High Risk Life Insurance: Why You’re Not Actually Uninsurable

Being told you’re “high-risk” for life insurance feels like a door slamming shut. Perhaps you’ve heard that people with health conditions or dangerous jobs can’t get coverage. The truth is quite different from what most Canadians believe.

High risk life insurance exists specifically for people whose circumstances make traditional coverage more challenging. Your health condition, the work you do, or even your weekend hobbies might put you in this category. Yes, you’ll likely face higher premiums and a more detailed application process. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get life insurance.

The insurance companies aren’t offering you a different type of policy. Instead, they adjust how they price standard coverage to account for your specific situation. These adjustments typically mean premiums that cost 25% to 200% more than standard rates, depending on your individual risk factors.

It might seem overwhelming when you first hear those numbers. But consider this: being labelled as high-risk doesn’t mean you’re uninsurable.

Understanding what insurance companies consider “high-risk” can help you find the right coverage for your situation. They generally look at three main areas: your habits, your hobbies, and your occupation. With workplace fatalities and cancer diagnoses affecting thousands of Canadians each year, many people find themselves in high-risk categories through no choice of their own.

We’ll explore why high-risk doesn’t mean hopeless, what options you actually have, and how you can improve your chances of getting the protection your family needs.

Why being high-risk doesn’t mean you’re uninsurable

Many Canadians assume that being labelled “high-risk” means automatic rejection. You might think insurance companies will simply turn you away if you have diabetes, work in a dangerous job, or enjoy extreme sports.

This isn’t how it actually works.

Insurance companies rarely reject applicants outright. Instead, they adjust their terms based on what they learn about you during the application process. Think of it as customising the policy to fit your specific situation rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach.

The difference between risk and rejection

Insurance underwriters don’t make simple yes-or-no decisions about your application. They evaluate where you fit on a spectrum of risk levels, then assign you to a rating category that determines your premium costs.

These ratings typically start with “preferred plus” for the healthiest applicants, move down to “standard,” and then continue to various substandard ratings. Each category comes with its own pricing structure. This system allows insurance companies to offer coverage to nearly everyone, just at different price points.

Consider a few examples of how this works in practice. Someone with controlled Type 2 diabetes might receive a standard rating with a 30% premium increase. A backcountry skier, on the other hand, might face a flat extra charge of $50 per $1,000 of coverage. These adjustments reflect calculated risk rather than rejection.

For those worried about health-based rejection, non-medical life insurance provides another route. These policies skip the medical exam whilst still offering substantial coverage options.

Real examples of high-risk applicants who got coverage

Here are some actual cases that show how persistence and the right approach can lead to coverage:

A 45-year-old helicopter pilot with high blood pressure initially had his application declined. Rather than giving up, he worked with a broker who specialised in high-risk cases. The broker found an insurance company comfortable with his combination of occupation and medical history, securing him term coverage.

Another example involves a woman who enjoys ice climbing and wilderness camping. Despite these high-risk activities, she obtained coverage by accepting a rider that excluded death resulting from these specific pursuits. It was a reasonable compromise that still protected her family financially.

Even extreme cases can find solutions. A man with a history of heart attack and diabetes received a guaranteed issue policy. Yes, his premiums were higher than standard rates, but the coverage provided essential protection for his family.

The key point here is simple: consult multiple insurance companies before assuming rejection. Canadian insurers vary dramatically in how they assess specific risks. What one company considers too risky, another might find acceptable with the right premium adjustment.

What makes someone high-risk for life insurance?

You might wonder where exactly you fit in the insurance world. Do your health challenges automatically put you in the high-risk category? What about your weekend rock climbing or that job on the oil rigs?

Insurance companies look at several factors when they assess your risk level. Understanding these categories can help you prepare for the application process and know what to expect.

Health conditions that raise concerns

Six out of every ten adults live with at least one chronic illness. If you’re dealing with a health condition, you’re certainly not alone.

Insurance companies pay close attention to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. They also consider mental health conditions (depression and anxiety), sleep disorders, kidney disease, and cancer history. HIV status is another factor they evaluate carefully.

How well you manage your condition matters more than you might think. Consider someone with controlled Type 2 diabetes who follows their treatment plan religiously. They might face a 50% premium increase but still get coverage. Someone with recent cancer treatment, on the other hand, might need to wait five years before qualifying for traditional coverage.

The key difference is stability and management of your condition.

Dangerous occupations

Your job matters to insurance companies. Commercial fishing, timber logging, and oil rig work rank among Canada’s most dangerous professions. If you work underground in mines, on construction sites, or with heavy machinery, insurance companies take notice.

The physical dangers are obvious. Fall risks, equipment accidents, and exposure to hazardous materials all increase the likelihood of workplace injuries or fatalities. Insurance companies price their policies accordingly.

High-risk hobbies and activities

Do you spend weekends backcountry skiing or ice climbing? Insurance companies consider regular participation in extreme sports as significant risk factors.

Activities like heli-skiing in the Rockies, base jumping, and motorsports typically result in higher premiums or specific exclusions in your policy. Even scuba diving and skydiving may require special consideration during underwriting.

The frequency matters. Occasional participation might warrant a small premium increase, while regular involvement in these activities could mean substantial rate adjustments.

Your driving record and lifestyle choices

Insurance companies look at your driving history as a window into your overall risk-taking behaviour. Recent major violations or multiple minor infractions within three years can impact your application.

The statistics are sobering. Impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes are eight times more likely to have previous DWI arrests. More than four violations within the past three years could result in application denial.

Alcohol consumption patterns also come under scrutiny, particularly if you have any substance-related incidents in your past.

If you’re dealing with any of these risk factors, don’t assume you’re out of options. Non-medical life insurance provides alternatives worth exploring for many Canadians facing these challenges.

