matching your health status, coverage needs, and timing requirements to the insurer most likely to approve you at competitive rates.
Our licensed agents can help you:
- Analyze whether a simplified issue is your best option or if accelerated underwriting could save money
- Identify which companies best match your specific health profile
- Navigate the application process for optimal approval results
- Secure coverage that meets your family’s protection needs
Health Conditions Analysis
Critical Honesty Requirement
Always answer health questions truthfully on simplified issue applications. Misrepresentation can void your policy even years later, leaving your beneficiaries with nothing after you’ve paid premiums faithfully. Insurance companies have access to medical databases and prescription records for verification. Further, it really helps our agents place you with the best company. If we have a clear picture of your health history, we have a much better opportunity of finding you the best company at the lowest price.
Health Conditions That Generally Qualify
The companies we recommend focus on accepting applicants with well-managed common health conditions. The key factors are condition stability, medication compliance, and absence of recent complications.
Generally Accepted Conditions
| Health Category | Specific Conditions | Typical Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular | High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and controlled heart rhythm disorders | Medication compliant, stable for 6+ months |
| Metabolic | Type 2 diabetes (well-controlled), thyroid disorders | HbA1c under 8.5%, no complications, regular monitoring |
| Mental Health | Anxiety, depression, ADHD | Stable medication, no hospitalization in 2+ years |
| Respiratory | Asthma, sleep apnea with CPAP | Well-controlled, regular treatment compliance |
| Other Common | Acid reflux, migraines, arthritis, skin conditions | Stable management, no recent complications |
Company-Specific Health Advantages
Understanding which companies excel with specific health conditions helps optimize your approval odds and rates.
| Health Condition | Best Company Options | Why They Excel |
|---|---|---|
| Diabetes (Type 1 & 2) | Banner Life, AIG, Pacific Life | Accept HbA1c up to 8.5%, minimal complications required |
| High BMI (Overweight) | Pacific Life, Foresters, AIG | Accept BMI up to 42, focus on overall health vs. weight alone |
| Anxiety/Depression | Pacific Life, Guardian Life, Transamerica | Lenient on stable psychiatric medications, no hospitalization required |
| Multiple Minor Conditions | AIG, Guardian Life, Foresters | Holistic underwriting approach, don’t penalize for multiple managed conditions |
| Previous Cancer (5+ years) | AIG, Mutual of Omaha | Consider cancer-free period and type, not automatic decline |
Cost Comparison by Age and Health
Rate Disclaimer
The simplified issue life insurance rates shown below are representative examples for illustration purposes only and are based on 2025 market conditions. Your actual premium will vary based on your specific health profile, chosen company, state of residence, and current market conditions. All applicants must qualify for coverage based on health questions.
Sample Monthly Premiums by Age – $250,000 Coverage
Sample Rates – Non-Smoking Males
| Age | Excellent Health | Good Health (Minor Conditions) | Annual Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | $80-95 | $95-120 | $960-1,440 |
| 55 | $140-160 | $160-200 | $1,680-2,400 |
| 65 | $245-280 | $280-350 | $2,940-4,200 |
Health Impact on Pricing
Your health status significantly affects which companies offer the best rates. Here’s how different health profiles impact costs:
| Health Status | Premium Impact | Best Company Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| No Health Issues | Standard Rates | Consider accelerated underwriting first – may qualify for preferred rates |
| Controlled Diabetes | 0-50% increase | Banner Life or AIG – may qualify for standard rates |
| High BMI + Minor Conditions | 25-75% increase | Pacific Life or Foresters – more lenient on multiple factors |
| Multiple Managed Conditions | 50-100% increase | AIG or Guardian Life – holistic underwriting approach |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be denied simplified issue life insurance?
Yes, simplified issue applications can be declined based on your answers to health questions. Unlike guaranteed issue policies, simplified issue companies can reject applicants who don’t meet their health requirements. Common reasons for decline include recent cancer diagnosis, heart attack, stroke, uncontrolled diabetes, or current substance abuse treatment. However, our health-friendly company selection focuses on insurers with the most lenient underwriting.
How long does simplified issue approval take?
Most simplified issue applications receive decisions within 24-48 hours, with some companies providing instant approval for straightforward cases. If your application requires additional review due to health conditions or coverage amount, approval may take 3-5 business days. Coverage typically becomes effective immediately upon approval and first premium payment.
What health conditions disqualify you from the simplified issue?
Conditions that typically result in automatic decline include recent cancer (within 5 years), heart attack or stroke, advanced kidney or liver disease, Alzheimer’s or dementia, current oxygen use for COPD, and recent drug or alcohol treatment. However, companies vary significantly – what declines you at one company may be approved at another with our specialized underwriting knowledge.
Is simplified issue more expensive than regular life insurance?
Simplified issue typically costs 10-25% more than traditional underwriting for the same coverage amount. However, for applicants with health conditions, the difference may be smaller since traditional underwriting often results in rated policies anyway. We often find that clients save money overall by avoiding the health complications of full underwriting.
Can I get a simplified issue with diabetes?
Yes, well-controlled diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2) can often qualify for simplified issue coverage. Banner Life leads the industry for diabetic applicants, accepting HbA1c levels up to 8.5% without complications. AIG and Pacific Life also offer favorable diabetic underwriting. The key is demonstrating good control and compliance with treatment.
What’s the maximum coverage amount for a simplified issue?
Coverage limits vary by company and age. Pacific Life offers up to $1 million, while most health-friendly companies cap coverage at $300,000-$500,000. For higher amounts, we typically recommend accelerated underwriting, which can provide the same speed with higher limits and often better rates for qualifying applicants.
Do I need a medical exam later?
No, simplified issue policies never require medical exams during application or after policy issuance. However, if you die within the first two years (contestability period), the insurance company may investigate your health questionnaire answers and request medical records to verify accuracy.
Can I apply to multiple companies at once?
Yes, you can apply to multiple simplified issue companies simultaneously. We often recommend this approach for applicants with health conditions to maximize approval odds. You must disclose pending applications when asked, and you’ll decline excess coverage once approved to avoid being over-insured.
What happens if I’m declined by one company?
Being declined by one company doesn’t prevent approval by another. Different insurers have varying underwriting guidelines and risk tolerance. Our broker network specializes in matching declined applicants with companies more likely to approve their specific health profile, often resulting in successful placement after initial declines.
How do I know if a simplified issue is right for me?
Simplified issue works best when you need $100,000-$500,000 coverage, have minor health conditions that complicate traditional underwriting, and value speed over absolute lowest cost. However, many clients benefit more from accelerated underwriting or even guaranteed issue, depending on their situation. Our consultation process determines the optimal path for your specific needs.
Get Expert Guidance Today
A simplified issue can be complex, and every situation is unique. Our licensed agents specialize in the full spectrum of no-exam life insurance options, from accelerated underwriting to guaranteed issue.
Get personalized analysis:
- Determine if simplified issue is your best option or if accelerated underwriting offers better value
- Match your health profile to the most approval-friendly companies
- Navigate applications to maximize your approval odds and optimize rates
- Secure coverage that truly meets your protection needs
