Guaranteed issue life insurance is designed for people who may have difficulty qualifying for traditional coverage and generally requires no medical exam or extensive health questions.
Guaranteed issue life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that is generally available without a medical exam and with few or no health questions.
Because acceptance is typically easier, coverage amounts are often smaller and premiums may be higher than traditionally underwritten life insurance.
Many guaranteed issue policies also include a graded death benefit or waiting period during the first years of coverage.
Why Consider Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance?
Easier Qualification
Coverage may be available even if health conditions make traditional life insurance difficult to obtain.
No Medical Exam
Choose a term that matches the years when your family or finances may need the most protection.
Permanent Coverage
Policies are typically designed to remain in force for life as long as required premiums are paid..
Explore Guaranteed Issue Options
Level Benefit
Coverage that provides the full death benefit once applicable policy conditions are satisfied.
The table below can be used to compare sample monthly premiums.
Rates updated: 2026
Age
Sex
$5,000 Coverage
$10,000 Coverage
$20,000 Coverage
50
Male
$—
$—
$—
50
Female
$—
$—
$—
60
Male
$—
$—
$—
60
Female
$—
$—
$—
70
Male
$—
$—
$—
70
Female
$—
$—
$—
80
Male
$—
$—
$—
80
Female
$—
$—
$—
Disclaimer: Rates shown are sample monthly premiums for general comparison purposes only. Actual premiums vary by age, sex where permitted, coverage amount, state, policy structure and insurer. Waiting periods or graded death benefits may apply.
What Affects the Cost of Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance?
Age
Premiums generally increase as the applicant gets older.
Benefit Structure
Level and graded death benefits can have different pricing.
Policy Type
Final expense and other guaranteed issue products can vary in cost and features.
coverage Amount
Larger death benefits generally result in higher monthly premiums.
Waiting Period
Policies with waiting periods may be structured differently from immediate-benefit coverage.
Insurer
Pricing and policy limits can differ significantly between insurance companies.
Who May Consider Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance?
Guaranteed issue coverage may be worth considering if traditional life insurance is difficult to qualify for.
Common Reasons
Serious health conditions
Previous life insurance declines
Difficulty completing medical underwriting
Need for smaller permanent coverage
Funeral and burial expenses
Limited existing life insurance
Preference for a simpler application process
Benefits and Things to Consider
Benefits
No medical exam
Few or no health questions
Easier qualification
Permanent coverage
Simple application process
Things to Consider
Smaller coverage amounts
Higher cost per dollar of coverage
Waiting periods may apply
Graded death benefits are common
Healthy applicants may find less expensive alternatives
Guaranteed Issue vs. Other Life Insurance
Term Life
Provides coverage for a selected period and is generally designed primarily for death-benefit protection.
Guaranteed issue policies generally have broad eligibility requirements, but age and state restrictions can still apply.
Usually no medical exam is required.
Many guaranteed issue policies have few or no health questions.
A waiting period can limit the full death benefit during the first few years of coverage for non-accidental death.
Coverage amounts are typically smaller than traditional life insurance policies.
It often costs more per dollar of coverage because the insurer accepts applicants with limited medical underwriting.
Most guaranteed issue policies are permanent and can remain in force as long as required premiums are paid.
Not exactly. Guaranteed issue is an underwriting method, while final expense refers to the intended use and smaller coverage amounts. Some final expense policies use guaranteed issue underwriting.
Related Life Insurance Options
Whole Life Insurance
Explore permanent coverage with lifelong protection and cash value features.
