🎯 Bottom Line Up Front
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, slowing the body’s metabolism and affecting virtually every organ system. Common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, hair loss, constipation, and depression. The condition is far more common in women than men and increases with age, affecting up to 10 percent of women over 60.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Other causes include thyroid surgery, radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism, certain medications, and less commonly, pituitary disorders or congenital absence of the thyroid gland.
This guide explains exactly how insurance companies evaluate hypothyroidism, what documentation supports your application, and why most people with this condition obtain excellent insurance rates.
Americans with thyroid disease
More common in women than men
Normal TSH range (mIU/L)
Single medication typically needed
Understanding How Hypothyroidism Affects Life Insurance
Key insight: Well-controlled hypothyroidism is viewed extremely favorably by insurance underwriters and typically results in standard rates with no premium increase.
Hypothyroidism represents one of the best-case scenarios in medical underwriting. The condition is common, well-understood, easily diagnosed with simple blood tests, effectively treated with a single daily medication, and when properly managed doesn’t increase mortality risk. Insurance companies have decades of data showing that people with treated hypothyroidism have life expectancies equivalent to the general population.
This favorable actuarial profile translates directly to excellent insurance outcomes. The vast majority of hypothyroidism patients—those with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or other common causes, stable on appropriate levothyroxine dosing, with normal TSH levels, and no complications—receive standard rate classifications. This means you pay the same premium as someone without hypothyroidism.
Standard Rate Factors
- Primary hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s
- TSH levels in normal range
- Stable levothyroxine dose
- No symptoms of under or over-treatment
- Regular monitoring with annual labs
- No thyroid cancer history
Moderate Concern Factors
- Recently diagnosed (within 6 months)
- TSH levels not yet optimized
- Frequent dose adjustments needed
- Post-thyroid cancer hypothyroidism
- Central hypothyroidism from pituitary
Challenging Scenarios
- Severe untreated hypothyroidism
- Recent thyroid cancer diagnosis
- Myxedema coma history
- Cardiac complications from hypothyroidism
- Poor medication compliance
For more insights on how various medical conditions affect coverage decisions, see our comprehensive guide on Life Insurance Approvals with Pre-Existing Medical Conditions.
Why Hypothyroidism Has Minimal Insurance Impact:
Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is remarkably effective and safe. Levothyroxine has been used for decades with excellent safety profile and predictable dosing. Once the appropriate dose is established—which usually takes a few months of monitoring—most patients remain on the same dose for years with minimal adjustment needed. The medication is inexpensive, widely available, and has virtually no serious side effects when properly dosed.
Additionally, hypothyroidism doesn’t cause progressive organ damage like diabetes or hypertension can. When TSH is normalized with treatment, metabolism returns to normal and symptoms resolve. There are no cumulative effects or long-term complications from well-treated hypothyroidism itself. This absence of progressive complications is a major reason why insurance companies view the condition so favorably.
Professional Insight
“Hypothyroidism is among the easiest endocrine conditions to secure standard life insurance rates. We regularly obtain standard classifications for clients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or primary hypothyroidism who have been stable on levothyroxine for at least six to twelve months with normal TSH levels. The condition is so common and so benign when treated that most underwriters barely consider it a medical issue at all. Even newly diagnosed hypothyroidism typically results in standard rates once initial treatment stabilization is documented.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
What Underwriters Evaluate in Hypothyroidism Cases
Key insight: Underwriters focus on TSH levels, treatment stability, underlying cause, and presence of complications rather than simply the hypothyroidism diagnosis.
When reviewing a life insurance application from someone with hypothyroidism, underwriters request straightforward documentation including recent TSH test results (ideally within past 6-12 months), current levothyroxine dosage and how long you’ve been on that dose, diagnosis date and underlying cause if known, any endocrinology consultation notes if you’ve seen a specialist, and medical records documenting thyroid function monitoring over time.
