If you've been putting off life insurance because you don't want to deal with a medical exam — or because you're worried your health conditions will disqualify you — there's good news. Most final expense and burial insurance policies require NO medical exam, NO blood work, and NO doctor visits. You answer a few health questions over the phone, and you're covered. Some plans don't even ask health questions at all.
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Two Types of No-Exam Policies
Simplified Issue
Best for most people
- • 5-10 yes/no health questions by phone
- • No exam, no blood work, no doctor visit
- • Full coverage from day one
- • Lower premiums than guaranteed issue
- • You CAN be declined if you have serious active conditions
Guaranteed Issue
For people who've been declined elsewhere
- • Zero health questions
- • No exam of any kind
- • You CANNOT be turned down (ages 50-85)
- • Higher premiums
- • 2-3 year graded benefit waiting period
- • If death occurs in first 2-3 years, policy returns premiums paid + interest (not full benefit)
Start with simplified issue — it's cheaper and gives you full coverage immediately. Only go to guaranteed issue if you're declined for simplified.
What Health Conditions Are Accepted?
This is the section most people need. Here's the truth about what disqualifies you — and what doesn't.
Typically ACCEPTED (simplified issue)
- ✓ Diabetes (Type 2, managed with medication)
- ✓ High blood pressure (controlled)
- ✓ High cholesterol (on medication)
- ✓ History of heart disease (not currently hospitalized)
- ✓ COPD (mild to moderate)
- ✓ Arthritis
- ✓ Depression / anxiety (on medication)
- ✓ History of cancer (in remission 2+ years)
- ✓ Obesity
- ✓ Sleep apnea
- ✓ Acid reflux / GERD
- ✓ Thyroid conditions
May be DECLINED (simplified issue)
- ✗ Active cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiation)
- ✗ Organ transplant within last 2 years
- ✗ Hospitalized in last 6-12 months
- ✗ Currently on oxygen equipment
- ✗ Congestive heart failure (active)
- ✗ ALS, advanced Alzheimer's, or terminal diagnosis
- ✗ AIDS (active, not HIV-managed)
- ✗ Awaiting surgery
If you're declined for simplified issue, guaranteed issue accepts you regardless — no health questions asked. The tradeoff is higher premiums and a 2-3 year waiting period for full benefits.
How Much Does It Cost?
| Age | Simplified Issue ($10K) | Guaranteed Issue ($10K) |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | $25–$40/mo | $40–$60/mo |
| 55 | $30–$50/mo | $50–$70/mo |
| 60 | $40–$60/mo | $60–$85/mo |
| 65 | $50–$75/mo | $75–$110/mo |
| 70 | $65–$95/mo | $95–$140/mo |
| 75 | $85–$125/mo | $125–$180/mo |
| 80 | $110–$170/mo | $165–$250/mo |
Guaranteed issue costs 40-60% more than simplified issue for the same coverage. This is the premium you pay for guaranteed acceptance with no health questions.
A licensed advisor will tell you in 5 minutes whether you qualify for the cheaper simplified issue — or need guaranteed issue.
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The 5-Minute Health Questionnaire
Simplified issue policies ask 5-10 yes/no questions. Here's what they typically look like:
- 1. Have you been hospitalized in the past 6-12 months?
- 2. Have you been diagnosed with or treated for cancer in the past 2 years?
- 3. Do you currently use oxygen equipment?
- 4. Have you had an organ transplant in the past 2 years?
- 5. Have you been diagnosed with AIDS, ALS, or a terminal illness?
- 6. Are you currently in a nursing home or assisted living facility?
- 7. Have you been advised to have surgery that has not yet been performed?
If you answer NO to all of these, you almost certainly qualify for simplified issue — even with diabetes, high blood pressure, COPD, or other managed conditions. The questions focus on ACTIVE, SERIOUS conditions — not your full medical history.
What Happens When You Call
Simplified Issue vs. Guaranteed Issue — Which Do You Need?
Start here: Are you between ages 50-85?
→ No → Most no-exam policies require age 50+. Contact an insurance broker for other options.
→ Yes ↓
Can you answer NO to all the health questions above?
→ Yes → You qualify for Simplified Issue.
Lower cost, full coverage from day one. Call for your rate.
→ No → Guaranteed Issue accepts everyone ages 50-85.
No health questions. Higher cost, 2-3 year graded benefit. Call for your rate.
Common Concerns
"I was declined before — can I still get coverage?"
Yes. Guaranteed issue policies cannot decline you. If you're 50-85, you're approved. Period. The previous denial doesn't affect your eligibility.
"Will this affect my existing insurance?"
No. A no-exam policy is separate from any other coverage you have. You can have multiple policies.
"What if my health improves — can I switch to a cheaper policy?"
Yes. If you start with guaranteed issue and your health improves, you can apply for simplified issue later for a lower rate. Keep the guaranteed issue active until the new policy is approved.
"Is this real insurance or a scam?"
These are real, state-regulated whole life insurance policies from licensed carriers. Always verify the agent's license with your state Department of Insurance. Legitimate companies never ask for payment via gift cards or wire transfer.
"My spouse needs coverage too — can we both apply?"
Yes. Each person applies individually and gets their own policy with their own rate based on their age and health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find Out What You Qualify For in 5 Minutes
No exam. No blood test. No doctor visit. Just a quick phone call.
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