Best Life Insurance for High-Risk Individuals in 2024 (Top 10 Companies Ranked)
Prudential, AIG, and Lincoln Life are the top picks for the best life insurance for high-risk individuals, offering policies starting at $150/month. These companies excel by tailoring coverage to effectively meet the unique needs and challenges faced by high-risk clients, ensuring financial security.
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Scott W. Johnson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Scott W Johnson is an independent insurance agent in California. Principal Broker and founder of Marindependent Insurance Services, Scott brings over 25 years of experience to his clients. His Five President’s Council awards prove he uses all he learned at Avocet, Sprint Nextel, and Farmers Insurance to the benefit of his clients. Scott quickly grasped the unique insurance requirements of his...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Sep 19, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident life insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one life insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our life insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different life insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about life insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything life insurance-related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by life insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 19, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right life insurance coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident life insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one life insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our life insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different life insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Company Facts
Full Coverage for High-Risk Individuals
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Company Facts
Full Coverage for High-Risk Individuals
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Prudential, AIG, and Lincoln Life are the top picks for the best life insurance for high-risk individuals, offering comprehensive coverage tailored to meet their unique needs.
These providers excel in creating policies for those with increased risks from health, occupation, or hobbies, ensuring that high-risk individuals receive necessary coverage. Learn more in our complete “Best Life Insurance Companies.”
Our Top 10 Company Picks: Best Life Insurance for High-Risk Individuals
Company Rank Multi Vehicle-Discount A.M. Best Best For Jump to Pros/Cons
#1 12% A+ Flexible Underwriting Prudential
#2 15% A- Risk Acceptance AIG
#3 8% A Customizable Policies Lincoln Life
#4 20% B Strong Reputation State Farm
#5 25% A Competitive Rates Liberty Mutual
#6 20% A+ Broad Coverage Nationwide
#7 15% A++ Financial Stability New York Life
#8 15% A++ Reliable Service Allstate
#9 25% A+ Personalized Service Erie
#10 10% A++ Military Focus USAA
Their commitment to addressing the specific needs of high-risk clients makes them leaders in the life insurance market.
You can get free quotes for life insurance and secure financial protection for your loved ones by entering your ZIP code into our tool above.
- Prudential leads as the top choice for high-risk life insurance
- Tailored policies meet the unique risks of high-risk individuals
- Coverage focuses on providing security despite high-risk profiles
#1 – Prudential: Top Overall Pick
Pros
- Flexible Underwriting Policies: Prudential offers underwriting flexibility, accommodating a broader range of customers.
- Stable Financial Ratings: With an A+ from A.M. Best, Prudential stands as a financially stable choice.
- Moderate Multi-Vehicle Discount: Customers receive a 12% discount on multi-vehicle policies. Find out more in our guide titled “Prudential Life Insurance Company Review.”
Cons
- Higher Premiums for Riskier Profiles: Flexible underwriting might lead to higher premiums for those with riskier profiles.
- Limited Additional Discounts: Compared to competitors, Prudential may offer fewer additional discounts.
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#2 – AIG: Best for Risk Acceptance
Pros
- Acceptance of Higher Risks: AIG specializes in accommodating clients with higher risk profiles.
- Substantial Multi-Vehicle Discount: Provides a 15% discount for clients with multiple vehicles.
- Diverse Insurance Offerings: Offers a range of policies suitable for various needs. More information is available about this provider in our “AIG Life Insurance Review.”
Cons
- Lower Financial Rating: With an A- rating from A.M. Best, it’s slightly lower compared to industry leaders.
- Potentially Higher Premiums: Risk acceptance can translate into higher premiums for coverage.
#3 – Lincoln Life: Best for Customizable Policies
Pros
- Customization of Policies: Offers highly customizable insurance policies to meet individual needs.
- Solid Financial Stability: Holds an A rating from A.M. Best, indicating strong financial health.
