Approval Speed
Approval Rate
Cost vs. Standard
Our Assessment
What “Easy” Life Insurance Actually Means
The Marketing Promise vs. Reality
When companies advertise “easy,” “fast,” or “guaranteed” life insurance, they mean approval is faster and less scrutinized than standard underwriting. But “easy approval” does NOT mean cheap, does NOT mean available to everyone, and does NOT mean your claim will definitely be paid. “Easy” is a narrow claim: fewer or simpler health questions, no medical exam, faster decisions. That’s it. The price is substantially higher than standard policies because the carrier is assuming more risk with less medical information.
What Changes
Fewer questions: No medical exam, no detailed health history, sometimes just basic yes/no questions. Faster approval: Days instead of weeks. Less underwriting: Basic age/health screening, minimal verification.
What Doesn’t Change
The death benefit. The claims process. Your honesty requirement. If you lie about your health and die within 2 years, your claim can still be denied. The policy still has a contestability period (usually 2 years). You must still disclose material facts accurately.
⚠️ Critical Misunderstanding
Many people think “easy approval” means “they won’t verify my health” or “I can hide medical conditions.” This is dangerously wrong. Carriers use MIB (Medical Information Bureau) records, pharmacy databases, and claims investigations. If you die within 2 years and a condition you didn’t disclose contributed to your death, the death benefit can be denied, and your beneficiary receives nothing. “Easy” approval is not permission to lie. It’s just faster processing with less initial scrutiny.
The Three Main Types Explained
Quick Comparison
No Medical Exam: Answer health questions (5-20), no doctor visit, fastest. Simplified Issue: Shorter health questionnaire, occasional phone underwriting, middle ground. Guaranteed Issue: Almost no health questions, approves nearly everyone regardless of health, slowest approval (surprisingly).
| Feature | No Medical Exam | Simplified Issue | Guaranteed Issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Exam | No | No | No |
| Health Questions | 5-20, detailed | 3-10, brief | Minimal or none |
| Approval Speed | 1-7 days | 3-14 days | 7-14 days |
| Approval Rate | 80-90% | 85-95% | 95%+ |
| Max Face Amount | $100K-$250K | $25K-$100K | $10K-$50K |
| Cost vs. Standard | 150-250% | 200-350% | 300-500%+ |
| Best For | Minor health issues, quick need | Time-sensitive, moderate issues | Serious health issues, guaranteed need |
No Medical Exam Life Insurance
What It Is
No medical exam (also called “accelerated underwriting” or “express issue”) means you answer detailed health questions on an application but never visit a doctor. Underwriting relies on your self-reported health history and database checks (pharmacy records, medical history records if you authorize release). Approval typically takes 1-7 days. Coverage amounts usually max at $100K-$250K depending on the carrier and your age.
✓ Advantages
No doctor visit required. Faster approval (1-7 days). Higher face amounts available than guaranteed issue. Decent approval odds (80-90%) for standard health applicants. Generally faster than traditional underwriting.
✗ Disadvantages
Substantially higher cost (150-250% of standard). Detailed health questions are still required. Pharmacy/medical database checks may still decline if health issues are found. Face amount limits lower than standard underwriting. Fewer carriers offer this product.
⚠️ Who Gets Approved vs. Declined
Often approved: Healthy applicants; minor, stable health issues (well-controlled diabetes, blood pressure); non-smokers under 65.
Often declined: Serious conditions (cancer treatment, severe heart disease); unstable health; multiple chronic conditions; poor medication compliance; smokers over 70; history of substance abuse.
Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
What It Is
Guaranteed issue means the carrier has committed to issue coverage regardless of health—no medical exam, minimal health questions, virtually no underwriting. You answer basic eligibility questions (age, whether you’re employed, basic citizenship/residency). That’s typically it. Approval is virtually guaranteed if you meet age/residency requirements. However, coverage amounts are capped very low: typically $10K-$50K depending on age. Approval takes 7-14 days because of the issuing process, not underwriting scrutiny.
✓ Advantages
Nearly 100% approval (unless you don’t meet age/residency requirements). No health questions. Available to people with serious health issues who are otherwise uninsurable. Provides a guaranteed death benefit, however modest. Peace of mind for final expenses.
✗ Disadvantages
Very expensive (300-500%+ of standard). Low coverage limits ($10K-$50K inadequate for most protection needs). Long waiting period (often 1-3 years; death benefits during waiting period may be limited to refund of premiums paid). Carriers targeting the elderly, not families needing real protection.
