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Top 21 Reasons Denied Life Insurance… And Tips on how to avoid them.

declined life insurance

🎯 Bottom Line Up Front

Can you get life insurance if you’ve been denied before? YES. Being denied by one insurance company doesn’t mean all companies will deny you. Different carriers have vastly different underwriting guidelines, and what disqualifies you with one insurer may be perfectly acceptable to another. The key is understanding why you were denied and working with specialists who know which carriers are most likely to approve your specific situation.

Television and radio commercials make life insurance seem simple and accessible to everyone. While these advertisements aren’t necessarily false, they often overlook an important reality: millions of Americans don’t fit the “perfect health” profile these commercials assume.

Many potential applicants are older, carrying extra weight, taking multiple prescription medications, or have complicated health histories. These factors can complicate the application process and result in denial, postponement, or higher premiums than expected.

This comprehensive guide examines the 21 most common reasons people are denied life insurance coverage and provides actionable strategies for overcoming each obstacle. Whether you’ve been denied in the past or want to avoid denial in the future, understanding these factors will significantly improve your chances of approval.

40%
Of adults have cholesterol levels exceeding 200 mg/dL
1 in 3
Americans affected by high blood pressure
21
Common reasons for denial (many are reversible)

Understanding Life Insurance Denials

Key insight: A denial from one insurance company is not a universal rejection—different carriers specialize in different risk profiles.

Life insurance underwriting is far from standardized across the industry. Each carrier maintains its own proprietary guidelines for evaluating risk, which means the same applicant can receive dramatically different outcomes from different companies. One insurer’s denial might be another insurer’s standard approval or even preferred rate offer.

Understanding this fundamental truth is crucial for anyone who has been denied coverage or fears they might be. The insurance landscape includes hundreds of carriers, each with unique appetites for specific medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and risk profiles. For more insights on how various conditions affect coverage decisions, see our comprehensive guide on Life Insurance Approvals with Pre-Existing Medical Conditions.

Denial Doesn’t Mean Never

Most denials are temporary or carrier-specific. With the right strategy and carrier selection, previously denied applicants frequently secure coverage.

Timing Matters

Some denials simply mean “not yet.” Improving health markers, allowing time to pass after a medical event, or demonstrating stability can change outcomes.

Carrier Expertise Varies

Some insurers specialize in diabetes, others in heart conditions, and some excel at underwriting mental health. Matching your profile to the right carrier is critical.

Professional Insight

“We regularly place coverage for clients who have been denied by two or three other carriers. The difference isn’t that these applicants magically become healthier—it’s that we know which carriers specialize in their specific risk factors. Underwriting guidelines vary so dramatically that one company’s decline can be another’s preferred approval.”

– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team

Health-Related Denial Reasons (1-9)

Key insight: Most health-related denials are manageable with the right carrier selection and proper timing.

1 High Cholesterol Levels (Hyperlipidemia)

With nearly 94 million Americans having cholesterol levels exceeding 200 mg/dL—approximately 40% of all adults—elevated cholesterol frequently impacts life insurance applications. Many applicants discover their high cholesterol for the first time during the insurance medical exam.

The encouraging news is that most life insurance companies are quite liberal regarding cholesterol levels, particularly when applicants are taking medication to control them. Being proactive about treatment is viewed favorably by underwriters.

✅ Path to Approval

If denied due to high cholesterol, work with your physician to establish a treatment plan including medication if appropriate, dietary modifications, and regular exercise. Most carriers will reconsider applications once cholesterol is controlled for 3-6 months. High-fiber foods, fish, and nuts can quickly lower cholesterol levels.

2 High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Hypertension affects approximately one in three Americans. While it’s a common reason for denial, most carriers are surprisingly lenient about blood pressure when it’s properly controlled.

Rate Class Age Under 60 Age Over 60 Medication Acceptable?
Preferred ≤135/80 ≤140/85 Yes
Standard ≤145/85 ≤155/85 Yes
Table Rated 146-160/86-100 156-165/86-95 Yes, with monitoring
Decline/Postpone >160/100 >165/95 Requires treatment stabilization

Many applicants learn about their hypertension only through the insurance exam. With physician guidance, blood pressure can often be controlled within weeks, allowing for successful reapplication.

