Does a stomach ulcer affect life insurance rates?

A single, successfully treated ulcer often has little or no effect, especially with documented healing. Bleeding ulcers, recurrences, or alcohol-related causes are more likely to affect the offer.

What documentation helps an ulcer case?

The diagnosis date, treatment records, and any follow-up test confirming the ulcer healed. This shows the underwriter the condition is resolved.

Is heartburn medication a problem on the application?

Not usually. In the case above, the client took over-the-counter heartburn medication and still received Select Preferred.

Can you get life insurance after thyroid cancer?

Yes. Early-stage papillary thyroid cancer is often very favorably underwritten, and some carriers may offer Preferred rates.

How long after thyroid cancer treatment can you apply?

It depends on type, stage, and carrier. In the case above, the client was two years past treatment and may qualify for Preferred.

Does thyroid hormone medication affect life insurance?

Replacement hormone after thyroid removal is expected and generally isn't a concern on its own.

Impaired Risk Archives

Case Placement: Standard Rating on a $500K Term Policy With Parkinson’s Disease

September 23, 2026June 24, 2022 by Tim Fuller

Active older man hiking a mountain trail, representing impaired risk life insurance clients living fully

A Parkinson’s diagnosis usually means an automatic table rating, if a carrier will offer at all. This case came back Standard. Here’s the underwriting credit stack that made the difference.

Key takeaways

Parkinson’s affects about one million people in the U.S.; a well-controlled case looks very different to the right carrier than the diagnosis code alone.
This client’s low-dose medication with no symptom progression was the key clinical detail that mattered.
A single diagnosis doesn’t have to define the final offer when the rest of the risk profile is favorable.

A Parkinson’s diagnosis at Table 2 moved all the way to Standard once underwriting credits — controlled blood pressure, good cholesterol ratio, no tobacco use — were stacked on top of a well-controlled case.

The situation

Parkinson’s disease affects about one million people in the United States and ten million worldwide. Its cause remains largely unknown, and while there’s no cure, treatment options — including medications and surgery — can manage symptoms effectively for many patients. That clinical reality matters for underwriting, because a well-controlled case looks very different to the right carrier than a diagnosis code alone would suggest.

Our client was a 65-year-old female, a non-tobacco user, applying for $500,000 of term coverage. She had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease two years earlier and was managing it on a low dose of Sinemet daily, with no progression of symptoms. The initial underwriting assessment came back at Table 2.

Why this case improved

One of our A+ carriers takes a responsibly aggressive approach to underwriting Parkinson’s disease, willing to offer favorably on well-controlled cases that show other favorable risk factors. This client had several: controlled blood pressure, a good cholesterol ratio, routine physicals and preventative screenings, good family history, and no tobacco use in the past 10 years.

The result

After applying those credits, the underwriting offer moved all the way from a Table 2 to Standard — the best possible outcome for this client’s profile, and proof that a Parkinson’s diagnosis alone doesn’t have to define the offer when the rest of the clinical picture is strong.

Contact our underwriting team today to see how we can help you place your next impaired-risk case.

Frequently asked questions

Can someone with Parkinson’s disease still qualify for Standard life insurance rates?

In some cases, yes. A well-controlled diagnosis with no symptom progression, combined with other favorable risk factors like controlled blood pressure, good cholesterol, and no tobacco use, can move an offer from an initial table rating to Standard with the right carrier.

Why does the carrier matter so much for a Parkinson’s case?

Carriers vary widely in how aggressively they underwrite Parkinson’s disease. Some default to a table rating based on the diagnosis alone, while others, like the carrier in this case, take a more responsibly aggressive approach and give credit for a well-controlled clinical picture.

50+ Years in Business60+ Top-Rated Carriers★★★★★ Rated by Advisors

Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-23

Tim Fuller

President, SRS Inc.

Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency) connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners — with the impaired-risk and complex-case expertise to place business other IMOs and BGAs turn away.

