Does being vaccinated affect your life insurance coverage?
Unsure if being vaccinated affects your life insurance coverage? A recent study revealed that over 20% of life insurance companies might start reviewing vaccination status when determining insurance policy costs. Read below to learn how vaccines could affect your life insurance rates.
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Kristen Gryglik
Licensed Insurance Agent
Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jul 7, 2023
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.
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: Jul 7, 2023
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
- Life insurance companies don’t ask about your vaccine history
- Having COVID could impact your future life insurance policies, especially if you develop long-term symptoms as a result
- Compare quotes for life insurance to determine the policy type and death benefit you need
In a post-pandemic society, many people are curious about the link between the COVID vaccine and life insurance costs. Life insurance companies do not ask about your vaccine records for the COVID vaccine or any other vaccines.
Still, being vaccinated may allow you to get cheaper life insurance rates in the long run.
While life insurance companies do not request your vaccination records, being vaccinated could affect your life insurance coverage and rates because of how life insurance companies utilize life insurance rating classes as a means of determining client rates.
The Impact of Vaccinations on Life Insurance Underwriting
Life insurance companies may not make a regular practice of asking for vaccination records. Still, vaccinations affect life insurance rates in a few ways because of how life insurance rates are determined.
Vaccines and life insurance have more of a symbiotic relationship than people realize. If you’re vaccinated, you’re less likely to get sick or less likely to experience severe symptoms.
When it comes to life insurance with COVID, for example, the vaccine could help you avoid feeling the worst symptoms associated with the virus.
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The Link Between Vaccinations and Life Insurance Rates
Life insurance with pre-existing conditions can be expensive. If you get a vaccine and avoid some of the long-term symptoms that many life insurance companies consider problematic, you may get cheaper life insurance rates.
You won’t automatically be charged more for life insurance by refusing the COVID vaccine, but your life insurance rates could be higher in a few decades than someone’s rates who chose to get the vaccine.
How Your Vaccination Status Could Affect Your Life Insurance
Life insurance companies may be allowed to consider your vaccination status in the future, but this is yet to be determined.
Additionally, for a company to consider a COVID vaccine, that company would likely also have to assess vaccines for things like the flu and shingles.
So, if you’re unlikely to get other vaccines in the future but worry that not having a COVID vaccine could make life insurance too expensive, that’s unlikely to be the case.
Factors That Affect Life Insurance Rates
A person’s age, gender, family medical history, and tobacco use are some of the major factors that impact life insurance rates.
Life Insurance Monthly Rates by Age, Gender, and Smoker Status
| Policyholder Age and Tobacco Use | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 25-Year-Old Non-Smoker | $179 | $161 |
| 25-Year-Old Smoker | $322 | $249 |
| 35-Year-Old Non-Smoker | $166 | $179 |
| 35-Year-Old Smoker | $286 | $322 |
| 45-Year-Old Non-Smoker | $185 | $166 |
| 45-Year-Old Smoker | $360 | $286 |
| 55-Year-Old Non-Smoker | $240 | $185 |
| 55-Year-Old Smoker | $493 | $360 |
| 65-Year-Old Non-Smoker | $268 | $240 |
| 65-Year-Old Smoker | $638 | $493 |
| Average Monthly Rates for Non-Smokers | $407 | $268 |
| Average Monthly Rates for Smokers | $992 | $638 |
If you’re concerned about how much you’ll pay for life insurance, find and compare quotes from several companies to learn more about how to buy life insurance that fits your budget.
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Navigating Life Insurance Coverage for Individuals Who are Unvaccinated
Searching for life insurance without a vaccine is the exact same process as searching for life insurance after getting the vaccine.
First, determine the type and amount of coverage you want. Next, find and compare life insurance coverage for unvaccinated individuals online. Your rates will be identical to life insurance rates for vaccinated individuals, assuming you do not have a pre-existing condition.
Disclosing Your Vaccination Status to Your Insurance Company
You should not have to speak with your insurance company about your vaccination status. Still, finding the best life insurance companies in your area can be tricky.
