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How to Avoid Getting Denied for Life Insurance: 9 Insider Tips to Get Approved Fast

Why People Get Denied for Life Insurance (and How You Can Avoid It)

Last Updated: November 5, 2025 | Written by President of Term Life Online – AU, AAI, ARM


How to Avoid Getting Denied for Life Insurance

If you’ve ever applied for life insurance only to get that dreaded "application denied" letter, you know how frustrating it can be. The truth? Life insurance companies deny thousands of applicants every year — but in most cases, the rejection could have been prevented.

Understanding how insurers think, what they look for, and how to position yourself as a "low-risk" applicant can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common reasons for life insurance denials — and show you exactly how to avoid getting denied for life insurance so you can protect your family and secure affordable coverage with confidence.


Steps to Avoid Denial for Life Insurance


1. Know Why Life Insurance Companies Deny Applications

Before you can avoid getting denied, it’s important to understand why denials happen. The most common reasons include:

  • Serious health conditions (like cancer, heart disease, or diabetes)
  • High-risk lifestyle choices (smoking, skydiving, frequent travel to unsafe areas)
  • Incomplete or inaccurate applications
  • Poor financial history or bankruptcy
  • Previous denials or lapses in coverage
  • Criminal record or DUIs
  • Age and overall health risk

Every insurance company has its own underwriting guidelines, but the key takeaway is this: the more risk you pose, the more likely you’ll be denied.


2. Get Your Health in Order Before You Apply

Your health is the single biggest factor that determines approval. If possible, make a few lifestyle changes before applying for life insurance.

Here’s how to prepare your health:

  • Schedule a physical check-up with your doctor.
  • Lower your blood pressure and cholesterol with a healthy diet.
  • Quit smoking — most insurers want to see at least 12 months of tobacco-free living.
  • Exercise regularly to improve your BMI and overall wellness.
  • Manage chronic conditions like diabetes with consistent treatment and medication.

Even small improvements in your health can significantly increase your approval odds — and may qualify you for lower premiums.


3. Be 100% Honest on Your Application

Many people get denied because they try to "hide" medical conditions or lifestyle habits. But life insurance companies have access to multiple data sources, including:

  • Prescription databases
  • Medical Information Bureau (MIB) reports
  • Motor vehicle records
  • Previous insurance applications

If there’s a discrepancy between what you report and what they find, your application could be automatically denied — or worse, your policy could be canceled later.

Pro tip: Always disclose the truth. Insurers prefer transparency, and a knowledgeable agent can still find a company willing to work with your health history.


4. Work with an Independent Life Insurance Agent

An independent agent isn’t tied to one insurer — they can shop dozens of companies to find the one most likely to approve your application.

Here’s why that matters:

  • Every insurer has different underwriting standards. A condition that gets you denied by one company might be no problem at all for another.
  • Independent agents can match your profile with companies that specialize in diabetes, heart disease, or high BMI, helping you avoid unnecessary denials.


5. Choose the Right Type of Policy

Not all life insurance is created equal. If you’ve been denied for traditional term or whole life coverage, consider simplified issue or guaranteed issue policies.

Here’s the difference:


Policy Type       Medical Exam Required?    Approval Likelihood      Best For

Term Life               Usually Yes                              Moderate                             Healthy applicants

Whole Life             Usually Yes                               Moderate                       Long-term coverage seekers

Simplified Issue     No exam, health questions         High                                   Mild Health Issues

Guaranteed Issue  No exam, no health questions     Nearly 100%       Serious health issues, or past denials


If you’re worried about another rejection, guaranteed issue life insurance can be a smart fallback option — it guarantees coverage regardless of your health status.


6. Reapply After Addressing the Issue

If you’ve already been denied, don’t give up. You can reapply — just be strategic about it.

Before applying again:

  • Request a copy of the denial letter to understand why you were rejected.
  • Work with your doctor to improve your health metrics.
  • Wait at least six months before reapplying (to allow new health data to show improvement).
  • Apply with a different insurer through an independent agent.

Many applicants who are initially denied get approved later once they’ve taken steps to reduce their risk.


7. Keep Your Financial Profile Clean

Believe it or not, your financial stability can affect your life insurance approval. Insurers want to make sure you’re applying for an amount that makes sense based on your income and debt.

Avoid red flags like:

  • Applying for too much coverage relative to your income
  • Recent bankruptcies
  • Unpaid taxes or court judgments

Tip: Only apply for coverage that matches your financial need and income. A well-calculated coverage amount builds credibility with underwriters.


