What Hyzaar Is

Hyzaar is a combination medication containing two blood pressure drugs: hydrochlorothiazide (a thiazide diuretic) and losartan (an angiotensin II receptor blocker). It’s prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and is an FDA-approved, well-established medication. Hyzaar works by reducing fluid volume in the bloodstream and relaxing blood vessels, both of which lower blood pressure. It’s commonly prescribed for people whose blood pressure cannot be controlled by a single medication alone. While effective at managing hypertension, Hyzaar does not cure high blood pressure—it only controls symptoms while you take it.

Why High Blood Pressure Matters for Insurance

High blood pressure is a significant cardiovascular risk factor. Uncontrolled or poorly managed hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious health complications. Unlike benign conditions, hypertension directly impacts life expectancy and overall health outcomes. Insurers recognize that well-managed hypertension with controlled blood pressure readings is manageable. However, they also recognize that poorly controlled hypertension presents real health risks. Honest assessment is essential—insurers will request your blood pressure history, current readings, how long you’ve had hypertension, and confirmation of your medication adherence and cardiovascular status.

High Blood Pressure and Life Insurance: The Bottom Line

Life insurance for Hyzaar users is available, but expect a more thorough underwriting process and higher premiums than someone without hypertension. Your approval and rates depend on three critical factors:

• How well your blood pressure is controlled, measured by your current readings (ideally below 130/80 mmHg for most people)
• How long you’ve had hypertension (newly diagnosed may present higher risk than established, stable hypertension)
• And whether you have any cardiovascular complications such as previous heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease.

Well-controlled high blood pressure with no cardiovascular complications can receive approval at acceptable rates, typically 15-50% higher than non-hypertensive applicants. Poorly controlled hypertension or existing cardiovascular complications may face postponement or require additional evaluation.

What Insurers Request

Life insurance underwriters will request detailed information about your hypertension. Standard requests include:

• Date of hypertension diagnosis
• Current blood pressure readings (your most recent readings)
• Blood pressure readings over the past 12-24 months to show control history
• All blood pressure medications and current doses
• Your primary care physician’s name and contact information
• Any cardiovascular complications, previous heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease
• Recent lab work including kidney function, electrolytes, and glucose
• Any EKG or cardiac testing results
• Other cardiovascular risk factors, such as smoking, cholesterol, or diabetes

Insurers typically request authorization to contact your doctor directly for additional information. This is standard practice for hypertension cases.

Key Evaluation Factors

• Current Blood Pressure Readings (Most Important): Your most recent blood pressure is the primary underwriting factor. Readings below 130/80 mmHg are considered controlled; readings consistently above 140/90 indicate poor control and increase underwriting risk significantly.
• Control History: Evidence of consistent blood pressure control over 12+ months is favorable. Erratic readings or recent improvement may suggest inadequate long-term control.
• Duration of Hypertension: Long-standing, well-controlled hypertension presents a better risk than newly diagnosed hypertension (which may worsen).
• Medication Adherence: Regular medication use and consistent physician visits demonstrate responsible management.
• Cardiovascular Complications: Absence of previous heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, or other end-organ damage is strongly favorable. Any complications require additional evaluation and typically result in higher rates.
• Other Risk Factors: Your age, smoking status, cholesterol levels, weight, and whether you have diabetes all factor into the final rate decision alongside blood pressure control.

Medical Testing Requirements

Expect cardiovascular-focused medical testing. Standard testing includes blood pressure measurement, blood work including kidney function (creatinine, BUN) and electrolytes (potassium, particularly important with Hyzaar), lipid panel, blood glucose, urinalysis, and typically an EKG (electrocardiogram) to screen for heart damage. Age and coverage amount may trigger additional testing, such as stress testing or a more detailed cardiac evaluation. These tests help insurers verify your cardiovascular health and assess for undiagnosed complications from hypertension. Results directly influence underwriting decisions and rate assignments.