- Lower Multi-Vehicle Discount: Offers an 8% discount, focusing more on policy flexibility. Discover more about offerings in our guide titled “Lincoln National Life Insurance Review.”
Cons
- Limited Discounts: Fewer discounts available, focusing more on customization than price reduction.
- Potentially Complex Policy Options: High customization can lead to complexity in choosing the right options.
#4 – State Farm: Best for Strong Reputation
Pros
- Bundling Policies: Offers significant discounts for bundling multiple insurance policies.
- High Low-Mileage Discount: Provides a substantial discount for low-mileage usage.
- Wide Coverage: Offers various coverage options tailored for different business needs. Learn more in our guide titled “State Farm Life Insurance Review.”
Cons
- Limited Multi-Policy Discount: The multi-policy discount is not as high compared to some competitors.
- Premium Costs: Despite discounts, premiums might still be relatively higher for certain coverage levels.
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#5 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Competitive Rates
Pros
- High Multi-Vehicle Discount: Offers a 25% discount on multi-vehicle policies, the highest among the listed companies.
- Competitive Pricing: Known for offering competitive rates across various policy types.
- Strong Financial Rating: Holds an A rating from A.M. Best, ensuring reliability. Read up on the “Liberty Mutual Life Insurance Review” for more information.
Cons
- Inconsistent Customer Service: Reports of varied customer service quality can affect satisfaction.
- Complex Claims Process: Some customers may find the claims process complicated and time-consuming.
#6 – Nationwide: Best for Broad Coverage
Pros
- Broad Coverage Options: Extensive range of coverage meeting diverse needs. Access comprehensive insights into our guide titled “Nationwide Life Insurance Review.”
- High Financial Stability: Nationwide’s A+ rating from A.M. Best ensures strong backing.
- Generous Multi-Vehicle Discount: Offers a 20% discount for multi-vehicle policies.
Cons
- Higher Rates for Specialized Coverage: Specialized coverage options can be expensive.
- Complex Policy Packages: Broad coverage might lead to complex and overwhelming policy choices.
#7 – New York Life: Best for Financial Stability
Pros
- Top-Notch Financial Stability: Highest rating of A++ from A.M. Best. Check out insurance savings in our complete guide titled “New York Life Insurance Company Review.”
- Longstanding Reputation: Known for reliability and long-term financial stability.
- Moderate Multi-Vehicle Discount: Offers a 15% discount for multiple vehicles.
Cons
- Premium Cost: Can be on the higher end due to the focus on stability and reliability.
- Less Flexibility: May not offer as much flexibility in policy customization.
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#8 – Allstate: Best for Reliable Service
Pros
- Reliable Customer Service: Known for dependable and consistent service. Delve into our evaluation of “Allstate Life Insurance Review.”
- Strong Financial Rating: A++ rating from A.M. Best assures financial reliability.
- Good Multi-Vehicle Discount: Provides a 15% discount on multi-vehicle policies.
Cons
- Higher Premiums for Lower Risks: Sometimes charges higher premiums for lower-risk profiles.
- Limited Customization Options: Fewer options for policy customization compared to others.
#9 – Erie: Best for Personalized Service
Pros
- Personalized Customer Service: Focuses on offering tailored service to each client.
- High Multi-Vehicle Discount: Significant 25% discount on multi-vehicle policies.
- Excellent Financial Health: Maintains an A+ rating from A.M. Best. Unlock details in our article titled “Erie Life Insurance Review.”
Cons
- Regional Availability: Limited availability may restrict access to services in certain areas.
- Premium Variability: Premiums can vary significantly depending on personal details and area.
#10 – USAA: Best for Military Focus
Pros
- Specialized Military Benefits: Tailors services and discounts specifically for military members.
- Exceptional Financial Stability: A++ rating ensures strong backing. For additional details, explore our comprehensive resource titled “What are the benefits of buying life insurance?“
- Focused Multi-Vehicle Discount: Offers a 10% discount for multiple vehicle policies.
Cons
- Exclusive Membership: Only available to military members and their families.
