High cholesterol life insurance
Often we speak to people who have high cholesterol and need life insurance to protect their families, also people that want to know about what these products can do for them.
Life insurance and other similar products that we offer, can provide you and your family with peace of mind against all sorts of things. High cholesterol is not considered to be life-threatening but it can cause issues where certain types of cover can help.
Some reports suggest that nearly 40% of the UK population has high cholesterol or borderline high levels of LDL Cholesterol. Levels of cholesterol increase for all of us with age and for women who are going through menopause.
Most people with high cholesterol will be perfectly healthy and have no extra risks to mortality, however, there are other factors to consider for life cover.
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We have access to one of the most comprehensive ranges of life insurance products in the country and we know all about medical conditions like high cholesterol.
Does life insurance payout for high cholesterol?
Yes – while high cholesterol isn’t considered to be life-threatening, there are still some complications that may cause other issues.
The main issue with high cholesterol is that is generally a result of a poor lifestyle that can cause other health problems. Some of the most common medical conditions that can be more serious include:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD)
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
The main reasons why someone might want to consider life insurance, especially those with dependent children or mortgages:
- Mortgage
- Rent (property)
- Debts
- School fees
- Tax liabilities
In the event of a claim, your family would receive a cash lump sum to help them to pay for properties and other liabilities.
Does critical illness cover high cholesterol?
Most critical illness cover policies are specifically designed to protect against the diagnosis of serious medical conditions.
While you won’t be covered specifically for high cholesterol, there is a list of other complications that would be covered. As explained with life insurance above, there are a number of connected conditions that would be covered, such as:
Your critical illness cover policy would normally payout on diagnosis of a serious medical condition to help you financially through difficult periods.
You can also use your benefit (payout) for replacing your lost income whilst you are unable to work or for medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Will income protection payout for high cholesterol?
Yes – if you are unable to work for a period of time (usually over 4 weeks) then your income protection will payout.
You should be able to claim on your income protection policy for symptoms of high cholesterol from 4 weeks to 12 or 24 months (depending on your cover). It’s important to make sure that you have the right cover for you based on your employment or self-employed circumstances.
Currently, the level of support provided to you by the government from Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) would provide approximately £96/week. This would leave most families with a serious financial problem covering mortgages, rent, and other costs of living.
You can use an income protection policy to pay for:
- Mortgage or rent payments
- Loans and credit cards
- Utilities
- School fees
There are a number of reasons why someone with high cholesterol might need to take time off work. This type of cover is designed to replace your income for periods of up to 1 or 2 years depending on your issues and your doctor.
High cholesterol and life insurance
Here are the answers to some of the most common questions that our customers ask us about life insurance after being diagnosed with high cholesterol.
What is considered high cholesterol for life insurance?
Life insurance underwriters will usually follow a similar scale to doctors when considering cholesterol levels.
If you have been told by your doctor or GP that your cholesterol levels are high then the likelihood is that the same will apply for life cover. Insurers will also use the same measurements as your doctor which will be your millimoles per litre (mmol/L).
Current cholesterol bands in the UK:
| Cholesterol levels (mmol/L) | Category |
| Below 5.0 | Normal (or low) |
| 5.0 to 6.4 | High |
| 6.5 to 7.8 | Very high |
| Above 7.9 | Extremely high |
You will also need to disclose whether you currently take cholesterol medication or treatments, such as:
- Aspirin
- Atorvastatin
- Ezetimibe
- Niacin
- Rosuvastatin
- Simvastatin
- Statins
These are the most common medications that are used to manage cholesterol in the UK.
Can I get life insurance with high cholesterol?
Yes – often there is no issue in getting life insurance with most levels of cholesterol unless there are other factors.
Most insurers would offer terms for someone with high cholesterol and especially where it is controlled with medication. Many people that we speak to don’t have any issues with their health and are well managed.
There are some other common factors that can be part of the considerations for life insurance with high cholesterol, such as:
If there are other medical complications to consider then you might find that your options are slightly more limited.
High cholesterol life insurance rates
Your life insurance rates with high cholesterol will be calculated based on your individual circumstances, as well as your requirements.
