What’s Next if You Are Declined for Life Insurance

Life Insurance

Declined? Read on to learn about your options.

You’ve done the right thing and applied for Life insurance. Learning your application has been denied is disheartening, but it doesn’t mean you can’t obtain coverage.

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There are options and actionable steps you can take:

Learn why you were declined. Pre-existing conditions like heart disease and obesity are among the most common reasons for rejection. You may also be declined for non-medical reasons having to do with your driving record, criminal history, or a hazardous hobby. No matter the reason, the insurance company should provide information about why you were declined.
Review your case. Perhaps not enough information was provided or there was a misunderstanding. If you find that information obtained by the insurer was insufficient or incorrect, you have the right to appeal. If appropriate, your doctor can provide updated medical information. You may also wish to address non-medical issues that may have contributed to your declination.
Enlist an expert. If you haven’t done this already, it may be time to call an independent Advisor who can help you review the declination and strategize your next steps. An Advisor may suggest applying for coverage with a different carrier.

In many instances you’ll be able to resubmit the medical exam from your first application.

Alternately, an Advisor may instead recommend that you:

Allow for a waiting period. Give yourself some time to correct any health issues that may have caused the denial. In some cases, the insurance company will suggest that you postpone your application to a later date, especially if you have a recent medical diagnosis. Take this opportunity to adopt a healthier lifestyle, for example, by taking steps to lower your blood pressure or cholesterol, if needed. You can also use this time to build your emergency fund.
Consider alternatives. If you find you can’t qualify for a standard Term Life insurance policy, you may be able to secure coverage that is guaranteed issue, meaning there are no health questions to answer, and your acceptance is guaranteed. While these policies can be issued quickly, they can be expensive. An alternate solution is Accidental Death insurance, which pays a benefit if you die from accidental causes. This type of policy is quite affordable, and can provide valuable protection when you consider that accidents are the third leading cause of death in this country, and the leading cause of death for adults ages 25-44.¹

If you’re declined for Term Life insurance, don’t give up. Take these steps to secure the coverage you need, and the peace of mind will follow. Our Expert Advisors are available to help you evaluate your options and determine your next move.