You’ve Got Questions. We’ve Got Straight Answers.
Can you get life insurance with a preexisting condition?
Yes—absolutely. You probably have more options than you’ve been told. In fact, no exam life insurance might be the simplest, fastest path to coverage—even if your health is less than perfect.
This guide is designed to help you understand:
- What “no exam” life insurance really means
- The types of no exam life insurance available today
- Who qualifies and who doesn’t
- Why working with a seasoned, independent life insurance broker matters
And yes—we’ll also show you how to get quotes instantly using the tools on this page.
What Is No Exam Life Insurance?
“No exam” life insurance means no medical exam is required to apply.
You don’t need a nurse to come to your home. You won’t be poked or prodded. And you won’t have to schedule a doctor’s appointment.
But here’s the key point: most no exam policies still require health questions—except for guaranteed acceptance life insurance, which we’ll cover shortly.
3 Types of No Exam Life Insurance
✅ 1. Simplified Issue Whole Life Insurance
Simplified Issue policies are the most common form of no exam life insurance. They require health questions but no physical exam. Most applicants are approved in minutes to days.
Pros:
- No exam, just basic health questions
- Full first-day coverage
- Quick and easy approval
- Available in face amounts from $3,000 to $50,000+
- More affordable than graded or guaranteed issue
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than medically underwritten policies
- Requires you to answer health questions truthfully
📝 Standard Health Questions (Examples)
- In the past 12 months, have you been hospitalized 2+ times?
- Have you been confined to a nursing facility or received home health care?
- Have you had a heart attack, stroke, or circulation issues in the past 24 months?
- Have you been treated for:
- Cancer (excluding some skin cancers)?
- Alzheimer’s or memory disorders?
- Kidney failure or dialysis?
- COPD?
- Irregular heart rhythms?
- Diabetes complications?
- Drug or alcohol abuse?
If you can honestly answer “No” to all of these, you’ll likely qualify for immediate coverage.
✅ 2. Graded Benefit Whole Life Insurance
This is a step below Simplified Issue and is meant for people with more significant health issues. It still skips the exam but includes a limited waiting period.
Pros:
- No exam
- Fewer health questions
- Easier approval for high-risk individuals
- Immediate full coverage for accidental death
- Often better than guaranteed issue for many people
Cons:
- Graded death benefit for the first 2–3 years
- More expensive than Simplified Issue
- Lower maximum coverage amounts
📝 Sample Graded Health Questions
- Have you been on dialysis or oxygen in the last 24 months?
- Have you had or been recommended for an organ transplant?
- Have you been diagnosed with cancer (except for early-stage skin cancer)?
- Are you bedridden, in hospice, or diagnosed with a terminal illness?
- Have you been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or HIV/AIDS?
If you can say “No” to these, graded benefit life insurance may work for you.
⚠️ 3. Guaranteed Acceptance Whole Life Insurance (No Questions)
This is the only true no question life insurance product. Also known as Guaranteed Issue, it’s the most expensive and has the most restrictions—but it covers anyone between the ages of 40 and 80 who can legally consent and pay the premium.
No health questions. No medical checks. Just guaranteed coverage—with strings attached.
Pros:
- No health questions or exam
- Guaranteed approval (ages 40–80)
- Premiums and death benefit never change
- Good option when nothing else is available
Cons:
- 2–3 year waiting period for natural causes
- Very expensive per $1,000 of coverage
- Small policy amounts only ($5,000–$30,000)
- Offers no real advantage unless you can’t qualify for better
⚠️ The Truth About Guaranteed Issue
If you die during the first 2 years (natural causes), your beneficiaries will not receive the full death benefit—just a return of premiums paid + interest. This is heartbreaking for many families who didn’t realize the fine print or simply didn’t work with a first rate life insurance broker.
We regularly hear from people whose loved ones died early in the policy—and the payout wasn’t what they expected or “banked on.”
💡 Tip: Don’t assume you need guaranteed issue until you’ve spoken to an independent broker who knows their stuff. You might still qualify for better.
Quick Comparison: No Exam Life Insurance Types
| Type | Health Questions | Exam | Coverage Start | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simplified Issue | Yes | No | Full Day 1 Coverage | $ | Mild/moderate health issues |
| Graded Benefit | Fewer | No | Partial (2–3 year grade) | $$ | Serious health conditions |
| Guaranteed Acceptance | No | No | Accidental only (2–3 yr limit) | $$$ | Last resort; uninsurable cases |
What About Term Life Insurance With No Exam?
Great question.
No exam term life insurance is also available—but it’s not designed for final expenses or burial needs. Term life is temporary insurance that ends after a specific number of years (10, 20, 30).
Term life pros:
- More coverage for lower premiums
- Good for mortgages, debt protection, income replacement
- Fast approval (no exam versions available)
Cons:
- Must be in decent health to qualify
- No cash value
- Expires—can become unaffordable after term ends
🛑 Warning: Guaranteed Issue is NOT available as a term policy. No life insurance company offers guaranteed acceptance on term insurance—only whole life.
If you’re over 50, in less-than-perfect health, and looking to cover final expenses, whole life insurance is what you want. If you need temporary coverage for a defined period of time (10, 20, 30 yrs) and have average health or better, a no exam term policy may be the best solution for you.
No Medical Check ≠ No Health Screening
If you’re hoping to skip both the exam and any health history review, you’re looking at guaranteed issue only. But keep in mind:
- You’ll pay a lot more
- You’ll face 2–3 year waiting periods
- Your family may get inadequate monies if you pass away early
Some companies do not pull MIB or prescription reports—but they will still ask health questions. Let your agent guide you through those options.
Real Talk: The Worst Mistake You Can Make
Assuming you won’t qualify.
We’ve helped hundreds of clients with preexisting conditions get level benefit, first-day coverage policies—many were shocked they could qualify at all.
“I take insulin.”
“I had a heart attack 3 years ago.”
“I’m on oxygen.”
“I’ve got COPD and diabetes.”
We hear it all. Let us help you find out what you actually qualify for. You may be surprised.
Final Buying Advice for Life Insurance With Preexisting Conditions
✅ Always try for simplified issue or graded first.
✅ Never assume guaranteed issue is your only option.
✅ Don’t fear the health questions—they often work in your favor.
And whatever you do…
❌ Don’t buy from a TV commercial just because a celebrity told you to.
❌ Don’t choose based on brand recognition or emotion.
❌ Don’t buy any life insurance without talking to a licensed, independent broker who specializes in health-issue life insurance.
Use Our Instant No Exam Life Insurance Quote Tools
🎯 Use the tools right on this page to compare no exam life insurance from top carriers.
✔ Select your Health Class honestly compared to your peers your age (Excellent, Average, Poor).
✔ Review Simplified Issue, Graded, and Guaranteed Issue options.
✔ Then call us with any questions—we’ll walk you through it.
Let’s Find You the Right Policy
At Maple Valley Insurance Group, life and health insurance is all we do. No auto. No home. No gimmicks.
Just expert help from a team that knows the ropes—especially when your health history isn’t perfect.
📞 Call us at 269-244-3420
📍 Proudly serving all of Michigan and beyond
💬 Or contact us through the form on our website
📩 Got questions? Leave a comment below
You’re not alone. We’re here to help you protect the people you love.