How Family History Affects Your Life Insurance Rates

Your genes can determine a lot in your life, things like the color of your eyes, your height, and even whether you will develop any mental or physical health conditions. Your genes and your family history also help determine how much you will pay for life insurance, since insurers use information about your family’s medical history as one way to figure out how much of a risk you will be to insure. But have no fear, even if you have a lot of health issues in your background, you can still find a great affordable life insurance policy that will provide the coverage your family needs.

How Your Family History Is Taken Into Consideration

circle with two people in it and a small child in between them
Your family’s history plays a role in life insurance companies determining how much of a risk you are.

When you apply for a life insurance policy, you will have to go through an underwriting process, during which insurance companies will require you to undergo a physical exam, as well as give them your medical history and your family’s medical history to help determine how much of a risk you are to cover. This means that, even if you are healthy, but your family history has some serious and possibly hereditary illnesses lurking in it, you could still be charged a higher rate.

When looking at your family’s medical history, most life insurance companies will only be concerned with any major hereditary illnesses that could affect you. There is a list of illnesses or procedures that life insurance companies will look for in your family history, including:

  • Breast cancer
  • Colon cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Melanoma
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Heart attack
  • Angioplasty
  • Bypass surgery
  • Valve surgery
  • Arrhythmia

Finding A Great Plan

family of 3 under an umbrella
Life insurance is a great secure way to make sure your family is protected when you can no longer provide.

Even if your family has a history of any of the above-mentioned conditions, that doesn’t mean that you can’t find affordable life insurance. There are many different kinds of life insurance policies to choose from, which is why comparing plans is extremely important. Each life insurance company has its own guidelines of what they will look for in your medical history and in your family’s medical history, and how seriously they view each condition can differ. For example, some insurance companies might consider cardiovascular health problems more concerning than cancer, while others will not.

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.

Is Final Expense Life Insurance a Good Deal?

A big part of life always seems to be planning for the next phase of your life, whether that’s going to college, starting a family, or even the end of your life. And while no one likes to think about their final days, planning for this time is important, especially if you have loved ones who depend on you. In order to ensure that your loved ones aren’t left with a financial burden when you are gone, you’ll need some sort of life insurance – but which type of policy is right for you? You might not want or need a traditional life insurance policy, so you might be looking into final expense life insurance to cover just your final expenses. But is this type of policy a good deal?

Is Final Expense Life Insurance Right for You?

Term and whole life insurance policies will help replace your income and pay for other big expenses when you’re gone, making them great choices if you’re younger and/or have a family to take care of. But if you’re older, you might not need such a large policy. If you’re just looking to cover your funeral expenses, a final expense insurance policy, also known as burial or funeral insurance, is a great option.

If you’re wondering if a final expense policy might work for you, consider the following. These policies are:

woman laughing holding a dog

  • Designed for adults 50 to 85 years old.
  • A type of permanent life insurance, so they will remain in effect for your entire life.
  • Affordable because they offer lower coverage amounts, typically up to $35,000.
  • Good for people with health conditions, because no medical exam is required to qualify.

Are These Policies Worth It?

If you’re older and looking for a smaller life insurance policy that will cover just your funeral costs and maybe some of your debts, a final expense life insurance policy is most likely worth it, especially since they are more affordable than traditional policies. But to really decide whether this type of policy is right for you, you should calculate the expenses that your family will be left with after your passing, which will help you to determine how big of a policy you’ll need. Consider that the average funeral costs around  $10,000, and you can purchase a final expense policy that will provide up to $35,000 in benefits, meaning one of these policies should work for you if you’re not looking to replace income or pay off a house, for example. 

pink piggy bank with 3 coins going into it
It is possible to find an affordable plan that meets your needs without breaking the bank.

Looking For An Affordable Plan?

It’s not easy to think about no longer being with your family, but it’s important to be prepared for that day when it comes. Your family will be going through a difficult time, and the last thing they should worry about while grieving is how they will pay for your funeral and end-of-life expenses. You can give them at least financial peace of mind with a final expense insurance policy. There are multiple affordable policies to choose from that you can fit into your monthly budget, and you won’t have to worry about passing a medical exam.

