How to Buy a Life Insurance Policy on Your Parent with Health Issues (Complete 2026 Guide)
Last Updated: February 17, 2026 | Written by President of Term Life Online – AU, AAI, ARM
Buying life insurance for a parent with health issues may feel overwhelming—but the truth is, it’s absolutely possible, and in many cases, much easier and more affordable than families expect.
Whether your parent has diabetes, heart disease, COPD, dementia, or other medical conditions, there are specialized policies designed to provide coverage—even if they’ve been declined before.
This guide will walk you step-by-step through how to buy a life insurance policy on your parent with health issues, what to expect, and how to secure the best coverage at the lowest cost.
Why Buy Life Insurance on a Parent with Health Issues?
Most families purchase life insurance on parents to cover:
- Funeral and burial expenses ($8,000–$15,000 average)
- Medical bills
- Outstanding debts
- Estate expenses
- Financial protection for surviving family members
Without coverage, these costs often fall directly on children.
👉 Request a free quote now and see how affordable coverage can be—even with serious health conditions.
Is It Legal to Buy Life Insurance on Your Parent?
Yes. You can legally buy life insurance on your parent if two requirements are met:
1. Insurable Interest
You must show that their death would impact you financially.
This is automatic for:
- Parents
- Children
- Spouses
2. Their Consent
Your parent must:
- Know about the policy
- Agree to the coverage
- Sign the application
You cannot secretly insure someone.
Can You Get Life Insurance If Your Parent Has Health Issues?
Yes. Many companies specialize in high-risk applicants.
Common approved conditions include:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- COPD
- Cancer (including past cancer)
- Stroke history
- Kidney disease
- Dementia (early stages)
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
Even severe conditions can qualify for certain policy types.
👉 Get your free personalized quote now.
Best Types of Life Insurance for Parents with Health Problems
Choosing the right policy is the key to approval.
Here are the top options:
1. Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance (No Health Questions)
Best for: Serious or multiple health conditions
Features:
- No medical exam
- No health questions
- Guaranteed approval
- Coverage: $2,000–$25,000
- Ages: Usually 50–85
- Start Your Free Quote
Downside:
- Waiting period (2 years for full benefits)
- Higher premiums
Best for:
- Dementia
- Advanced illness
- Recent cancer
- Severe heart disease
2. Simplified Issue Life Insurance (No Exam)
Best for: Moderate health issues
Features:
- No medical exam
- Health questions required
- Fast approval (often same day)
- Coverage up to $50,000+
- Start Your Free Quote
Lower cost than guaranteed issue.
Best for:
- Diabetes
- Controlled heart conditions
- High blood pressure
3. Final Expense Insurance
Most popular option for parents with health issues
Designed specifically to cover:
- Funeral costs
- Burial
- Cremation
- Medical bills
Benefits:
- Easy approval
- Affordable rates
- Permanent coverage
- Fixed premiums
- Start Your Free Quote
How Much Does Life Insurance Cost for a Parent with Health Issues?
Here are Typical Monthly Costs
Age Coverage Monthly Cost
60 $10,000 $40–$75
65 $10,000 $50–$90
70 $10,000 $65–$120
75 $10,000 $90–$160
80 $10,000 $130–$220
Rates depend on:
- Age
- Health
- Gender
- Smoking status
- Coverage amount
Lock in rates early. Every year you wait, premiums increase.
Step-by-Step: How to Buy Life Insurance on a Parent with Health Issues
Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Talk With Your Parent
Explain:
- Why you want the coverage
- What it will cover
- That it protects the family financially
They must agree and participate.
Step 2: Choose Coverage Amount
Most families select:
$10,000 to $25,000
This typically covers:
- Funeral
- Burial
- Final expenses
Step 3: Compare Companies That Accept Health Issues
Not all insurers are equal.
Some specialize in high-risk applicants.
This step can save you hundreds per year.
