A decline doesn’t mean you’re uninsurable. Our licensed agents can review your situation and match you with companies that specialize in cases just like yours.
Why Life Insurance Applications Get Declined
Life insurance applications can be declined for many reasons, and receiving a denial doesn’t necessarily mean you’re uninsurable. Insurers evaluate risk differently, and a decline is often based on a single factor that may not apply with another company. Common reasons include certain health conditions, elevated height/weight/BMI, abnormal results from recent medical tests, or a history of tobacco or substance use. Sometimes even your prescription history can trigger concerns, since insurers use it as part of their underwriting review.
Other factors that can result in a life insurance denial include high-risk hobbies (such as flying, scuba diving, or rock climbing), a hazardous occupation, or issues with your driving record, like recent DUIs or frequent violations. Many people are surprised to learn that declines often occur for reasons that are temporary or can be resolved. Understanding why life insurance was denied is the first step toward finding a policy that fits your situation — because in most cases, a decline from one insurer doesn’t mean you won’t be approved somewhere else.
What to Do Right After a Decline (Step-by-Step Guide)
Being declined for life insurance can feel discouraging, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Many people who are denied by one insurer get approved by another, and the steps you take right after the decision can make a huge difference in your chances of getting covered. Here’s a simple guide on what to do if declined life insurance so you can move forward with confidence.
Follow these steps after a life insurance denial:
- Don’t panic — a decline doesn’t mean you can’t get coverage. Insurers evaluate risk differently, and another company may approve you.
- Request the reason for the decline, including your MIB report or underwriting notes, so you understand what triggered the decision.
- Review your application for errors or missing information that may have caused confusion during underwriting.
- Work with an independent broker who can shop multiple insurers, including companies that specialize in higher-risk cases.
- Avoid reapplying immediately unless a professional advises it — repeated declines can make approval more difficult.
These life insurance denial steps help you avoid unnecessary delays and increase your chances of finding a policy that fits your health and financial profile.
Apply With a Different Type of Life Insurance
Many people are declined simply because they applied for the wrong kind of life insurance — not because they’re uninsurable. Different policy types have different underwriting requirements, and choosing one that matches your health or risk profile can make approval much easier. Exploring alternative life insurance options can open the door to coverage even after a denial.
Here are policy types that may still approve you:
- Simplified Issue Life Insurance: No medical exam, just a few health questions — often enough for many applicants who were previously declined.
- Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance: No exam and no health questions; approval is guaranteed for eligible ages, making it one of the best options after a decline.
- Final Expense Insurance: Smaller coverage amounts with easier approval, ideal for seniors or those seeking coverage for funeral and end-of-life costs.
- Accidental Death Insurance: Almost instant approval since it covers accidental death only; useful for immediate protection while applying for traditional coverage.
These guaranteed issue life insurance after decline alternatives give you practical paths to securing coverage even when traditional policies aren’t an option.
Protect Against the Unexpected
Fix Temporary Issues
Before Reapplying
Many life insurance declines are based on temporary factors rather than long-term health concerns. If your application was denied due to a recent medical event or a short-term change in your health, you may simply need time before trying again. Understanding whether your situation is temporary can help answer the common question: “Can I reapply for life insurance after being denied?” In many cases, improving or stabilizing your health over the next few months can significantly increase your likelihood of approval.
Temporary issues that may lead to a decline include recent hospitalizations, uncontrolled blood pressure, newly prescribed medications, high A1C levels, or even a recent DUI. Insurers often want to see consistent improvement before reconsidering an application. Waiting 3–12 months gives your health — and your insurability — time to stabilize, making it more likely you’ll qualify for a policy with affordable rates when you reapply.
When to Reapply, and When Not To
After a decline, timing matters just as much as the type of policy you apply for. Reapplying too quickly can lead to more declines, which makes approval even harder in the future. In some cases, it’s better to pause, review your options, and let underwriting notes “cool off” before trying again.