If at all possible, purchase life insurance coverage and complete the medical exams associated with your policy once all of your COVID symptoms have subsided.
Companies Considering Charging More for Unvaccinated Individuals
Life insurance companies do not ask about your vaccination status. If you’re worried about disclosing information concerning vaccines, it’s your choice not to discuss the matter. You should not be charged more or less for life insurance based on the COVID vaccine.
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Vaccinations Can Protect Us From Diseases and Global Pandemics
If you get the COVID vaccine, it may help protect you and others from global pandemics and other diseases. Life insurance rating classes may help you understand where you fall.
State Pandemic Readiness Scoring
| State | Hospital Beds (per 1k ppl) | Active Physicians (per 100k ppl) | Uninsured Residents | Preparedness Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 2.3 | 449.5 | 3.3% | 1 |
| New York | 2.7 | 375.1 | 6.6% | 2 |
| Pennsylvania | 2.9 | 320.5 | 6.6% | 3 |
| Minnesota | 2.5 | 302.7 | 5.1% | 4 |
| Rhode Island | 2.1 | 370.0 | 5.4% | 5 |
| Michigan | 2.5 | 287.0 | 6.1% | 6 |
| Vermont | 2.1 | 367.1 | 5.5% | 7 |
| West Virginia | 3.8 | 263.4 | 7.5% | 8 |
| Ohio | 2.8 | 292.7 | 7.1% | 9 |
| Connecticut | 2.0 | 352.1 | 6.3% | 10 |
| Delaware | 2.2 | 284.6 | 6.1% | 11 |
| Hawaii | 1.9 | 314.1 | 4.6% | 12 |
| Kentucky | 3.2 | 230.9 | 6.4% | 13 |
| Maryland | 1.9 | 386.0 | 7.0% | 14 |
| North Dakota | 4.3 | 237.6 | 8.6% | 15 |
| Iowa | 3.0 | 218.2 | 5.5% | 16 |
| Illinois | 2.5 | 284.4 | 7.9% | 17 |
| Louisiana | 3.3 | 260.3 | 9.6% | 18 |
| Maine | 2.5 | 330.2 | 10.2% | 19 |
| New Hampshire | 2.1 | 315.1 | 7.0% | 20 |
| New Jersey | 2.4 | 306.5 | 9.0% | 21 |
| Nebraska | 3.6 | 239.2 | 9.6% | 22 |
| Wisconsin | 2.1 | 264.9 | 6.4% | 23 |
| South Dakota | 4.8 | 240.4 | 10.8% | 24 |
| Missouri | 3.1 | 273.1 | 10.9% | 25 |
| Montana | 3.3 | 247.1 | 10.4% | 26 |
| Washington | 1.7 | 278.8 | 7.1% | 27 |
| Kansas | 3.3 | 227.6 | 10.1% | 28 |
| Tennessee | 2.9 | 253.1 | 11.3% | 29 |
| Arkansas | 3.2 | 207.6 | 9.3% | 30 |
| Colorado | 1.9 | 285.7 | 8.7% | 31 |
| Indiana | 2.7 | 230.8 | 9.6% | 32 |
| Oregon | 1.6 | 303.4 | 8.2% | 33 |
| California | 1.8 | 279.6 | 8.2% | 34 |
| Alabama | 3.1 | 217.1 | 11.0% | 35 |
| Florida | 2.6 | 265.2 | 16.0% | 36 |
| Virginia | 2.1 | 263.2 | 10.2% | 37 |
| Wyoming | 3.5 | 207.9 | 14.2% | 38 |
| Mississippi | 4.0 | 191.3 | 14.5% | 39 |
| Alaska | 2.2 | 276.9 | 14.8% | 40 |
| North Carolina | 2.1 | 255.0 | 12.6% | 41 |
| South Carolina | 2.4 | 229.5 | 13.1% | 42 |
| Georgia | 2.4 | 228.7 | 15.5% | 43 |
| New Mexico | 1.8 | 244.8 | 11.0% | 44 |
| Oklahoma | 2.8 | 206.7 | 16.5% | 45 |
| Arizona | 1.9 | 242.0 | 12.1% | 46 |
| Utah | 1.8 | 216.2 | 10.0% | 47 |
| Texas | 2.3 | 224.8 | 19.4% | 48 |
| Nevada | 2.1 | 213.5 | 13.1% | 49 |
| Idaho | 1.9 | 192.6 | 11.8% | 50 |
Still, shopping for life insurance during a pandemic can be difficult. Life insurance underwriting is a nuanced expertise, and it’s important to find and compare quotes for multiple life insurance policies to determine which will work best and which is the best price.