Critical Underwriting Criteria:
| Assessment Factor | What Underwriters Review | Impact on Decision |
|---|---|---|
| TSH Level | Most recent TSH and whether it’s in normal range | Normal TSH indicates adequate treatment; primary measure of control |
| Treatment Duration | How long you’ve been on current stable dose | Stability over 6-12 months preferred for standard rates |
| Underlying Cause | Hashimoto’s, post-surgical, post-radioiodine, other | Benign causes like Hashimoto’s viewed most favorably |
| Symptom Control | Resolution of hypothyroid symptoms with treatment | Ongoing symptoms suggest inadequate treatment |
| Medication Compliance | Consistent prescription refills and lab monitoring | Good compliance essential; poor compliance raises concerns |
| Associated Conditions | Other autoimmune diseases, cardiac issues | Multiple conditions compound overall risk assessment |
| Thyroid Cancer History | If hypothyroidism resulted from thyroid cancer treatment | Cancer history drives underwriting more than hypothyroidism |
| Specialist Care | Primary care management vs endocrinology involvement | Most hypothyroidism managed by primary care; specialist needed only for complex cases |
Understanding TSH and Thyroid Function Tests:
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is the primary test used to diagnose and monitor hypothyroidism. When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormone, the pituitary gland releases more TSH to stimulate the thyroid. Therefore, high TSH indicates hypothyroidism. Normal TSH range is typically 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L, though optimal levels are often considered 1.0 to 2.5 for people on thyroid replacement.
Underwriters want to see TSH within the normal range, indicating you’re receiving adequate thyroid hormone replacement. A recent TSH of 1.8 mIU/L, for example, demonstrates excellent control. Slightly elevated TSH (4.0 to 10.0) might indicate your levothyroxine dose needs adjustment but doesn’t typically affect insurability if you’re otherwise healthy. Very elevated TSH (over 10) suggests inadequate treatment or poor compliance and may prompt questions about your disease management.
The Role of Free T4 and Free T3:
While TSH is the primary monitoring test, some patients also have Free T4 (thyroxine) and Free T3 (triiodothyronine) levels measured. These tests directly measure thyroid hormone levels in the blood. For insurance underwriting, TSH is usually sufficient. However, if your Free T4 is checked and is in the normal range alongside normal TSH, this provides additional evidence of good disease control.
⚠️ Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Subclinical hypothyroidism refers to slightly elevated TSH (typically 4.5 to 10.0 mIU/L) with normal Free T4 and no symptoms. This mild condition is extremely common, particularly in older adults. Many people with subclinical hypothyroidism aren’t treated with medication, and whether treatment is beneficial remains debated. For insurance purposes, subclinical hypothyroidism has virtually no impact on underwriting. Even if untreated, it typically results in standard rates. If you’re being monitored without treatment, this is perfectly acceptable to underwriters and won’t affect your premium.
Coverage Outcomes by Underlying Cause
Key insight: The underlying cause of hypothyroidism influences underwriting primarily when the cause itself carries mortality risk, such as thyroid cancer or serious autoimmune disease.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (Most Common):
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition where antibodies attack the thyroid gland, gradually destroying it and causing hypothyroidism. It’s the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States and is particularly common in women. Despite being autoimmune in nature, Hashimoto’s is viewed very favorably by insurance underwriters.