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Underwriting Seizures and Epilepsy: Two Case Studies From Preferred to Substandard

September 23, 2026June 10, 2022 by Tim Fuller

Epilepsy and seizure history can range from a childhood diagnosis that resolved decades ago to an ongoing condition managed with daily medication — and the underwriting outcome depends heavily on which story a case actually tells. Here are two real cases that landed on opposite ends of the offer spectrum.

Key takeaways

Underwriting outcomes for epilepsy depend on seizure history, control, and time since the last episode — not the label itself.
Decades of seizure-free history since medication stopped can produce a strong offer.
The same diagnosis can land anywhere on the underwriting spectrum depending on how the case is actually documented.

A childhood epilepsy diagnosis resolved by age 20 came back Preferred; an ongoing case with five seizures a year on two medications landed at the opposite end of the spectrum.

What underwriters are actually evaluating

Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by recurring seizures, typically diagnosed after two or more seizures. Seizures result from disturbances in the brain’s electrical activity, with causes ranging from genetics to traumatic brain injury, stroke, or brain tumors — and when no specific cause can be identified, the epilepsy is termed idiopathic. Seizures themselves fall into two major groups, focal and generalized, distinguished by how and where they begin in the brain. What matters most for underwriting isn’t the label, though — it’s the seizure history, control, and time since the last episode.

Case one: childhood epilepsy, resolved by age 20

A 52-year-old male had a history of childhood idiopathic epilepsy with mild absence-type seizures that started at age eight. The condition was controlled with medication, which was stopped at age 20, and there had been no seizures since. This case came back with a Preferred offer — a strong outcome reflecting decades of seizure-free history since medication was discontinued.

Case two: ongoing seizures managed with medication

A 42-year-old male began having complex seizures at age 26. His MRI was negative, and for the past five years he had been maintained on two medications, averaging five seizures per year. He does not drink alcohol. This case came back with a Low Substandard offer, reflecting the ongoing, active nature of his seizure history compared to the first case’s decades of remission.

The takeaway

These two cases show how wide the range of outcomes can be for seizure and epilepsy histories — from Preferred to Substandard — depending on how long ago seizures occurred, how well they’re controlled, and how the full clinical picture is presented to the right carrier.

Call our life underwriting team to discuss the specific details of your client’s seizure or epilepsy history. Let’s work together to get the offer you need.

Frequently asked questions

Can someone with a history of epilepsy get a Preferred life insurance rate?

Yes, particularly when the seizures were tied to a childhood diagnosis that resolved years or decades earlier with no recurrence after medication was stopped, as in one of the cases above.

How does an active seizure history affect the underwriting offer?

Ongoing seizures, even when well-managed with medication, typically result in a substandard rating rather than Preferred or Standard, with the specific offer depending on seizure frequency, medication stability, and other clinical factors.

50+ Years in Business60+ Top-Rated Carriers★★★★★ Rated by Advisors

Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-23

Tim Fuller

President, SRS Inc.

Connect on LinkedIn →

Case Placement: Standard Rates on $3 Million After Prostate Cancer

September 23, 2026June 3, 2022 by Tim Fuller

A cancer diagnosis on an application doesn’t automatically mean a decline or a heavy rating. Here’s how one client qualified for Standard rates on $3 million of coverage six years after a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Key takeaways

A cancer diagnosis on an application doesn’t automatically mean a decline or a heavy table rating.
Time since treatment, Gleason score, and a clean follow-up PSA all factor into the underwriting outcome.
About one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, but most cases are slow-growing and highly treatable.

Six years after a prostate cancer diagnosis, an immeasurable PSA and a favorable Gleason score supported Standard rates on $3 million of coverage.

Understanding the risk profile

Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland grow out of control. Some cases grow and spread quickly, but most grow slowly, and there are often no early symptoms. Other than skin cancer, it’s the most common cancer in American men — about one in nine men will be diagnosed with it during his lifetime, but only one in 41 will die of the disease, and the average age at diagnosis is around 66. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, cryotherapy, hormonal therapy, radiation, or in some cases, watchful waiting.

