Matomo

View INSTANT Quotes

Can Sleep Apnea Affect Life Insurance Rates? Affordable Options Available

person sleeping with cpap
Insurance Quotes 2 Day Team

Written By Doug Mitchell

Doug Mitchell, CLU holds a BA degree in Finance from Auburn University, a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation from The American College in Bryn Mahr, PA and Top of the Table member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). Doug has spent close to 30 years in the insurance and financial planning industry and has held licenses to sell securities, long-term care insurance, health.  Doug is also a financial blogger addressing the topics of life insurance, annuities and retirement income planning.

Holly Mitchell  &

Holly Mitchell’s background in life insurance insurance goes back to 1985 when she worked for her father who was a New York Life agent. Holly has a marketing degree from Auburn University and has had a life insurance license since 2008. In addition to advising life insurance for customers all around the country, Holly is our website fact checker.

Rob Pinner   &

Rob Pinner is the founder and CEO of Pinner Financial Services servicing all 50 states. Rob started his insurance career in 2002.

Louis LaBash

Results-driven and innovative life insurance professional with 30 plus years of life insurance industry sales and marketing experience. Recognized as a pioneer in the field, leveraging phone and internet channels to exceed personal sales of over $100 million during the first decade of the 21st century. Creator of a highly effective intuitive IUL life insurance sales software that facilitated the sale of millions of dollars of indexed universal policies by numerous life insurance agents. Proven track record as a Managing General Agent (MGA), Life Agent, IUL Life Insurance Sales Software developer, and leading-edge creator of insurance marketing tools, educational content, and delivery systems.

 4 minute read

Life insurance is one of the most important safety nets that you could ever purchase for your family. It’s the only way to ensure that your family will have the money they need, no matter what happens to you. Finding the best life insurance can be a long and difficult process, especially if you have a pre-existing condition, like sleep apnea.

Can You Get Life Insurance With Sleep Apnea?

Absolutely! We have helped many clients get affordable life insurance even after being diagnosed with sleep apnea. Tim, a client who was diagnosed with sleep apnea, was able to secure a standard rating. While he was initially quoted a high premium, we were able to find him a better deal by targeting insurers who specialize in impaired risk policies. Knowing the right approach, even when you have sleep apnea, makes life insurance completely attainable.

How Sleep Apnea Impacts Your Life Insurance Rates

Life insurance companies view untreated sleep apnea as a serious risk. This is because untreated cases of sleep apnea can lead to complications like high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. However, if you’re actively treating your condition—whether through a CPAP machine or lifestyle changes—your chances of securing favorable rates increase significantly.

Treatments That Help Secure Better Insurance Rates

The most effective treatment in the eyes of life insurance companies is the use of positive airway pressure devices, like the CPAP machine. Consistent treatment with a CPAP machine has been shown to improve life expectancy and reduce the risk of complications. This is why many insurers will require proof of CPAP usage before granting standard rates.

For those with milder cases, lifestyle changes like losing weight, exercising, and quitting smoking can help reduce the impact of sleep apnea and improve your chances of getting standard life insurance rates.

How to Prepare for Your Life Insurance Application

When applying for life insurance with sleep apnea, it’s essential to provide detailed medical records. This should include your diagnosis, any treatments (like CPAP therapy), and improvements in your condition. If you’ve undergone surgery, providing a post-surgery sleep study indicating your condition is no longer clinically significant will further boost your chances of securing favorable rates.

How Lifestyle Changes Can Lower Your Premiums

There are several ways to improve your health and secure lower insurance rates, even with sleep apnea:

  • Healthy Diet: Replacing junk food with healthier options will not only help you lose weight but will also have a positive impact on conditions like high cholesterol. If you’re concerned about high cholesterol, read more about how it affects life insurance premiums.
  • Regular Exercise: Exercise improves heart health and lowers your risk of complications from sleep apnea.
  • Quit Smoking: Smokers are three times more likely to suffer from sleep apnea, and being a smoker significantly increases your insurance premiums. Learn more about life insurance for smokers.

Why Work With an Independent Insurance Agent?

Unlike traditional insurance agents, independent agents represent multiple companies. This means we can compare rates from various providers and find the best deal for you. Don’t waste time calling multiple insurers—let us do the hard work for you. You can start by using the term life insurance quoter on our site or by calling 1-800-712-8519.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get life insurance if I have sleep apnea?

Yes, you can still get life insurance with sleep apnea. Life insurance companies will review your treatment plan and how well the condition is managed. Using treatments like a CPAP machine can help secure standard rates.

What type of life insurance is best for people with sleep apnea?

For those with mild to moderate sleep apnea, term life insurance is often the most affordable option. Permanent life insurance can be more expensive but is available for those with sleep apnea.

Can I get life insurance if I use a CPAP machine?

Yes, using a CPAP machine improves your chances of getting life insurance at better rates. Consistent CPAP usage demonstrates to insurers that you’re managing your condition.

How does smoking affect life insurance rates for people with sleep apnea?

Smoking significantly increases life insurance premiums for people with sleep apnea. Quitting smoking can help lower your premiums, as smoking exacerbates the condition. Learn more about the impact of smoking on life insurance rates.

Can lifestyle changes help lower my life insurance rates?

Absolutely. Losing weight, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking are all ways to improve your overall health, which can help lower your life insurance premiums.

Conclusion

Getting life insurance with sleep apnea is possible and can be affordable if you take the right steps. Whether you’re using a CPAP machine, making lifestyle changes, or working with an experienced independent agent, there are options available. Don’t wait—get started by contacting us or using our term life insurance quoter to find the best rates today!

author avatar
Doug Mitchell, CLU Independant Advisor
Doug Mitchell, CLU holds a BA degree in Finance from Auburn University as well as having obtained a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation from The American College in Bryn Mahr, PA. Doug has spent almost 30 years in the life insurance industry and has also held licenses to sell securities, long-term care insurance and home and auto insurance. Doug is a Top of the Table Million Dollar Round Table member (MDRT).  MDRT is a global, independent association of the world's leading life insurance advisors.  For two years, Doug served as President of the Auburn Opelika Association of Financial Advisors and has been a member of the Million Dollar Round Table. He obtained Life Millionaire status at Horace Mann Insurance Company and was awarded the Life Agent of the Year Award. Later in his career with New York Life he was an Executive Council Member. Doug currently serves as President of Ogletree Financial, a managing general agency serving life insurance agents and clients in all parts of the United States. Today, Doug’s main focus is servicing 1000s of policyholders.

Leave a Reply