8. Don’t Forget About Your Driving Record

Your driving history plays a bigger role than you might think. Multiple speeding tickets, DUIs, or reckless driving convictions can trigger a denial.

If you’ve had recent violations, wait at least 2–3 years after a DUI or major infraction before applying. During that time, keep your record clean and show consistent, safe driving behavior.


9. Compare Multiple Insurers Before You Apply

Every insurer evaluates risk differently. For example, one company might see mild sleep apnea as a dealbreaker, while another may approve you at standard rates.

That’s why shopping around matters — and the easiest way to do it is through a broker who works with multiple A-rated insurers.



Frequently Asked Questions About Life Insurance Denials


1. Why would a life insurance company deny my application?

Life insurance companies deny applications for a variety of reasons, including serious medical conditions (such as cancer, heart disease, or diabetes), high-risk occupations, smoking, criminal records, or inaccurate information on your application. Sometimes, even something as simple as an incomplete medical exam or missing documentation can lead to a denial.


2. What should I do if I’ve already been denied life insurance?

If you’ve been denied, don’t panic. Start by requesting the official reason for your denial from the insurer. Then, address any issues — such as improving your health, correcting misinformation, or waiting for a major medical condition to stabilize. Afterward, reapply through an independent agent who can match you with companies more likely to approve your application.


3. Can I get life insurance if I have health problems?

Yes. Many people with health issues still qualify for life insurance — especially if you apply through companies that specialize in "high-risk" applicants. If traditional coverage isn’t an option, consider simplified issue or guaranteed issue policies, which don’t require a medical exam and have easier approval requirements.


4. Will a previous life insurance denial affect my future applications?

Yes, but only temporarily. A previous denial will appear in your Medical Information Bureau (MIB) report, which insurers use during underwriting. However, if your health improves or you apply with a company that has more flexible guidelines, you can still get approved later. Be honest about your previous denial — trying to hide it can lead to another rejection.


5. Can lying on my life insurance application cause a denial?

Absolutely. If the insurer discovers false or misleading information — about your health, habits, or lifestyle — they can immediately deny your application. Even if you’re approved, dishonesty can void your policy later. Always tell the truth; it’s far better to work with an agent who can find a company that accepts your actual health profile.


6. How long should I wait before reapplying after being denied?

It depends on the reason for your denial. If it was health-related, wait six to twelve months to give yourself time to show improvement in medical records or lab results. If it was due to administrative issues or missing information, you can reapply much sooner — often within a few weeks — after resolving the issue.


7. Can I get life insurance without a medical exam?

Yes. Many insurers now offer no-exam life insurance, including simplified issue and guaranteed issue policies. These plans skip the medical exam entirely and rely on basic health questions or none at all. While premiums are slightly higher, they’re an excellent option if you’ve been denied for health reasons in the past.


8. Will my doctor’s records affect my life insurance approval?

Yes. Life insurance companies review your medical history, prescriptions, and sometimes lab reports to evaluate your health risk. Keeping your records accurate and up to date can help avoid misunderstandings that lead to denial. Always inform your doctor of any corrections or resolved health conditions before applying.


9. Is guaranteed issue life insurance worth it if I’ve been denied before?

Guaranteed issue life insurance can be a smart choice for people who’ve been denied due to health or age. It guarantees approval — no medical questions or exams required. While the premiums are higher and coverage amounts smaller, it ensures your loved ones receive some financial protection, regardless of your health.


10. What’s the easiest way to get approved for life insurance?

The best way to get approved is to work with an independent agent, be transparent about your health, and apply with the insurer that fits your specific situation. Each company has unique underwriting guidelines, so applying strategically (instead of randomly) dramatically improves your approval odds.


Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Life Insurance Denial Stop You


Getting denied for life insurance can feel discouraging — but it’s not the end of the road. With the right preparation, honesty, and strategy, almost anyone can find coverage that fits their needs and budget.

If you take just one thing from this article, let it be this:

Most denials can be avoided when you apply the right way — with the right insurer.

Work with an independent agent, know your health profile, and apply strategically. You’ll dramatically improve your odds of approval — and give your loved ones the financial protection they deserve.


Key Takeaways

  ✅  Always be transparent about your health and lifestyle.
  ✅  Get a check-up before applying to catch any red flags early.
  ✅  Use an independent agent to find the most lenient insurer for your situation.
  ✅  Don’t be discouraged by one denial — you have options.


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About Our Methodology

Reviewed By: President of Term Life Online – AU, AAI, ARM

  • 30+ years of experience in insurance planning

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