Required Information to Disclose

You are required by law to disclose all material health information. This means you must report:

• High blood pressure diagnosis and date of diagnosis
• Your current blood pressure reading
• All blood pressure medications, including Hyzaar and doses
• Your primary care physician’s or cardiologist’s name and contact information
• Any cardiovascular complications or previous heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease
• Any other health conditions (diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity)
• Smoking status and complete medication list

Do not omit or minimize any of this information. Failing to disclose your hypertension or misrepresenting your blood pressure control could result in immediate denial, policy rescission, or denial of claims later. Complete honesty is both legally required and in your best interest.

Getting Your Medical Records Ready

Before applying, request your medical records from your doctor. Include:

• Last 12-24 months of blood pressure readings from office visits
• Current medication list with dosages
• Recent lab work showing kidney function and electrolytes
• Recent EKG or cardiac testing results if available
• Lipid panel and blood glucose results
• Documentation of any cardiovascular complications or previous cardiac events
• Records of consistent medication adherence and physician visits

Having these records organized and readily available speeds up underwriting. Organized applicants with clear documentation of controlled blood pressure often receive faster approvals than those who need insurers to chase down information.

Best-Case Scenario: Well-Controlled Hypertension

If your blood pressure is consistently below 130/80 mmHg, you’ve had hypertension for several years with stable control, you take medications regularly and see your doctor consistently, and you have no cardiovascular complications, you’re positioned for approval at better rates. Most insurers will approve cases with well-controlled hypertension. Expected outcome: Approval at standard or slightly elevated rates, typically 15-30% above non-hypertensive applicants. Underwriting timeline: 3-4 weeks. This is achievable for many Hyzaar users with stable, long-term blood pressure management.

Moderate-Risk Scenario: Adequate Control with Concerns

If your blood pressure readings are 130-140/80-90 mmHg (borderline control), you’ve had hypertension for 1-3 years, you generally manage medications but have occasional missed doses or missed appointments, or you have mild additional cardiovascular risk factors (slightly elevated cholesterol or weight), insurers will still likely approve coverage. However, rates will be noticeably higher—typically 30-50% above standard rates. Some insurers may require additional monitoring or specific health improvements before approval. Expected outcome: Approval likely, but with higher premiums and possible conditions. Underwriting timeline: 4-5 weeks with possible additional information requests.

High-Risk Scenario: Poor Control or Cardiovascular Complications

If your blood pressure is consistently above 140/90 mmHg (poorly controlled), you were recently diagnosed (less than 6 months), you have frequent medication non-adherence, or you have cardiovascular complications such as previous heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease, approval becomes uncertain. Many insurers will postpone your application (typically 6-12 months) and require you to demonstrate better control before reconsidering. Some may decline coverage outright. If approved, rates would be significantly higher—50-100%+ above standard rates or potentially uninsurable at standard carriers. Expected outcome: Postponement or denial likely, or approval at very high rates if available. Better strategy: Work on improving blood pressure control through medication optimization and lifestyle changes, then reapply in 6-12 months. Underwriting timeline: Extended, often several months.

Before You Apply: Optimize Your Blood Pressure

Before submitting an application, take 2-3 months to improve your blood pressure management position. Get recent blood pressure readings to confirm current control. If your blood pressure is above 130/80 mmHg, work with your doctor on adjustments to Hyzaar dosage or the addition of other medications. Establish a pattern of consistent physician visits and regular medication adherence—this demonstrates commitment to managing your condition. Reduce sodium intake and maintain a healthy weight if needed. If you smoke, consider quitting or cutting back. Manage stress through exercise or relaxation techniques. These steps improve your cardiovascular health and demonstrate to insurers that your hypertension is being actively managed. Applying when your blood pressure is in the best possible control improves outcomes substantially.

During Your Application: Be Thorough and Honest

When you apply, provide complete, accurate information. Don’t downplay or omit any details about your hypertension or cardiovascular health. Give your doctor permission for insurers to contact them directly—this accelerates underwriting. Provide all requested medical records without delay. If asked about cardiovascular complications or previous cardiac events, disclose honestly. If you’ve had ups and downs in blood pressure control, be straightforward about what happened and what you’re doing now. Insurers respect honesty and transparency. If they discover later that you withheld or misrepresented information, your policy can be rescinded. Complete honesty is always the best approach.

