Life Insurance with High Cholesterol on Statins

Quick summary box

• High cholesterol is common and seldom disqualifies you. About 86 million U.S. adults have total cholesterol over 200 mg/dL, and insurers expect to see this condition. You can still qualify for good rates if other risk factors are controlled.
  
• Insurers focus on the cholesterol ratio. Carriers often care more about the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL rather than the total number. Preferred rates may be available with ratios below 5:1.
  
• Statin use is viewed positively. Taking statins shows that you are managing your cholesterol, and many insurers still offer preferred or standard rates to applicants on statins.
  
• Other factors matter more. Age, weight, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and family history have significant impact on underwriting.
  
• Liberty Financial can find the right carrier. Our agents know which insurers are most lenient toward cholesterol and help present your health profile to obtain favorable premiums.
  

What this means in plain English

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that circulates in your blood. High levels of low‑density lipoprotein (LDL, often called “bad” cholesterol) can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke. According to the Cleveland Clinic, normal LDL is below 100 mg/dL, HDL (“good” cholesterol) should be above 60 mg/dL and total cholesterol ideally stays under 200 mg/dL. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that high total cholesterol is defined as 240 mg/dL or more and that about 86 million U.S. adults have cholesterol above 200 mg/dL. Because high cholesterol is so prevalent, insurers consider it a manageable risk rather than an automatic decline.

When you apply for life insurance, underwriters look at your entire cardiovascular profile. JRC Insurance Group explains that many carriers accept total cholesterol up to 275 or even 300 mg/dL at preferred rates if the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL is below 5:1. The ratio indicates whether your HDL is high enough to offset elevated total cholesterol. If your ratio is higher (e.g., 6:1 or above), underwriters may offer standard or substandard rates.

Statins are cholesterol‑lowering medications that reduce the liver’s production of cholesterol and increase removal of LDL from the blood. The American Heart Association (AHA) states that statins are recommended for most patients to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. The AHA identifies several groups who should consider statins: adults with existing cardiovascular disease, those with LDL levels over 190 mg/dL, adults aged 40–75 with diabetes, and those with a 10‑year risk of cardiovascular disease above a certain threshold. Insurers often view statin use favorably because it demonstrates proactive management of risk.

Who qualifies and typical requirements

Most applicants with high cholesterol can obtain life insurance, especially if they are taking statins or other cholesterol‑lowering medications. Insurers typically require:

• Current lipid panel. This includes total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. Underwriters examine the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL and the ratio of LDL to HDL. Ratios under 5:1 are preferred.
  
• Stable medication regimen. Applicants on statins or other lipid‑lowering drugs should show consistent adherence. Evidence of regular doctor visits and refills helps.
  
• Controlled blood pressure and weight. Elevated blood pressure or obesity combined with high cholesterol increases risk. Maintaining a healthy BMI and blood pressure improves your classification.
  
• No significant cardiovascular events. Applicants without a history of heart attack, stroke or stent placement typically qualify for Preferred or Standard classes. If you have had an event, underwriting may be more stringent and require a waiting period.
  
• Lifestyle factors. Tobacco use, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle and poor diet can all impact underwriting. Insurers look for evidence of smoking cessation, regular exercise and healthy eating.
  
• Age and family history. Younger applicants with no family history of early heart disease may receive better rates. A family history of premature heart disease (men under 55, women under 65) may push you into a lower class.
  

How underwriting actually looks for this case

During underwriting, insurers request lab results and other information:

1. Medical exam. Blood tests measure lipid levels (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides) and often include liver and kidney function tests. Blood pressure and weight are recorded.
   
2. Attending physician statements. Underwriters may obtain records from your primary care physician or cardiologist to confirm cholesterol readings and medication history. They may look at electrocardiograms (EKG) or stress tests if there are concerns.
   
3. Review of medications. In addition to statins, underwriters note whether you take ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors or other agents. They consider how long you have been on therapy and whether your dosage has stabilized.
   
4. Consideration of other risks. They evaluate diabetes control (A1C levels), blood pressure, smoking status and BMI. For example, if you have both high cholesterol and diabetes, you may still qualify for Standard or Standard Plus rates if both are well-controlled..
   
5. Decision and class assignment. Applicants with cholesterol ratios under 5:1, on a stable statin regimen and no cardiovascular events often receive Preferred or Standard Plus. Higher ratios or additional risk factors may lead to Standard or substandard classes.
   

Typical pricing outcomes and classes

Below are general expectations for underwriting classes when high cholesterol is managed with statins:

• Preferred Plus. Possible if total cholesterol is under 250, ratio under 4.5 and you are otherwise healthy with normal blood pressure and no smoking or diabetes. Statin use is acceptable if levels are well-controlled..
  
• Preferred. Applicants with total cholesterol up to around 275–300 and ratio up to 5:1 may still qualify for Preferred if blood pressure, weight and other factors are favorable.
  
