Best Life Insurance for High-Risk Individuals in 2025 (Top 10 Standout Companies)

Top Pick for High-Risk: Nationwide

3,071 reviews

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4.0

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Company Facts

Whole Policy for High-Risk Individuals

$100/mo

A.M. Best Rating

A+

Complaint Level

Low

Pros & Cons

• Covers exotic pets (unique among insurers)
• Comprehensive wellness & illness plans
• Discounts for multiple pets

• Higher premiums than some competitors
• Some conditions have long waiting periods

» Nationwide Car Insurance Review

3,071 reviews

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Best High-Risk Stability: State Farm

18,154 reviews

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4.1

Company Facts

Whole Policy for High-Risk Individuals

$99/mo

A.M. Best Rating

B

Complaint Level

Low

Pros & Cons

• One of the largest insurance companies in the US
• High levels of customer satisfaction
• Affordable rates for people with a speeding ticket or an accident on their record
• Wide variety of discounts available
• Rideshare insurance

• High rates for drivers with poor credit scores
• No gap coverage
• Options like new vehicle replacement, vanishing deductibles, and accident forgiveness are not available

» State Farm Car Insurance Review

18,154 reviews

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Best High-Risk Policy: Liberty Mutual

3,792 reviews

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3.9

Company Facts

Whole Policy for High-Risk Individuals

$95mo

A.M. Best Rating

A

Complaint Level

Low

Pros & Cons

• Customizable coverage (Equipment Breakdown, Service Line Protection)
• Multiple discounts (bundling, claims-free, new roof)
• 24/7 claims support via phone, app, and online
• User-friendly mobile app and website
• Extended replacement cost coverage

• Higher premiums than competitors
• Mixed claims satisfaction (some delays/denials)
• Discounts vary by state

» Liberty Mutual Car Insurance Review

3,792 reviews

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Nationwide, State Farm and Liberty Mutual offer the best life insurance for high-risk individuals. Nationwide is our top overall pick for its affordable term and whole-life policies, starting from $22 monthly.

State Farm provides exceptional financial stability and competitive rates for individuals with risky professions. Liberty Mutual offers fast approval for applicants without requiring medical lab

To pick the best life insurance policy for your needs and budget, we will look at several providers and comprehend the basics of life insurance in this article.

Our Top 10 Company Picks: Best Life Insurance for High-Risk Individuals

Company	Rank	Bundling Discount	A.M. Best	Best For	Jump to Pros/Cons
	#1	20%	A+	Bundling Options	Nationwide
	#2	17%	B	Financial Stability	State Farm
	#3	25%	A	Flexible Policies	Liberty Mutual
	#4	15%	A	Member Benefits	AAA
	#5	20%	A	Personalized Support	Farmers
	#6	10%	A++	Military Focus	USAA
	#7	10%	A+	Affordable Plans	Progressive
	#8	25%	A	Risk Adaptability	American Family
	#9	5%	A+	Long-Term Stability	The Hartford
	#10	25%	A+	Customer Satisfaction	Erie

Looking for the best high-risk life insurance companies in your area? Get a free quote now by using our free comparison tool.

#1 — Nationwide: Top Overall Pick

Pros

• Low Rates for Pre-Existing Illness: Nationwide offers some of the lowest rates for customers with pre-existing conditions.
• Flexible Terms for Smokers: Nationwide offers flexible policies for smokers with high-risk profiles. Read our Nationwide insurance review to learn more about these policies.
• Comprehensive Medical History: Offers life insurance coverage to customers with compromised medical history.

Cons

• Strict Underwriting Approval: Their underwriting criteria for people with severe medical backgrounds may result in higher premiums or policy rejections.
• Limited No-Exam Policies: Those seeking coverage with minimal requirements for medical labs may not find Nationwide the best option.

#2 — State Farm: Best For Financial Stability

Pros

• Reliable Financial Ratings: Assures high-risk clients with strong financial and reliable long-term policies.
• Competitive High-Risk Jobs Life Insurance: State Farm offers affordable rates for customers in the hazardous work industry.
• Smooth Underwriting: Applicants with manageable illnesses can find their underwriting process accommodating.
• Easier Policy Viewing: State Farm now offers high-risk individuals easy life insurance navigation by using State Farm’s mobile app.

Cons

• Expensive With a Pre-Existing Illness: Applicants with a pre-existing illness or multiple severe conditions tend to be higher.
• Few Policy Customization: Applicants who want a personalized plan may choose another provider.

