Nerdy takeaways
- Simplified issue life insurance requires you to complete a health questionnaire, but there’s no medical exam.
- Coverage can begin the day you apply.
- Simplified issue policies typically have lower death benefits and higher premiums than traditional policies.
When you’re buying a life insurance policy, you may need coverage that begins right away, but full underwriting can take weeks to complete. Simplified issue life insurance is an option for people who need immediate coverage.
However, that convenience comes at a cost. You’ll often pay higher premiums and receive a lower death benefit than you’d get through a standard life insurance policy.
What is simplified issue life insurance?
A traditional life insurance policy requires a medical exam and may take four to eight weeks to be placed in force. Simplified issue life insurance is a type of life insurance that bypasses the typical underwriting process. This abbreviated application process allows you to buy a policy quickly.
With simplified issue life insurance, you’ll skip the life insurance medical exam and lab tests. Instead, you’ll provide some basic information including your age, address, occupation, height and weight. You’ll also usually have to answer a health questionnaire.
You can apply online, by phone or in person through a life insurance agent or broker. Usually, you’ll find out immediately whether your application has been approved or denied. If approved, you can typically have your policy in force that same day.
Simplified issue life insurance: Key facts
Costs More expensive than life insurance policies that require a medical exam.
Benefits You can shop, apply for and buy a life insurance policy online.
Who it's best for Healthy adults who want life insurance coverage quickly.
Types of simplified life insurance
Simplified issue underwriting is available for most types of life insurance. This includes term life, whole life and even some types of universal life insurance.
Did you know...
Only a quarter of U.S. adults say they would purchase a policy entirely online, according to the 2025 Insurance Barometer Study by LIMRA, a life insurance research group. » MORE: Types of life insurance
How does simplified issue life insurance work?
When you apply for a simplified issue policy, the insurance company will base its decision on the information you’ve provided. But carriers also use third-party reports to determine your eligibility, such as:
MIB reports
Your file with the MIB, a database for insurers, shows whether you’ve applied before for individual life insurance.
It also shows applications for health insurance, disability insurance and long-term care insurance from the last seven years. This includes details about whether you've been rejected for coverage.
It also shows applications for health insurance, disability insurance and long-term care insurance from the last seven years. This includes details about whether you've been rejected for coverage.
Prescription drug history
Insurers check databases that access your prescription drug history.
The databases compile records from health insurance companies, pharmacies and health care providers.
Motor vehicle and other records
Insurance companies will check for DUIs, suspended driver’s licenses and speeding tickets when you apply.
Some companies also use internet searches and phone interviews to verify information. The use of criminal background screenings and medical billing data is becoming more common, as well.
Answering “yes” to a question that indicates a health condition doesn’t necessarily disqualify you. But if your answers are inconsistent with third-party information collected, your life insurance application might get flagged for further review.
For example, say you have no history of heart disease. However, if your prescription records show you take medication for a heart condition, the insurer might ask you to take a medical exam.
Who’s eligible for simplified issue life insurance?
Simplified issue life insurance is available to people up to age 85, although age restrictions vary by carrier. You’ll often qualify for a higher death benefit if you’re in the range of 16 to 60 years old.
Unlike with guaranteed life insurance, however, you can be rejected for simplified issue insurance. If you have a serious health condition or a dangerous profession or hobby, your application could be denied or referred to an underwriter.
How much simplified issue coverage can you get?
When you apply for a simplified issue policy, your insurer has less information about your health and risk factors than if you took a medical exam. That makes you riskier to insure from an insurer’s perspective. As a result, simplified issue policies generally have lower death benefits than traditional policies.
Though some insurers offer as much as $500,000 in coverage, most simplified issue term policies offer coverage ranging from $100,000 to $250,000. Customers older than 55 are frequently limited to $100,000.
Simplified issue permanent life insurance for older adults is often designed for final expenses. For this reason, it offers lower death benefits. Many simplified issue whole life insurance policies have maximum death benefits between $25,000 and $50,000.
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How much does simplified issue life insurance cost?
Simplified issue life insurance tends to be on the pricey side because it’s sold to older people and typically doesn’t require a medical exam. This means insurers don’t have a complete picture of the person they’re covering.
