How to tell if you should get guaranteed acceptance life insurance.

You want to provide for your loved ones when you are no longer around, which is exactly what a life insurance policy can help you do. But it’s important to know the types of considerations life insurance providers focus on in determining the best life insurance coverage to offer an applicant — not only to help you determine which policy best suits your needs and meets your financial objectives, but also to understand how specific circumstances are considered. Educating yourself on the life insurance approval process can help alleviate the worry you may have about being denied coverage.

Common Health Reasons Life Insurance Coverage May Be Declined

Some life insurance applicants may be denied a policy for common health reasons such as obesity, high blood pressure readings, abnormal laboratory values, and chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, Parkinson’s, liver disease, chronic kidney disease and behavioral health concerns. It’s important to note that what matters most when considering whether to accept or decline an applicant for life insurance coverage is the severity of these conditions.

Reasons AAFMAA May Decline an Applicant

At AAFMAA, we can accept the majority of the mild to moderate risks above, declining only a limited number of cases deemed as "severe.” Some other reasons for declining an applicant may be issues such as alcoholism, drug use, criminal history and motor vehicle violations to name a few., and risk-taking activities (e.g., participating in extreme sports).

When initially underwriting prospective applicants, we take the position of presuming those applicants are in excellent health with no significant health problems or impairments. If there are health impairments, however, our underwriters review the condition, its past and current status, treatment received, medical prognosis, and several other factors that can affect the condition.

How AAFMAA Makes Acceptance and Premium Decisions

As a nonprofit, our philosophy is that each person insured pays an appropriate premium rate commensurate with their individual risk. We use evidence-based underwriting to determine this risk and the decision to decline a policy is never taken lightly. AAFMAA makes every effort to ensure we support the needs of our Membership.

If you are concerned that you will be denied for life insurance because you have a severe medical condition, you may want to consider applying for one of AAFMAA’s guaranteed acceptance life insurance policies — Guaranteed Acceptance+ or Final Expense+. This can be a good way to establish coverage that protects your family while you evaluate your eligibility for other underwritten products with an AAFMAA life insurance expert. That way, if you qualify for an underwritten product, you could switch to a different one and potentially get more coverage or a lower rate. But if you don’t qualify, you can still be assured your family is protected.

While AAFMAA may decline a policy on certain grounds, other insurers may have different criteria, so if you are declined either by us or another insurer, that doesn't necessarily mean you can't obtain coverage elsewhere. Keep looking for the solution that is right for you.

AAFMAA Is Here to Help

Looking to provide reliable financial security for your family? Consider AAFMAA's military life insurance, benefits, and financial solutions. Contact a Membership Coordinator today at 888-521-4145, select option 2, then option 2 again to discuss your coverage options.