#3 — Liberty Mutual: Best For Guaranteed Issue Policies

Pros

• Secured Issuance of Policy: Liberty Mutual provides guaranteed issuance of policies to customers with pre-existing health conditions.
• Swift Approvals for High-Risk Individuals: Customers with complex medical backgrounds can benefit from Liberty Mutual’s fast underwriting.
• Specialized Life Insurance Policies: Applicants with chronic illness can apply for a whole-life policy that guarantees lifetime coverage and dividends.

Cons

• Expensive Coverage for Guaranteed Premiums: Guaranteed accepted policies tend to be more costly. Learn more by reading our Liberty Mutual insurance review.
• Few Limits for Coverage: Customers seeking substantial coverage may find Liberty Mutual’s options too limited.

#4 — AAA: Best For Member Benefits

Pros

• Discounted Coverage for Members: AAA policyholders can enjoy discounted premiums, making high-risk policies more affordable.
• Unrestrictive Underwriting for High-Risk Applicants: Accommodates customers with pre-existing medical conditions and risky lifestyles.
• Expert Customer Service: Helps high-risk policyholders with exploring their insurance. Know these types of insurance by reading our AAA insurance review.

Cons

• Few Policy Availability: AAA’s products and services may not be available in all US states.
• Costly Premiums for Non-Affiliates: Non-members may face rather expensive insurance coverage.

#5 — Farmers: Best For Personalized Support

Pros

• Personalized Options: High-risk individuals with specific life insurance needs can customize their plans.
• Flexible Riders: Farmers offers a variety of add-ons, like accelerated death benefits, for broader coverage. Read our Farmers insurance review to find out what else they offer.
• Top Rated Customer Support: Through expert local agents, high-risk applicants have a thorough and guided experience.

Cons

• Higher Rates for Certain Illnesses: Applicants with severe pre-existing conditions may find Farmer’s more expensive than other insurers.
• Limited Guaranteed Policies: Farmers doesn’t offer a variety of guaranteed plans, so customers often opt for another insurer.

#6 — USAA: Best For Military Families

Pros

• Tailored Policies for Military Affiliates: USAA offers special perks for personalized plans to military members, who are considered a risky profession.
• Focused on Military People: Their comprehensive plans are specialized only for all military members, their families, and veterans.
• Superior Financial Standing: Backed by A.M Best with an A++ financial rating, assuring policyholders in the long run.

Cons

• Membership Limits: USAA’s services and products are exclusive to military personnel and veterans. Read our USAA insurance review to learn more about these services.
• Expensive Premiums for Civilians: Although military hazards are covered, non-military high-risk applicants pay higher coverage rates.

#7 — Progressive: Best For Affordable Plans

Pros

• Cheap Life Insurance Plans: They are widely known for offering the most affordable rates among top high-risk life insurance carriers, even for high-risk applicants.
• Medical Exam Not Required: Progressive offers simplified policies that even high-risk applicants can apply for. Access your policy conveniently in the Progressive mobile app.
• Direct Pricing: Progressive offers straightforward rates, helping customers understand how much they spend on high-risk life insurance.

Cons

• Non-Customizable Plans: Although they are known for affordable rates, their comprehensive policy options are limited.
• Increased Risk Limitations: Some applicants with prior health illnesses may pay more or face application rejection.

#8 — American Family: Best For Risk Adaptability

Pros

• Adaptive High-Risk Plans: Their policies are made more flexible so that people in high-risk professions or customers with pre-existing illnesses can customize their plans.
• Wide Options for Add-ons: Customers can include add-ons like critical illness or disability riders, making it an excellent option for high-risk customers.
• Reliable Customer Support: Their local support agents are trained to guide high-risk applicants with their application, ensuring the best customer service.

Cons

• Not Available to Some States: American Family’s services are not readily available in some states. Read our American Family insurance review to determine if they are in your state.
• Expensive Cost for Guaranteed Policies: American Family’s premiums can be costly for customers who are looking for budget-friendly insurers.

#9 — The Hartford: Best For Long-Term Stability

Pros

• Consistent Lifetime Coverage: Some applicants with chronic illnesses may find it hard to find the best option, but they can opt for The Hartford, which offers comprehensive policy plans for customers with dreaded conditions.
• Personalized Long-Term Policies: The Hartford offers a wide range of add-ons, such as accelerated perks for high-risk applicants with unique lifestyles.
• Long-Term Financial Strength: High-risk individuals who seek reliable lifetime coverage can have peace of mind with The Hartford’s top-rated financial ratings.

Cons

• Clients with Severe Condition: Rates are expensive, especially for applicants with a dreaded pre-existing illness. Read The Hartford’s life insurance review to learn more about what they offer.
• Restricted No-Exam Plans: Individuals seeking simple life insurance coverage may find The Hartford’s options limited options for life insurance.

