Heart disease increases the cost of life insurance
For American Heart Month, we are taking a closer look at premium rates for both males and females with heart conditions. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S. and, according to Policygenius data, those with a history of specific heart conditions have higher monthly premiums than applicants with no serious medical conditions. What's more, these pricing disparities increase with age.
A review of quotes for $1 million policies from February 2021 shows that men see a bigger price difference as they get older. On average, a 25-year-old male with a heart condition will pay $63.24 more a month than a healthy 25-year-old for the same amount of coverage. Meanwhile, a 55-year-old male with a heart condition will pay $311.95 more than his healthy counterpart.
Any applicant, whether healthy or having a medical condition like heart disease, should shop around to find cost-effective coverage for their specific health profile.
U.S. monthly averages as of February 1, 2021
Term life insurance for people with heart conditions
The chart below shows average monthly premium prices for a 20-year term life insurance policy for individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD) and a history of high blood pressure (where current readings are 150/100 mm Hg) that is managed via daily medication, with a health classification of either Standard or Preferred (classifications vary by insurer); quotes are based on the Policygenius Life Insurance Price Index Methodology.
Age / Sex | $250K coverage amount | $500K coverage amount | $1M coverage amount |
|---|---|---|---|
25 year old female | $35.43 | $59.97 | $111.21 |
25 year old male | $43.82 | $75.09 | $139.49 |
35 year old female | $45.28 | $79.77 | $146.53 |
35 year old male | $54.00 | $95.10 | $179.82 |
45 year old female | $91.24 | $167.18 | $319.91 |
45 year old male | $123.14 | $229.26 | $441.04 |
55 year old female | $201.32 | $373.51 | $720.99 |
55 year old male | $292.14 | $538.07 | $1043.14 |
Month-over-month pricing analysis
Changes in price for smokers and nonsmokers
No major changes were reported from January to February for most applicants without medical conditions, though some older applicants saw premium increases. For example, 55-year-old female smokers purchasing a $1 million policy saw the biggest jump of $23.21 in monthly premium rates.
U.S. monthly averages as of February 1, 2021
Term life insurance for non-smokers
The chart below shows average monthly premium prices for a 20-year term life insurance policy for non-smokers in a Preferred health classification; quotes are based on the Policygenius Life Insurance Price Index Methodology.
Age / Sex | $250K coverage amount | $500K coverage amount | $1M coverage amount |
|---|---|---|---|
25 year old female | $14.10 | $21.41 | $35.58 |
25 year old male | $17.03 | $27.37 | $46.43 |
35 year old female | $16.39 | $25.63 | $44.32 |
35 year old male | $18.75 | $30.68 | $53.91 |
45 year old female | $28.26 | $48.69 | $88.66 |
45 year old male | $35.01 | $62.15 | $116.5 |
55 year old female | $60.84 | $111.96 | $213.33 |
55 year old male | $84.09 | $157.38 | $295.53 |
U.S. monthly averages as of February 1, 2021
Term life insurance for smokers
The chart below shows average monthly premium prices for a 20-year term life insurance policy for smokers in a Preferred health classification; quotes are based on the Policygenius Life Insurance Price Index Methodology.
Age / Sex | $250K coverage amount | $500K coverage amount | $1M coverage amount |
|---|---|---|---|
25 year old female | $35.04 | $61.31 | $114.27 |
25 year old male | $43.15 | $75.90 | $140.27 |
35 year old female | $45.61 | $81.41 | $149.41 |
35 year old male | $53.01 | $95.82 | $180.77 |
45 year old female | $91.28 | $170.16 | $325.65 |
45 year old male | $120.20 | $229.24 | $442.70 |
55 year old female | $201.81 | $384.73 | $740.36 |
55 year old male | $285.79 | $544.14 | $1045.97 |
Methodology: The prices displayed above are based on internal actuarial rate tables for 11 life insurance carriers that offer policies through the Policygenius marketplace (AIG, Banner Life, Brighthouse, Lincoln Financial, Mutual of Omaha, Pacific Life, Principal, Protective, Prudential, SBLI and TransAmerica). The prices represent the average monthly life insurance premium for each sample customer profile (age, gender) and policy type (term, coverage amount) as of February 1, 2021. Monthly averages are based on 11 products available through Policygenius for the indicated profile; rates for those products may vary by state, and not all 11 products are available in all states. Individual rates may vary, depending on age, gender, state, health profile, and other eligibility criteria. The index is updated each month.
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