What Is Considered High Cholesterol for Life Insurance?

Cholesterol, a waxy, fat-like substance in the blood, helps build healthy cells. While the body produces needed cholesterol, it also enters through animal products. High levels can become a health concern, increasing heart disease and stroke risk. This article explains how life insurers assess cholesterol and its impact on policy applicants.

Understanding Cholesterol

Cholesterol is transported through the bloodstream by lipoproteins, which are particles composed of fat and protein. A standard lipid panel typically measures four main components: total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol, contributes to fatty buildups in arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or “good” cholesterol, helps remove excess cholesterol from arteries and transports it back to the liver. Triglycerides are blood fats used for energy; high levels increase heart disease risk.

General medical guidelines suggest the following levels:
Total Cholesterol: Below 200 mg/dL (desirable); 200-239 mg/dL (borderline high); 240 mg/dL or above (high).
LDL Cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL (optimal); 100-129 mg/dL (near optimal); 130-159 mg/dL (borderline high); 160-189 mg/dL (high); 190 mg/dL or above (very high).
HDL Cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher (protective); less than 40 mg/dL (major risk factor).
Triglycerides: Below 150 mg/dL (desirable); 150-199 mg/dL (borderline high); 200 mg/dL or above (high).

How Life Insurers Evaluate Cholesterol

Life insurance companies typically require applicants to undergo a medical examination, which includes a blood test for a comprehensive lipid panel. Insurers use these results to assess an applicant’s overall health risk and determine eligibility for coverage and appropriate premium rates.

Insurers evaluate the entire lipid profile, not just total cholesterol, focusing on the balance between LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. For example, high HDL can sometimes offset moderately high total cholesterol. Insurers set their own varying thresholds for optimal, acceptable, borderline, or high cholesterol.

Cholesterol levels are assessed with other health factors to determine an applicant’s risk profile. These factors include age, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, smoking status, and family medical history of heart disease or stroke. Pre-existing conditions (e.g., diabetes) and current medications are also considered.

If an applicant takes medication, such as statins, to manage cholesterol, insurers view this favorably. Medication indicates active health management, mitigating perceived risk. This often results in a more favorable assessment than unmanaged high cholesterol.

Impact on Life Insurance Rates

An applicant’s cholesterol and other health factors directly influence life insurance costs via health classification. Insurers categorize applicants into rate classes reflecting mortality risk and determining premiums. Common classifications include Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard, and Substandard (Table Ratings).

Applicants with excellent cholesterol and good health typically qualify for the most favorable rates (e.g., Preferred Plus or Preferred). Optimal lipid levels, healthy BMI, normal blood pressure, and no significant family history of early heart disease lead to lowest premiums.

Borderline high cholesterol, if otherwise healthy, may result in Standard or Standard Plus rate classes. Premiums will be higher than Preferred classes but within an average range. A single, well-managed risk factor like borderline cholesterol might not significantly elevate premiums if other health indicators are strong.

Unmanaged high cholesterol, especially with other risk factors (e.g., obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease history), leads to higher premiums. Applicants may be placed in Standard or Substandard rate classes. Substandard ratings (“Table Ratings”) add a percentage to the standard premium (e.g., 50% for Table 2).

Improving Cholesterol for Life Insurance

Improving cholesterol levels can lead to more favorable life insurance rates. Lifestyle modifications are key to managing cholesterol. A diet low in saturated/trans fats and high in soluble fiber (e.g., oats, beans) can reduce LDL cholesterol. Incorporating healthy fats (e.g., avocados, olive oil) also improves cholesterol profiles.

Regular physical activity raises HDL cholesterol and lowers triglycerides. At least 150 minutes of weekly moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (e.g., brisk walking, cycling) improves cardiovascular health. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise supports healthy cholesterol, as excess body weight negatively impacts lipid profiles.

Consulting a healthcare provider for cholesterol management is important. If lifestyle changes are not sufficient, a doctor may recommend medication, such as statins. Adhering to prescribed regimens demonstrates proactive health management and mitigates risk, viewed positively by insurers.

If cholesterol levels improve significantly after active management, individuals may request a re-evaluation from their current insurer. Alternatively, they could apply for a new policy after sustained improvement (several months to a year). Effective cholesterol management benefits long-term health and makes life insurance more affordable.