If you’ve ever thought, “There’s no way I’d qualify,” this one’s for you. 

“I’d Love Life Insurance… But With My Health History, There’s Probably No Point.”

You might not say that out loud.

But you’ve thought it.

Maybe while sitting in your doctor’s office. Maybe after opening yet another piece of insurance mail and thinking, “Yeah, they’re not going to want me.”

Maybe you’ve had cancer. Or a heart issue. Or you’re managing diabetes. Or you’re on enough medications that you’ve got your own pharmacy shelf in the bathroom.

And somewhere in the back of your mind, you’ve already decided: “There’s no way I’d qualify.”

Here’s what I need you to hear:

You might be wrong about that.
Life insurance as a senior living with a health condition is possible.

Having health conditions doesn’t automatically mean no. And assuming you won’t qualify is one of the most common — and costly — mistakes people make.

Let’s clear this up. Calmly, clearly, and without sugarcoating anything.

What Insurance Companies Are Actually Looking At

Life insurance companies aren’t expecting you to have the health of a 30-year-old marathoner.

If they were, they’d have a very small customer base — and they’d be out of business.

What they’re really evaluating is risk, not perfection. And here’s what that actually means:

They want to know if your condition is stable. Are you managing it? Have you been consistent with treatment? Or are you in and out of the hospital every few months?

They want to know how long it’s been since a major event. A heart attack 10 years ago that’s been managed well? Very different story than one six months ago.

They want to know if you’re following doctor’s orders. Taking your meds. Doing checkups. Showing up for appointments.

They look at what medications you’re on — not to disqualify you, but to understand how your condition is being managed. Stable medication regimen for years? That’s actually a good sign.

In plain English: A well-managed condition is very different from an unmanaged one. And taking medication doesn’t disqualify you. If it did, most of America would be uninsurable.

The Big Misunderstanding About “Getting Declined”

Here’s something most people don’t realize:

A decline from one insurance company doesn’t mean you’re uninsurable.

It means that one company said no.

Different carriers evaluate health conditions differently. Some are stricter with diabetes. Some are surprisingly flexible with past cancer diagnoses. Some specialize in applicants with heart conditions.

One carrier might see your medical history and say, “Too risky.” Another might say, “This is manageable — let’s write the policy.”

This is why where you apply first matters.

Applying blindly, or assuming every company will say the same thing, can close doors that didn’t need to be closed. Some carriers will see a previous decline and get more cautious. Others won’t care.

If you work with an independent agent (like me), we can help you apply to the right carrier first — the one most likely to look at your specific situation and say yes.

If Health Is a Factor, Here Are Your Options

There isn’t one “health-based” life insurance option. There are lanes. And knowing which lane fits you can make all the difference.

Fully Underwritten Policies

This is the option most people picture when they think “life insurance” — medical questions, maybe a health exam, full underwriting process.

When this works:

If your condition is stable and well-managed, this often gives you the best rates. A Type 2 diabetic who’s been controlled for 5 years? High blood pressure that’s been managed with the same medication for a decade? You might be surprised how affordable coverage can be.

When it doesn’t:

If you’re still figuring things out medically, or you had a recent hospitalization, this might not be the best first move. The underwriting process will dig deep, and if your health is still fluctuating, you might get declined or offered a higher rate than you need to pay.

Plain-English version: If your health history is stable and documented, this is often your best bet for cost and coverage.

Simplified Issue Policies

Fewer health questions. No medical exam. Faster approvals.

When this works:

Your health is decent but not textbook-perfect. Maybe you’ve got a couple of conditions that are managed, but you don’t want to jump through the hoops of a full medical underwriting process. Or maybe timing matters and you want coverage in place quickly.

The tradeoff:

Premiums are typically higher than fully underwritten policies, and coverage amounts might be more limited. But for many people, the speed and simplicity are worth it.

Plain-English version: This is the “I don’t want to wait for a nurse to come to my house” option.

Guaranteed Issue Policies

No health questions at all. No exam. No risk of decline based on medical history.

When this works:

You have a more complex medical history, you’ve been declined elsewhere, or you just want coverage no matter what and you’re willing to accept the tradeoffs.

The tradeoffs:

Higher cost per dollar of coverage. Smaller coverage amounts (usually $5,000–$25,000). And most guaranteed issue policies have a waiting period — if you pass away in the first 2–3 years, beneficiaries typically get premiums paid back plus interest, not the full death benefit.

Plain-English version: Guaranteed issue isn’t a failure. It’s a solution — just one that should be chosen intentionally, not necessarily as a first resort.

