One of the most common calls Glenn Hubbard receives goes something like this: "I have diabetes — can I even get life insurance?" Or: "I had a heart attack two years ago. Is there any point in applying?"

The answer, in most cases, is yes. And the rate may be more affordable than you expect.

If you have a health condition and you have been putting off life insurance because you assume you will be declined or quoted an unaffordable rate, this article is for you.

When you apply for life insurance, the carrier's underwriters review your health history and assign you a rate class. Rate classes typically run from Preferred Plus (the best rates, for exceptionally healthy applicants) down through Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard, and then into substandard ratings — often expressed as "table ratings" (Table 1 through Table 8 or higher).

A table rating means you pay more than the standard rate. Table 2 is typically 150% of standard. Table 4 is 200%. Table 8 is 300%. For some conditions, carriers add a flat extra premium per $1,000 of coverage rather than a table rating.

Here is the critical point: different carriers underwrite the same condition very differently. One carrier may rate a well-controlled Type 2 diabetic at Table 4. Another may offer Table 2. A third — one that specializes in impaired risk cases — may offer standard rates if the diabetes is well-managed with good A1C numbers and no complications.

Without an independent broker who knows how each carrier approaches specific conditions, you may end up paying Table 4 rates when Table 2 — or even standard — was available to you.

Diabetes is one of the most common health conditions Glenn encounters. The underwriting outcome depends heavily on:

• Type 1 vs. Type 2: Type 1 is generally rated more conservatively than Type 2.
• A1C levels: Well-controlled diabetes (A1C under 7.0) is viewed very differently than poorly controlled diabetes (A1C above 9.0).
• Duration: How long you have had the diagnosis matters.
• Complications: Neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, or cardiovascular complications significantly affect the rating.
• Medications: Oral medications vs. insulin affects some carriers' underwriting.

A Type 2 diabetic in their 50s with a well-controlled A1C, no complications, and a healthy weight can often qualify for coverage at a reasonable rate. The informal inquiry process allows Glenn to shop your profile across carriers before any formal application is submitted.

Heart conditions cover a wide spectrum — from a single stent procedure with full recovery to congestive heart failure. Underwriting outcomes vary accordingly.

Key factors carriers evaluate:

• Type of event: Stent, bypass surgery, heart attack, arrhythmia, valve replacement
• Time since the event: Most carriers require a waiting period of 12–24 months post-event before they will consider an application
• Current cardiac function: Ejection fraction, stress test results, current medications
• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, weight, exercise, diet

Many Houston residents who have had cardiac events assume they are uninsurable. In many cases, they are not — particularly if the event was several years ago, they have made lifestyle changes, and their current cardiac function is good.

Hypertension is extremely common and, when well-controlled, often has minimal impact on life insurance rates. Carriers look at:

• Current blood pressure readings (ideally below 140/90)
• Whether it is controlled with medication
• Duration of the condition
• Any associated complications (kidney disease, stroke history)

Well-controlled hypertension on a single medication often qualifies for standard or near-standard rates with the right carrier.

Cancer underwriting depends almost entirely on the type of cancer, the stage at diagnosis, the treatment received, and the time since treatment ended.

• Low-risk cancers (basal cell skin cancer, early-stage thyroid cancer, certain early-stage prostate cancers) may have minimal impact on rates, especially with several years of clean follow-up.
• Higher-risk cancers (breast, colon, lung, melanoma) typically require a waiting period of 5–10 years post-treatment before standard coverage is available, depending on the stage and carrier.
• Some cancers may result in a decline from traditional carriers, in which case guaranteed issue or graded benefit policies may be the only option.

Weight is a factor in life insurance underwriting, but it is rarely a disqualifying factor on its own. Carriers use height/weight tables to assign rate classes. An elevated BMI may result in a table rating, but many carriers are more lenient than others. The informal inquiry process identifies which carriers are most competitive for your specific height and weight.

Glenn regularly places coverage for Texas residents with:

• COPD and respiratory conditions
• Kidney disease (early-stage)
• Depression and anxiety (well-controlled)
• Sleep apnea (treated with CPAP)
• Stroke history
• Hepatitis C (successfully treated)
• HIV (select carriers now offer coverage)

For anyone with a health condition, the informal inquiry is the single most important step in the life insurance process.

Before submitting a formal application, Glenn can confidentially shop your health profile — including your specific condition, medications, and relevant test results — to multiple carriers. This process:

• Does not appear on your MIB (Medical Information Bureau) record
• Does not trigger an inquiry on your insurance history
• Gives you a clear picture of which carriers will offer coverage and at what rate class — before anything is put in writing

This matters because a formal application that results in a decline or a high table rating does appear on your MIB record, which can affect future applications. The informal inquiry protects your insurability while you find the right carrier.

For individuals with very serious health conditions who cannot qualify for traditional underwritten coverage, guaranteed issue and graded benefit policies provide an option.

• Guaranteed issue: No medical questions, no exam. Everyone who applies within the eligible age range is accepted. Coverage amounts are typically limited to $25,000–$50,000, and premiums are higher per dollar of coverage.
• Graded benefit: A limited death benefit during the first two years (typically return of premium plus interest), with the full benefit available after the waiting period.

These products are not ideal — the cost per dollar of coverage is high — but for someone who cannot qualify for traditional coverage, they provide a meaningful option for final expense coverage.

Glenn Hubbard has been placing impaired risk life insurance for Texas residents since 1994. He knows which carriers are most competitive for specific health conditions, and he uses the informal inquiry process to protect your insurability while finding your best option.

The process is straightforward and confidential. There is no obligation and no pressure.

Call or text Glenn at (713) 927-5969.

Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Office: 4801 Woodway Drive, Suite 300E, Houston, TX 77056 TX License # 824845