Life insurance and high blood pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high.

Understanding blood pressure readings

Hypertension is diagnosed by measuring your blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:

• Systolic pressure, which is the top or first number in a blood pressure reading, indicates the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
• Diastolic pressure, which is the bottom or second number, indicates the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats ^{Footnote [1]}.

A baseline blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg. A high blood pressure reading is usually consistently above 140/90 mmHg, but this can vary based on individual health conditions and other factors ^{Footnote [1]}. 

Yes, you can get life insurance with high blood pressure. Insurers will look at how well your condition is managed and any other health factors you have. Here’s what you need to know:

• If your high blood pressure is well-managed with medication and lifestyle changes, you’re likely to get better rates. Insurers will want to see recent readings and evidence that your condition is under control.
• The severity of your high blood pressure and how consistently you manage it are crucial. Regular check-ups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can positively influence your premiums.
• Insurers will consider your overall health, including any related conditions like diabetes or heart disease. It’s essential to give them accurate answers to any questions they may have. If you don’t, your policy could be cancelled, and any claims could be denied.

If you’re ever ensure about the terms of your life insurance policy, we’re here to help. You can also visit unbiased.co.uk for help finding an independent adviser.

High blood pressure can affect your life insurance premiums, but the impact will vary depending on your insurer.

This is because high blood pressure can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, strokes, and kidney problems if not managed properly. This increases the risk of offering an insurance policy to people with hypertension, so insurers adjust their prices to take this into account.

Other factors, such as age, overall health, and lifestyle choices, also influence your premiums.

Insurers usually classify high blood pressure using the same thresholds as medical guidelines:

• Normal: Below 120/80 mmHg
• Pre-high blood pressure: 120-139/80-89 mmHg
• High blood pressure (hypertension): 140/90 mmHg or higher ^{Footnote [1]}

Insurers may ask for recent blood pressure readings and consider how often you keep within these levels.
 

Some insurers will want to take a blood pressure reading during a medical exam, although you don't always need an exam to get life insurance – you can read more about this here.

Yes, you can potentially lower your life insurance premiums by improving and managing your blood pressure.

As high blood pressure is considered to be a pre-existing condition, you will need to let your insurer know about it before you start your life insurance policy. This is an ideal time to discuss your efforts to manage and improve your blood pressure. Your insurer can provide guidance on how this might affect your premiums and what.

Reducing high blood pressure can improve your overall health and lower the risk of severe conditions like heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. It can also reduce your life insurance premiums.
Here are some effective strategies to help manage and reduce high blood pressure ^{Footnote [2]}:

• Improve your diet by reducing your salt intake and eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and wholegrains.
• Exercise regularly to strengthen your heart.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Quit smoking.
• Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga to help manage stress.

You can find more detailed guidance on lowering your blood pressure here.

High blood pressure doesn’t have to stop you from getting the right life insurance policy for you. Here’s how you can improve your chances:

• Compare different insurers, as they’ll have different policies and rates.
• Be transparent by ensuring all your health information, including details about your high blood pressure, is accurate and up to date. This honesty is crucial for getting the right coverage and avoiding issues later.
• Choose an experienced insurer who can deal with high-risk conditions like high blood pressure. These companies often provide better tailored policies and understand your needs better. For example, Aviva has extensive experience handling pre-existing conditions and, in most cases, can help you to find suitable coverage.
• Consider special plans if you’re over 50, as over 50s life insurance plans often don’t require medical exams and can be a simpler option, though they might offer lower coverage amounts. Aviva offers an Over 50 Life Insurance plan with no medical checks, providing lifelong protection.

To start exploring your options and possibly find a policy that meets your needs, visit the Aviva life insurance products page. In most cases, you can get life insurance with us even if you have medical conditions.

You can also use our life insurance calculator to help you work out how much life insurance you might need. It only takes a few minutes, but it could make a huge difference to your life insurance journey.