The rates go up with age, so try to buy simplified issue life insurance as soon as you know you need it. Below are sample rates for simplified issue policies at various coverage amounts.
| Coverage amount | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age | $10,000 | $15,000 | $20,000 | ||
| 50 | $31 | $44 | $57 | ||
| 60 | $43 | $63 | $83 | ||
| 70 | $70 | $103 | $136 | ||
| 80 | $134 | $200 | $265 | ||
| Source for monthly rates: Choice Mutual. Data reflects the lowest three rates for each age averaged, and is valid as of May 13, 2026. | |||||
| Coverage amount | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age | $10,000 | $15,000 | $20,000 | ||
| 50 | $24 | $35 | $45 | ||
| 60 | $33 | $47 | $62 | ||
| 70 | $53 | $78 | $102 | ||
| 80 | $98 | $145 | $192 | ||
| Source for monthly rates: Choice Mutual. Data reflects the lowest three rates for each age averaged, and is valid as of May 13, 2026. | |||||
Simplified issue life insurance pros and cons
Advantages of simplified issue life insurance
- Simplified issue life policies don’t require a medical exam or bloodwork.
- If your application is approved, coverage can begin the same day.
- You can typically buy more coverage than you’d get through a guaranteed issue policy.
Disadvantages of simplified issue life insurance
- You may qualify for lower premiums and more coverage through a traditional policy.
- Your application may be rejected if you have preexisting health conditions, a dangerous job or high-risk hobbies.
Is simplified issue life insurance worth it?
A simplified issue policy may be worth it if you’re in relatively good health and you need your policy to be in force right away. For example, if you’re a new parent seeking coverage, you may not want to wait several weeks for coverage to begin. Or if you’ve been ordered by a court to obtain life insurance as part of a child support agreement, you may need your policy to be in force immediately.
If you need coverage fast, you could buy a temporary policy while you wait for a traditional life insurance application to be approved. But if you have dependents and you can't take the time for a medical exam, buying simplified issue life insurance can be worth it.
Alternatives to simplified issue life insurance
Simplified issue life insurance is worth exploring when you have an immediate life insurance need, but it’s not the only option. Here are some alternatives to consider.
- Buy temporary life insurance to avoid a coverage gap. The applications for temporary coverage and simplified issue life insurance are similar. You’ll only need to complete a basic questionnaire. But once you obtain temporary life insurance, you’ll typically have around 90 days to complete a medical exam for your permanent policy. Insurers often limit your temporary coverage to the amount you’ve applied for up to $1 million.
- Undergo full underwriting. Going through the standard underwriting process takes time, and the medical exam can be intimidating. But it could save you money on premiums, especially if you’re young and in good health.
- Get group life insurance through your employer. If your employer offers group term life insurance, you can usually obtain coverage at little to no cost, without a medical exam or answering health questions. The death benefit is usually capped at one or two times your salary. You may have the option to purchase additional coverage, although you might need to provide health information or undergo an exam.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
Most group policies aren’t “portable.” This means you won’t be allowed to keep your coverage if you leave your job. Find the right life insurance plan for you
Make sure you and your loved ones are covered - compare customized life insurance quotes from our partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between simplified issue and guaranteed issue life insurance?
A guaranteed issue policy is a type of life insurance that accepts anyone, with no medical exam or health information required. A simplified issue life policy offers a streamlined application process, but coverage isn’t guaranteed. You’ll need to answer questions about your medical history when you apply.
Can I get life insurance without a medical exam?
You can get both simplified issue life insurance and guaranteed issue life insurance with no exam. However, an exam may help you lower your premiums and qualify for more coverage if you’re young, healthy and don’t engage in risky activities.
Does simplified whole life insurance build cash value?
As with any whole life policy, simplified issue whole life insurance will build cash value. But because these policies are often intended specifically for final expenses, the cash value is minimal compared with traditional whole life policies.
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- 1. LIMRA. Beyond the Basics: Why Human Advice Still Wins in Life Insurance. Accessed May 22, 2026.
- 2. MIB. MIB: Request your MIB consumer file. Accessed May 22, 2026.
- 3. Cornell Law School, Legal Information Institute. Group life insurance. Accessed May 19, 2026.
