Can you get life insurance with high blood pressure?

Yes, you can get life insurance with high blood pressure (hypertension).

Typically, if your blood pressure is well controlled with treatment then your application should be accepted with no issues.

It could also be possible to secure life insurance at the standard rate depending on your personal circumstances.

In fact, 96% of people with raised blood pressure receive an instant decision and 80% are accepted at the standard rate by one of our insurer partners[1].

Comparing multiple quotes from a range of insurers will help you to find the best available deal for life insurance with hypertension.

Reassured, the UK’s largest life insurance broker * , can help you compare quotes from a panel of top UK insurers free of charge - saving you time and money.

Our experts have helped many people with pre-existing medical conditions secure the cover they need at the right price.

Get in touch today for our best quote.

In this high blood pressure life insurance guide, we cover:

Get Life Insurance Quotes with High Blood Pressure »

Do I need life insurance with high blood pressure?

If you’re living with high blood pressure and you have dependents who rely on your income to get by, then you probably need life insurance.

Taking out a policy can give you peace of mind knowing that your family are financially protected should anything happen to you.

Life insurance pays out a cash lump sum if you passed away during a set term and the funds could be used to help cover essential costs such as:

  • Mortgage repayments - Life insurance could be used to help cover your outstanding mortgage debt if you passed away before it’s paid off
  • Education costs - If you have children, or plan to have children in the future, then your policy could help to cover childcare costs, school fees and/or university fees for them
  • Outstanding debts or loan agreements - A proportion of your pay out could help to cover credit cards, car finance and personal loans
  • Household bills, food, leisure activities etc - Life insurance could help to cover day to day family living expenses, allowing them to continue their current lifestyle if something happened to you
  • Funeral costs - The average cost of dying in the UK is £9,200[2]. Your policy could help to protect loved ones from this large expense

Arranging suitable life insurance to protect what’s important in your life doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive when you have high blood pressure.

At Reassured, we can help you decide whether you need life insurance, how much you might need and what your available options are.

We’ll do our best to help you find affordable cover no matter your circumstances. Contact our award-winning team today for your free quotes and expert help.

How much high blood pressure life insurance do I need?

Work out how much life insurance you may need based on your current financial commitments and what you want your policy to cover. Simply fill in the fields which apply to you and get an instant calculation.

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£137,934 is the estimated mortgage debt per household in the UK.

The purchase of a home is likely to be the largest financial commitment any of us will make in our lifetime. Your life insurance should cover your remaining mortgage balance to allow your loved ones to stay in the family home should anything happen to you.

Source: Moneynerd.co.uk
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The average monthly household budget in the UK is £2,548 (that’s £30,576 per year), which is spent on transport, food & drink, utilities (gas, electricity, water etc), clothing, council tax and leisure activities.

With energy prices hitting a record high and the cost of living rising sharply in the UK, you may wish to factor in utility bills and family living expenses into your cover.

Source: Nimblefins.co.uk
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The average personal debt of UK adults has risen to £34,566 (not including mortgage debt), with credit cards, personal loans and overdrafts being the most common forms of debt.

Factoring in any debts into your life insurance cover means that, if they need to be paid back from your estate after your passing, your loved ones won’t miss out financially.

Source: Money.co.uk
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According to SunLife, the average cost of a funeral in the UK is £3,953 (with the overall cost of dying at £9,200).

Funeral costs have increased by 116% since 2004 and are a significant cost which should be factored into the amount of life insurance you secure.

Source: SunLife.co.uk
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When factoring in cover for your children, you may wish to calculate the amount based on how long it is until they reach financial independence.

This could include childcare (£7,000 per year for part-time care), school expenses (£1,519 per school year for uniforms, lunches, stationary etc), as well as an additional sum for further education (this could be a contribution of up to £5,000 per year).

Sources: Daynurseries.co.uk, Primarytimes.co.uk & Savethestudent.org
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2 in 5 adults say they are relying on an inheritance to fund their retirement.

Factoring in an inheritance to your sum assured could allow loved ones to live a more financially comfortable life. Alternatively, you could leave a cash gift to a charity of your choosing.

Source: Moneyage.co.uk
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If you’re lucky enough to have your own savings or are part of the 30% of UK residents who already have a life insurance policy in place, this can provide financial protection for loved ones.

By entering your current cover, savings or death in service amount you can reduce the sum assured you require.

Source: Scottishbusinessnews.net
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Do I need to declare high blood pressure on my life insurance application?

Yes, during the application process you’ll be asked to provide information about your health, at which point you’ll need to disclose that you have high blood pressure and any other pre-existing medical conditions that exist.

While raised blood pressure doesn’t often present any symptoms or affect your day to day life, it can potentially affect your long-term health, causing heart problems such as heart disease and heart failure, if not well controlled.

For this reason, it must be taken into account by insurers so that they can properly assess the level of risk involved with your application and provide you with the right cover.