3 Elevated Glucose or Blood Sugar Levels

Elevated blood sugar presents unique challenges because applicants typically fall into three categories: those unaware of their elevated levels, those recently diagnosed and managing their condition, and long-term Type 1 diabetics.

For newly discovered elevated glucose, some carriers will still offer coverage if levels aren’t extremely high and no symptoms are present. The key is finding carriers with lenient diabetes underwriting. Established diabetics may face more scrutiny but can often secure coverage with carriers specializing in metabolic conditions.

⚠️ Critical Factors for Diabetes

Underwriters evaluate more than just blood sugar numbers. They consider A1C levels, medication compliance, presence of complications (neuropathy, vision problems, cardiovascular issues, kidney damage), treatment duration and stability, and overall health management.

4 Elevated Liver Enzymes

Elevated liver enzymes can indicate various conditions, from temporary inflammation to serious liver disease. Because this marker can signal undiagnosed problems, carriers often postpone applications pending further investigation.

False positives are surprisingly common. We frequently see applicants denied by one carrier due to elevated liver enzymes secure preferred rates with another carrier just weeks later after a clean retest. If you’re confident no underlying condition exists, applying with a different carrier for a fresh exam can be the quickest path to approval.

5 Testing Positive for Various Disorders

Blood work during insurance medical exams screens for numerous conditions including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, and various blood disorders. Discovering these conditions for the first time during an insurance exam typically results in postponement until proper medical evaluation and treatment planning occurs.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed and treatment established, many of these conditions become insurable. The key is demonstrating stable treatment and good health management over time.

6 Positive Alcohol Marker (CDT Test)

The carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) test detects heavy alcohol consumption patterns, including binge drinking or daily heavy drinking (more than four drinks daily over extended periods). This test is remarkably accurate at identifying problematic alcohol use.

Occasional false positives occur—such as testing the day after a wedding or major celebration. However, consistent positive results indicate a drinking problem that must be addressed before coverage becomes available. Most carriers require 12+ months of documented sobriety before reconsidering applications.

7 Proteinuria (Elevated Protein in Urine)

Protein in urine can result from numerous benign causes like dehydration, stress, or vigorous exercise. It can also indicate kidney disease, diabetes complications, or cardiovascular issues. Because underwriters cannot immediately determine the cause, applications are typically postponed pending further medical evaluation.

If you believe the elevated protein was situational rather than chronic, applying with a different carrier provides a fresh exam opportunity without out-of-pocket costs for retesting.

8 Elevated Protein Levels in Blood

Similar to proteinuria, elevated blood protein can be temporary (fighting infection, inflammation) or indicate serious conditions like hepatitis, multiple myeloma, HIV/AIDS, or other disorders. Carriers typically postpone applications until the cause is identified and addressed.

9 Obesity

Life insurance companies use more lenient weight guidelines than the CDC. While the CDC might classify a 5’9″ person at 203 pounds as obese, most insurers would still offer preferred rates at that weight.

Insurable Weight Range

Most carriers have generous height/weight charts. A 5’9″ applicant can qualify for preferred rates up to 200-210 pounds depending on the carrier.

High-Risk Weight

Denial typically occurs with severe obesity (BMI 45+) or when weight has caused related health complications like diabetes, heart disease, or joint problems.

If denied due to weight, some carriers make exceptions for individuals with non-standard builds who are otherwise healthy. Additionally, even modest weight loss can dramatically improve approval odds and rate classes.

Lifestyle and Behavioral Factors (10-16)

Key insight: Lifestyle factors are often more controllable than medical conditions, making them excellent targets for improving insurability.

10 Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)

Your driving history provides insurers insight into risk-taking behavior and judgment. Multiple traffic violations, DUIs, reckless driving citations, multiple at-fault accidents, and license suspensions or revocations can all result in denial or significantly increased premiums.