- Limited Policy Options: While focused, options can be limited compared to more general insurers.
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Comparative Monthly Rates for High-Risk Life Insurance
When selecting a life insurance policy for high-risk individuals, it’s essential to consider the monthly rates that vary significantly between providers and coverage levels. The following discussion provides an insight into these variations to help you make an informed decision.
High-Risk Life Insurance Monthly Rates by Coverage Level & Provider
Insurance Company Minimum Coverage Full Coverage
AIG $160 $320
Allstate $180 $360
Erie $165 $330
Liberty Mutual $170 $340
Lincoln Life $155 $310
Nationwide $175 $350
New York Life $160 $320
Prudential $150 $300
State Farm $165 $330
USAA $175 $350
Each insurance company offers different rates for their minimum and full coverage options, catering to the specific needs and budgets of high-risk individuals. For instance, Prudential offers the most competitive rates starting at $150 for minimum coverage and up to $300 for full coverage.
On the higher end, Allstate and USAA set their minimum coverage rates at $180 and $175 respectively, with their full coverage reaching $360 and $350. This pricing structure showcases each company’s services and risk management, urging buyers to evaluate coverage against their personal risks and financial capacity.
Learn more: What is the minimum coverage amount for life insurance?
What Is High-Risk Life Insurance
High-risk life insurance is a label that many insurance companies use to identify individuals who do not meet the standard health category but are instead categorized as sub-standard.
Life Insurance Rating Class Summary
Rating Class | Policy Risks | Policy Costs |
---|---|---|
Preferred | Low | Least Expensive |
Standard | Average | Average |
Sub-Standard | High | Most Expensive |
As the table indicates, people who are considered high-risk will likely pay the most for life insurance coverage.
The reasons a person may qualify as high-risk are vast and may include:
- Occupation
- Hobbies
- Lifestyle
- Health History
- Travel Tendencies
Because of these factors and many more, some people have to shop specifically to find life insurance for high-risk individuals. See more details on our guide titled “Comparing Term Life Insurance Quotes.”
What Is a High-Risk Occupation
Most insurance companies consider occupations that endanger your life in any way to be high risk.
For example, in the most recent study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, one out of every five work-related fatalities in the U.S. was either a driver/sales worker or a truck driver.
Because of this, the individuals in these job positions will likely be considered high-risk.
Additionally, life insurance for nurses and other people in the medical field may also be considered high-risk due to their risk of exposure to life-threatening illnesses and diseases.
Other high-risk occupations include:
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Emergency Response
- Military
- Transportation
- Manufacturing
While not all insurance companies have the same list of high-risk occupations, most of them are fairly similar.
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What Are High-Risk Hobbies
Similar to a person’s career, an individual’s choice when it comes to pastimes can affect life insurance rates. Delve into our evaluation of our article “How to Buy Life Insurance.”
If you enjoy skydiving, scuba diving, rock climbing, or racing cars, you may want to consider searching for life insurance quotes for high-risk individuals.
Are There High-Risk Health Conditions
One of the most impactful categories when it comes to assessing risk is a person’s health. If you have health issues or pre-existing conditions, many insurance companies may deem you high-risk.
High-risk health conditions include:
- Crohn’s Disease
- Kidney Disease
- Heart Disease
- High Cholesterol
- Cancer
- COPD
- HIV/AIDS
- Stroke
Finding life insurance for pre-existing conditions can be difficult, so it’s important to shop around and explore your options. For more information, read our “How To Get Life Insurance With a Bariatric Surgery History.”
A person’s habits, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, chewing tobacco, or using non-prescribed drugs, can classify them as high-risk if these habits impact their overall health. For more information, read our “Best Life Insurance for Smokeless Tobacco Users.”
What Does Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance Entail
Life insurance for high-risk seniors, especially those who have pre-existing conditions or who participate in high-risk habits, can be difficult to find. This is where guaranteed issue life insurance comes in.
