Simplified Issue Life Insurance: The Complete Guide for 2025 (Everything You Need to Know Before You Apply)
Last Updated: December 5, 2025 | Written by President of Term Life Online – AU, AAI, ARM
If you want life insurance without a medical exam, fast approval, and straightforward qualifications, simplified issue life insurance may be the perfect middle ground.
It’s designed for people who don’t want the hassle of lab tests but still want meaningful coverage at an affordable rate.
This guide breaks down exactly how simplified issue coverage works, who it’s best for, how much you can expect to pay, and the hidden differences most buyers miss.
What Is Simplified Issue Life Insurance?
Simplified issue life insurance is a type of policy that lets you apply without a medical exam and typically provides instant or same-day approval. Instead of lab work, insurers ask a short series of health questions and run basic database checks (like prescription history and motor vehicle reports).
The result:
- Faster approval than traditional life insurance
- Higher coverage amounts compared to guaranteed issue policies
- Lower premiums than no-question guaranteed issue life insurance
It’s often called the "sweet spot" between affordability, convenience, and underwriting flexibility.
How Simplified Issue Life Insurance Works
When you apply, the insurer does three things:
1. Health Questionnaire
Expect 5–15 questions about:
- Tobacco use
- Height/weight
- Medical diagnoses
- Recent hospitalizations
- Major illnesses (cancer, heart disease, etc.)
- Risky hobbies
2. Automated Background Checks
These usually pull:
- Prescription history
- Driving record
- Prior insurance applications
- Possible high-risk diagnoses
3. Instant or 24–72 Hour Decision
Most simplified issue applications are approved quickly—some in minutes.
No needles, no nurses, no bloodwork, no scheduling hassles.
Who Is Simplified Issue Life Insurance Best For?
This type of policy is ideal for people who:
✔ Want life insurance immediately
✔ Don’t want or can’t take a medical exam
✔ Need coverage for mortgages, income replacement, or family protection
✔ Are age 18–70 (limits vary by insurer)
✔ Have moderate health issues but nothing severe
✔ Want $25,000 to $500,000+ in coverage
If you’ve been told before that "you might not qualify for fully underwritten life insurance," simplified issue could be a strong alternative.
Who Should Skip Simplified Issue?
It may not be the best fit if:
✘ You are in excellent health and want the absolute lowest rates
✘ You need $2 million+ in coverage
✘ You have major health issues, in which case guaranteed issue might be the better safety net
Simplified issue sits right between traditional life insurance and guaranteed issue. Understanding where you fit can save you thousands.
Types of Simplified Issue Policies
1. Simplified Issue Term Life Insurance
- Coverage lengths: 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years
- Generally available up to age 65–70
- Higher coverage amounts
Great for income replacement or mortgage protection
2. Simplified Issue Whole Life Insurance
- Permanent, lifelong coverage
- Smaller face amounts (usually $10,000–$50,000)
- Builds guaranteed cash value
Ideal for final expenses or legacy planning
How Much Does Simplified Issue Life Insurance Cost?
Premiums depend on:
- Age
- Gender
- Tobacco use
- Health answers
- Policy type (term vs. whole)
- Coverage amount
But here’s the general rule:
Simplified issue costs less than guaranteed issue but more than fully underwritten traditional life insurance.
For example:
A healthy 40-year-old non-smoker might pay:
- $20–$40/month for a $250,000 simplified issue term policy
- $30–$70/month for a $25,000 simplified issue whole life policy
Pros & Cons of Simplified Issue Life Insurance
✅ Pros
- No medical exam
- Fast approvals
- Good coverage limits
- Affordable for moderate risk
- Easy digital or phone application
❌ Cons
- Higher rates than fully underwritten policies
- Not ideal for severe health conditions
- Coverage limits may be capped
- Not always available to older applicants
Is Simplified Issue Life Insurance Right for You?
Choose simplified issue if you:
- Want a quick, hassle-free application
- Have minor to moderate health issues
- Need coverage immediately
- Prefer skipping medical exams
Avoid it if you are:
- In excellent health and want the cheapest rates
- Looking for large ($1M+) policies
- Uninsurable through health questions (in which case guaranteed issue is your fallback)
Simplified Issue vs. Guaranteed Issue vs. Fully Underwritten
Feature Simplified Issue Guaranteed Issue Fully Underwritten
Medical exam No No Yes
Health Questions Yes None Yes
Coverage Amount Moderate-High Low High
Cost Medium High Low
Approval Time Fast Immediate Weeks
Best For Moderate Risk High Risk Healthy Applicants
How to Get the Best Rate on a Simplified Issue Policy
To qualify for the best pricing tiers:
- Answer all health questions accurately
- Choose the correct policy type for your needs
- Compare multiple carriers (rates vary widely)
- Avoid tobacco (or switch to non-smoker category if eligible)
- Apply sooner rather than later—age increases cost every year
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I get simplified issue life insurance if I have health conditions?
Yes—as long as they’re moderate. More serious diagnoses may require guaranteed issue.
2. How fast can I get covered?
Many insurers offer instant approval; others take 1–3 days.
3. Does simplified issue require bloodwork?
No. There is zero medical exam.
4. How much coverage can I get?
Ranges from $25,000 to $1,000,000+, depending on age and insurer.
5. Is simplified issue more expensive?
It’s priced between fully underwritten (cheapest) and guaranteed issue (most expensive).
6. What if I’m denied?
You may still qualify for guaranteed issue, which asks no health questions.
7. Can seniors get simplified issue?
Yes—most companies offer it up to ages 70–75, sometimes 80 for whole life.
Bottom Line: Is Simplified Issue Life Insurance Worth It?
If you want easy, fast coverage without a medical exam, simplified issue life insurance is one of the most convenient options available. It strikes the perfect balance between affordability, accessibility, and speed—making it especially valuable for busy families, homeowners, and people with moderate health concerns.
Simplified Issue Life Insurance Quotes
Top Pick – JRC Insurance Group
JRC Insurance Group helps you shop, compare and save on life insurance. 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.
JRC Insurance offers up to $2,000,000 of life insurance with no medical exam required.
You can get approval for your insurance policy in as little as 10 minutes to 2 days. JRC offers no exam life insurance for diabetics, too.
JRC offers some of the best rates on life insurance policies without any health exams required.
You can compare and choose from $25,000 to $2,000,000 of no exam life insurance coverage from several leading life insurance carriers through JRC Insurance Group. Start Your FREE Quote.
Resources:
- Tips for Buying Term Life Insurance with No Exam
- Term Life Insurance No Exam FAQs
- Pros and Cons of Term Life Insurance with No Exam
- 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
How We Keep This Guide Accurate: We regularly updates our content to reflect the latest rates and industry trends. We are committed to providing transparent, unbiased information to help you make the best decision for your family.
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