#10 — Erie: Best For Customer Satisfaction

Pros

• Top-Rated Customer Satisfaction: High-risk applicants don’t have to worry about the claims process because they are a top-rated service and claims handling provider.
• Affordable Prices: Erie is one of the few providers offering competitive rates for high-risk applicants. Check out how much you can save by reading our Erie insurance review.
• Reliable Financial Status: To assure clients, Erie is backed by an A+ rating from A.M. Best.

Cons

• Fewer No-Medical-Exam Policies: Applicants seeking simplified issue policies may have fewer options than other insurers.
• Regional Availability: Erie’s coverage premiums may not be available in other regions in the USA.

Understanding Best Life Insurance for High-Risk Individuals

High-risk life insurance is a broad term insurance companies apply to any policyholder who is considered more of a risk to insure. Health issues and dangerous hobbies or careers are different types of risks in insurance that can affect your life insurance rates.

You can still find the best life insurance for high-risk individuals, but you may have to shop for policies from high-risk insurance companies.

High-Risk Individuals Life Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider & Coverage Level

Insurance Company	Term Policy	Whole Policy
	$25	$75
	$22	$73
	$28	$79
	$30	$82
	$27	$80
	$29	$85
	$24	$77
	$32	$88
	$26	$78
	$27	$81

Below, we have compiled the top insurers of life insurance for high-risks and explained how you earn substantial savings based on their discounts.

Life Insurance Discounts From the Top Providers for High-Risk Individuals

Insurance Company	Available Discounts
	Member Discount, Good Health Discount, Multi-Policy Savings
	Healthy Living Credit, Multi-Policy Discount, Loyalty Discount
	Safe Driver Discount, Good Health Discount, Multi-Policy Savings
	Wellness Rewards, Non-Smoker Discount, Bundling Discount
	Bundling Discount, Non-Smoker Discount, Healthy Lifestyle Credit
	Multi-Policy Discount, Good Health Discount, Safe Driver Discount
	Multi-Policy Discount, Good Health Incentives, Lifestyle Savings
	Good Health Discount, Multi-Policy Discount, Safety Features Discount
	Bundling Discount, Safe Driving Discount, Non-Smoker Discount
	Military Service Discount, Healthy Lifestyle Credit, Family Member Discount

Use this guide to learn how to understand your life insurance policy, what high-risk life insurance providers look for, how high-risk life insurance rates are determined, and where to find affordable high-risk life insurance plans.

Factors Affecting Life Insurance Rates for High-Risk Individuals

Factors like your age, geographical location, and health condition may also significantly influence your quotes for the best high-risk life insurance. These factors directly affect your coverage premium rates, so knowing them is essential to getting quotes from top life insurers specific to your conditions and needs.

Factors Influencing Life Insurance Costs for High-Risk Individuals

To acquire the best life insurance, compare quotes, but look for carriers that deal with high-risk applicants and look for insurers offering lenient underwriting or guaranteed issue policies to ensure affordable coverage tailored to your unique needs

High-risk life insurance is coverage that’s available to individuals who are riskier to insure based on their career, hobbies, or health. Risk categories are applied to whole life, term life, and universal life insurance policies.

Life Insurance Risk Categories

Substandard applicants are considered high-risk due to a history of smoking, a family history of illness, pre-existing conditions, and more. Insurance companies examine these and other lifestyle choices to determine high-risk insurance premiums.

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When searching for a quote about high-risk life insurance policies, top insurers may also ask you to fill out certain applications where you have to declare certain pre-existing conditions or what type of work you have. These elements also greatly affect the amount of coverage you’ll pay monthly, depending on what you declare in the documents.

Factors That Make People High-Risk Applicants for Life Insurance

This table shows the top life insurance providers’ categorization of what they consider high-risk applicants who are applying for life insurance. As you can see, life insurance for high-risk occupations and other factors in the category pays higher premiums than those who don’t have pre-existing illnesses or hazardous jobs.

If you fall into one of these categories, it’s important that you get a quote from a local agent or online to ensure you get the most affordable rates for your needs and lifestyle.

How Companies Determine Life Insurance Rates for High-Risk Individuals

When you apply for life insurance, your provider will determine your level of risk. You may be considered high-risk based on your career or lifestyle choices, and your provider will charge you accordingly.

Life Insurance Monthly Rates for High-Risk Individuals State vs. U.S. Average

For example, being a smoker makes you a higher risk to insure since smoking increases the likelihood of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Statistics show that smokers die 10 years earlier than non-smokers and end up paying twice as much for high-risk life insurance. Let’s explore this table.

