Same-Day Approval — No Doctor Visits
No Medical Exam Life Insurance
Get covered without a physical exam, blood draw, or doctor visit. Answer a short set of health questions and receive a decision the same day — often within minutes.
What Is No Medical Exam Life Insurance?
No medical exam life insurance — also called simplified issue life insurance — lets you apply for coverage without undergoing a physical examination. There are no blood draws, no urine samples, no EKGs, and no doctor visits required.
Instead of a medical exam, the insurer asks a short series of health questions on the application — typically 3 to 15 questions about your medical history, current conditions, and recent treatments. Your answers determine whether you qualify and which benefit tier you receive.
This makes simplified issue an excellent middle ground: more affordable than guaranteed issue (no-questions-asked) policies, yet far more accessible than traditional life insurance that requires full medical underwriting.
The Three Simplified Issue Plan Types
Most no-medical-exam final expense carriers offer two or three benefit tiers based on your health answers. Understanding these tiers helps you know what to expect before you apply.
Level Benefit
Full death benefit from day one. No waiting period. Reserved for applicants in good health who answer 'no' to all knockout questions.
Graded Benefit
Partial benefit in years 1–2, full benefit from year 3 onward. For applicants with some health history who don't qualify for level but aren't high-risk.
Modified Benefit
Return of premium plus interest in years 1–2, full benefit from year 3. For applicants with more serious health history who still qualify for simplified issue.
What Health Questions Will You Be Asked?
Every carrier's application is different, but most simplified issue final expense policies ask questions in these categories. Answering 'yes' to certain questions may move you to a graded tier or disqualify you from that carrier — but not necessarily from all carriers.
Terminal & Serious Illness
Terminal illness diagnosis, hospice care, HIV/AIDS
Heart & Circulatory
Heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure, pacemaker
Cancer
Cancer diagnosis or treatment in the past 2 years (some carriers ask 5 years)
Lung & Respiratory
COPD, emphysema, oxygen use, chronic bronchitis
Kidney & Liver
Dialysis, kidney failure, cirrhosis, hepatitis
Neurological
Alzheimer's, dementia, ALS, Parkinson's disease
Diabetes Complications
Insulin use, diabetic neuropathy, amputation due to diabetes
Mobility & Independence
Confined to wheelchair, nursing home, or assisted living facility
Having one or more of these conditions doesn't automatically disqualify you. Many carriers have different lookback windows (2 years vs. 5 years) and different definitions. As an independent broker, I compare multiple carriers to find the one most favorable to your specific health profile.
Who Qualifies for No Medical Exam Coverage?
Simplified issue final expense insurance is designed for seniors who have some health history but are not in the most serious health categories. You're likely a good candidate if:
How the Application Process Works
Review Your Health History
Before applying, we'll go over your health history together so I can identify which carriers are most likely to approve you at the best tier — level, graded, or modified.
Complete the Short Application
The application takes 10–15 minutes. You'll answer health questions, provide beneficiary information, and choose your coverage amount. No exam scheduling required.
Receive an Instant Decision
Most simplified issue carriers return an approval decision within minutes of submission. Some may take 24–48 hours if additional review is needed.
Policy Issued and Coverage Begins
Once approved, your policy is issued and coverage begins immediately (level benefit) or your waiting period starts (graded/modified). You'll receive your policy documents by mail.
Locked-In Rate for Life
Your premium is fixed at the rate quoted on your issue date. It will never increase regardless of future health changes, and your coverage cannot be cancelled as long as premiums are paid.
Sample Monthly Premiums for $15,000 Coverage
Simplified issue premiums are significantly lower than guaranteed issue because the carrier takes on less risk. The table below shows approximate monthly rates for a $15,000 level benefit policy.
| Age Range | Female (Monthly) | Male (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| 50–54 | $38–$50 | $48–$64 |
| 55–59 | $46–$60 | $58–$78 |
| 60–64 | $56–$74 | $72–$96 |
| 65–69 | $68–$90 | $88–$118 |
| 70–74 | $86–$114 | $112–$150 |
| 75–79 | $112–$148 | $148–$196 |
| 80–85 | $148–$196 | $196–$260 |
Rates are estimates for level benefit tier. Graded and modified tiers are higher. Actual premiums depend on your age, state, health tier, and carrier. Contact us for an accurate quote.
Simplified Issue vs. Guaranteed Issue
If you're deciding between simplified issue (no medical exam) and guaranteed issue (no health questions), here's how they compare:
| Feature | Simplified Issue | Guaranteed Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Health Questions | 3–15 questions | None |
| Approval | Most applicants qualify | Everyone qualifies |
| Waiting Period | None (level) or 2 years (graded) | Always 2–3 years |
| Monthly Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Coverage Amount | Up to $40,000+ | Typically $25,000 max |
| Best For | Moderate health conditions | Serious/disqualifying conditions |
Top Simplified Issue Carriers
These carriers consistently offer competitive simplified issue rates, flexible underwriting, and strong financial stability for final expense coverage.
Mutual of Omaha
A+ (Superior)Age Range
45–85
Max Coverage
$40,000
Industry-leading underwriting flexibility; one of the most lenient on diabetes and heart conditions
Foresters Financial
A (Excellent)Age Range
50–85
Max Coverage
$35,000
Member benefits included; competitive rates for seniors with controlled health conditions
United American
A (Excellent)Age Range
45–85
Max Coverage
$50,000
Preferred carrier; competitive rates with no medical exam required
Royal Arcanum
NR (Fraternal)Age Range
0–80
Max Coverage
$25,000
Preferred carrier; fraternal member benefits included with no medical exam
Aetna/CVS Health
A (Excellent)Age Range
40–89
Max Coverage
$35,000
Widest age range available; strong brand recognition and claims reliability
Royal Neighbors
A- (Excellent)Age Range
50–80
Max Coverage
$30,000
Favorable underwriting for COPD and respiratory conditions
AM Best ratings current as of 2024. Carrier availability and underwriting guidelines vary by state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. Many carriers accept Type 2 diabetes without complications, especially if it's well-controlled with oral medication. Insulin use is more restrictive but some carriers still offer level benefit coverage. Type 1 diabetes with complications is more challenging but graded or modified benefit options are often available.
Timing matters. Most carriers have a 2-year lookback window — if your heart attack or stroke was more than 2 years ago and you've recovered, you may qualify for level benefit coverage. Within the 2-year window, graded or modified benefit is more likely. Recent events (within 6–12 months) may require guaranteed issue.
It varies by carrier — typically 3 to 15 questions. Some carriers use a very short application (3–5 questions) that focuses only on the most serious conditions. Others ask more detailed questions to offer better rates to healthier applicants. I'll match you with the carrier whose questions best fit your health profile.
Yes — if you answer 'yes' to certain knockout questions (terminal illness, dialysis, current cancer treatment, etc.), you may be declined by that carrier. However, being declined by one carrier doesn't mean you're out of options. As an independent broker, I work with multiple carriers and can find alternatives, including guaranteed issue if needed.
Most simplified issue carriers return a decision within minutes of submitting the application electronically. Some may take 24–48 hours if the application triggers a secondary review. Either way, the process is far faster than traditional life insurance, which can take 4–8 weeks.
Simplified issue is the underwriting method (no medical exam, short health questions). Final expense insurance is the product category (whole life designed to cover end-of-life costs). Most final expense policies use simplified issue underwriting — so the terms are often used interchangeably, though they technically describe different things.
Find Out Which Plan Tier You Qualify For
As an independent broker, I'll review your health history, compare multiple carriers, and tell you exactly which tier you qualify for — before you commit to anything. No pressure, no obligation.