Impaired risk underwriting
Impaired risk life insurance for people with health conditions
SRS has specialized in hard-to-place life insurance for more than 50 years. We shop each case to the carriers most likely to say yes, then fight for the best rate class.
In short: a health condition rarely means “no.” Carriers view the same condition very differently, so a client declined or table-rated by one company may qualify for Standard or better with another. The difference comes from knowing each carrier’s underwriting niches, presenting the medical story well, and using upgrade and credit programs. Whether you need coverage yourself or you are an advisor with a hard case, SRS shops impaired risk life insurance quotes with the carriers most likely to approve it.
Conditions we help place
Impaired risk underwriting guides by condition
Each guide explains what underwriters look for and what offers are realistic.
Heart and circulation
Diabetes and blood sugar
Cancer history
Weight, sleep and breathing
How we place hard cases
How impaired risk underwriting works at SRS
Field underwriting
We gather the right medical details up front so quotes reflect reality.
Shop the case
Informal inquiries go to several carriers at once to find the best fit.
Tell the story
A strong cover letter and records give underwriters reasons to say yes.
Negotiate and improve
We push for credits, upgrades and reconsideration when an offer falls short.
Strategy guides for advisors
- Table ratings priced off Standard Plus
- Carrier upgrade programs
- Conditions that can still get Preferred
- Where some carriers say yes
- How we place declined cases
- Standard after three carrier declines
- The underwriting cover letter
- What to include in a health history
- Documenting health improvements
- Wellness credits
Recent case results
Hard cases we have placed
Heart attack history
Declined by one carrier, placed at Standard with another.
Read the case →Prostate cancer
Great offers are possible after prostate cancer.
Read the case →Standard non-tobacco
Three carrier declines turned into a Standard offer.
Read the case →Case results describe past placements and are not a guarantee of future offers.
Who you’ll work with
Tim Fuller
President, SRS Inc. · Littleton, Colorado
SRS has helped advisors place life, disability, long-term care and annuity cases for more than 50 years, with a focus on impaired risk underwriting and advanced planning. When you send a case, you work directly with our team, not a call center.
Get help with a case
Get an impaired risk life insurance quote
Advisors get a free case pre-screen from our underwriting team. Individuals can talk directly with Tim Fuller.
For advisors
Send us your case
Share the condition, age and face amount. We will tell you which carriers are most likely to approve it and at what class.
Want a full illustration? Use the life insurance quote request.
For individuals and families
Talk to Tim
Tell Tim about your health history and what you need. He will personally compare carriers for you. No cost, no pressure.
Or call 303-309-3471
FAQ
Impaired risk life insurance questions
What is impaired risk life insurance?
Impaired risk life insurance is coverage for people with a health condition, medical history or lifestyle factor that makes carriers rate them above standard or decline them. The same client can get very different offers from different carriers, so shopping the case with an underwriting specialist often produces a much better result.
Can you get life insurance with a pre-existing condition?
Usually, yes. People with diabetes, heart disease, cancer history, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and many other conditions are approved every day, sometimes at Standard or better. Results depend on how well the condition is controlled, treatment history and which carrier reviews the case.
How do I get an impaired risk life insurance quote?
Individuals can use the Talk to Tim form on this page or call 303-309-3471. Tim reviews your health history and compares carriers for you at no cost. Advisors can send the case for a free pre-screen or submit a full life insurance quote request. The more detail you share about the condition, treatment and medications, the more accurate the quote.
Can I get life insurance after being declined?
Often, yes. Carriers view the same condition very differently, so a decline from one company does not mean every company will say no. An underwriting specialist can shop the case informally to the carriers most likely to approve it before a new formal application. For step-by-step help, read our guide Declined for life insurance? What to do next.
What is a table rating?
A table rating is an extra charge added to the standard premium for higher-risk applicants, usually in steps of about 25% per table. Some carriers price table ratings off a better base class or offer programs that improve the rating by one or more tables.
Does an informal inquiry affect my client?
An informal inquiry lets carriers review a case before a formal application. It helps you learn which carriers are most favorable without collecting multiple formal declines. SRS shops informal inquiries to several carriers at once.
Is there a cost for an SRS pre-screen?
No. Advisors can send a case for a free pre-screen, and individuals can talk with Tim Fuller at no cost.
Case results describe past placements and are not a guarantee of future offers. Underwriting decisions are made by each carrier. Reviewed by Tim Fuller, President of SRS Inc.