Living Benefits for People With Pre-Existing Conditions: What You Should Know

If you have a pre-existing condition, getting life insurance may feel like a challenge—but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. More importantly, you may still be able to get a policy that includes living benefits. These features provide financial support if you experience a serious health event while you’re still alive. Here’s what you should know if you're exploring living benefits life insurance with a pre-existing condition.

What Are Living Benefits?

Living benefits are provisions within a life insurance policy that let you access part of your death benefit early. These benefits usually become available when you're diagnosed with a:

• Terminal illness (life expectancy of 12–24 months or less)
• Critical illness (e.g., cancer, heart attack, stroke)
• Chronic illness that limits daily activities or causes cognitive decline

The funds can be used for medical expenses, lost income, or caregiving costs. This flexibility can be especially helpful for individuals already managing health concerns.

Can You Qualify With a Pre-Existing Condition?

It depends on several factors, including the type and severity of the condition, your age, and the insurer's underwriting guidelines.

1. Condition Type Matters
Some conditions, like controlled high blood pressure or mild asthma, may have little impact on your eligibility. More serious diagnoses—such as cancer, diabetes, or heart disease—can complicate approval, but they don’t necessarily disqualify you.

2. Time Since Diagnosis or Treatment
Insurers often look at how recent your diagnosis was. If you've been stable and symptom-free for several years, your chances of qualifying improve.

3. Policy Type
Guaranteed issue or simplified issue policies do not require a medical exam and may offer limited living benefits. Fully underwritten policies offer more robust living benefits but typically require a health evaluation.

What to Ask When Applying

• Are living benefits available on this policy?
• Which illnesses and conditions are covered?
• Will my specific condition exclude me from using these benefits?
• Is a medical exam required, or can I apply with a simplified or guaranteed issue policy?

What to Expect During Underwriting

Underwriting for life insurance with living benefits includes a review of your:

• Medical history
• Current treatment plan
• Prescription drug records
• Doctor’s notes and lab results

Be honest and thorough when completing your application. Incomplete or inaccurate information can delay or disqualify a claim later.

Options If You're Denied Living Benefits

If you’re unable to qualify for a policy with full living benefits:

• Look for simplified issue policies with partial living benefits included
• Consider term life policies with built-in terminal illness riders
• Work with an agent who specializes in high-risk cases to find insurers that are more flexible

Final Thought

Having a pre-existing condition doesn’t automatically exclude you from getting life insurance with living benefits. It may limit your options or affect your premiums, but with the right approach and guidance, you can still find meaningful coverage. These policies can be a lifeline during a health crisis—especially if you're already managing ongoing health needs. Talk to a knowledgeable insurance agent who can help you navigate your options and find a policy that works for your situation.