⚠️ The Waiting Period Reality
Many guaranteed issue policies have a “waiting period” (often 2-3 years). If you die during this period from a condition you had when applying, the death benefit may be limited to a refund of premiums paid, not the full face amount. This waiting period is the carrier’s protection against selecting applicants who know they’re terminally ill. If you die of a new, unrelated condition during the waiting period, the full benefit typically pays. But existing conditions often trigger waiting periods.
Simplified Issue Life Insurance
What It Is
Simplified issue is the middle ground. You answer a shorter health questionnaire (3-10 questions) than traditional underwriting, but more than guaranteed issue. Often includes a brief phone interview. No medical exam, but some verification of basic health facts. Coverage limits typically $25K-$100K. Approval takes 3-14 day,s depending on whether phone underwriting is needed. Approval odds are typically 85-95%—higher than no medical exam, lower than guaranteed issue, but still not automatic.
✓ Advantages
Middle ground approval odds (85-95%). Moderate face amounts ($25K-$100K). Shorter questionnaire than full underwriting. Faster approval than traditional (3-14 days). Less expensive than guaranteed issue.
✗ Disadvantages
Still significantly more expensive than standard (200-350%+). Still subject to declines if health issues are discovered. Lower face amounts than traditional underwriting. May require a phone call. Still not guaranteed approval.
⚠️ Common Reason for Decline
Applicants often assume a simplified issue is guaranteed, then get declined. Most declines happen after the phone interview when the underwriter hears about health issues not captured in the brief written questionnaire. Examples: recent hospitalizations, current medications for serious conditions, or inconsistencies between the application and what the applicant says verbally. Simplified issue feels fast and easy until you get declined—then it feels like a waste of time.
Real Costs: Concrete Examples
Important Note
These examples use typical 2025 rates from major carriers for illustration. Actual rates vary significantly. Obtain current quotes from multiple carriers before deciding. These are estimates for comparison only.
Example 1: 50-Year-Old Non-Smoker, $50K Coverage
Standard Underwriting: ~$25-$35/month
No Medical Exam: ~$45-$65/month (150-200% more)
Simplified Issue: ~$60-$85/month (200-250% more)
Guaranteed Issue: ~$100-$150/month (300-400%+ more)
Example 2: 60-Year-Old Smoker, $50K Coverage
Standard Underwriting: ~$80-$120/month (with exam)
No Medical Exam: ~$120-$180/month (50-100% premium to avoid exam)
Simplified Issue: ~$150-$210/month (slow approval; may be declined)
Guaranteed Issue: ~$180-$280/month (guaranteed if approved)
Example 3: 45-Year-Old with Diabetes, $100K Coverage
Standard Underwriting: ~$60-$100/month (depending on control)
No Medical Exam: Likely declined (many carriers won’t underwrite known diabetes without an exam)
Simplified Issue: ~$140-$200/month (if approved; many decline)
Guaranteed Issue: May max at $50K only; ~$120-$180/month for available amount
💡 The Real Insight
For a 50-year-old non-smoker, “easy” insurance costs $45-$65/month vs. $25-$35 for standard—a $20-$40/month premium for avoiding a medical exam. Over 10 years, that’s $2,400-$4,800 extra. Many people with minor health issues can still get standard underwriting approved with modest rate increases—often saving thousands compared to “easy” options. Always ask: “Have you actually applied for standard underwriting?” Most people assume they’ll be declined when they might be approved.
Easy vs. Standard: The Real Trade-Off
What You’re Actually Trading
Speed for cost. “Easy” underwriting approves faster but charges substantially more. Standard underwriting takes longer (2-6 weeks) but is dramatically cheaper. The question is: how much faster approval is worth to you? If you need coverage within days (rare emergency), “easy” is worth it. If you can wait 2-3 weeks, standard usually saves thousands.
Standard Underwriting Advantages
Much cheaper (base case). Higher coverage limits. Better approval odds for people with health issues (because they can explain/document control). Can shop multiple carriers more easily. No waiting periods. Full face amount paid regardless of pre-existing conditions (after 2-year contestability).
Easy Underwriting Advantages
Faster approval (1-7 days vs. 2-6 weeks). No medical exam required. Guaranteed approval for some products (guaranteed issue). No in-person requirements. Less scrutiny for people who are uncomfortable with health questions.
⚠️ The Key Mistake People Make
Many people assume that having a health condition means they can’t get standard underwriting. This is often wrong. Standard underwriting can handle diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, depression, past cancer, and dozens of other conditions—especially if managed and stable. Carriers have detailed guidelines for health issues; they don’t auto-decline. What they do is potentially increase rates. An extra 50% in rates for standard underwriting is often still cheaper than “easy” underwriting. Always try standard first before accepting the “easy” premium penalty.
