Part of our guide: Impaired Risk Life Insurance Underwriting by Condition →
Many advisors assume any health condition knocks a client out of the top rate classes. With the right carrier, a surprising number of common conditions can still qualify for Preferred or even Preferred Plus.
Key takeaways
- Mild, resolved, or well-controlled conditions often have far less effect than clients expect.
- Preferred Plus may be possible with a single resolved episode of anxiety or depression, mild asthma, uncomplicated osteoporosis, or some non-melanoma skin cancers.
- Preferred may be possible with well-controlled anxiety or depression on one medication, or epilepsy with no seizures in five years and no medication.
A single, resolved episode of anxiety or depression, with no current medication, may still qualify for Preferred Plus.
Conditions that may still qualify for Preferred Plus
- Anxiety, depression, or mood disorder: one episode lasting under a year, recovered, no current medication.
- Asthma: mild exercise-induced or seasonal asthma. More on asthma underwriting.
- Osteoporosis: with no complications.
- Some skin cancers: basal cell, superficial squamous cell carcinoma, or a single atypical or dysplastic mole, with no family history of melanoma and well-documented dermatology follow-up.
Conditions that may still qualify for Preferred
- Anxiety, depression, or mood disorder: current, well controlled on a single medication.
- Epilepsy: no seizures for more than five years and no medication. See two epilepsy case studies.
- Moles: up to three atypical or dysplastic moles, no personal or family history of melanoma, with favorable dermatology follow-up.
Why the carrier matters
These are niche guidelines at specific carriers, not industry-wide rules. The same history might be Standard at one company and Preferred Plus at another. Our Underwriting Team tracks these niches so you can place each case where it’s treated best.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone on antidepressants get Preferred life insurance?
Possibly. Some carriers may offer Preferred for well-controlled anxiety or depression treated with a single medication.
Does a basal cell skin cancer affect life insurance rates?
Often very little. Some carriers may still offer Preferred Plus with documented dermatology follow-up and no family history of melanoma.
Can a person with epilepsy get Preferred rates?
With some carriers, yes, if there have been no seizures for more than five years and no current medication.
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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