MVR Impact on Underwriting

  • Minor violations: 1-2 speeding tickets typically have minimal impact
  • Major violations: Reckless driving may result in table ratings
  • DUI: Usually requires 3-5 years of clean record before standard rates
  • Multiple accidents: Pattern of at-fault accidents raises significant concerns
  • License suspension: Must be fully reinstated before most carriers will consider coverage

If denied due to driving record, time and demonstrated improvement in driving behavior are your best allies. Maintaining a clean record for 2-3 years can substantially improve outcomes.

11 Marijuana Usage

Marijuana-related denials are increasingly rare as carriers modernize their underwriting. Many insurers now accept occasional marijuana use, with some even offering preferred rates to infrequent users who are otherwise healthy.

The key is complete honesty about usage frequency and working with marijuana-friendly carriers. Medical marijuana presents additional complexity, as underwriters must also evaluate the underlying condition requiring the prescription.

Professional Insight

“Marijuana underwriting has changed dramatically. We now place clients who use marijuana occasionally at preferred rates with multiple carriers. The critical factors are honesty about usage patterns and selecting carriers with updated marijuana policies. What would have caused denial five years ago is now often approved at standard or better rates.”

– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team

12 Drug or Alcohol Abuse

Current or recent substance abuse typically results in automatic denial. Carriers identify abuse through positive alcohol markers, self-disclosure, medical records indicating treatment history, prescription medication patterns, DUI history, or criminal records for drug-related offenses.

Most insurers require minimum 12 months of documented sobriety before considering coverage, with some requiring 24-36 months for severe cases. Beyond the waiting period, different carriers have varying guidelines about past substance abuse, making carrier selection critical.

13 Felony or Misdemeanor Convictions

Criminal convictions raise underwriting concerns, particularly for violent crimes, drug-related offenses, fraud or financial crimes, and recent convictions or ongoing parole/probation. Not all convictions result in denial—timing, offense type, and rehabilitation efforts all factor into decisions.

Recently Convicted (Under 2 Years)

Most carriers will postpone applications until conviction is at least 2-3 years old and probation/parole is complete.

2-5 Years Since Conviction

Some carriers become receptive, particularly for non-violent offenses. Table ratings common.

5+ Years Since Conviction

Significantly improved prospects. Many carriers will offer standard rates for older, non-violent convictions with clean subsequent records.

14 Dangerous Hobbies or Recreational Activities

High-risk recreational activities can result in denial, policy exclusions, or premium surcharges. Activities that concern insurers include aviation (private pilot, skydiving, BASE jumping), water sports (scuba diving beyond recreational limits), extreme sports (hang gliding, parasailing, race car driving), and adventure activities (mountaineering, rodeo participation).

Different carriers have vastly different risk appetites for specific activities. Some specialize in insuring pilots or scuba divers, while others automatically decline anyone participating in these activities. For additional protection, consider an Accidental Death vs Life Insurance policy as a supplement.

15 Hazardous Occupation

Certain occupations carry inherent risks that concern underwriters, including logging industry workers, offshore oil rig personnel, commercial fishermen, electrical line workers, mining professionals, law enforcement (depending on assignment), firefighters (depending on department), and hazardous material transport drivers.

✅ Occupation Clarification Strategy

Provide detailed job descriptions emphasizing safety protocols, management versus field roles, and actual daily exposure to hazards. A “logging industry” employee who manages operations from an office faces very different risks than a tree faller in the field. Precision in occupational description can dramatically improve outcomes.

16 Travel Destinations

Planned travel to high-risk destinations can cause postponement or denial. While a Caribbean cruise won’t raise concerns, extended travel to regions with political instability, active conflict zones, or significant health risks requires disclosure and evaluation.

If you have upcoming international travel, particularly to less common destinations, discuss this with your insurance agent before applying. Some carriers are more lenient than others about international travel, and timing your application appropriately can avoid unnecessary complications.

Financial and Administrative Issues (17-21)

Key insight: Non-health denials are often the most easily resolved with proper documentation and carrier selection.