Important note: For some people, having something in place is better than having nothing. And if guaranteed issue is your best option, that’s okay. It still protects your family from scrambling to cover funeral costs.

Conditions People Assume Disqualify Them (But Often Don’t)

I hear this list all the time:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
• Past cancer diagnosis
• Heart attack or stroke (years ago)
• Thyroid issues
• Arthritis
• COPD
• Being on multiple medications

None of these automatically mean “no.”

What matters is stability, management, and time.

Here’s what I mean by that:

A 67-year-old with well-controlled diabetes for eight years, who sees their doctor regularly and has a stable A1C? That’s a very different story than someone who was just diagnosed last month and is still figuring out their treatment plan.

Someone who had cancer ten years ago, completed treatment, and has been in remission with regular checkups? That looks very different to an underwriter than someone currently in treatment.

High blood pressure that’s been managed with the same medication for a decade, with no complications? That’s often not a deal-breaker at all.

The difference between “yes” and “no” often comes down to how your condition is managed and how much time has passed since a major health event.

And here’s what I’ve seen over and over: People carry around this assumption that they’re “too sick” or “too risky” — often based more on fear and guesswork than facts.

They’ve never actually asked. They’ve never actually applied. They’ve just… decided for the insurance company.

And that assumption? It costs them. Not just money but peace of mind. The peace of knowing their family is covered. The relief of checking this off the list instead of carrying it around like a weight.

This is why blanket advice on the internet is dangerous. Your situation is specific. And specifics matter.

You might qualify for more than you think. Or you might not qualify right now, but you could in six months after your next checkup shows continued stability.

The only way to know is to actually find out.

The Biggest Mistake I See (Over and Over Again)

Here’s the biggest mistake I see, over and over again:

People assume they won’t qualify… so they never even try.

They put it off. They tell themselves, “I’ll look into it later.” And then “later” becomes two years, five years, a decade.

And here’s the problem: Your health doesn’t usually get better with time. Options tend to shrink, not expand.

I’m not saying this to scare you. I’m saying it because I’ve had too many conversations where someone says, “I wish I’d done this five years ago when my health was a little better.”

Don’t be that person.

Life insurance isn’t something you want to figure out after a health change. The time to explore your options is now — while you still have them.

How Working With Me Changes the Process

I don’t work for one insurance company. I work with multiple carriers and I know how they tend to view different health situations.

That means I can help you by:

• Matching your health history with companies more likely to be receptive
• Avoiding unnecessary declines that could make future applications harder
• Exploring options in the right order — fully underwritten first if it makes sense, simplified or guaranteed issue if it doesn’t
• Finding the best balance between coverage, cost, and peace of mind

Sometimes the answer is: “Yes, this works — and here’s what you qualify for.”

Sometimes it’s: “Here’s the best available option given your situation.”

And sometimes it’s: “Let’s wait six months and revisit after your next checkup.”

Clarity beats guessing. Every time.

Final Thought

You don’t need perfect health to get life insurance as a senior over the age of 60.

You need accurate information and someone who knows where to look.

If you’ve been assuming life insurance isn’t an option because of your health — let’s actually find out.

Maybe you’ll qualify for more than you think. Maybe it’ll cost more than you hoped, but you’ll finally have peace of mind. Or maybe we’ll discover you should wait six months and try again.

But at least you’ll know. And you won’t spend another year wondering.

Worst case? You get answers.

Best case? You get coverage and stop carrying this question around in your head.

And if nothing else, you’ll walk away knowing you didn’t leave it to chance.

If This Has Been Sitting in the Back of Your Mind… Let’s Talk

👉 Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation call with Stephen

We’ll talk through your situation clearly, calmly, and without pressure. No judgment. No lectures. Just straight answers.

Or reach out directly:

• Text/Call: (952) 522-3838
• Email: info@markercoverage.com

(And yeah, we might crack a joke or two along the way. If I can’t make insurance at least a little bearable, what am I even doing?)

Disclaimer: Stephen Marker is a licensed insurance producer. Products, plans, and availability may vary by carrier and by state. Benefits, premiums, costs, and rules vary by plan, carrier, and location. Review each plan’s official documents before making a decision.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as a guarantee of coverage, pricing, eligibility, or benefits. Stephen does not offer every plan available in all areas. Information shared is limited to plans he is appointed to offer.

Stephen Marker is not a licensed tax or legal professional. For tax or legal advice, please consult a qualified professional.

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