The case

Our client, Fred, was 56 years old and seeking $3 million of permanent coverage. Almost six years earlier, his internist had flagged a moderately elevated PSA, and a biopsy confirmed prostate cancer. After weighing his treatment options, Fred chose surgery. The cancer was present in two areas within one side of the prostate, and his Gleason score was 6.

Why this case qualified for Standard

At a follow-up exam two months before applying, Fred had no major symptoms, and his PSA was so low it was immeasurable. Having been treated years earlier for an early-stage, moderately aggressive cancer, with no signs of recurrence since, Fred’s clinical picture supported a Standard offer rather than a table rating.

The takeaway

Time since treatment, a favorable Gleason score, and a clean follow-up PSA can add up to a much better offer than clients — and sometimes advisors — expect for a prostate cancer history. Call our life underwriting team to discuss the specific details of your client’s cancer history and coverage needs.

Frequently asked questions

Can a client with a history of prostate cancer qualify for Standard life insurance rates?

Yes, in the right circumstances. Factors like time since treatment, the original Gleason score, and a clean follow-up PSA with no signs of recurrence can support a Standard offer even years after a cancer diagnosis.

What is a Gleason score, and why does it matter for underwriting?

The Gleason score measures how aggressive prostate cancer cells appear under a microscope, on a scale that informs both treatment decisions and underwriting risk assessment. A lower score, like the 6 in this case, generally reflects a less aggressive cancer.

50+ Years in Business60+ Top-Rated Carriers★★★★★ Rated by Advisors

Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-23

Tim Fuller

President, SRS Inc.

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Family History of Cancer Doesn’t Have to Cost Your Client the Best Rate Class

September 23, 2026May 20, 2022 by Tim Fuller

A client in excellent personal health can still get pushed out of the best rate classes over something they have no control over: a parent’s or sibling’s cancer diagnosis. Here’s why that doesn’t have to be the case.

Key takeaways

Most carriers limit rate-class eligibility based on family cancer history, regardless of the applicant’s own health.
Some carriers disregard opposite-gender family cancer history entirely.
It’s worth checking a second carrier before assuming a client’s best rate class is off the table.

A couple of A+ carriers don’t underwrite family cancer history at all — meaning a client can still qualify for Best Class rates elsewhere, even with an adverse family history.

Why family cancer history usually hurts an offer

Family history of cancer can have an adverse impact on underwriting decisions, even when a client’s own personal health history is excellent. Most carriers limit which rate classes a client is eligible for when there’s a family history of cancer, regardless of how healthy the applicant themselves is.

Where the opportunity is

That’s not universal, though. A couple of A+ carriers don’t underwrite family cancer history at all, which means a client with a family history of cancer can still qualify for the full range of Preferred rate classes, including Best Class, with those carriers. Other carriers go a step further and disregard family history of opposite-gender cancers entirely — for example, a male applicant whose mother died of uterine cancer, or a female applicant whose father died of prostate cancer, wouldn’t be penalized for that history at all with those carriers.

Why this is worth checking before you quote

If a client’s family cancer history is automatically knocking them out of your default carrier’s best rate class, it’s worth checking whether a different carrier would treat that same history very differently, or ignore it altogether.

Let our underwriting team help you get the best offers for clients with a family history of cancer. Call us today.

Frequently asked questions

Can a client with a family history of cancer still qualify for Best Class rates?

Yes, with the right carrier. Some A+ carriers don’t underwrite family cancer history at all, meaning it has no impact on rate class eligibility, including Best Class.

Does family history of cancer in the opposite-gender parent still count against an applicant?

With some carriers, no. Certain carriers disregard family history of opposite-gender cancers entirely, such as a male applicant’s mother’s uterine cancer or a female applicant’s father’s prostate cancer.

50+ Years in Business60+ Top-Rated Carriers★★★★★ Rated by Advisors

Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-23

Tim Fuller

President, SRS Inc.