• Standard Plus / Standard. Most applicants with elevated cholesterol on statins fall here. Ratios of 5.1–6:1, slightly elevated BMI or borderline blood pressure usually lead to Standard rates. Premiums are 10–25% higher than Preferred.
  
• Substandard/Table. If your total cholesterol exceeds 300 or your ratio exceeds 6:1, and you have additional risks like smoking or diabetes, you may receive a table rating. Each table adds roughly 25% to the Standard premium. A history of heart attack or stent may also result in substandard ratings.
  

Illustrative example: A 45‑year‑old non‑smoking male taking atorvastatin with total cholesterol 240, HDL 60 (ratio 4:1), normal blood pressure and no other health issues could receive Preferred Plus or Preferred and pay about $25 per month for a 20‑year $500,000 term policy. If the same applicant had total cholesterol 280, HDL 40 (ratio 7:1) and borderline hypertension, he might receive Standard rates around $40–$50 per month. These numbers vary widely by carrier and are not guaranteed.

Best alternatives and when to choose them

For individuals whose cholesterol ratios or comorbid conditions make traditional life insurance expensive or unattainable, consider these alternatives:

Lifestyle changes and re‑qualification

Improving your cholesterol through diet, exercise and adherence to medications may lower your ratio and thus your premiums. After six months to a year of improved labs, you can apply for a new policy or request a re‑evaluation. Many carriers will reconsider your rating if you provide updated lab results.

Simplified issue or no‑exam policies

These policies do not require a medical exam and ask only limited health questions. They may not drill down into cholesterol ratios. Premiums are higher than fully underwritten policies, but they can be beneficial if you anticipate Standard or higher table ratings.

Guaranteed issue life insurance

Guaranteed issue policies have no medical questions and are available up to $25,000 of coverage. They carry higher premiums and graded death benefits (limited payout in the first two years) but may be suitable if you have severe cardiovascular disease and cannot qualify elsewhere.

Group life insurance

Employer‑sponsored group life is often available without medical underwriting. It can supplement your personal coverage, though face amounts may be limited. Group coverage is particularly useful if you are between jobs or your health profile has deteriorated.

Step‑by‑step: how to apply with Liberty Financial Group

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1. Collect recent lab results. Obtain your most recent lipid panel and any relevant medical records. Liberty can help gather these documents.
   
2. Initial consultation. Speak with a Liberty agent about your cholesterol history, medications and lifestyle. Provide information about family history and any cardiovascular events.
   
3. Carrier analysis. Liberty identifies carriers that are most lenient on cholesterol levels and ratio. Some insurers have specific guidelines allowing higher cholesterol if the ratio and other factors are favorable.
   
4. Application and exam. Complete the application and schedule your medical exam. Provide information about statin use, diet, exercise, and other medications.
   
5. Underwriting communication. Liberty advocates for you by highlighting your adherence to statins and other positive factors. We may supply additional lab results to demonstrate improvement.
   
6. Policy delivery and ongoing support. After approval, Liberty reviews your policy and helps with premium payments. If your health improves, we can help you seek a better rate in the future.
   

Florida notes or lender‑specific notes

Florida residents should note that high cholesterol is a common reason for life insurance claims due to heart disease. The Florida Department of Health promotes the Healthiest Weight initiative, encouraging Floridians to manage cholesterol through diet and exercise. When applying for life insurance in Florida, ensure your lab results are up to date. If the policy will be used as collateral for an SBA loan, the collateral assignment requirements from SOP 50 10 8 apply, regardless of your cholesterol level.

FAQ (People‑Also‑Ask style)

Can I get life insurance if my cholesterol is 250 mg/dL? Yes. Many insurers accept total cholesterol up to 275 or 300 mg/dL at Preferred or Preferred Plus rates as long as the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL is favorable.

Does taking a statin hurt my chances? No. Statin use is viewed as proactive management. Insurers often prefer applicants who take statins and have improved ratios. Discontinuing medication without doctor supervision could harm your health and your rates.

What is a good cholesterol ratio for life insurance? Most carriers look for a total cholesterol‑to‑HDL ratio under 5:1 for Preferred and under 6:1 for Standard. Lower ratios are better.

Do insurers consider HDL and LDL separately? Yes. While the ratio is important, underwriters also look at individual LDL and HDL numbers, along with triglycerides and overall cardiovascular risk profile.

What happens if I have high cholesterol and diabetes? Insurers evaluate each condition. If your A1C is controlled and your cholesterol ratio is acceptable, you may still qualify for Standard or Standard Plus rates.

Will my premiums decrease if I lower my cholesterol? Potentially. If subsequent lab results show improved cholesterol and ratio, you can request a policy review or apply for a new policy. Carriers may offer better rates if you demonstrate sustained improvement.

Call to action

High cholesterol doesn’t have to stand between you and peace of mind. With proper management and the right strategy, you can obtain life insurance that protects your family. Liberty Financial Group’s experienced agents will review your lab results, search for carriers with flexible guidelines and guide you through the application process. Contact us today to explore your options and secure coverage that suits your health profile and budget.