Primary Hypothyroidism (Including Hashimoto’s)
Insurance Outlook: Standard rates expected
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or idiopathic primary hypothyroidism
- No associated autoimmune conditions
- TSH normalized on stable levothyroxine dose
- Regular monitoring with consistent control
- No complications from hypothyroidism
Expected Rating: Standard rates (no premium increase) in vast majority of cases
Post-Treatment Hypothyroidism
Insurance Outlook: Standard rates once treatment for original condition resolved
- Hypothyroidism following thyroidectomy for benign conditions (goiter, benign nodules)
- Post-radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism
- Medication-induced (amiodarone, lithium, interferon)
- Original condition resolved; only hypothyroidism remains
- Well-controlled on replacement therapy
Expected Rating: Standard rates typical once underlying condition no longer active concern
Post-Thyroid Cancer Hypothyroidism
Insurance Outlook: Depends on cancer type, stage, and time since treatment
- Hypothyroidism following total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer
- Typically requires lifelong suppressive levothyroxine doses
- Insurance outcome driven by cancer history, not hypothyroidism
- Papillary thyroid cancer (most common): Standard to Table 2-4 ratings typical 2-5 years post-treatment
- More aggressive thyroid cancers: Higher ratings or longer waiting period
Expected Rating: Variable based on cancer specifics; hypothyroidism itself not the rating factor
Central (Secondary) Hypothyroidism:
Central hypothyroidism results from pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction rather than thyroid gland failure. The pituitary doesn’t produce enough TSH to stimulate the thyroid, or the hypothalamus doesn’t produce enough TRH (thyroid releasing hormone). This form is much less common than primary hypothyroidism and raises different underwriting concerns.
Central hypothyroidism prompts investigation into the underlying pituitary or hypothalamic problem. Possible causes include pituitary tumors, history of pituitary surgery or radiation, head trauma, or infiltrative diseases. The insurance underwriting outcome depends primarily on the underlying cause rather than the hypothyroidism itself. A benign pituitary microadenoma causing mild central hypothyroidism might result in Table 2-4 ratings. More serious pituitary conditions would drive higher ratings.
Congenital Hypothyroidism:
Babies born with absent or underdeveloped thyroid glands (congenital hypothyroidism) require lifelong thyroid replacement starting in infancy. If you were diagnosed at birth, treated appropriately throughout childhood, and are now an adult with normal development and good thyroid control, most carriers will offer standard rates. The key is demonstrating that early treatment prevented developmental problems and that you now manage your condition effectively with good compliance.
✓ Standard Rate Scenario
You’re virtually guaranteed standard life insurance rates if you meet these criteria:
- Primary hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Stable on levothyroxine for at least 6-12 months
- Most recent TSH in normal range (0.4-4.0 mIU/L, ideally 1.0-2.5)
- No dose adjustments needed in past 6-12 months
- No symptoms of inadequate treatment (fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance)
- Regular monitoring with annual TSH checks
- No associated serious autoimmune diseases
- No history of myxedema coma or cardiac complications
Disease Control and TSH Levels
Key insight: Demonstrating excellent thyroid control with normal TSH levels is the single most important factor for favorable insurance underwriting.
Optimal TSH Ranges for Insurance Purposes:
While the laboratory normal range for TSH is typically 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L, many endocrinologists target TSH between 1.0 and 2.5 for patients on thyroid replacement, believing this represents optimal replacement. For insurance underwriting, any TSH within the standard normal range is acceptable. You don’t need to have an “optimal” TSH to get standard rates—you just need to be in the normal range.
| TSH Level | Interpretation | Insurance Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 0.4-4.0 mIU/L | Normal range; well-controlled | Standard rates; no concerns |
| 4.0-10.0 mIU/L | Mild elevation; may need dose adjustment | Usually still standard rates; might request updated TSH after adjustment |
| 10.0-20.0 mIU/L | Significant elevation; inadequate treatment | May postpone until controlled; standard rates likely once normalized |
| >20.0 mIU/L | Severely elevated; poor control or non-compliance | Application typically postponed until treatment optimized |
| <0.4 mIU/L (suppressed) | Over-replacement or intentional suppression | If unintentional, needs dose reduction; if intentional (post-thyroid cancer), acceptable but cancer history drives rating |
Treatment Stability:
Underwriters prefer to see stability in your levothyroxine dosing. If you’ve been on the same dose for 12 months or longer with consistently normal TSH levels, this demonstrates that your hypothyroidism is well-controlled and predictable. Frequent dose changes—say, adjustments every few months—suggest that achieving stable control is difficult, though this is common in the first year after diagnosis.
