How Prudential Looks at High Blood Pressure for Life Insurance Rates
Prudential is one of the leading life insurance carriers and certainly one to consider. They offer competitive rates, a strong financial background, and a name you can trust.
Close to 85 million, (1 in every 3) of American adults have high blood pressure according to the CDC.
So how will hypertension or elevated blood pressure levels affect the premiums Prudential will charge?
When choosing the right insurance company, how they view your health picture is the #1 most important thing in finding the lowest rates.
How Prudential Views BP levels
Elevated blood pressure shows that heart is straining to do its normal job. This puts the heart muscle and the arteries under increased stress. This may lead to:
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
- Atherosclerosis
- Heart attack
- Vision loss
- Angina
Since life insurance companies are in the business of judging risk, Prudential will be concerned about these possible future complications and will adjust rates accordingly.
For secondary hypertension, where the underlying cause is known, such as aorta defect or kidney abnormality, that health issue will be looked at separately and factored into the health class rating that Prudential underwriting assigns. The health class, along with age, are the 2 most important factors in how much your premiums are.
Underwriters will look at average BP levels over the past 12 months. If an applicant’s readings are above the maximum thresholds, you can still get approved, but with substandard rates using what is known in the industry as table ratings.
Maximum BP levels for standard rates
| Age | Systolic | Diastolic |
|---|---|---|
| 18 to 34 | 140 | 90 |
| 35-49 | 150 | 90 |
| 50-69 | 150 | 95 |
| 70+ | 160 | 95 |
The better health classes (lower premiums) may be offered if both your systolic and diastolic levels are BELOW the listed thresholds here:
Preferred Plus:
- 130/80 up to age 49
- 135/85 for age 50+
- Cannot be on blood pressure medication
Preferred:
- 135/85 up to age 49
- 140/90 for age 50+
- Blood pressure medicine OK
Standard Plus:
- 140/90 up to age 49+
- 145/90 for age 50+
- Blood pressure medicine OK
Check out our chart that compares how multiple companies view your blood pressure levels
About Hypertension
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, means excess force is being exerted against the walls of the blood vessels. Generally speaking, normal blood pressure levels are considered to be 120 over 80. BP readings vary throughout the day so a diagnosis will typically require at least 3 separate readings using an upper-arm cuff device.
Increased blood pressure levels can be caused by smoking, being overweight, excess salt in the diet, stress, or lack of physical activity. Secondary hypertension is present in 5-10% of cases and is a result of an underlying medical cause.
If left unmanaged, it can lead to damage to the cardiovascular system and internal organs and in more severe cases to the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels which can then lead to more serious health problems such as an aneurysm.
About Prudential
Everyone knows the symbol of “The Rock” which stands for stability. Prudential is one of the most trusted and well-known companies in the insurance business. Not only are they well known, but they back up the claims of being a solid company. 3rd party agency ratings score them extremely high for financial strength and solvency.
- A.M Best rating: A+
- S&P rating: AA-
- Fitch rating: AA-
- Moody’s rating: A1
Also known as PRUCO, they have 3.7 Trillion dollars of life insurance policies in force and are the 3rd largest individual life insurer. Around since 1875, Prudential is NOT the new kid on the block.
Available life insurance products
- Term
- Universal
- Variable Universal
- Indexed Universal
Process to Obtain Life Insurance
- Discuss your situation with an independent agent. Independent agents represent multiple companies. They can suggest the best company based on your needs and health picture. There is no fee or cost for this service.
- If applicable, your agent will reach out to underwriting contacts at Prudential (or other company if better fit) ahead of time to gauge how your file will be received.
- Submit formal application with the help of your agent who will make sure to present you in the best light.
- Undergo a medical exam or possibly choose a no exam option if it makes sense.
- Receive a decision and sign policy into force.
If you’d like expert help determining if Prudential is the right company for you with hypertension, we’d be honored to help you. Please fill out a quote form with your information and we’ll be in touch to discuss options without any obligation or pressure.
The opinions in this article are based on our knowledge of the Prudential underwriting guidelines at this time. Guidelines are subject to change at any time. We are not an employee of Prudential but rather an independent agent contracted to work with them as well as 50+ other carriers. Our business is placing clients with the right company.