17 Active Military Orders

Active military service, particularly deployment to combat zones, significantly impacts life insurance underwriting. While being in the military doesn’t automatically disqualify you, deployment orders to active conflict areas typically result in postponement until return.

One major carrier specializes in military personnel and may offer coverage when others won’t, though they don’t work with independent agents. Contact us for guidance on military-specific insurance resources.

18 Financial Justification

Life insurance exists to replace economic loss, so coverage amounts must align with financial justification based on income, age, assets, debts and obligations, and future earning potential.

Age & Income Typical Maximum Coverage Justification Basis
Age 25, $50K income $1-2 million 40+ years of earning potential
Age 45, $100K income $2-3 million 20+ years earning + accumulated assets
Age 65, $100K income $500K-1 million Limited earning years remaining
High net worth (any age) Based on estate value Asset protection and estate planning

If you’re denied due to coverage amount, consider applying for a lower face value that aligns with standard justification formulas, or provide documentation of assets, business interests, or estate planning needs that warrant higher coverage.

19 Currently Receiving Disability Benefits

Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or other disability benefits indicates an inability to work due to illness or injury, which naturally concerns life insurance underwriters. Some carriers automatically decline all SSDI recipients, while others evaluate the underlying condition.

If you’re on disability, your coverage options depend entirely on the nature and severity of your qualifying condition, stability of your health status, prognosis, and duration of disability. Some carriers specialize in cases involving disability benefits and may offer coverage when others won’t.

20 Previous Life Insurance Denials

Insurance companies share information through the Medical Information Bureau (MIB), which tracks applications and underwriting decisions across carriers. When applying, you’ll be asked about previous applications and denials within the past 12-24 months.

Why Previous Denials Matter

  • Coverage shopping: Multiple simultaneous applications may suggest you’re attempting to over-insure
  • Undisclosed conditions: A previous denial flags potential issues for the new carrier to investigate
  • Changed circumstances: Time since denial and any health improvements are critical factors
  • Honesty assessment: Failure to disclose previous denials raises red flags about applicant integrity

A previous denial doesn’t doom future applications. If circumstances have improved—a health condition is now controlled, sufficient time has passed, or you were declined for reasons that don’t apply with a new carrier—approval is often achievable.

21 Dishonesty or Non-Disclosure

The single most preventable cause of denial is failing to disclose information requested on the application. Insurance companies are remarkably forgiving of many conditions and circumstances when disclosed honestly. What they won’t tolerate is deception.

The Power of Honesty

Many “uninsurable” conditions become insurable when disclosed upfront and matched with the right carrier. Complete transparency allows brokers to strategically place your application.

The Cost of Deception

Non-disclosure can result in immediate denial, higher premiums than honest disclosure would have caused, permanent MIB records that follow you, and potential policy rescission or claim denial even after approval.

Be completely honest with your insurance agent. Their job is to find the carrier most likely to approve your specific situation—they can only do this effectively with complete, accurate information.

What to Do After a Denial

Key insight: A denial is rarely the end of the road—it’s often just the beginning of finding the right carrier.

Receiving a life insurance denial can feel discouraging, but it’s important to understand that denial from one carrier often means little about your prospects with others. The life insurance market is vast and diverse, with hundreds of carriers employing widely varying underwriting philosophies.

Immediate Steps After Denial

  • Request detailed explanation: Carriers must provide specific reasons for denial. Understanding exactly why you were declined is essential for future applications.
  • Obtain your MIB report: Review your Medical Information Bureau file to ensure accuracy and understand what information is being shared with insurers.
  • Don’t immediately reapply: Rushing to apply with another carrier without strategic planning often results in repeated denials.
  • Consult with a broker: Specialized agents understand which carriers are most likely to approve specific situations.
  • Address controllable factors: If denied for high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, or weight, work on improvements before reapplying.
  • Consider timing: Some situations simply require waiting—after medical treatment, following sobriety milestones, or allowing time since an adverse event.