If you were recently diagnosed and your dose is still being adjusted, some carriers may postpone your application for 3-6 months until stability is established. However, many carriers will approve you during this adjustment phase, perhaps with Table 1-2 ratings that convert to standard rates once stability is documented. The key is showing that you’re actively engaged in treatment and following medical advice.
Professional Insight
“The single most common question we receive about hypothyroidism underwriting is whether clients need to wait after diagnosis before applying for insurance. The answer is that it’s not strictly necessary—many carriers will approve newly diagnosed hypothyroid patients at standard or near-standard rates even during the initial treatment adjustment phase. However, waiting six to twelve months until you have documented stable TSH levels in the normal range on a consistent levothyroxine dose does maximize your chances of standard rates from all carriers. For most applicants, this short wait is worthwhile.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
Medication Compliance:
Levothyroxine must be taken consistently—typically on an empty stomach in the morning—for optimal absorption and effect. Poor medication compliance results in fluctuating TSH levels and inadequate symptom control. Underwriters can assess compliance by looking at your prescription refill history (are you refilling on schedule?) and your TSH stability over time (wild fluctuations suggest inconsistent medication taking).
If you’ve struggled with compliance in the past but have recently improved, this isn’t necessarily disqualifying. What matters is your current pattern. If your most recent 6-12 months show consistent refills and stable TSH, previous compliance issues may not affect your current application.
When Hypothyroidism Complicates Underwriting
Key insight: Severe untreated hypothyroidism with cardiac complications or myxedema coma significantly impacts underwriting, but these scenarios are rare with modern medical care.
Cardiovascular Complications:
Severe, prolonged untreated hypothyroidism can affect the heart, causing bradycardia (slow heart rate), pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart), elevated cholesterol, and potentially contributing to coronary artery disease. If you developed cardiac complications from hypothyroidism that required specific treatment beyond thyroid replacement, this complicates underwriting.
However, it’s important to understand that with proper thyroid replacement, these cardiac effects typically reverse. If your hypothyroidism is now well-controlled and any cardiac abnormalities have resolved, you may still qualify for standard to modest table ratings. The key is documenting complete resolution of cardiac issues with echocardiogram, EKG, or other cardiac testing showing return to normal.
Myxedema Coma:
Myxedema coma is a life-threatening complication of severe hypothyroidism, involving altered mental status, hypothermia, bradycardia, and potential multi-organ failure. It’s extremely rare in the modern era because hypothyroidism is usually diagnosed and treated long before it reaches this severe stage. However, it can occur in elderly patients with undiagnosed hypothyroidism who develop another serious illness.
If you have a history of myxedema coma, insurance underwriting will be challenging. This history indicates you experienced life-threatening hypothyroidism, and underwriters will be very concerned about compliance and disease monitoring. Expect at minimum Table 4-8 ratings, and many carriers may decline or postpone for several years after the event. The best approach is to demonstrate impeccable thyroid control, regular monitoring, and excellent compliance for at least 2-3 years before applying.
Associated Autoimmune Conditions:
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is autoimmune, and people with one autoimmune condition have increased risk of developing others. Common conditions that can coexist with Hashimoto’s include Type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Addison’s disease, pernicious anemia, and vitiligo.
Having multiple autoimmune conditions compounds insurance underwriting complexity. While hypothyroidism alone merits standard rates, hypothyroidism plus Type 1 diabetes results in ratings based on the diabetes (typically Table 4-8 depending on control). Hypothyroidism plus lupus results in ratings based on lupus severity. The principle is that underwriters consider all conditions together, and the most serious condition drives the overall rating.
❗ Thyroid Cancer Considerations
If your hypothyroidism resulted from total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer, your insurance outcome depends entirely on the cancer type, stage, treatment, and time since treatment—not on the hypothyroidism itself. Differentiated thyroid cancers (papillary and follicular) have excellent prognoses, and many people achieve standard to Table 2-4 ratings 2-5 years post-treatment with no recurrence. More aggressive types like medullary or anaplastic thyroid cancer result in much higher ratings or decline. The hypothyroidism is simply a marker that you had thyroid cancer; it’s not the underwriting concern.
