Part of our guide: Impaired Risk Life Insurance Underwriting by Condition →
Adverse family history can cap a client’s rate class, but not always. Two carrier rules often surprise advisors: family history may be ignored for older applicants, and gender-specific cancers in a parent of the opposite sex may not count.
Key takeaways
- Some carriers don’t consider family history at all once the applicant is over 65.
- Gender-specific cancers, such as prostate cancer in a father, may not count against an applicant of the opposite sex.
- Two applicants with significant family history both received Preferred Best.
Both parents died of heart disease and cancer by 60 — and at 67, the client still got Preferred Best.
Rule 1: family history after 65
Some carriers stop considering family history once the proposed insured is older than 65, since the client has already outlived the risk period.
- 67-year-old male, 5’10”, 190 lbs
- Blood pressure averaging 140/84; total cholesterol 218, ratio 4.6
- Father died at 45 of a heart attack; mother died at 60 of breast cancer
- No other adverse history
Decision: Preferred Best. Family history had no bearing because of his age.
Rule 2: gender-specific cancers
Some carriers don’t count gender-specific cancers against an applicant of the opposite sex.
- 42-year-old female, 5’3”, 154 lbs
- Blood pressure 130/80 and cholesterol 220 (ratio 4.2), both treated with medication
- Father died at 59 of prostate cancer
Decision: Preferred Best. Her father’s prostate cancer didn’t affect her rating.
Know the rules by carrier
Family history rules vary widely. Our Underwriting Team can match clients to the carriers whose rules favor them. See also family history of heart disease and family history of cancer.
Frequently asked questions
Does family history matter for life insurance after 65?
At some carriers, no. They stop considering family history once the applicant is over 65.
Does my father’s prostate cancer affect my life insurance?
For female applicants, some carriers don’t count gender-specific cancers of the opposite sex.
How much does family history affect life insurance rates?
It can limit the best rate classes, but rules vary widely by carrier, age, and the specific conditions.
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.
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