You should not reapply if:
- You were just declined and nothing has changed in your health or lifestyle
- Your broker warns that another application could hurt your chances
- The insurer requested waiting periods due to medical tests or recent issues
You may consider reapplying when:
- Health concerns have improved or stabilized
- Temporary issues (like blood pressure, A1C, medications, hospital stays) have resolved
- Enough time has passed for underwriting notes to become less relevant (often 3–12 months)
Taking the time to reapply strategically helps you avoid multiple declines and improves your chances of securing coverage at a reasonable rate.
What to Do If You Were Declined: FAQs
Why would a life insurance application be declined?
Insurers may decline an application due to:
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Serious or uncontrolled medical conditions
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High-risk occupations or hobbies
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Recent hospitalizations or surgeries
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Poor medical exam results
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High-risk prescription history
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Financial or criminal concerns
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Misrepresentation on the application
Each insurer evaluates risk differently, so one decline doesn’t mean all companies will say no.
Does being declined mean I can never get life insurance?
Not at all. Many people who are declined by one company later get approved by another. Different insurers have different underwriting guidelines, and high-risk specialists often find solutions.
What should I do immediately after being declined?
Take these steps:
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Request a copy of the underwriting decision to understand why.
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Review your medical records for errors or outdated information.
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Work with an independent agent who can shop multiple insurers.
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Consider alternative policy types (simplified issue, guaranteed issue, group life, etc.).
Understanding the reason is the key to finding your next option.
Can I appeal a life insurance denial?
Yes. If the decline was based on outdated or incorrect information, you can request a reconsideration or provide updated medical records. Appeals can overturn declines if there was a misunderstanding or missing information.
What alternative life insurance options exist after being declined?
Common fallback options include:
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Guaranteed Issue Whole Life Insurance (no health questions)
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Simplified Issue Life Insurance (no medical exam, fewer questions)
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Accidental Death Life Insurance
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Group life insurance through an employer
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Final expense policies
These may offer coverage even with high-risk medical histories.
How long should I wait before reapplying?
It depends on the reason for the decline. You may want to wait:
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6–12 months after improving health markers
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2–3 years after certain medical events (heart attack, stroke, cancer treatment)
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Immediately, if the decline was based on correctable application issues
Your agent can advise the ideal timeline.
If my medical exam caused the decline, can I take another one?
Yes. If your results were affected by temporary conditions such as:
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Stress
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Infection
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Medications
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Dehydration
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Smoking or caffeine before the exam
A retest with another insurer may lead to a different outcome.
Can improving my health help me qualify later?
Absolutely. You may qualify for approval in the future by:
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Lowering blood pressure
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Reducing cholesterol
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Achieving a healthier weight
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Quitting smoking or vaping
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Managing diabetes or other chronic conditions
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Following doctors’ recommendations
Improvements can dramatically change underwriting results.
Will other insurers see that I was declined?
Possibly. Many insurers use the Medical Information Bureau (MIB), which records applications, medical codes, and declines. However, this does not prevent approval — it simply helps insurers verify information.
Does being declined hurt my credit score or finances?
No. Life insurance declines do not impact credit scores and do not affect other financial products like loans or mortgages.
Can I get life insurance without answering health questions?
Yes — guaranteed issue policies provide coverage with:
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No medical exam
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No health questions
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Guaranteed approval
These policies have lower coverage limits but are ideal for high-risk individuals.
Should I disclose that I was declined when reapplying?
Yes. Applications ask whether you’ve been declined or rated in the past 5 years. Always answer honestly — withholding information could lead to another decline or policy cancellation.
Can I keep the reason for my decline private?
Yes. Only insurers and authorized agents have access to underwriting data. Your employer, credit bureaus, or banks will not know unless you choose to disclose.
What if I was declined due to mental health conditions?
Many insurers have more flexible underwriting for:
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Anxiety
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Depression
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PTSD
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Situational stress
A decline with one company does not mean another company will deny you. Specialists often know which insurers are more lenient.
Is it still worth trying to get life insurance after being declined?
Absolutely. Even if you were declined once, you still have many options. Most people eventually secure coverage through:
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A different insurer
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A different policy type
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Improved health
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Simplified or guaranteed issue plans
Coverage is almost always possible with the right strategy.