Who Should Actually Buy These Products
✓ Good Candidates for No Medical Exam
Healthy people with time-sensitive needs (urgent business purchase, employee benefit enrollment deadline). People are uncomfortable with medical exams. Those seeking coverage amounts under $100K where the premium penalty is tolerable. Young professionals want fast approval for a mortgage contingency. Not ideal for serious health issues or long-term price optimization.
✓ Good Candidates for Simplified Issue
People with minor, well-managed health issues (stable diabetes, controlled blood pressure) who have already waited for standard underwriting approval. Those needing moderate coverage ($50K-$100K) who value 3-5 day approval. Not suitable for serious conditions; a simplified issue will likely decline severe health issues. Better than guaranteed issue for most situations due to lower cost and higher limits.
✓ Good Candidates for Guaranteed Issue
People with serious health issues (advanced cancer, severe heart disease, terminal diagnosis) who are uninsurable elsewhere. Elderly people need to cover final expenses. Those wanting absolute peace of mind on approval (guaranteed issue, truly approves everyone who meets age requirements). Acceptance of lower face amount ($10K-$50K) and very high costs. This product serves a genuine need for truly uninsurable applicants.
⚠️ Who Should NOT Buy These Products
People who haven’t tried standard underwriting yet. Most will be approved if they disclose fully and wait 2-6 weeks.
Young people buying “easy” insurance. A 30-year-old’s “easy” policy costs will exceed standard underwriting costs by $50,000+ over their lifetime. Not worth it unless health is seriously impaired.
Families needing real protection. Guaranteed issue’s $10K-$50K limits are inadequate for most family obligations. Much better to do standard underwriting for term or whole life at $250K-$500K.
People who think “easy” means they can lie. You cannot. Misrepresentation voids policies within the contestability period.
Real Examples: Three Applicants
Case Study 1: The Wrong Choice (Most Common)
Profile: Jennifer, 35, accountant, no known health issues, needs $250K coverage for mortgage protection.
What happened: She saw an ad for “No Medical Exam Life Insurance – Instant Approval” and liked the speed. Applied for no medical exam policy: $45/month.
What could have happened: She could have applied for a standard 30-year term: $18/month. Approval would take 3 weeks (requiring a quick phone call with health questions, no exam).
The math: No medical exam policy: $45/month × 360 months = $16,200 over 30 years. Standard term: $18/month × 360 months = $6,480 over 30 years. Difference: Jennifer overpaid by $9,720 for the convenience of 1-3 days faster approval.
Key Lesson: “Easy” underwriting is for emergencies, not routine purchases. Jennifer had plenty of time to wait for standard underwriting. The 3-week wait would have saved her nearly $10K.
Case Study 2: The Appropriate Use (Legitimate Need)
Profile: Marcus, 52, self-employed, has diabetes (well-controlled), needs $100K coverage for business continuity. Has 5 days before the business partner’s decision deadline.
What happened: Marcus considered standard underwriting, but didn’t have 2-3 weeks. Applied for simplified issue instead: $140/month, approved in 4 days.
Alternative path (if he had time): Standard underwriting might approve at $100-$120/month for a diabetic with good control. But he didn’t have that time.
The assessment: Marcus made a legitimate trade-off: paying $20-$40/month extra to meet his business deadline. Over 20 years, that’s $4,800-$9,600 extra—expensive, but the business purpose justified it. He understood the cost and made a conscious choice.
Key Lesson: “Easy” underwriting is appropriate when time is genuinely critical and cost is secondary to speed. Marcus’s situation justified it; Jennifer’s didn’t.
Case Study 3: The Last Resort (Appropriately Used)
Profile: Robert, 68, retired, has advanced prostate cancer (Stage 3), uninsurable through standard channels. Wants $30K to cover funeral costs and leave something for his grandchildren.
What happened: Robert applied for guaranteed issue: $150/month. Approved in 10 days. Face amount limited to $30K. A two-year waiting period applies to death benefits related to his existing cancer (which he disclosed).
Alternative options: None. Robert was declined by all standard carriers. No medical exam policies would decline him (the carrier would discover cancer via database checks). A simplified issue policy would also decline. Guaranteed issue was his only option.
The assessment: Robert’s guaranteed issue policy was appropriate. He knew the cost and limits. Coverage provides what he needed ($30K for funeral costs). The waiting period doesn’t matter to him because he’s accepting the policy, acknowledging his current health. This is exactly what guaranteed issue is designed for.
Key Lesson: Guaranteed issue is essential for truly uninsurable people. It’s expensive and limited, but it provides real value for those with no other options. The problem is when it’s sold to people who could get standard coverage instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will “easy” underwriting deny me if they discover health issues?
Direct answer: Yes. No medical exam and guaranteed issue are not the same thing.