Rest assured, disclosing that you have high blood pressure doesn’t mean that you’ll be faced with higher premiums.

Is high blood pressure a pre-existing medical condition?

Yes, if you have high blood pressure or a history of high blood pressure then this will be considered a pre-existing medical condition.

A pre-existing medical condition is any health condition that existed prior to applying for life insurance.

Read our guide on life insurance with pre-existing conditions for more information »

Non-disclosure

Non-disclosure refers to not being completely truthful on your application, such as withholding information about your high blood pressure.

Any form of non-disclosure can invalidate your policy and prevent a pay out being made to your loved ones when you pass away.

What is considered high blood pressure for life insurance?

For life insurance, high blood pressure is when you have a systolic and diastolic blood pressure reading over 140/90mmHg[3].

As mentioned, most insurers will still offer you cover even if you have high blood pressure, and in some cases, it’s possible to secure cover at the standard rate.

The outcome of your application will depend on how well controlled your blood pressure is as well as other factors which we outline below.

If your blood pressure is higher than 180/110mmHg then this is usually the cut off point for securing life insurance, but other options may be available.

Continue reading to learn more about types of life insurance for those with high blood pressure.

Blood pressure readings

Knowing your current blood pressure reading can be helpful for your life insurance application, but it’s not essential.

If you don’t have use of a home monitor, you can get a quick blood pressure test at your local doctor’s surgery and at some pharmacies.

The table below shows the different blood pressure readings and ranges according to Blood Pressure UK. Systolic pressure is the first (or top) reading and diastolic pressure is second (or bottom) reading:

Blood pressure categorySystolic pressure (this is the pressure of the blood in your arteries)Diastolic pressure (this is the resistance to the blood flow in the blood vessels)
Low blood pressureUnder 90Under 60
Ideal blood pressure90 - 11960 - 79
Pre-high blood pressure120 - 13980 - 89
High blood pressure140 or higher90 or higher


In the UK, more than 15 million adults have high blood pressure[4] and most adults in general have higher than ideal blood pressure[5].

High blood pressure is also the most common medical condition disclosed on life insurance application forms[6].

Factors which affect high blood pressure life insurance premiums

During the application process, insurers will ask some questions about your high blood pressure to help them work out the cost of your premiums.

They’ll consider the following factors:

  • Your date of diagnosis
  • Your latest blood pressure reading
  • Your height and weight (BMI)
  • What treatment has been prescribed (if any)
  • If you have any related health conditions (e.g. any problems with kidneys or eyes)
  • If you have high cholesterol
  • If there’s family history of heart disease, stroke or diabetes

Typically, if your blood pressure is well controlled with treatment (and no other risk factors are present) then you could be offered cover on standard terms.

This means your premiums shouldn’t be increased based on your high blood pressure alone.

Even if you’re taking medication, as long as your blood pressure is well controlled then this shouldn’t have a negative impact on your application.

As mentioned, 80% of people with hypertension are accepted at standard rates for life insurance with one of our insurer partners.

Life insurance secured at standard rates start from just 20p-a-day † through Reassured, so get in touch for your free quotes.

Compare Free Life Insurance Quotes with Hypertension »

Other factors which affect life insurance premiums

A life insurance application will also require the following information as standard to calculate the cost of your premiums:

Some of these factors, such as your age, smoking status and weight, will be looked at in combination with your high blood pressure as the two can be associated.

Your premiums will also be determined by the details of your chosen policy, which include:

  • Policy type (term, whole of life, or over 50s life insurance)
  • Sum assured (cover amount)
  • Policy term (length of cover)

When looking for the affordable life insurance with high blood pressure it’s essential to compare quotes from multiple insurers.

This is because they’ll each have a different underwriting process for hypertension applicants and quotes will vary between them.

At Reassured, we know the criteria for each of the insurers we work with and could help you to find those who will offer you the best terms.

Best life insurance for high blood pressure applicants

In most cases, those with high blood pressure can choose from the same policy options as other applicants.

The best option for you will depend on your personal circumstances, your budget and which aspects of your life you want to cover.

Below we’ve outlined the different types of life insurance available through Reassured:

Term life insurance with hypertension

Term life insurance

Term life insurance provides cover for a set term. If you pass away during the set term, a pay out is made to your loved ones. It’s commonly taken out to help cover a mortgage and/or family living expenses.

  • Pays out if you pass away during a set term (1 - 40 years)
  • Choose whether your sum assured stays the same or decreases throughout the term
  • Application requires your medical information
  • Free terminal illness cover included
  • Fixed monthly premiums
  • Available through Reassured
Critical illness cover with hypertension

Term life insurance with critical illness cover

Term life insurance with critical illness cover allows you to make a claim if you’re diagnosed with a life changing (but not terminal) illness or if you pass away during a set term.