Professional Insight

“We see clients come to us after being denied by two or three carriers, convinced they’re uninsurable. Within weeks, we often secure them coverage—sometimes at standard rates. The difference isn’t magic; it’s knowing which carriers specialize in their specific risk factors and how to present their case most effectively.”

– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team

Understanding the Reconsideration Timeline

Immediate Reconsideration (0-30 Days)

If denied due to an obvious error or misunderstanding, contact the carrier immediately to provide clarification or corrected information. Some denials can be reversed during reconsideration.

Short-Term Strategy (1-6 Months)

For denials based on controllable factors like blood pressure or weight, work with your physician to address the issue. Apply with a different carrier once improvements are documented.

Long-Term Approach (6+ Months)

Best for complex cases. If denied due to recent health events, substance abuse recovery, or other time-sensitive factors, use this period to build a strong track record before reapplying.

Alternative Coverage Options

Key insight: If traditional coverage proves challenging, several alternative pathways provide meaningful protection.

Being denied traditional fully-underwritten life insurance doesn’t mean you have no options. The market offers several alternative products designed for individuals with complex health histories or other underwriting challenges.

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

Guaranteed issue policies accept all applicants regardless of health status, pre-existing conditions, or other factors. No medical questions or exams are required. Coverage amounts typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, premiums are significantly higher per dollar of coverage, graded death benefits apply for the first 2-3 years, and approval is immediate.

These policies work best for final expense coverage when traditional insurance is unavailable, as temporary coverage while working to qualify for better terms, or for individuals with severe health conditions who cannot qualify elsewhere.

Simplified Issue Life Insurance

Simplified issue policies use abbreviated health questionnaires instead of medical exams. They offer faster approval than traditional policies, coverage amounts from $25,000 to $500,000, moderate premiums between guaranteed issue and fully-underwritten rates, and approval within days rather than weeks.

For those facing traditional coverage challenges, our guide on Top 10 Best No-Exam Life Insurance Companies (2025 Update) provides valuable alternatives.

Group Life Insurance Through Employer

Employer-sponsored group coverage typically requires limited or no medical underwriting up to certain amounts, provides guaranteed issue coverage (usually 1-2x annual salary), features simplified underwriting for additional voluntary amounts, but offers limited portability if you change jobs.

Maximize group coverage through your employer while simultaneously working toward individual policy approval for more comprehensive, portable protection.

Coverage Type Underwriting Coverage Range Best For Premium Level
Traditional Term/Whole Life Full medical exam $100K – $10M+ Healthy to moderately impaired Lowest (if approved)
Simplified Issue Health questions only $25K – $500K Moderate health issues Moderate
Guaranteed Issue None $5K – $25K Severe health issues Highest
Group Coverage Minimal 1-5x salary Basic workplace benefit Employer subsidized
Accidental Death Very limited $50K – $500K Supplemental coverage Low

✅ Layered Coverage Strategy

Many clients use a multi-product approach: secure guaranteed issue coverage immediately for baseline protection, add simplified issue for moderate amounts with easier underwriting, maximize group coverage through employment, work toward traditional coverage qualification for optimal rates and amounts, and supplement with accidental death coverage for additional protection.

Working with Specialized Brokers

Key insight: Independent brokers access dozens of carriers and know which ones specialize in specific risk profiles.

The primary advantage of working with an independent insurance broker rather than a single-carrier agent is access. Independent brokers represent multiple carriers, allowing them to match your specific situation with the insurers most likely to approve you at the best rates.

The Value of Broker Expertise

Specialized brokers bring several critical capabilities to complex cases including knowledge of carrier-specific underwriting guidelines, access to 50+ carriers with varying risk appetites, pre-underwriting inquiry capabilities to test waters before formal application, experience positioning applications for optimal outcomes, and ongoing advocacy throughout the underwriting process.