Guaranteed issue life insurance—also called guaranteed acceptance life insurance—involves no health questions and can help individuals pay for end-of-life expenses like funeral costs and medical bills.
Guaranteed issue life insurance falls into the category of final expense life insurance.
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How Are Rates for High-Risk Individuals Determined
Because life insurance rates for high-risk individuals fall into the sub-standard category, they will likely automatically cost more than the standard rates for coverage; however, there is still room for interpretation when it comes to average rates per person.
Companies will take all of the above factors into account before offering specific high-risk coverage options. Each insurance company will employ its own system for evaluating a person’s risk level. Discover more about offerings in our “Life Insurance Rate Factors.”
What Are My Options for Life Insurance for High-Risk Individuals
If you are considered high risk, you can likely still purchase a life insurance policy. Discover insights in our guide titled “Managing Your Life Insurance Policy.”
With Prudential, high-risk individuals can access premium coverage that doesn't compromise on quality or affordability.Ty Stewart Licensed Life Insurance Agent
You may find that you have limited coverage options, and you will likely have to pay more for your life insurance policy. This is because any insurer’s life expectancy for you will be considered shorter than average.
How Do I Choose
After reading all of the information above, it may feel daunting to try and choose where to go to find life insurance for hard to insure individuals. Unlock details in our guide titled “What is universal life insurance?”
Now that you have learned more about high-risk insurance coverage, use our tool below to buy life insurance for high-risk individuals today.
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Case Studies: Best Life Insurance for High-Risk Individuals
Choosing the right life insurance is crucial, especially for high-risk individuals who face unique challenges. The following case studies are based on real-world situations, illustrating how Prudential, AIG, and Lincoln Life provide exceptional service to meet the needs of these clients effectively.
- Case Study #1 – Prudential’s Flexible Coverage: John, a skydiving instructor, found it challenging to secure affordable life insurance due to his high-risk profession. Prudential offered him a policy with flexible terms that acknowledged his need for comprehensive coverage while recognizing his expertise in safety.
- Case Study #2 – AIG’s Risk Acceptance: Sarah, diagnosed with a chronic illness, was repeatedly denied coverage by other insurers. AIG accepted her application and provided her with a life insurance plan that addressed her specific health risks and offered peace of mind for her future.
- Case Study #3 – Lincoln Life’s Customizable Policies: Mark, an avid mountain climber, needed a policy that could be tailored specifically to the risks associated with his hobby. Lincoln Life provided him with a customizable insurance plan that included accident coverage and emergency evacuation services.
These scenarios highlight the crucial role of a life insurance provider that deeply understands and addresses the unique requirements of high-risk individuals.
Choosing Prudential means securing a life insurance partner dedicated to providing high-risk individuals with comprehensive and flexible coverage options.Jimmy McMillan Licensed Insurance Agent
It’s essential that these clients receive tailored protection that ensures their specific needs are met and they are adequately safeguarded. Check out insurance savings in our complete guide titled “Living Benefits Life Insurance.”
Safeguard your family’s future while saving on coverage — enter your ZIP code below to compare life insurance quotes with our free tool today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is high-risk life insurance?
High-risk life insurance is a category used by insurance companies to classify individuals who don’t meet standard health criteria and are considered sub-standard. Being high-risk can result from factors such as occupation, hobbies, lifestyle choices, and health conditions.
For additional details, explore our comprehensive resource titled “Life Insurance by Health History.”
What occupations are considered high-risk?
Insurance companies typically consider occupations that involve potential risks to life as high-risk. Examples include drivers, truck drivers, medical professionals, and other occupations with a higher likelihood of exposure to life-threatening situations.
Can hobbies affect life insurance rates for high-risk individuals?
Yes, an individual’s hobbies can impact life insurance rates. Engaging in activities such as skydiving, scuba diving, rock climbing, or car racing may increase the risk factor, making it important to consider life insurance quotes for high-risk individuals.
What health conditions are considered high-risk for life insurance?