Connect on LinkedIn →

Case Placement: Super Standard Non-Tobacco for a Client With Pre-Diabetes

September 23, 2026May 6, 2022 by Tim Fuller

A borderline blood sugar reading two years ago could easily read as a red flag on an application. For this client, it turned into a Super Standard Non-Tobacco offer, with a path to Preferred. Here’s how.

Key takeaways

Roughly one in three American adults has pre-diabetes, and it’s often reversible with lifestyle changes.
Carriers weigh the trajectory since diagnosis, not just the diagnosis itself.
Documented lifestyle changes after a pre-diabetes finding can materially improve the underwriting outcome.

A borderline blood sugar reading from two years ago came back Super Standard Non-Tobacco, with a path to Preferred, once diet and exercise changes were documented.

Understanding pre-diabetes

In the years before Type 2 diabetes develops, most people pass through an asymptomatic condition called pre-diabetes, marked by slightly elevated fasting blood sugar and sometimes other metabolic signals like high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and excess abdominal fat. Roughly one in three American adults has pre-diabetes, and when it’s caught early, diet changes and weight loss can often head off the progression to full Type 2 diabetes entirely. One of our A+ carriers underwrites favorably on pre-diabetes cases that show a stable, well-controlled condition.

The case

Our client was a 55-year-old male, non-smoker, seeking personal coverage. He had a history of hypertension, well-controlled with medication and exercise. Two years earlier, a routine annual check-up revealed a blood sugar reading higher than normal. Follow-up testing confirmed pre-diabetes, and the client responded by adopting new diet and exercise habits.

Why this case improved

Since making those lifestyle changes, his condition had not progressed, putting him at lower risk of developing diabetes in the years ahead, provided he maintains the new habits. That trajectory, not just the diagnosis, is what carriers weigh most heavily in pre-diabetes cases.

The result

The potential underwriting outcome came back at Super Standard Non-Tobacco, with room for further improvement to Preferred through this carrier’s Healthy Lifestyle crediting program — a strong result for a case that started with a borderline blood sugar flag two years earlier.

Call our life underwriting team to discuss your client’s medical history today, and let’s work on your next success story.

Frequently asked questions

Can a client with pre-diabetes still qualify for a favorable life insurance rate?

Yes, particularly when the condition is stable and well-controlled through diet and exercise. In this case, a client with pre-diabetes and well-controlled hypertension qualified for Super Standard Non-Tobacco, with a path to Preferred.

What do underwriters look for in a pre-diabetes case?

They look at whether the condition has progressed since diagnosis, and whether the client has made lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, that reduce the risk of developing full Type 2 diabetes. A stable or improving trajectory is viewed far more favorably than the diagnosis alone.

50+ Years in Business60+ Top-Rated Carriers★★★★★ Rated by Advisors

Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-23

Tim Fuller

President, SRS Inc.

Connect on LinkedIn →

Case Placement: Standard Rate After Lap Band Surgery for Obesity

September 23, 2026April 22, 2022 by Tim Fuller

A history of obesity and bariatric surgery might sound like a table-rated case before you even open the file. This one moved from Table 2 all the way to Standard. Here’s the credit stack that got it there.

Key takeaways

U.S. obesity rates are among the highest in the world, but bariatric history alone doesn’t determine the final rate class.
Underwriting credits — blood pressure, A1c, driving record, tobacco status — can move a case significantly from its initial work-up.
The initial Table 2 assessment wasn’t the final word on this client’s offer.

A history of obesity and lap band surgery moved from an initial Table 2 all the way to Standard once optimal blood pressure, a favorable A1c, and other credits were applied.

The situation

Obesity has been increasingly cited as a major U.S. health issue in recent decades, and while many industrialized countries have seen similar increases, U.S. obesity rates are among the highest in the world. Lap band surgery — laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, an inflatable silicone device placed around the top of the stomach — is one of several bariatric procedures designed to slow food consumption and treat obesity. One of our strategic carrier providers looks favorably on this type of surgery and, with the right credits applied, will make a favorable offer.