Single-Carrier Agents

  • Represent one insurance company
  • Limited to that carrier’s guidelines
  • May not know if competitors would approve
  • Denial with their carrier ends the conversation

Independent Brokers

  • Access to 50+ insurance carriers
  • Match your profile to ideal carriers
  • Shop multiple companies simultaneously
  • One denial doesn’t end your options

Our Top 10 Best Life Insurance Companies in the U.S. (2025): Expert Broker Rankings can help identify carriers most likely to provide favorable consideration for complex cases.

Questions to Ask a Broker

Evaluating Broker Expertise

  • How many carriers do you have access to?
  • Do you have experience with cases similar to mine?
  • Can you perform informal underwriting inquiries before I apply?
  • What happens if the first carrier denies my application?
  • Do you charge fees, or are you compensated by the insurance company?
  • How long have you specialized in high-risk or complex cases?
  • Can you provide references or case studies similar to my situation?

Frequently Asked Questions


If I’m denied by one insurance company, will all companies deny me?

No. Different insurance carriers have vastly different underwriting guidelines and risk appetites. What disqualifies you with one insurer may be perfectly acceptable to another. Some carriers specialize in diabetes, others in heart conditions, and some excel at mental health underwriting. Being denied by one or even several carriers doesn’t mean universal denial—it often means you haven’t yet applied to the right carrier for your specific situation.

How long should I wait after a denial before reapplying?

This depends entirely on the reason for denial. If denied due to a medical exam error or easily correctable factor, you might reapply immediately with a different carrier. If denied due to a health condition that requires treatment, wait until you’ve established 3-6 months of stable control. For substance abuse issues, most carriers require 12-24 months of documented sobriety. For recent hospitalizations or major health events, waiting 6-12 months demonstrates stability. The key is addressing the denial reason before reapplying, not simply applying repeatedly.

Will a denial appear on my permanent record?

Denials are reported to the Medical Information Bureau (MIB), which insurance companies access during underwriting. However, MIB records don’t doom future applications—they simply inform other carriers that you were previously declined and why. Many applicants with MIB records showing past denials successfully obtain coverage later, either because circumstances have improved or because they’ve matched with a carrier better suited to their risk profile. The MIB stores information for seven years.

Can I appeal a life insurance denial?

Yes. Most insurance companies have reconsideration or appeal processes. If you believe the denial was based on incorrect information, outdated medical records, or misunderstanding of your situation, you can request reconsideration by providing additional documentation, updated medical records, or clarifying information. However, if the denial was based on accurate information and clear underwriting guidelines, an appeal is unlikely to succeed. In these cases, applying with a different carrier with more lenient guidelines is usually more productive.

Are guaranteed issue policies worth the higher premiums?

This depends on your situation and alternatives. Guaranteed issue policies cost significantly more per dollar of coverage and typically include graded death benefits. However, if you cannot qualify for traditional or simplified issue coverage due to serious health conditions, guaranteed issue may be your only option. They’re particularly valuable for final expense needs ($10,000-$25,000 to cover funeral and burial costs). Compare the premium to your actual need—if you need $20,000 for final expenses and cannot qualify elsewhere, a guaranteed issue policy serves an important purpose despite higher cost.

Does taking medication for high blood pressure or cholesterol automatically disqualify me?

No. In fact, being on medication for these conditions is often viewed favorably because it demonstrates you’re proactively managing your health. Most carriers offer standard or even preferred rates to applicants whose blood pressure and cholesterol are controlled with medication, provided the levels are within acceptable ranges. The key factors are how well-controlled your levels are, whether you’re compliant with medication, and whether you have any related complications. Many applicants on these medications qualify for excellent rates.

I was denied due to marijuana use. What are my options?

Many carriers now accept marijuana use, particularly occasional recreational use. Some even offer preferred rates to infrequent users who are otherwise healthy. Your options include applying with marijuana-friendly carriers that have updated underwriting guidelines, being completely honest about usage frequency (occasional vs. regular use makes a significant difference), and if you have a medical marijuana prescription, working with brokers who understand how to position applications with the underlying medical condition in mind. The marijuana landscape in life insurance has changed dramatically, and denial from one carrier doesn’t mean universal denial.

How does a DUI affect my life insurance options?

