While those who are already in possession of Life Insurance assert that having the policy makes them feel secure, those who do not put forth reasons like they are unable to afford it, though some definitely feel no interest towards the service as they see no advantage in it. In other words; they don’t like it and want nothing to do with it.

However, for those who have the capability and are sensible enough to get Life Insurance, proper information is needed so you don’t step on a landmine. After all, as wise as getting Life Insurance might be, rushing into it unprepared is not. There are many rules and guidelines to follow, and many requirements and hurdles you have to get over.

Here is a compiled list therefore, of reasons why you might be denied Life Insurance so you may apply them to your own case and help you avoid them.

Risk Factors

Life Insurance companies usually consider medical history, height and weight, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and other particulars that presents an occupational hazard. High blood pressure and cholesterol levels, driving record, foreign travel and recreational activities such as high-risk sports are other factors taken into account.

 A critical illness or recent hospitalization may also be considered a major risk factor when a person applies for a Life Insurance policy. Insurance companies use all these information to determine rates and terms of a policy. They also use them to determine if you should be given one or not.

Pre-existing Conditions

You can be denied Life Insurance for a number of different pre-existing conditions. If the condition is not serious, an insurance company may offer you coverage but charge a higher premium. Also, insurers may offer you a policy but limit the amount of coverage for which you are eligible.

Underwriting guidelines

Many insurance carriers will deny you coverage if you have ever had cancer. Other companies will consider your application if at least 12 months have passed since your were last treated for cancer. And while one insurer may consider your weight to be normal for your height, another company may decide that you are overweight and deny you coverage or require a higher premium. The good news is that some insurance underwriters are willing to reconsider the significance of a potential risk factor after receiving additional information from the applicant’s own physician.

Catch 22

You can apply to multiple insurers if one denies you coverage, but most applications ask whether insurers have turned you down in the past. Since you are required to answer yes if that is the case, this immediately raises a red flag to any previous medical problems you may have.

However, if you can prove that you are currently healthy, you should be able to find an insurance company willing to issue you a Life Insurance policy. A good underwriter will put more weight on your current health status than on past medical records that may no longer be of any consequence.

Exceptions

In some cases, insurers allow exceptions but at higher premium rates and a number of exclusion on causes of death. This puts policyholders in a precarious position as it only provides partial protection. People with heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and sometimes epilepsy are commonly rejected.

Medical Exam

Most companies require a routine medical exam when applying for life insurance. The insurance company will hire its own physician or medical technician to perform the exam. Now even though hiding certain medical conditions is impossible, there are steps you can take to prevent the worst results that will lead to a denial of Life Insurance. Avoid consuming salty foods, don’t drink alcohol, don’t take medications and definitely don’t take drugs.