If you’re interested in providing your family the financial stability to pay for your funeral arrangements and more, a final expense life insurance policy is a great choice – but choosing an insurance policy is an important decision. You want to make sure your family is taken care of when you’re gone without getting tied to a policy that is going to be a financial burden. Fortunately, you have multiple coverage options, some with added benefits. To make the process easier, consider using online tools, or speaking with an agent. We have provided the top life insurance companies in the nation below; each offers hassle-free assistance and competitive rates. Always check multiple sites to make sure you have bargaining power and know the different advantages of each company. Make sure a hard time isn’t made harder by a financial burden, check final expense insurance rates today.

Happy Unmarried? You Can Still Get Life Insurance!

Oprah and Stedman. Goldie and Kurt. You and your partner.

Some people don’t want to get married and that’s fine, but don’t toss the idea of buying life insurance on the backburner just because of your marital status – or lack thereof. You want to protect you and your loved ones in the event you pass away prematurely so looking into life insurance is a common next step, especially once you have children. If you’re unmarried this could get hairy but it’s completely doable and something you should explore together.

wedding
Marital status should not be a factor when deciding if you should get a life insurance plan.

Insurable interest

computer
Life insurance protects your loved ones financially. Find out how to prove you have insurable interest to get a policy as soon as possible.

If a couple is married, getting life insurance is a pretty standard procedure. In order to get a life insurance policy for someone you have to prove that you have ‘insurable interest’ Insurable interest is proof that you would have a financial loss or hardship if anything were to happen to the person you are trying to insure. For married couples there is legal documentation that inherently proves you have insurable interest. If you are a couple that does not want to be married you have to submit your own proof of insurable interest. Married or not, once you and your significant other share assets, either of you can take out an insurance policy and have your partner named as your beneficiary with the help of a little bit of documentation.

Different couple categories

If you are unmarried, there are 4 categories life insurance companies put you in when determining if you can get a life insurance policy:

  • Registered domestic partners: In order to fall under this category you must have a legal domestic partnership document, usually drafted with the help of a lawyer. Check your local regulations as not all states offer this.
  • Couples living together that are not domestic partners: A good example of this could be if you and your sibling bought a house 50/50. If they died, you would suffer financial loss and need a way to cover their half of the bills. 
  • Couples not engaged and not livifamily outsideng together: Sometimes a couple’s assets begin to intertwine before living together. An example of this would be taking out a loan together. These financial ties are proof of insurable interest and will allow a couple to take out a life insurance policy.
  • Engaged couples: If you have a date set, life insurance companies generally view you as a married couple which automatically gives you the right to take out a life insurance policy for one another.
insurance sign
There are many options for affordable life insurance.  Find an agent who specializes in life insurance to get multiple quotes.

Not wanting to be married does not disqualify you from being able to get a life insurance policy. Life insurance policies are there to protect you in the event of a loss that would cause you a financial burden. As long as you have proof that your finances are connected to the person you are trying to insure, you can get a policy. The first thing you should do is speak to a life insurance agent that can make sure all of your insurable interest is documented and ready to go. These agents will make sure you have the right amount of coverage and that the plan is within your budget. Below we have provided top insurance companies in the nation that offer life insurance policies for unmarried couples; each can give you hassle-free assistance and the most competitive rates in the nation. Always check multiple quotes to make sure you have bargaining power and know the advantages of each company.

Life Insurance Rates and New Blood Pressure Guidelines

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 Pressurehand with a blood pressure cuff on

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 

cigarettes with a red prohibited sign over them
One way to help lower your blood pressure is to quit smoking if you are a smoker.

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.

Life Insurance For People With Epilepsy

Did you know that 1 in 26 Americans will develop epilepsy during their lifetime? This condition can have a big effect on your life – it can even affect your life insurance policy. Like any medical condition, epilepsy can make getting a life insurance policy a little more complicated, because life insurance companies will flag the condition as a possible problem. With that being said, it’s still possible to get a great policy if you’re living with epilepsy; life insurance companies rate conditions differently, meaning you just need to do some shopping around. Find out how you can qualify for an affordable policy, and how much coverage you can get.

Epilepsy Explained

brain silhouette with a red lightning bolt through it
Epilepsy often develops during childhood, but seizures can happen at any stage of life.

Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain, causing seizures, which are the result of excessive electrical discharges in a group of brain cells. Seizures can last up to several minutes and can vary from the briefest lapses of attention to mild muscle jerks to severe and prolonged convulsions. Seizures can also vary in frequency, from less than one per year to several per day. 

Epilepsy often develops during childhood, but seizures can happen at any stage of life. It can be caused by strokes, brain tumors, genetic disorders, or injuries, but for two-thirds of patients, the cause is not known.

People with epilepsy can live long and normal lives with a few seizures that are not harmful, especially since there is a medication that can control seizures. It is estimated that up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could live seizure-free if properly diagnosed and treated. But some people can struggle with daily activities, like driving a car, and can have a higher risk of death.

Life Insurance & Epilepsy

Unfortunately, epilepsy is a condition that can impact your life insurance eligibility and rates. This is because, for some people who have more serious cases of epilepsy, the condition can affect life expectancy. It is still possible, though, to find a great life insurance policy, as long as you provide accurate and honest information about your condition to your life insurance company. 

Your insurer will have some questions during your medical exam that you should answer truthfully, with information such as:

  • Your epilepsy diagnosis, including type and cause, if known
  • When you were diagnosed with epilepsy (more recent diagnoses can sometimes earn you a better rating)
  • How often you have seizures, and their severity
  • Any medications you take, or other treatments you’ve received for epilepsy, such as surgery
  • Epilepsy complications or other health issues

What Kind Of Policy Will Work Best For You?questions in different colored circles

If you have seizures less than once a year, a permanent term life insurance policy will probably be the most beneficial to you and your family. On the other hand, if you experience seizures quite often, typically two or more times a year,  you can opt for a life insurance policy that does not require a medical exam. You have options!

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.

Benefits of Whole Life Insurance

Life insurance is one of those things that you might think about from time to time, but put off purchasing, which could mean higher rates when you do decide to purchase a policy. Or maybe you have a policy through work, which will be terminated once you’re no longer working, or minimal, temporary coverage with a term life insurance policy. If you do have term life insurance, and you outlive your policy, you’ll need to buy another term policy, or to convert it into a more permanent policy, which can be expensive. So if you don’t have life insurance, or have a temporary policy, you might want to consider purchasing whole life or permanent life insurance now, while you can still get affordable rates.

How Does Whole Life Insurance Work?

Whole life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance policy that provides lifelong coverage, as long as you continue to pay your monthly or annual premiums. With this type of policy, your premiums will remain the same throughout the life of the policy and cannot be raised for any reason. One of the best things about this type of policy is that it has a cash value component, meaning your policy will build tax-deferred cash overtime at a guaranteed rate of interest.stack of cash

Whole life insurance is best for people who want a longer-lasting policy with a cash value that they can borrow from. It is also more suited to healthy people who are willing to spend a little more on premiums: you will have to undergo a medical exam to qualify for a whole life policy, and these policies are more expensive than term life policies.

Benefits of Whole Life Insurance

One of the great things about whole life insurance is that there are multiple types of policies that you can choose from. There are also many other benefits, including:

  • Peace of Mind- Your life insurance policy will last your entire life, so you will never have to worry about converting it as you would have to do with a term life insurance plan. And you will never have to worry about buying a new plan when your current one ends. You will have peace of mind, and so will your family.
  • Lifelong Protection– As long as you pay your premiums, you will have protection for your entire life, even if your health begins to decline or you develop new health conditions. Your life insurance company will not use your health against you.
  • Cash Value– Part of your monthly premium payments will go into a cash-value account, which will accumulate interest over time. Think of it as a tax-deferred savings account, which you can borrow against any time you need it.
  • Earn Dividends– Some companies offer whole life insurance policies that allow you to earn yearly dividends based on the company’s performance. You can receive your dividends as cash, they can be added to your account, or they can be used to pay your premiums.
  • Level Premiums– Your premiums will stay the same for as long as you have the policy.
  • Tax-Free Death Benefit– Whole life insurance policies are usually tax-free, which means your beneficiaries will not have to pay any taxes on the money they receive.

Looking for an Affordable Plan?persons hand putting a coin into a piggy bank

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.

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