The case

Our client was a 32-year-old female seeking $500,000 of 10-year term life insurance. Her history included a build of 5’6″ and 212 pounds, blood pressure of 120/76, and a lap band procedure two years earlier. The initial underwriting work-up came back at Table 2.

Why the offer improved

From there, several underwriting credits were applied: optimal blood pressure, lifetime non-smoker status, regular preventative care, an A1c test below 5.7, and a preferred driving record.

The result

After those credits, the final offer came back Standard — a significant improvement from the initial Table 2 assessment, and proof that a history of obesity and bariatric surgery doesn’t have to define the final rate class when the rest of the clinical picture supports a better outcome.

Our underwriting team is here to help with all of your impaired-risk cases. Contact us today — we’ll help you make the sale.

Frequently asked questions

Does a history of bariatric surgery hurt a life insurance application?

Not necessarily. Some carriers look favorably on bariatric procedures like lap band surgery, especially when combined with other favorable factors like optimal blood pressure, non-smoker status, and good A1c results.

How much can underwriting credits improve an initial table rating?

Significantly, in the right case. This client’s initial Table 2 assessment improved all the way to Standard once credits for blood pressure, non-smoker status, preventative care, A1c results, and driving record were applied.

50+ Years in Business60+ Top-Rated Carriers★★★★★ Rated by Advisors

Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-23

Tim Fuller

President, SRS Inc.

Connect on LinkedIn →

Placing Sleep Apnea Cases: Why CPAP Compliance Drives the Offer

September 25, 2026December 17, 2021 by Tim Fuller

Sleep apnea shows up on a lot of applications, and it can swing an offer from Preferred to a decline. The surprise for many advisors is that severity at diagnosis matters less than what the client did about it afterward.

Key takeaways

Underwriters focus on treatment compliance and follow-up, not just how severe the apnea was at diagnosis.
Severity is measured by the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI): 5–14 mild, 15–30 moderate, over 30 severe.
A 66-year-old with severe sleep apnea (AHI 78) but consistent CPAP use received Preferred Non-Smoker on $500K of term.

Severe sleep apnea with an AHI of 78 — and the client still got Preferred Non-Smoker, because he used his CPAP every night.

What sleep apnea means for underwriting

Sleep apnea restricts oxygen to vital organs during sleep. Untreated, it’s linked to heart arrhythmias, stroke, and diabetes, which is why underwriters take it seriously. Common symptoms include daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and loud snoring, and many people don’t realize they have it until a sleep study.

How severity is measured

Diagnosis usually follows an overnight sleep study. Severity is scored by the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), the number of breathing interruptions per hour:

5–14: mild
15–30: moderate
Over 30: severe

CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is the usual treatment. Dental appliances and surgery are alternatives, and follow-up sleep studies are often recommended to confirm treatment is working.

Why compliance matters more than severity

The strongest predictor of a good offer is documented, consistent treatment. A client with severe apnea who uses CPAP nightly and follows up with their doctor can do far better than a client with moderate apnea who stopped treatment. Lack of compliance or missed follow-up is a common reason for heavily rated offers and declines.

Case study: severe apnea, Preferred offer

66-year-old male applying for $500,000 of term coverage
Lifetime non-smoker, 6’4” and 220 lbs
Hypertension well controlled on amlodipine; high cholesterol well controlled on pravastatin
2016 sleep study showed severe obstructive sleep apnea, AHI 78; CPAP started
Well controlled, no symptoms, consistent nightly CPAP use

Underwriting decision: Preferred Non-Smoker.

How to present a sleep apnea case

Ask the client for their CPAP compliance data (most machines record nightly usage) and any follow-up sleep study. Include both with the application or send them to us for a pre-screen, so the carrier sees proof of control from the start.

Frequently asked questions

Can you get Preferred rates with sleep apnea?

Yes. Clients with well-controlled sleep apnea and documented treatment compliance can qualify for Preferred with some carriers, even when the original diagnosis was severe.

What documents help a sleep apnea application?