Difficult-to-Control Hypothyroidism:
While most hypothyroidism is easily controlled with standard levothyroxine dosing, a small percentage of patients have difficulty achieving stable TSH levels. Reasons include malabsorption issues, medications that interfere with thyroid hormone (iron, calcium, proton pump inhibitors taken too close together), inconsistent compliance, or conversion issues where the body doesn’t efficiently convert T4 to the active T3 hormone.
If you’ve required specialist endocrinology care, tried multiple medication formulations, or need combination T4/T3 therapy to achieve control, underwriters will investigate why your case is complicated. Once control is achieved, even through unconventional means, you can typically obtain standard to slight ratings. The difficulty arises when TSH remains unstable despite treatment adjustments—this suggests either serious non-compliance or an underlying condition that complicates management.
Optimizing Your Application Strategy
Key insight: Because hypothyroidism typically receives standard rates, the key to optimization is ensuring you apply when your TSH is documented as normal and your treatment is stable.
Essential Documentation to Gather:
📋 Medical Records Needed:
- Recent TSH results: Ideally within past 6-12 months showing level in normal range
- Current medication information: Levothyroxine dosage and how long you’ve been on that dose
- Diagnosis information: When diagnosed and underlying cause if known (Hashimoto’s, post-surgical, etc.)
- Primary care physician notes: Documentation of regular monitoring and thyroid management
- Endocrinology records if applicable: Most hypothyroidism is managed by primary care, but specialist records if you’ve seen endocrinologist
- Thyroid antibody tests if performed: Anti-TPO and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies if Hashimoto’s diagnosis
Optimal Application Timing:
You can apply for life insurance at any point after hypothyroidism diagnosis, but the optimal timing to maximize your chances of standard rates is after achieving at least 6-12 months on a stable levothyroxine dose with consistently normal TSH levels, after any initial dose adjustments are complete, when you have documentation of good medication compliance through regular monitoring, and after resolution of any initial symptoms that prompted diagnosis.
If you were just diagnosed within the past month or two and your TSH is still being optimized, you can certainly apply—many people receive standard rates even during this phase. However, if you receive a modest rating (Table 1-2) due to recent diagnosis, you might consider reapplying in 12 months once stability is firmly established to potentially improve to standard rates.
What to Disclose on Your Application:
Life insurance applications always ask about thyroid conditions. You must disclose your hypothyroidism diagnosis honestly, including when you were diagnosed, that you’re on thyroid medication, your current dosage, how frequently you have monitoring labs, and whether your condition is well-controlled.
Be prepared for questions about what caused your hypothyroidism (if known), whether you’ve ever had thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine, whether you have other autoimmune conditions, your most recent TSH level, and whether you’re seeing a specialist or just your primary care doctor.
⚠️ Don’t Overcomplicate the Application
Because hypothyroidism is so common and benign, some applicants worry excessively about disclosing it or provide overly detailed medical information that raises unnecessary questions. Keep your disclosure straightforward and factual. You have hypothyroidism, you take levothyroxine, your TSH is normal, you’re monitored regularly—that’s all the underwriter needs to know for standard cases. Don’t volunteer information about minor fluctuations in TSH over the years or temporary dose adjustments unless specifically asked. Straightforward, confident disclosure of a well-controlled condition is best.
Working with Insurance Carriers:
Hypothyroidism is so universally well-underwritten that carrier selection is rarely critical. Nearly all major life insurance companies offer standard rates for well-controlled hypothyroidism. You don’t need to seek out specialized carriers or work extensively to find the most favorable underwriter like you might with more complicated conditions.
That said, if you have recent diagnosis, slightly elevated TSH, or any complicating factors, working with an independent broker who can shop multiple carriers simultaneously can help identify which company will give you the best rate. Our Top 10 Best Life Insurance Companies in the U.S. (2025): Expert Broker Rankings can help identify carriers known for favorable medical underwriting.