Your life insurance options if you’re high-risk

You have more options than you might think. Being classified as high-risk doesn’t limit you to one type of policy or force you into inferior coverage. Several paths can lead to the protection your family needs.

Term life vs. whole life vs. guaranteed issue

Term life insurance covers you for a specific period, typically 10 to 30 years. The premiums start lower, making it suitable if your high-risk condition might be temporary or manageable. If you’re dealing with controlled diabetes or high blood pressure that could improve with lifestyle changes, term coverage gives you time to potentially qualify for better rates later.

Whole life insurance lasts your entire lifetime and includes an investment component. The premiums cost significantly more upfront, but this option works well if you have a permanent health condition that won’t improve. Your beneficiaries will eventually receive the death benefit, regardless of when you pass away.

Guaranteed issue policies require no health questions or medical exams. If other companies have repeatedly declined your application, these policies offer a way to get coverage. Yes, you’ll pay higher premiums and receive lower coverage amounts, but it’s protection where none existed before.

Simplified issue life insurance sits between fully underwritten (aka ‘traditional’) term/whole life insurance and guaranteed issue. It requires only a few basic health questions and no medical exams, so approval is faster and easier than traditional policies. Coverage amounts are moderate, making it ideal if you want more protection than a guaranteed issue policy but can’t qualify for fully underwritten life insurance.

When to choose no-medical-exam life insurance

Do you need coverage quickly? No-medical-exam policies can provide approval within days rather than weeks. They also suit people who worry about needles, enjoy high risk activities, have complex medical histories that might complicate a traditional medical exam, or any other reason why they may have been denied in the past.

These policies particularly benefit anyone who’s had a recent health scare. Rather than wait months for medical records and potentially face rejection, you can secure coverage now while you work on improving your health. Plus, no-medical policies give you peace of mind—knowing your loved ones are protected financially even if the unexpected happens. For many Canadians, it’s a practical, accessible way to get the coverage they need without the stress, delays, or uncertainty of a fully underwritten policy.

Joint policies as a workaround for couples

If one partner has high-risk factors, consider joint life insurance. This approach typically costs less than buying two separate policies. It works particularly well when one spouse enjoys risky hobbies or works in a dangerous profession while the other doesn’t.

How much does a high-risk life insurance policy cost?

Expect to pay 25% to 250% above standard rates, depending on your specific risk factors. A helicopter pilot with controlled high blood pressure might pay $1,300 annually for $250,000 in coverage, compared to $600 for someone without these risk factors.

The key is finding an insurer who understands your particular situation and prices it fairly.

How to improve your chances of getting approved

You’re not stuck with a high-risk classification forever. Even if you’ve been turned down before, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of getting life insurance coverage.

Get a recent medical check-up

Insurance companies want to see current information about your health, especially if your condition has improved or stabilised since your last application. Medical exams are provided at no cost to you, and they can actually work in your favour if your health is better than your medical records suggest.

Following your doctor’s treatment recommendations shows insurance companies that you’re taking your health seriously. If you have diabetes and your recent bloodwork shows good control, that updated information can lead to better rates than outdated test results from two years ago.

Quit smoking or reduce alcohol use

Smokers typically pay 50-100% more for life insurance coverage. The good news? Most Canadian insurers will reclassify you as a non-smoker after 12-24 months of being tobacco-free. Even if you’ve recently quit, this change can significantly improve your rates when you reapply.

Be honest about your smoking history during the application process. Insurance companies may verify this information through medical tests, and being caught in a lie will only hurt your chances.

Work with a broker who understands high-risk cases

Independent brokers such as Maple Bay Financial have access to multiple insurance companies, including those that specialise in high-risk applicants. They understand which companies are more comfortable with specific situations – whether that’s your oil rig job in Alberta or your weekend backcountry skiing trips.

Each insurance company assesses risk differently. What one company considers uninsurable, another might approve with a premium increase. This is where shopping around becomes crucial for your situation.

Reapply after improving your health

If you’ve been declined before, don’t give up. Many Canadians find success by reapplying after addressing their health concerns. Insurance companies often allow reassessment after one to two years, especially if you can demonstrate lifestyle improvements.

The key is showing measurable changes – weight loss, better blood pressure control, or successfully managing a chronic condition. These improvements can mean the difference between rejection and approval.

Final Thoughts

Thousands of Canadians who were initially told they’re “high-risk” successfully secure life insurance coverage each year. Health conditions like diabetes, dangerous professions such as commercial fishing, or adventurous hobbies like heli-skiing don’t automatically close the door on protection for your family.

Yes, high-risk applicants face higher premiums. But consider what that extra cost provides: financial security for the people who depend on you most.

Non-medical life insurance offers a particularly valuable solution if you’re worried about health-related rejection. These policies skip the medical exam entirely, offering peace of mind even if you have a complex medical history or engage in high-risk activities on weekends.

If you’ve been declined before, don’t assume that’s the end of the story.

Working with a broker who specialises in high-risk cases can make all the difference. These professionals know which insurers are more comfortable with specific situations, whether you work on an oil rig or have a history of heart disease. Each insurance company assesses risk differently, so persistence often pays off.

Making lifestyle improvements can also open doors after 12-24 months. Quitting smoking or better managing chronic conditions frequently leads to better rates when you reapply.

Life insurance remains accessible regardless of your risk classification. The primary purpose of any policy is simple: protecting those who matter most to you. With insurance, you’ll protect your assets and your loved ones, giving you peace of mind.

At Maple Bay, we understand that being labelled high-risk doesn’t define your insurability. We work with multiple insurance companies to find coverage that fits your specific situation. When you’re ready to explore your options, contact our team or take a moment to fill out our quick quote form request below, and let us help you find the right policy for your circumstances.