Monthly Term Life Insurance Rates for Smokers by Age ($100,000/10-Year Policy)

High-risk term life insurance rates for smokers can average around $27 per month for a 25-year-old male, as compared to the $11 per month some non-smokers pay in the table below.
Monthly Term Life Insurance Rates for Non-Smoker by Age ($100,000/10-Year Policy)

These life insurance rates are just averages, and your rates can vary based on your age and gender. High-risk life insurance rates are also impacted by your career and lifestyle choices, so it’s important to shop around online for insurance quotes before you buy to secure the best rates.

Read more: Best Life Insurance Policies for Smokers

Case Studies: Life Insurance Guide for High-Risk Individuals

Finding the right life insurance for high-risk individuals can be challenging, especially if you want complete protection at an affordable price.

But we’re here to help you. In order to find the best life insurance for your budget and way of life, we compiled three different case studies, each representing three different life insurance policies.

Case Study 1: Sarah’s High-Risk Term Life Insurance

Sarah is a 35-year-old individual with a history of heart disease. She wanted to secure a life insurance policy to protect her family financially. However, due to her pre-existing condition, she fell into the high-risk category for life insurance.

Sarah used an online comparison tool to gather quotes from various insurance companies that specialize in high-risk cases. After reviewing the options, she selected a term life insurance policy that provided the coverage she needed at a reasonable premium rate. Sarah was able to secure the policy and have peace of mind knowing her family would be financially protected.

Case Study 2: David’s High-Risk Whole Life Insurance

David, a 40-year-old professional firefighter, was considered a high-risk individual by insurance companies due to his occupation. David wanted a life insurance policy that provided lifelong coverage and accumulated cash value over time.

He utilized the services of an insurance agent who specialized in high-risk cases. The agent helped David navigate the underwriting process and find a whole life insurance policy that suited his needs. Although the premiums were higher than standard policies, David understood the importance of comprehensive coverage given the risks associated with his career.

Case Study 3: Lisa’s High-Risk Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

Lisa, a 50-year-old individual, had a history of cancer and was unable to find cheap life insurance due to her pre-existing condition. She decided to explore guaranteed issue life insurance, which is specifically designed for high-risk individuals who may be declined coverage elsewhere.

Lisa applied for a guaranteed-issue life insurance policy and was approved without a medical exam or extensive underwriting. While the coverage amount was limited, Lisa felt relieved knowing she had some form of life insurance protection.

Best Life Insurance for High-Risk Individuals: Tips on Buying the Right Coverage

The average cost of life insurance varies in your category. But, you’re still likely to pay more for life insurance as a high-risk individual, and shopping around online for the best life insurance for high-risk life insurance quotes is the easiest way to find affordable coverage.

We have provided an easy-to-understand guide to help you find the best life insurance for high-risk individuals.

• Assess Your Risk Level: Understand how your pre-existing conditions or lifestyle factors affect your category when applying for life insurance for high-risk individuals.
• Compare Multiple Quotes: Get quotes from several high-risk life insurance insurers to identify affordable policies that fit your needs.
• Choose the Right Policy Type: Decide whether term, whole life, or guaranteed issue is best, as high-risk term life insurance might be a more affordable option for temporary coverage.
• Be Honest in Your Application. Declare all necessary medical history. Accurate information about your health conditions is important so insurers won’t reject or deny your policy.
• Focus on High-Risk Expert Companies: High-risk customers should seek insurers offering high-risk term life insurance or policies tailored to individuals with prior health conditions.
• Improve What You Can: Manage controllable health factors, like quitting smoking or controlling blood pressure, to potentially lower premiums.
• Ask About Riders Coverage: For better protection and coverage in the long run, customers can opt for add-ons like critical illness benefits or accidental death benefits.
• Explore No-Medical-Exam Options: If your health limits traditional policies, check high-risk life insurance companies offering no-medical-exam coverage and compare costs.
• Check Financial Strength: Choose an insurer with strong financial stability to ensure claims can be paid when needed.
• Work with an Expert Agent: Reach out to an agent familiar with the policies you want to acquire, like high-term life insurance, to help you find the most affordable coverage for your needs.

Once you find a provider with quotes that fit your budget, you can contact them to discuss your coverage options and ask about any life insurance discounts you may qualify for.

Buying life insurance could be overwhelmingly difficult, but understanding your needs and options, working with high-risk life insurance companies that offer the best customer service, and being proactive should help.

If you need to find companies near you offering life insurance for high-risk people, enter your ZIP code to find affordable high-risk life insurance quotes from local companies.