Can You Get Life Insurance If You Have Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, or Anxiety? (Texas-Specific Guide)
Live in Texas with diabetes, high blood pressure, or anxiety? Here's what to know about qualifying for life insurance—and how to get approved.
The short answer? Yes, you can absolutely get life insurance in Texas if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or anxiety.
These conditions are more common than people think—and many Texans are approved for affordable policies every day. The key is knowing how insurance companies view these conditions, how to apply the right way, and where to go for help if you've been denied before.
Let’s walk through what to expect and how to get coverage without unnecessary stress.
Life Insurance and Health Conditions: What Texas Residents Should Know
Texas has one of the highest rates of chronic health conditions in the country. Diabetes, hypertension, and anxiety are part of everyday life for millions of people here—and insurance companies know that.
Good news: You don’t need perfect health to get covered.
But your rates and approval odds can depend on things like:
- Your diagnosis and when it started
- How well it's managed
- Medications you take
- Lifestyle factors like smoking or alcohol use
- Your age and family history
If you’re taking care of your health and following your doctor’s advice, you have a strong chance of being approved—often with standard or even preferred rates.
How Life Insurance Companies View Each Condition
1. Diabetes (Type 2 and Type 1)
Diabetes doesn’t automatically disqualify you. In fact, many Texans with diabetes qualify for term or whole life insurance—sometimes without a medical exam.
What insurers look at:
- Type of diabetes (Type 2 is easier to insure)
- A1C levels (usually under 7.0 is considered well-controlled)
- Medications and treatment plan
- Complications (kidney issues, vision problems, etc.)
- Smoking status (being tobacco-free really helps)
Tip: If you're diagnosed later in life and maintain healthy numbers, you're much more likely to get affordable rates.
2. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
This is one of the most common conditions insurance companies see—especially in Texas. If it’s managed well, it usually won’t affect your ability to get approved.
What matters most:
- Your current readings (below 140/90 is considered stable)
- Whether you're on medication
- Whether it's combined with other conditions like heart disease or obesity
- Lifestyle (diet, weight, exercise habits)
Many Texans with high blood pressure still qualify for standard or better rates, especially if they’re consistent with their treatment.
3. Anxiety or Depression
Mental health is no longer the automatic red flag it used to be. Today, insurers understand that anxiety and depression are medical conditions—like anything else.
Here’s what they'll consider:
- Severity (mild vs. severe)
- Frequency of episodes
- Hospitalizations or suicide attempts
- Medications prescribed
- If you're stable, functioning well, and attending therapy or check-ins
If you’ve been diagnosed with mild to moderate anxiety or depression and you’re managing it with therapy or prescriptions, you can still qualify for traditional policies in Texas.
What Type of Policy Makes Sense If You Have Health Conditions?
Term Life Insurance
This is the most affordable option, and many Texans with these conditions qualify. It covers you for 10–30 years and works well for income replacement, mortgage protection, or family support.
Whole Life Insurance
If you want lifetime coverage, this could work—but expect higher premiums. Still, it’s a good option if you're looking to leave a guaranteed legacy or cover funeral costs.
Final Expense Insurance
If you’ve been declined for traditional coverage or your health is harder to insure, final expense (also called burial insurance) offers smaller coverage amounts—$10,000 to $50,000—with no medical exam required. Perfect for older adults or those with multiple health issues.
What to Expect During the Application Process
Here’s what usually happens in Texas:
- Health Questionnaire
You’ll be asked about your medical history, prescriptions, and lifestyle. Answer honestly—insurers use third-party data to confirm your responses. - Medical Exam (Sometimes Skipped)
Many policies today are “no-exam” if your records look good and you’re under a certain age. But if you’re applying for a larger policy, a short physical may be required. - Underwriting Decision
You’ll be given a rate class (preferred, standard, or substandard) based on how well your conditions are controlled.
Working with an agent familiar with Texas underwriting can help match you to companies more lenient with certain conditions.
What If You’ve Been Denied in the Past?
Don’t give up.
Many people get denied simply because they applied to the wrong type of policy or used a one-size-fits-all online application. If you’ve been told “no” before, that doesn’t mean you can’t get covered—it just means you need a different strategy.
I work with multiple carriers across Texas, and some are more flexible than others when it comes to health history. We can look at:
- Simplified issue policies
- Guaranteed issue options
- Layering small policies instead of one large one
Final Word
Having diabetes, high blood pressure, or anxiety doesn’t mean you have to go without life insurance in Texas.
With the right plan—and the right agent—you can still protect your family, cover your final expenses, and leave something meaningful behind.
Let’s get you covered—without the runaround.