Having high blood pressure, or hypertension, is so common these days that you probably know at least one person who has it. It’s such a common medical condition that it affects around half of all adults in the United States. One of the reasons that hypertension seems so common now is that the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, two organizations that set blood pressure guidelines for the medical community, recently changed the standard of what is considered hypertensive. The previous standard was 140/90 mmHg, but the new guidelines have set the bar for hypertension at 130/80 mmHg. Now, with so many more people being diagnosed with high blood pressure, will life insurance companies change the way they set their rates for people who are considered hypertensive?
Life Insurance Guidelines for Blood Pressure
Each life insurance company has its own set of guidelines when it comes to assessing the health conditions of its applicants, including high blood pressure. Many insurers will allow for higher blood pressure readings for individuals who are 60 and over, while others are not as forgiving.
And while insurers don’t often change their guidelines for how they assess medical conditions, many insurers are now implementing new guidelines for hypertensive applicants, since the guidelines for diagnosis have changed. In some cases, that means that people with hypertension could still qualify for Preferred Plus and Preferred plans. So if you have been diagnosed with hypertension, and are worried about how your diagnosis will affect your life insurance rates, have no fear. Most life insurance providers will allow their top-rating class members to remain in that class while taking medication for high blood pressure.
Ways To Lower Your Blood Pressure
If you are still worried, there are some lifestyle changes that you can make to lower your blood pressure naturally, including:
- Eating a well-balanced, low sodium (salt) diet
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Enjoying regular physical activity
- Managing and reducing stress
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Quitting smoking
Looking For A Plan?
It is possible to find a great traditional term life insurance or permanent life insurance policy even if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. And if you are worried that you will not be able to find one of these policies, you can attempt to lower your blood pressure before applying, or you can opt for a guaranteed issue, simplified issue, or instant-approval term life insurance policy. With these plans, you will not have to undergo a medical exam, and will not be required to provide blood work or any other tests. You cannot be turned down for these policies for any health-related reasons.
Your family has financial obligations that will not go away when you are gone; they will need your help more than ever with their expenses, and the last thing you want them to worry about is money while they are grieving. There are many great affordable life insurance options to choose from that will provide enough money for your family, for a low monthly price. The best way to find the right life insurance policy for you and your specific needs is by working with an agent who specializes in life insurance. We have provided the top life insurance companies in the nation below; each offers hassle-free assistance and the most competitive rates. Always check multiple sites to make sure you have bargaining power and know the advantages of each company. Make sure a hard time isn’t made harder by a financial burden, check life insurance rates today.