After Initial Decision: Next Steps

If approved, congratulations—lock in your coverage. If postponed, ask specifically what improvements the insurer wants to see (usually better blood pressure control, typically below 130/80 mmHg consistently, sometimes with a specific timeframe like 6 months). Work on achieving those goals, then reapply. If denied by one insurer, other insurers may have different underwriting guidelines—don’t give up without exploring additional options. Each company weighs hypertension differently. A denial from one insurer doesn’t mean other insurers won’t approve you.

Can I get life insurance if I take Hyzaar?

Direct answer: Yes, but approval depends on your blood pressure control.

Most major insurers offer coverage to people with high blood pressure on Hyzaar. However, unlike benign conditions, approval is not automatic. Your current blood pressure readings, control history, duration of hypertension, and whether you have cardiovascular complications significantly influence whether you’re approved and what rates you receive. Well-controlled hypertension has good approval odds; poorly controlled hypertension may face postponement or denial.

Will Hyzaar increase my life insurance rates?

Direct answer: Yes. High blood pressure significantly increases rates.

High blood pressure does increase rates. Expect to pay 15-50% more than someone without hypertension, depending on your blood pressure control and cardiovascular risk factors. Well-controlled blood pressure results in lower rate increases; poorly controlled hypertension or cardiovascular complications result in much higher premiums. The better your blood pressure control, the lower your rates will be.

Do I have to disclose my high blood pressure?

Direct answer: Yes. You must fully disclose hypertension.

You are legally required to disclose your hypertension diagnosis, current blood pressure, Hyzaar use, and any cardiovascular complications. Failing to disclose or misrepresenting your blood pressure control can result in policy denial or cancellation later. This is considered material misrepresentation. Always provide complete, accurate information.

How long does approval take?

Direct answer: Typically 3-5 weeks, standard to slightly longer than basic cases.

Hypertension underwriting is more thorough than minor health conditions. Expect 3-4 weeks for well-controlled cases, 4-5+ weeks if insurers request additional information or physician contact. Having your records organized and authorization ready speeds up the process significantly.

What if my blood pressure is above 140/90 mmHg?

Direct answer: Approval is uncertain. Postponement or denial is possible.

Blood pressure consistently above 140/90 mmHg indicates inadequate control. Many insurers will postpone your application for 6-12 months and ask you to improve your blood pressure control before reconsidering. Some may deny coverage. Your better strategy: Work on improving blood pressure control now, demonstrate better management for 2-3 months, then reapply. This gives you a much better chance of approval at better rates.

What if I have had a heart attack or stroke?

Direct answer: Approval becomes more complicated. Additional evaluation required.

A previous heart attack or stroke significantly increases underwriting risk. These cardiovascular events must be disclosed fully. Approval depends on how long ago the event occurred, whether you have fully recovered, your current cardiovascular status, and other risk factors. Some insurers may decline; others may approve at significantly higher rates. You may need specialist underwriting or work with an agent experienced in post-cardiac event cases.

What is a normal blood pressure reading?

Direct answer: Below 120/80 mmHg is considered normal; below 130/80 is the treatment goal.

Normal blood pressure is typically below 120/80 mmHg. For people with hypertension being treated, the goal is usually below 130/80 mmHg. Readings between 130-139 (systolic) and 80-89 (diastolic) are considered elevated or Stage 1 hypertension. Readings of 140/90 or higher indicate poorly controlled or Stage 2 hypertension. Insurers focus on these readings to assess control.

Is high blood pressure a disqualifying condition?

Direct answer: No, but it’s a significant underwriting factor.

High blood pressure is not an automatic disqualification. However, it is a serious health condition that insurers evaluate carefully. Approval depends on control, duration, and cardiovascular complications. Well-managed hypertension does not automatically lead to denial, but poorly managed hypertension or cardiovascular complications can. Think of hypertension as a factor that requires serious underwriting attention, not a guarantee of approval or denial.