The short answer
This guide answers the most common questions about term life insurance with high blood pressure.
How much term life insurance do I need? It is the first question most people ask, and the answer is easier to find than it seems. Start with what your family would need to pay off or replace, then subtract what you already have.
This guide walks through a simple method and shows how to match the term to the need.
Part of our complete guide: Term Life Insurance: The Complete Guide.
Quick answer
Count debts, the mortgage, years of income and future costs. Subtract savings and existing coverage, including group life at work. Use separate policies if needs end at different times.
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Term life insurance with high blood pressure: what affects the cost of term life insurance?
- Age at purchase. The younger you are, the lower the rate for the whole term.
- Health and history. Conditions, medications and family history affect your rate class.
- Tobacco and nicotine. Usually one of the biggest price factors.
- Coverage amount. More coverage costs more, though the cost per thousand often drops at higher amounts.
- Term length. Longer terms cost more per year.
- Riders. Optional add-ons raise the premium.
- Carrier. Pricing differs between insurers for the same person.
Because insurers weigh these factors differently, comparing several carriers is the simplest way to find a fair price.
How life insurance is taxed
Life insurance death benefits are generally income-tax-free to the beneficiary. That is one reason life insurance works well for a goal like paying off a mortgage: the amount your family receives is generally the amount they can use.
There are exceptions. Interest paid on a benefit that is held and paid out over time can be taxable. Very large estates can owe estate tax, and a policy you own counts toward your estate. Policies that were sold or transferred for value can also lose some of the tax benefit.
Tax rules change and every situation is different. For anything beyond the basics, talk with a tax professional. We can explain how a policy works, but we do not give tax or legal advice.
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A worked example
Say you're 34 with a $150,000 mortgage balance and 16 years left, $19,000 in other debts, and an income of $55,000. Here's one simple way to size coverage:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mortgage balance | $150,000 |
| Other debts | $19,000 |
| 4 years of income | $220,000 |
| Total to consider | $389,000 |
In this example, a 20-year term would outlast the loan (it ends around age 54). Your own numbers will differ; use this as a starting point and adjust for savings, other coverage and future costs like school.
Is term life right for you?
Often a good fit
- Parents with children at home. Homeowners with a mortgage. Anyone whose income supports others. People who want a lot of coverage at a lower price.
Maybe not the right fit
- People who need coverage for life, such as for final costs or estate planning. People who want cash value they can use later. In those cases, permanent coverage may fit better.
How to get covered in 3 steps
- Check your rate. Pick your state and answer a few quick questions about the coverage you want.
- Compare carriers. A licensed agent compares term life insurance options from several insurers and explains the trade-offs.
- Apply and get covered. Many applications take one phone call. Coverage starts once the policy is issued and the first premium is paid.