There are many options so it’s important to get advice from an expert or specialist who can advise you properly. The most important thing is to make sure that you have the best cover for your family, plus to make sure that you pay a fair price.
You should find that life insurance rates with a history of high cholesterol will be affordable and usually readily available.
There are some insurers who are clearly better than others for high cholesterol and related conditions, so it’s important to carefully consider your options.
Best life insurance companies for high cholesterol
There are lots of options when it comes to life insurance and several major insurance companies to choose from.
The best insurance company for you could be completely different from someone else if you have high cholesterol. Some insurance providers are better than others at underwriting certain medical conditions, which is where an expert can help.
A specialist insurance advisor will know which insurance provider has the best underwriting philosophy for you and your medical history.
There are also some more specialist insurers for people who are suffering from more severe issues, such as extremely high readings or other medical complications.
Can you be denied life insurance for high cholesterol?
It is possible that you might in some cases be declined or refused life insurance because of high cholesterol.
If you’ve applied for life insurance in the past with high cholesterol and been refused, don’t worry. There are many insurers who would consider applications that others have refused and it doesn’t impact any new applications.
This is only general in more serious readings (extremely high) or where there are other medical issues. Some of the most common complications that may cause problems getting life insurance with high cholesterol include:
- High BMI (over 42)
- Heart problems
- Stroke
- Extremely high cholesterol readings
- Poor management
Cheap life insurance with high cholesterol
It is also possible to get cheaper life insurance with a history of high cholesterol by following a few simple steps.
- Reduce your readings: you can manage your cholesterol readings with lifestyle changes that can reduce your premiums
- Speak to an expert: a specialist advisor will have the relevant knowledge and expertise to get the best options and lowest premiums
- Stop smoking: if you currently smoke and you’re thinking about quitting, you can significantly reduce your premiums from 12 months after stopping
Will high cholesterol affect my life insurance?
No – you should be able to get standard cover from most of the normal high street insurance companies with high cholesterol.
Life insurance should not come with any exclusions for high cholesterol or anything related to the condition. This means that your cover will be exactly the same as someone with no pre-existing medical conditions.
Can I get critical illness cover with high cholesterol?
Yes – you should be able to apply for critical illness cover with most of the normal insurance brands with high cholesterol.
There should be no exclusions applied to your cover for this type of medical condition as well. You will be asked a number of questions in connection with your medical history specifically relating to high cholesterol.
You shouldn’t need to provide any further medical underwriting for critical illness cover with high cholesterol.
Can I get income protection with high cholesterol?
Yes – you should be able to get income protection with high cholesterol and especially where it is well-controlled with medication.
Most insurance providers will want to know what your recent readings are, how regularly you get a check-up and your medication. You may also be asked whether you have had much time off work recently because of your cholesterol.
In more severe cases where your readings are higher or if there are other medical complications, then there may be other outcomes.
You should speak to an expert if you’re looking for income protection with high cholesterol to get the best options. It is likely that some more specialist insurers could be a better option for you in certain circumstances.
Medical conditions linked to high cholesterol
Here are some of the most common medical conditions that are commonly linked to high cholesterol:
- Angina
- Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
- Diabetes (Type 2)
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Hyperthyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Stroke
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Common questions about high cholesterol
Some of the most common questions that people ask about high cholesterol or living with this condition.
What are the common warning signs of high cholesterol?
High cholesterol is also known as ‘the silent killer’ as there are no real symptoms. There are several well-known and more common warning signs that your cholesterol levels might be high.
- Nausea
- Slurred speech
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Short of breath
- Numb fingers or toes
- Raised blood pressure
How can I reduce my cholesterol levels?
There are some changes that you can make to your lifestyle that can have a positive impact on your cholesterol readings.
- Eat ‘heart healthy’ foods
- Exercise regularly
- Stop smoking
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Reduce your BMI (weight loss)
Can you live a long life with high cholesterol?
It is very possible to live a long and healthy life with high cholesterol as long as it is well managed and treated with medication. If left unmanaged and not treated properly then it can lead to other potentially life-threatening complications, such as heart attack or stroke.
Useful links and resources for high cholesterol
There are lots of different resources that are available to you if you are looking for more information about high cholesterol.