Special Scenarios and Considerations
Key insight: Certain hypothyroidism scenarios require specific underwriting considerations, though most still result in standard or near-standard rates.
Subclinical Hypothyroidism:
Subclinical hypothyroidism (slightly elevated TSH with normal Free T4 and no symptoms) is extremely common and often isn’t treated. If you have subclinical hypothyroidism that’s being monitored without medication, this has zero impact on life insurance. Underwriters view this as a minor laboratory abnormality that doesn’t require treatment and doesn’t increase mortality risk. You’ll receive standard rates.
Even if you’re on low-dose levothyroxine for subclinical hypothyroidism, the impact is minimal—standard rates expected in essentially all cases.
Pregnancy-Related Thyroid Changes:
Pregnancy can affect thyroid function, and some women develop gestational thyroid disorders. Postpartum thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid after delivery) can cause temporary hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism. In many cases, thyroid function returns to normal within a year after delivery.
If you developed hypothyroidism during or after pregnancy, underwriters will want to know whether it’s permanent or potentially temporary. If you’re still within a year postpartum and on thyroid medication, some carriers may postpone briefly to see if your thyroid function recovers. If it’s been over a year and you’re still hypothyroid, it’s considered permanent and underwritten the same as any other hypothyroidism—standard rates expected if well-controlled.
Medication-Induced Hypothyroidism:
Certain medications can cause hypothyroidism, including lithium (for bipolar disorder), amiodarone (for heart arrhythmias), interferon (for hepatitis C), and immune checkpoint inhibitors (for cancer). If your hypothyroidism was caused by one of these medications, underwriters focus on why you needed that medication in the first place.
For example, lithium-induced hypothyroidism indicates you have bipolar disorder, which itself affects insurance underwriting significantly (typically Table 4-8 or higher depending on stability). The hypothyroidism becomes a secondary concern. Similarly, amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism indicates you have serious cardiac arrhythmias that required this potent medication—the cardiac condition drives underwriting.
Thyroid Surgery for Benign Conditions:
If you had partial or total thyroidectomy for benign conditions like multinodular goiter, toxic nodules, or symptomatic large goiter, and developed hypothyroidism as a result, this is viewed very favorably. Once you’re stable on thyroid replacement and any surgical recovery is complete, standard rates are expected. The benign nature of the original condition and straightforward treatment outcome make this an ideal scenario.
Excellent Prognosis Scenarios
- Primary hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s
- Post-thyroidectomy for benign disease
- Subclinical hypothyroidism
- Congenital hypothyroidism with normal development
- Post-radioiodine for hyperthyroidism
Expected Outcome: Standard rates in vast majority of cases
Requires Individual Assessment
- Central (pituitary) hypothyroidism
- Post-thyroid cancer treatment
- Associated with multiple autoimmune diseases
- History of cardiac complications
- Medication-induced with serious underlying condition
Expected Outcome: Variable; depends on underlying condition more than hypothyroidism
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be denied life insurance because I have hypothyroidism?
No, hypothyroidism alone essentially never results in life insurance denial. It’s one of the most insurance-friendly chronic conditions. Well-controlled hypothyroidism on stable levothyroxine therapy typically qualifies for standard rates with no premium increase. Even newly diagnosed or slightly suboptimally controlled hypothyroidism rarely results in more than Table 1-2 ratings (modest premium increases of 25-50 percent). Denial would only occur in extremely rare circumstances like recent myxedema coma, severe cardiac complications from untreated hypothyroidism, or when hypothyroidism is associated with another serious condition like aggressive thyroid cancer.
Do I need to tell the insurance company about my hypothyroidism if it’s well-controlled?