The original sleep study, any follow-up study, and CPAP compliance records showing consistent nightly use. These show the underwriter the condition is controlled.

What happens if my client stopped using their CPAP?

Non-compliance is one of the most common causes of rated offers and declines. It’s worth having the client resume treatment and build a compliance record before applying, and asking us which carriers are most flexible in the meantime.

50+ Years in Business60+ Top-Rated Carriers★★★★★ Rated by Advisors

Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-25

Tim Fuller

President, SRS Inc.

Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.

Connect on LinkedIn →

How underwriters assess asthma

Asthma causes temporary narrowing of the airways, with symptoms like wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Underwriters want to know how severe it is and how well it’s controlled. The key test is spirometry, a lung function test reported as a percentage of predicted values. Results of 80% or greater are generally considered normal.

Criteria that can support a Preferred offer

One of our carriers may consider Preferred for asthmatic clients who meet all of these:

No tobacco use
No asthma hospitalizations in the last five years, and no other significant ailments
Normal spirometry for FVC (forced vital capacity) and FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in one second)
Treatment limited to as-needed inhaled bronchodilators, brief courses of corticosteroids, or low-dose medication
No time off work or school due to asthma
No underwater or high-altitude avocations
All other standard Preferred criteria met

What pushes an asthma case toward a rating

Recent hospitalizations or ER visits, daily oral steroid use, abnormal lung function, tobacco use, and asthma that interferes with work are the most common reasons for a rated offer. Knowing these in advance lets you set expectations and choose the right carrier.

How to prepare the case

Ask the client for recent spirometry results and a medication list, and note any hospitalizations with dates. Our Underwriting Team can pre-screen the details and tell you which carrier is likely to be most favorable before you submit.

Frequently asked questions

Does asthma increase life insurance premiums?

Not always. Mild, well-controlled asthma with normal lung function may qualify for Preferred with some carriers. Severe or poorly controlled asthma is more likely to be rated.

What is spirometry and why does it matter?

Spirometry measures how much air the lungs can hold and how quickly it can be exhaled. Results of 80% or more of predicted values are generally normal and support a better offer.

Do scuba diving or mountain climbing affect an asthma case?

They can. Some carriers require no underwater or high-altitude avocations to consider Preferred for an asthmatic client.

50+ Years in Business60+ Top-Rated Carriers★★★★★ Rated by Advisors

Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-25

Tim Fuller

President, SRS Inc.

Connect on LinkedIn →

The situation

Why this case improved

The result

Frequently asked questions

Tim Fuller

We’re Here to Help

What underwriters are actually evaluating

Case one: childhood epilepsy, resolved by age 20

Case two: ongoing seizures managed with medication

The takeaway

Frequently asked questions

Tim Fuller

We’re Here to Help

Understanding the risk profile

The case

Why this case qualified for Standard

The takeaway

Frequently asked questions

Tim Fuller

We’re Here to Help

Why family cancer history usually hurts an offer

Where the opportunity is

Why this is worth checking before you quote

Frequently asked questions

Tim Fuller

We’re Here to Help

Understanding pre-diabetes

The case

Why this case improved

The result

Frequently asked questions

Tim Fuller

We’re Here to Help

The situation

The case

Why the offer improved

The result

Frequently asked questions

Tim Fuller

We’re Here to Help

What sleep apnea means for underwriting

How severity is measured

Why compliance matters more than severity

Case study: severe apnea, Preferred offer

How to present a sleep apnea case

Frequently asked questions

Tim Fuller

We’re Here to Help

How underwriters assess asthma

Criteria that can support a Preferred offer

What pushes an asthma case toward a rating

How to prepare the case

Frequently asked questions

Tim Fuller

We’re Here to Help

What gastric ulcers are

What underwriters look for

Case study: Select Preferred on $1 million

How to prepare the case

Frequently asked questions

Tim Fuller

We’re Here to Help

About thyroid cancer

What underwriters look at

Case study

How to prepare the case

Frequently asked questions

Tim Fuller

We’re Here to Help

Tim Fuller