A DUI typically results in postponement or table-rated coverage for 2-5 years after the incident, depending on the carrier. Factors that influence the impact include how recent the DUI occurred, whether it’s your first or a repeat offense, completion of treatment programs if required, current driving record since the DUI, and your overall health profile. Some carriers are more lenient than others with DUI history. After 5+ years with a clean record, many applicants can qualify for standard rates. Multiple DUIs suggest a pattern that makes coverage much more difficult to obtain.

Been Denied Life Insurance? We Specialize in Complex Cases

A denial from one insurance company doesn’t mean you’re uninsurable—it often means you applied to the wrong carrier. Our team specializes in placing coverage for individuals who have been denied elsewhere. We know which carriers handle specific health conditions, lifestyle factors, and risk profiles most favorably. Let us find the right fit for your situation.

📞 Call Now: 888-211-6171

Free confidential consultation – All consultations are HIPAA compliant

About Our Declined Case Specialists

50+
Insurance carriers in our network with varying underwriting philosophies

The Insurance Brokers USA team specializes in securing coverage for individuals who have been denied by other carriers. We understand that underwriting guidelines vary dramatically between companies, and what disqualifies you with one insurer may be perfectly acceptable to another. Our expertise lies in matching your specific risk profile with carriers most likely to approve your application. We’ve successfully placed coverage for thousands of applicants who were told they were “uninsurable” by other agents or carriers.

Our specialized services include:

  • Comprehensive denial analysis to understand the specific reasons and identify solutions
  • Strategic carrier matching based on your unique risk factors and health profile
  • Pre-underwriting inquiries to test carrier receptiveness before formal application
  • Application positioning and documentation optimization for best possible outcomes
  • Access to alternative coverage products when traditional policies aren’t available

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or insurance advice. Individual coverage availability and pricing depend on numerous factors including specific health conditions, lifestyle factors, driving record, criminal history, occupation, and insurance company guidelines. Previous denials do not guarantee future denials, and previous approvals do not guarantee future approvals. Consult with licensed insurance professionals for guidance specific to your situation.

This article provides general information about common reasons for life insurance denial, offered for educational purposes. Individual circumstances vary significantly, and outcomes depend on numerous factors including specific health conditions, timing of application, carrier selection, and overall risk profile. All consultations are confidential and comply with HIPAA privacy requirements.

 

4 comments… add one
  • Jessica P September 8, 2021, 4:24 pm

    I am a 43 yr old young woman on SSDI, previous RN, who has been denied life ins but i don’t have any life threatening illnesses. I need help and direction in what i should do, as i need some insurance if something were to ever happen to me. I have a son and am his sole provider. I don’t want to leave him with nothing.

    • IBUSA September 8, 2021, 4:37 pm

      Jessica,

      We will have one of our licensed agents reach out to you via email shortly.

      Thanks,

      InsuranceBrokersUSA

  • Candy B November 20, 2023, 3:10 pm

    I have a friend (YES, REALLY a friend, not me!) who told me that she was denied L.I. because her blood test showed “stroke markers.” Apparently, everything else on her test was perfect. I wondered if this is common among insurers, that is, doing the stroke test. Also, she was totally surprised by this, as her heath very good in all the other areas, and now it has caused her to worry about getting a stoke, which is not good at all. I “Googled” what insurers look for in blood tests and couldn’t find any mention of the C-reactive protein test or whatever it’s called.

    • IBUSA November 21, 2023, 12:49 pm

      Candy,

      Thank you for sharing your friend’s experiences here. Regarding the blood test, insurers do screen for the presence of certain proteins in the blood and urine, so it’s not unheard of to have an application postponed or denied due to an irregularity. As an insurance broker, our advice would be to have your friend try applying for coverage with a different carrier. Since she can’t recall ever suffering from a stroke, it could be that the test was incorrect, or on that particular day, her blood work was just off a bit (it happens). By choosing to apply with a different insurance carrier, she will be able to retake an exam free of charge and see if the same results occur.

      Good luck,

      InsuranceBrokersUSA

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