Step 4: Complete the Application
Usually takes:
10–15 minutes
Often includes:
- Basic health questions
- No medical exam (in most cases)
Many approvals are instant.
Step 5: Get Approved and Activate Coverage
Once approved:
- Coverage begins
- Rates are locked in for life
- Benefits cannot be reduced
What If Your Parent Was Previously Denied?
You still have options.
Many families are declined because they applied with the wrong company.
Specialized insurers approve applicants with:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- COPD
- Stroke
- Dementia
Guaranteed issue policies approve nearly everyone.
👉 Get approved today—even if your parent was denied before.
Who Should Own the Policy?
You have two options:
Option 1: Parent owns the policy
Option 2: You own the policy (most common)
When you own it:
- You control payments
- You choose the beneficiary
- You receive the payout
When Is the Best Time to Buy?
The best time is now.
Reasons:
- Health can worsen
- Rates increase with age
- Waiting limits options
Early action saves money and ensures approval.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these costly errors:
- Waiting too long
- Applying with the wrong company
- Buying too little coverage
- Not comparing quotes
- Assuming your parent won’t qualify
Most parents qualify—even with serious health conditions.
Real Example
Daughter buys policy on her 72-year-old father with diabetes:
- Coverage: $15,000
- Monthly cost: $89
- No medical exam
- Approved same day
Family now protected from funeral costs.
What Happens After Approval?
Coverage lasts for life.
Premiums:
- Never increase
- Never change
Policy builds peace of mind immediately.
Why Families Are Buying Coverage Now
Families want to avoid:
- Unexpected funeral bills
- Financial stress
- Emergency expenses
Life insurance provides immediate financial protection.
Get a Free Life Insurance Quote for Your Parent Today
Getting coverage is fast, easy, and affordable.
You can:
- Compare top companies
- See exact prices
- Get approved quickly
👉 Click here to request your free life insurance quote now and protect your family today.
No obligation. No pressure. Just real options.
Final Thoughts
You can buy life insurance on a parent with health issues—and in most cases, approval is easier than expected.
Even if your parent has:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Dementia
There are policies designed specifically for them.
The key is applying with the right company.
Don’t wait until it’s too late.
👉 Get your free quote now and see how affordable coverage can be.
Compare Life Insurance Quotes
Top Pick – JRC Insurance Group
JRC Insurance Group helps you shop, compare and save on life insurance protection. Regardless of your age or health background, we'll shop our 63 top life insurance companies and find you affordable life insurance you need to protect your family and fit your budget. Compare the best life insurance rates for savings up to 73%. Get Your FREE Quote.
Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance Quotes
Top Pick – Allstate Benefits Insurance Company
Allstate Benefit's Guaranteed Acceptance policy offers $10,000 to $75,000 of coverage to working applicants between the ages of 18 and 70. Rates start as low as $9.65 per month. There’s no medical exam and no health questions. You cannot be turned down. You can get a quote and apply today. Start Here to get a FREE Quote.
NOTE: To qualify, applicants must be working at least 20 hours per week and not collecting any form of disability income or SSDI.
No Waiting Period: The policy goes In Force on the first day of the month after it's purchased. For example, if the policy was purchased during the month of January, it would be active February 1st.
Highly Recommended – United of Omaha
United of Omaha offers guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance for people age 45 to 85. Choose $3,000 up to $25,000 of coverage. Rates start as low as $8.80 per month. There’s no medical exam and no health questions. You cannot be turned down. You can get a quote and apply online now. Start Here to get a FREE Quote.
Resources:
- Guide to Guaranteed Acceptance Life Insurance
- Tips for Buying Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
- Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance FAQs
- Pros and Cons of Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
- A.M. Best Company: Compare financial strength ratings of life insurance companies
- Life Happens.org: Learn about life insurance and review facts.
About Our Methodology
Reviewed By: President of Term Life Online – AU, AAI, ARM
- 30+ years of experience in insurance planning
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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Consult a licensed professional for advice.
Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Consult a licensed professional for advice.
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