Life insurance for people with high cholesterol in Canada

High cholesterol does not necessarily disqualify you from getting life insurance. You may still be able to qualify for competitive rates. The life insurance company will decide the details and cost of your policy based on how severe your condition is and how effectively you manage it.

Effectively managing your cholesterol and triglyceride levels with medication can greatly lower the impact on your life insurance premiums. When your levels are well-controlled, your rates will mainly depend on other factors like age, gender, overall health, and lifestyle habits.

Life insurance and high cholesterol

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, high blood cholesterol levels are a common health concern, affecting approximately 40% of Canadian adults ¹. Health Canada defines ideal total cholesterol levels as less than 5.2 mmol/L, and levels above 6.2 mmol/L are considered high ¹. 

Due to its link to heart disease and stroke, high cholesterol is typically considered a risk factor by Canadian life insurance companies, which may result in higher premiums². Life insurance companies assign health classifications to applicants based on their mortality risk, which includes cholesterol levels.

How does high cholesterol influence your premiums?

When you apply for life insurance, the insurance company may require a medical exam, including blood work, to assess your health and identify potential issues. The exam, questionnaire, and blood work help the insurer understand your medical history and evaluate your risk profile. Underwriters may postpone applications for high cholesterol if the condition is still being evaluated by a doctor.

When assessing your cholesterol results, life insurance companies focus on two key metrics:

1.  Your overall cholesterol level
2. Cholesterol ratio

Cholesterol, a vital fat-like substance in the blood, has two forms: ‘good (HDL) and ‘bad’ (LDL) cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, aka the ‘good’ cholesterol, helps clear the bloodstream of excess cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, aka the ‘bad’ cholesterol, can clog arteries and increase health risks. 

While your body needs both, an imbalance can lead to health problems. Healthy cholesterol levels are typically below 200 mg/dL (total), 130 mg/dL (LDL), and above 40 mg/dL (HDL) for men and 50 mg/dL for women. Elevated cholesterol levels, exceeding certain thresholds, can lead to restricted blood flow, thereby increasing the likelihood of cardiac issues, such as myocardial infarction (heart attacks) and strokes.

Additionally, insurers may consider triglycerides, another type of fat in the blood that, when combined with high LDL cholesterol, can heighten the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other conditions.

High cholesterol doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll pay exorbitant life insurance rates. If you manage your condition with medication, you may still qualify for below-average premiums. However, suppose your cholesterol levels are excessively high, and you have additional health issues such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and cardiovascular disease. In that case, the insurance company may charge you higher-than-average rates or decline your application for a term or whole-life insurance. Ultimately, insurers weigh multiple factors, including age, gender, overall health, and cholesterol levels, to determine your premium costs.

How do you calculate the cholesterol ratio?

Divide your total cholesterol by your HDL (good) cholesterol to calculate your cholesterol ratio. Doctors generally consider a ratio lower than 5:1 desirable, indicating a lower risk of heart disease. A high cholesterol ratio indicates a greater risk of heart disease and may raise concerns for life insurance companies, potentially impacting your premiums.

What cholesterol levels do insurers consider in Canada?

The cholesterol levels insurers consider in Canada is your total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and the TC/HDL ratio. Typical healthy benchmarks (mmol/L) your underwriter may reference:

• Total cholesterol: <5.2 desirable; >6.2 high.

• LDL: often <3.0 preferred (targets vary by risk profile).

• HDL: roughly ≥1.0 (men) and ≥1.3 (women) is favourable.

• Triglycerides: <1.7 desirable.

• TC/HDL ratio: <5 is generally acceptable; <4 is stronger.
  Insurers also look for stability over time, medication effectiveness, and absence of related red flags such as uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, or coronary disease. Better numbers improve your risk class. Sudden spikes, very high LDL, or poor ratios can trigger ratings, postponements, or additional questions.

Can you bring your cholesterol levels under control before applying for life insurance?

Life insurance companies typically review your cholesterol levels from the past year to determine your premiums. Taking steps to lower your cholesterol before the exam can improve your rates. Adopting healthy habits like walking, exercising, and eating a balanced diet can help, and your doctor can offer tailored advice. Keep in mind that insurers may differ in how they assess high cholesterol and other factors.

What type of life insurance can I get with high cholesterol?