The Future of Vaccinations and Life Insurance
If you consider the states best and least prepared for the pandemic, you may also be curious about the link between the COVID vaccine and life insurance costs. Your medical history and life insurance rates go hand-in-hand.
If you’re healthy, your life insurance rates should be competitive based on life insurance rates by age and gender.
If you have a pre-existing condition, or if you have a weakened immune system, your life insurance rates will likely shift as a result. While the COVID vaccine could help certain individuals get cheaper life insurance rates, getting the vaccine isn’t going to automatically make your rates higher or lower.
Case Studies: How Vaccinations Impact Life Insurance Rates
Case Study 1: Sarah’s Lower Premiums
Sarah, a 35-year-old non-smoker, decides to get vaccinated against COVID-19. She applies for a life insurance policy and qualifies for the best rating class due to her overall good health and low-risk lifestyle choices. As a result, Sarah receives lower premium rates compared to someone in the same age group who is unvaccinated.
Case Study 2: John’s Steady Rates
John, a 45-year-old smoker, chooses not to get vaccinated against COVID-19. He applies for a life insurance policy and undergoes the necessary medical exams. While John’s smoking habit already places him in a higher risk category, his decision not to get vaccinated does not directly impact his life insurance rates.
However, in the long run, John’s rates may be higher compared to vaccinated individuals due to potential long-term health complications associated with COVID-19.
Case Study 3: Lisa’s Stable Premiums
Lisa, a 28-year-old with a pre-existing condition, receives the COVID-19 vaccine. Despite her medical history, Lisa maintains stable life insurance rates because her pre-existing condition is unrelated to COVID-19. Life insurance companies typically assess pre-existing conditions individually and evaluate their impact on mortality risk, irrespective of vaccination status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can vaccinations lower your life insurance rates?
Life insurance companies don’t ask about your vaccination records. Still, getting a vaccine could help you avoid medical conditions in the future.
Can I get life insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?
You can get life insurance at any stage. Someone with a pre-existing condition may want to consider a guaranteed issue policy or another no-exam life insurance policy that does not require a medical exam.
Are there specific vaccines that impact life insurance coverage?
Vaccines do not impact life insurance rates directly.
Can I get life insurance if I have Long COVID?
Long COVID life insurance may be more expensive if your symptoms persist for a significant period of time. Still, shopping online for coverage should allow you to find more affordable rates.
What will void my life insurance policy?
You should always provide honest information to your life insurance company to avoid losing your life insurance coverage.
Can insurance companies deny coverage for the unvaccinated?
You will not lose the opportunity for life insurance coverage based on your vaccination record.
Should I disclose my vaccination status to my insurer?
You may want to disclose your vaccination record if you have pre-existing conditions that would be made more harmful if you contracted COVID.
Will my life insurance policy cover COVID-19 related deaths if I am unvaccinated?
Your life insurance policy will payout if you pass away as a result of the virus.
Can I get life insurance with hepatitis?
You can purchase a life insurance if you have hepatitis. Speak with a representative from any company you’re considering to learn more about how to get life insurance with hepatitis.
Your life insurance quotes are always free.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Kristen Gryglik
Licensed Insurance Agent
Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...
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.