  • Pays out if you pass away or are diagnosed with a critical illness during a set term (1 - 40 years)
  • Provides cover for a wide range of specified illnesses
  • Application requires your medical information. Some conditions related to hypertension may be excluded from your cover (such as heart attack or stroke)
  • Free terminal illness cover included
  • Fixed monthly premiums
  • Available through Reassured
Over 50s life insurance with hypertension

Over 50s life insurance

Over 50s life insurance (an over 50s plan) is an affordable option for people with high blood pressure who are aged between 50 - 85. It’s commonly taken out to help pay for a funeral or to leave as small cash gift.

  • Guarantees acceptance to applicants aged 50 - 85
  • Guarantees to pay out when you pass away (after a set waiting period)
  • Pay out up to £20,000 depending on your personal circumstances and budget
  • Application doesn’t require any medical information which means your high blood pressure won’t affect premiums (premiums calculated based on your age and pay out amount)
  • Fixed monthly premiums
  • Available through Reassured from £5-a-month +
Whole of life insurance with hypertension

Whole of life insurance

Whole of life insurance provides you with protection for the whole of your life and guarantees a pay out when you pass away.

  • Could provide a larger pay out than an over 50s plan
  • Application requires medical information
  • Suited to those in later life who have well-controlled blood pressure, in good overall health and have been accepted on standard terms
  • Fixed monthly premiums
  • Available through Reassured

Can I be declined for life insurance with high blood pressure?

It’s unlikely that you’ll be declined for life insurance due to having high blood pressure.

However, it’s possible that some standard insurers won’t accept your application if one of the following applies:

  • You have problems with your kidneys or eyes (or other related health problems)
  • You have high cholesterol
  • Your diagnosis was very recent (and blood pressure is not yet controlled)
  • Your blood pressure reading is over 180/110mmHg
  • You’re under 30 years old and on medication

If your application is declined by standard insurers, then not to worry, as you may be able to get cover with a specialist insurer.

Specialist insurers are more likely to offer life insurance with affordable premiums to those who are considered high risk, including people with hypertension.

At Reassured, we work with both major insurers and specialist insurers, allowing us to compare multiples quotes which could help you save money.

We also have a specialist impaired risk team who have helped applicants who’ve been declined in the past get some form of cover through us.

Make the most of our expertise and award-winning service by getting in touch today.

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Will I need to take a medical exam?

No, you shouldn’t need to take a medical exam for life insurance with high blood pressure.

In most cases, providing your most recent blood pressure reading and answering a few questions about your condition will be enough for your application.

Some insurers may request a GP report if you have any related health complications or other high risk factors, but it’s not always necessary.

Most people with high blood pressure are able to get the life insurance they need quickly and easily without the hassle of medical checks.

If you’re asked to undergo a medical exam, this will take place at a time and date to suit you and the cost will be covered by the insurer.

Can I get high blood pressure life insurance with no medical questions?

Yes, you can secure life insurance without having to answer any medical questions.

If you’re aged 50 - 85 then you’d be eligible for an over 50s plan (as described above).

With an over 50s plan you don’t have to disclose your high blood pressure or any other medical conditions on the application form.

Premiums are calculated based on the level of cover you need (up to £20,000 depending on your personal circumstances and budget), your age and sometimes your smoking status.

Most people take out an over 50s plan to help contribute towards funeral expenses, pay off outstanding debts or to leave a small cash gift.

At Reassured, we can help you compare quotes for over 50s life insurance as well as other types of policies.

Get in touch with our award-winning team for your free price comparison.

Life insurance quotes with high blood pressure

Getting life insurance with high blood pressure is possible and the process should be quite straight-forward.

It’s also possible to secure life insurance on standard rates depending on how well controlled your blood pressure is and if there are no other health problems.

One of the best ways to find out your available options and to compare multiple quotes is to use a broker, such as Reassured.

We work with a panel of major insurers as well as smaller specialists, allowing us to identify those that may offer you a good deal.

Our knowledgeable experts can filter out the insurers that may be most compatible for you and your individual circumstances.

Not only that but we can help with filling in the application form, answering any questions you may have and explaining any jargon.

If you’re living with high blood pressure and looking for affordable cover to financially protect your family, then get in touch with Reassured.

We’ll do our best to help you save money.

Get Life Insurance Quotes with High Blood Pressure »

Sources:

[1] https://www.aiglife.co.uk/advisers/about-us/underwriting/medical-underwriting/

[2] https://www.sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs/

[3] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/

[4] https://www.bhf.org.uk/-/media/files/for-professionals/research/heart-statistics/bhf-cvd-statistics-uk-factsheet.pdf

[5] https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/your-blood-pressure/understanding-your-blood-pressure/what-is-high-blood-pressure/

[6] https://www.aiglife.co.uk/advisers/knowledge/news/simple-underwriting-people-raised-blood-pressure/

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