• Term life insurance: You can be eligible for term life insurance with high cholesterol, but your premiums might be higher. Making healthy lifestyle changes, like regular exercise and weight loss, can help you secure more affordable life insurance coverage.

• Whole life insurance: Whole life insurance may be more challenging to obtain for people with high cholesterol, especially if it’s severe. However, some insurers may offer coverage with higher premiums or exclusions. Whole life insurance is more difficult to obtain for individuals with severe high cholesterol, although some insurers may offer a ‘rated’ policy with higher premiums.

• Final expense life insurance: This type of insurance, also known as guaranteed issue life insurance, typically doesn’t require a medical exam or blood test, making it a viable option for those with high cholesterol. However, coverage is usually limited to a small death benefit (e.g., up to $25,000).

• Managing High Cholesterol: Regular exercise, weight loss, and avoiding alcohol can improve your health and help you qualify for lower-cost coverage.

• Denied Coverage: If traditional life insurance isn’t an option due to high cholesterol, consider alternatives such as guaranteed issue or group life insurance policies.

How can you secure life insurance coverage if you have high cholesterol?

Buying life insurance with high cholesterol is a straightforward process:

• Contact insurance companies. Shop around, compare quotes, and finalize your policy.

• Disclose your condition and medication on the health questionnaire

• Take a medical exam (or answer additional questions if not required)

• Wait for the insurer’s final offer (up to a couple of weeks)

• Accept the offer, pay your premium, and activate your policy

Some life insurance companies may not require a medical exam if your cholesterol is well-managed.

What should you expect, and how should you prepare for a life insurance medical exam?

Before your medical exam, your life insurance company will likely send you guidelines to follow. Additionally, there are several precautions you can take in the days leading up to the exam to ensure a smooth and successful experience. While these tips won’t drastically lower your cholesterol levels overnight, they can make the process easier.

• Hydrate by drinking plenty of water

• Fast for the required amount of time (usually 8-12 hours)

• Avoid alcohol and nicotine

• Limit caffeine and heavy meals

• Provide your family medical history and medication information

• Answer questions about your lifestyle and health

Do I need a medical exam if I have high cholesterol?

If you have high cholesterol, you’ll likely need a medical exam, but not always. For larger face amounts or older ages, insurers typically order a paramedical exam with blood and urine tests. That panel includes a lipid profile to confirm disclosure and current control. 

For smaller amounts, or when you meet insurer criteria, accelerated or simplified underwriting may waive labs and rely on questionnaires, prescription histories, and attending-physician statements. If labs are required, bring recent results from your doctor, list medications, and show follow-up compliance. Well-documented control can keep you in a stronger risk class.

If your life insurance application gets rejected due to high cholesterol, what’s next?

If you are denied life insurance, you can find the best alternative life insurance solution for your situation by working with a licensed life insurance agent. You can take control and explore alternative life insurance options. Consider applying for:

• Guaranteed issue life insurance: This is a ‘no medical exam or health questions required’ type of policy, which provides a small amount of coverage (up to $25,000) for end-of-life expenses, with near-guaranteed approval.

• Group life insurance: Many employers offer group life insurance as part of their benefits package. This type of insurance typically has fewer health requirements and lower coverage amounts. You might be unable to keep the policy if you switch jobs, but it’s an option worth exploring.

Can you lower your life insurance premiums after purchasing a policy?

Yes, lowering your life insurance premium is possible even after you’ve bought a policy. If you’ve made significant health improvements, such as lowering your cholesterol levels, you can request a reevaluation by your insurance company. 

A favorable reevaluation could lead to a premium decrease. Alternatively, you can apply for a new life insurance policy, undergo a new medical exam, and replace your existing policy with a newer, lower-premium one. You can request a reevaluation for lower premiums if your cholesterol improves after a year.

Life insurance for people with high cholesterol – Conclusion

High cholesterol doesn’t have to block affordable protection. Controlled numbers, solid follow-up, and the right product choice can keep premiums in check. If traditional underwriting is tough now, use simplified or guaranteed options and upgrade later when labs improve.

Ready to compare term and permanent choices that fit your health profile? Get a quote with Oneday. Coverage and pricing are always subject to eligibility, underwriting, and provincial regulation.

Frequently asked questions about life insurance for people with high cholesterol

Sources:

1. Health Canada, “Assessment… barley products and blood cholesterol lowering”
2. Statistics Canada, “Cholesterol levels of adults, 2016–2019”