Health conditions play a significant role in assessing risk for life insurance. Pre-existing conditions like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or any condition that poses a potential risk to life can be considered high-risk. Certain habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or substance abuse can also contribute to the high-risk category.
What is guaranteed issue life insurance for high-risk individuals?
Guaranteed issue life insurance, or guaranteed acceptance life insurance, requires no health questions and suits high-risk individuals, especially seniors with pre-existing conditions. It covers end-of-life expenses such as funeral costs and medical bills.
To find out more, explore our guide titled “Calculate Your Term Life Insurance Needs.”
How do high-risk life insurance companies assess applicants?
High-risk life insurance companies evaluate applicants based on their health, lifestyle, occupation, and any dangerous hobbies to determine their risk level and premium rates.
What should I look for in life insurance for high-risk?
When seeking life insurance for high-risk, look for companies that offer flexible underwriting policies and are willing to accommodate your specific risk factors.
Why is life insurance for high-risk individuals more expensive?
Life insurance for high-risk individuals often costs more because these policies are statistically more likely to result in a claim due to the increased risk associated with the insured.
Can I get life insurance for high-risk if I have a serious health condition?
Yes, there are life insurance options available for high-risk patients, though premiums may be higher and coverage might be limited compared to standard policies.
To learn more, explore our comprehensive resource on “How To Find a Lower Term Life Insurance Premium.”
What options are available through high-risk life insurance brokers?
High risk life insurance brokers can help you navigate various policies from different carriers to find coverage that suits your high-risk status.
What are high-risk insurance policies?
High-risk insurance policies are plans that provide life insurance coverage to individuals considered to be at greater risk of filing a claim due to their health or lifestyle.
If you want to explore your life insurance options, enter your ZIP code below in our free tool to get started.
Who are the leading high-risk life insurance carriers?
Leading high-risk life insurance carriers often include companies like Prudential, AIG, and Lincoln Life, which specialize in underwriting high-risk applicants.
Which companies are considered the best high-risk life insurance companies?
The best high-risk life insurance companies are those that offer competitive rates and comprehensive coverage for high-risk individuals, such as Prudential and AIG.
Learn more by reading our guide titled “Life Insurance Rates by Age & Gender.”
How do I find life insurance for high-risk patients with specific medical conditions?
Life insurance for high-risk patients can be found by working with brokers who specialize in high-risk coverage or by contacting insurers known for underwriting complex health profiles.
What should people know about life insurance for high-risk people?
People looking for life insurance for high-risk should understand that premiums may be higher and they may need to undergo more extensive health assessments.
Where can I get high-risk insurance quotes?
High risk insurance quotes can be obtained through online comparison tools, direct inquiries with insurers, or through brokers who specialize in high-risk coverage.
How does life insurance risk affect my premiums?
Life insurance risk affects premiums by increasing the cost if the insurer deems you more likely to file a claim based on your health, profession, or hobbies.
Access comprehensive insights into our guide titled “How to File a Life Insurance Claim.”
Is high-risk term life insurance available?
Yes, high-risk term life insurance is available for individuals who may not qualify for whole life policies due to their increased risk factors.
Are there health insurance options for high-risk individuals?
Yes, there are health insurance plans specifically designed for high-risk individuals, though they may come with higher premiums and special conditions.
What do high risk life insurance brokers do?
High risk-life insurance brokers specialize in finding and negotiating insurance policies for individuals who face significant challenges in obtaining coverage due to their risk factors, such as severe health conditions, dangerous occupations, or extreme hobbies.
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Your life insurance quotes are always free.
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Scott W. Johnson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Scott W Johnson is an independent insurance agent in California. Principal Broker and founder of Marindependent Insurance Services, Scott brings over 25 years of experience to his clients. His Five President’s Council awards prove he uses all he learned at Avocet, Sprint Nextel, and Farmers Insurance to the benefit of his clients. Scott quickly grasped the unique insurance requirements of his...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about life insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything life insurance-related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by life insurance experts.