No medical exam policies and simplified issue policies can still decline based on health issues found through database checks (pharmacy records, medical history). Only guaranteed issue truly approves regardless of health—and it has much higher costs and lower limits. If your health is seriously impaired, guaranteed issue is your best bet. If your health is minor/moderate, you might be approved for no medical exam or simplified; if denied, you can typically fall back to standard underwriting or higher-cost guaranteed issue.
If I get “easy” insurance and die within 2 years, will my claim be paid?
Direct answer: Usually yes, unless you misrepresented your health.
All life insurance policies have a 2-year contestability period. If you answered health questions honestly and die within 2 years, your claim will be paid. However, if you lied about your health and the carrier discovers material misrepresentation during claims investigation, the death benefit can be denied. “Easy” approval doesn’t waive the contestability period—it just means less underwriting scrutiny upfront. Be honest on your application regardless of how “easy” the process feels.
Can I get “easy” insurance if I’ve been declined elsewhere?
Direct answer: Maybe, depending on why you were declined.
If you were declined by one carrier for health reasons, you may still be approved by another carrier for standard underwriting (carriers have different guidelines). If declined by multiple carriers, guaranteed issue is likely your best option. Don’t immediately assume “easy” underwriting without exploring other standard carriers first. Getting declined once doesn’t mean you’re uninsurable—different carriers have different risk appetites.
What happens if I don’t pay the premium after approval?
Direct answer: Your policy will lapse, and you’ll have no coverage.
After approval, you must continue making premium payments or the policy ends. “Easy” approval is just about underwriting speed, not about payment flexibility. If you can’t afford the premium you’re approved for, you need a less expensive policy (lower face amount, term instead of permanent). Don’t get approved for something you can’t sustain.
Should I buy guaranteed issue for peace of mind even if I’m healthy?
Direct answer: No. The cost makes it impractical.
Healthy people should buy standard underwriting. Guaranteed issue is 3-5x more expensive than term. A 40-year-old buying guaranteed issue paying $120/month for $30K coverage would spend $43,200 over 30 years. The same person buying 30-year term could get $250K-$500K for $300/month, or even $150K for $150/month. There’s no financial justification for guaranteed issue if standard options are available. Reserve guaranteed issue for when you’re truly uninsurable elsewhere.
Why does guaranteed issue approval take longer than “no medical exam” if there’s less underwriting?
Direct answer: Administrative processing, not underwriting scrutiny.
Guaranteed issue has less underwriting (fewer decisions to make) but takes longer due to policy issuance processing, waiting period explanations, and administrative procedures. No medical exam policies are faster because the underwriting decision happens immediately; guaranteed issue is faster to decide but slower to implement. This is a quirk of how different products are processed, not a reflection of scrutiny.
Can I convert “easy” insurance to standard rates later?
Direct answer: No. Conversion only goes the other direction.
Once you’re on a high-cost “easy” policy, you’re locked in at that rate. You cannot later say, “Actually, let me apply for standard underwriting on this same policy.” Your only option is to apply for a new policy under standard underwriting. The original “easy” policy remains at its high rate. If you’re approved for standard underwriting, you can cancel the “easy” policy and switch to the cheaper standard policy—but you’ll have paid higher premiums on the “easy” policy for the time between approval and switching.
Don’t Overpay for “Easy” Insurance When Standard Might Work
Most people assume they’ll be declined for standard underwriting—then get surprised when they’re approved. We’ll help you explore all options honestly: standard, no medical exam, simplified issue, and guaranteed issue. We compare real costs and help you avoid overpaying for speed you don’t need.
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Licensed agents available Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 8 PM EST. We’ll explore your actual options and get you genuine coverage—not just the fastest or easiest, but the best for your situation.
Disclaimer: Life insurance without medical exams, simplified issue, and guaranteed issue policies are legitimate products with appropriate uses, but they are significantly more expensive than standard underwriting. This information reflects 2025 market conditions and typical carrier practices. Actual premiums, approval odds, face amount limits, and features vary significantly by carrier, age, health status, and smoking status. Approval is not guaranteed for no medical exam or simplified issue policies, even though they’re marketed as “easy”; declines occur when health issues are discovered through database checks. Guaranteed issue is truly guaranteed if you meet age and residency requirements, but coverage amounts are limited ($10K-$50K typically) and costs are 3-5x higher than standard policies. Many applicants can qualify for standard underwriting with acceptable rates even with health conditions; always explore standard options before accepting premium penalties for “easy” underwriting. Misrepresenting health on any application—including “easy” products—can result in policy denial and claim rejection within the contestability period. This article is educational; consult with a licensed insurance professional for personalized recommendations.