Yes, absolutely. You must disclose all diagnosed medical conditions on your life insurance application, regardless of how well-controlled they are or how minor you consider them. Life insurance applications specifically ask about thyroid conditions. The insurance company will obtain your complete medical records which document your hypothyroidism diagnosis and treatment. Failure to disclose can result in policy rescission or claim denial. The good news is that disclosing well-controlled hypothyroidism has virtually no negative impact—you’ll still receive standard rates in most cases—so honest disclosure is both required and practically advantageous.
How long after being diagnosed with hypothyroidism should I wait to apply for life insurance?
You don’t necessarily need to wait at all. Many people with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism receive standard rates even during the initial treatment adjustment phase. However, waiting 6-12 months until you have documented stable TSH levels in the normal range on a consistent levothyroxine dose maximizes your chances of standard rates from all carriers and streamlines the underwriting process. If you need coverage immediately, apply now—your hypothyroidism is unlikely to prevent approval. If you can wait a bit, 6-12 months of documented stability is optimal.
Will taking thyroid medication increase my life insurance premiums?
No, taking levothyroxine for hypothyroidism does not increase life insurance premiums when your condition is well-controlled. In fact, taking medication as prescribed and maintaining normal TSH levels is exactly what underwriters want to see. The vast majority of people on thyroid replacement therapy receive standard rates. It’s untreated or poorly controlled hypothyroidism that could potentially affect rates, though even that rarely results in more than modest premium increases. Your medication compliance and disease control work in your favor, not against you.
Can I get life insurance if my TSH is slightly elevated?
Yes, generally. If your TSH is mildly elevated—say 5.0 to 8.0 mIU/L when the normal upper limit is 4.0—most carriers will still approve you, potentially at standard rates or with Table 1-2 ratings. The underwriter may request that you have your dose adjusted and submit updated lab work in 8-12 weeks showing improved TSH. Significantly elevated TSH (above 10 mIU/L) suggests inadequate treatment or poor compliance, and some carriers may postpone your application until control improves. However, postponement is temporary—once your TSH normalizes, you’ll qualify for standard rates.
Does having Hashimoto’s thyroiditis affect my rates differently than other causes of hypothyroidism?
No, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (autoimmune hypothyroidism) is underwritten identically to other causes of primary hypothyroidism. Despite being autoimmune, Hashimoto’s doesn’t typically increase life insurance premiums when it’s an isolated condition. The key factors are your TSH control and treatment stability, not the specific underlying cause. However, if you have Hashimoto’s plus other autoimmune conditions (Type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.), those additional conditions may affect your overall underwriting. Hashimoto’s alone with good control receives standard rates.
What if I had thyroid cancer and now have hypothyroidism?
If your hypothyroidism resulted from thyroid cancer treatment (total thyroidectomy with or without radioactive iodine), your life insurance outcome depends entirely on the cancer type, stage, and time since treatment—not on the hypothyroidism itself. Differentiated thyroid cancers (papillary and follicular) have excellent prognoses. Most people with low-risk papillary thyroid cancer achieve standard to Table 2-4 ratings 2-5 years post-treatment with no recurrence. More aggressive thyroid cancers result in higher ratings or require longer cancer-free periods. The hypothyroidism is simply a result of cancer treatment and doesn’t independently affect your rates—it’s the cancer history that drives underwriting.
Will my premiums decrease over time if my hypothyroidism stays well-controlled?
Life insurance premiums are locked in when your policy is issued and don’t automatically change based on your health, either for better or worse. If you received standard rates initially, your rates remain standard. If you received a slight rating due to recent diagnosis, your premium doesn’t automatically decrease later even with years of excellent control. However, you can apply for a new policy after several years of documented stability, and you may qualify for better rates with the new policy. Whether this makes financial sense depends on potential savings versus the cost of reapplying. For most hypothyroid patients who receive standard rates initially, there’s no reason to reapply.
Ready to Secure Life Insurance with Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism shouldn’t prevent you from protecting your family’s financial future. With proper treatment and documentation of thyroid control, most people with hypothyroidism qualify for standard life insurance rates. Our specialized team can help you navigate the application process and ensure your hypothyroidism is presented in the most favorable light.
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