We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:
To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties affected by the Lightning ignited fires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 2, 2025, and ending Nov. 18, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:
To help provide relief for Utah policyholders residing in Utah who were affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting July 31, 2025, and ending Sept. 29, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent weather:
To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Humboldt, Mendocino, Modoc, Napa, Shasta, Sonoma, and Trinity Counties affected by the winter storms, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Jan. 31, 2025, and ending Sept. 29, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:
To help provide relief for Oregon policyholders residing in Oregon who were affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting July 16, 2025, and ending Sept. 15, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:
To help provide relief for Oregon policyholders residing in Crook County who were affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting July 12, 2025, and ending Sept. 10, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:
To provide relief for New Mexico policyholiders and/or certificate holders residing in Grant County and affected by the Trout Fire, Aflac will provide the following protections for policyholders and/or certificate holders: Provide an extended premium grace period from Thursday, Jun. 12, 2025 through Monday, Sep. 15, 2025. Offer policyholders and/or certificate holders a payment plan of no less than six (6) months if unable to pay the delinquency after the extended day grace period (This applies to all coverages except life.). Work with policyholders and/or certificate holders on premium payments to prevent lapse and cancellation of policies. Waive late fees and penalties. Waive early refill time limits on active prescriptions. Allow additional time for actions required under the policy and/or certificate and the submission of documents due to limited access to service and mobility. Provide an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy and/or certificate. Provide a copy of the policy and/or certificate to the policyholder and/or certificate holder upon request.
In addition to the above, Aflac through Aflac Benefits Solutions will provide the following protections for Network Dental and Vision members and providers: Waive cost sharing and deductibles. Permit one eyeglass or contact lens replacement and one hearing aid replacement during the pendency of the Emergency Order, waiving frequency limitations. Permit one replacement for dentures or other prosthodontic devices during the pendency of this Emergency Order, waiving frequency limits. Waive additional fees, charges, referrals, eligibility and prior authorization requirements for medically necessary services, whether emergent or not. This applies to benefits and services obtained from both in- and out-of-network providers. Extend medical providers' reporting requirements for claims submissions and for additional information relating to claims. Fully reimburse out-of-network providers at the usual, customary, and reasonable rate.
Affected members should contact Aflac Dental and Vision (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, option 1, for assistance.
We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent weather:
To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Trinity County affected by the Dec. 15, 2024, and Dec. 29, 2024, winter storms, Aflac will provide billing leniency for impacted insureds, an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder. Affected members should contact Aflac at 800-992-3522 for assistance.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. Affected members are not required to obtain prior approval when accessing appropriate out-of-network providers when in-network providers are unavailable. The cost-sharing for out-of-network will be in amount equal to cost-sharing affected members would have paid for the provision of that service in-network. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent levee failure:
To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in San Joaquin County affected by the Oct. 21, 2024, Victoria Island Levee failure, Aflac will provide billing leniency for impacted insureds, an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder. Affected members should contact Aflac at 800-992-3522 for assistance.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. Affected members are not required to obtain prior approval when accessing appropriate out-of-network providers when in-network providers are unavailable. The cost-sharing for out-of-network will be in amount equal to cost-sharing affected members would have paid for the provision of that service in-network. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
We care about Aflac’s policyholders affected by the recent wildfires:
To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide billing leniency for impacted insureds, an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder. Affected members should contact Aflac at 800-992-3522 for assistance.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. Affected members are not required to obtain prior approval when accessing appropriate out-of-network providers when in-network providers are unavailable. The cost-sharing for out-of-network will be in amount equal to cost-sharing affected members would have paid for the provision of that service in-network. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
According to the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association’s blood pressure category guidelines, nearly half of Americans have high blood pressure, or hypertension.1 Given the prevalence of this condition, insurers won’t often deny life insurance coverage for high blood pressure. However, your rates can depend on the severity of your blood pressure readings and numerous other factors. Below, we’ll discuss how high blood pressure impacts life insurance and explore some policy options for those with hypertension.
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You can qualify for life insurance with high blood pressure. However, you may pay higher rates since life insurers must account for a higher risk level that this condition presents. That said, you may still qualify for rates within your budget, if your condition is well-managed and other factors of your application are satisfactory.2
Life insurance companies may vary in what reading they classify as high blood pressure. However, many consider high blood pressure to be a minimum reading of 135 (systolic) over 85 (diastolic). Some may have stricter requirements of 130 over 80.2 Insurers often group applicants with high blood pressure based on the American Heart Association’s elevated blood pressure categories.
High blood pressure doesn’t automatically result in high premiums. Several other factors can impact the rates you’ll pay:
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Help cover yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.
Get StartedPeople with high blood pressure have various life insurance options to choose from:
Term life insurance provides coverage for a period of your choice, usually 10, 20, or 30 years. If you outlive the policy, you may need to renew coverage or purchase a new policy to maintain life insurance. However, term life insurance generally offers competitive premiums for a larger death benefit, possibly making it the most cost-effective option. Therefore, these options may work if you want to keep costs within your budget while maximizing coverage.2
Whole life insurance is a permanent life insurance policy, offering lifelong protection and a cash value growth component that can grow with each premium payment. The cash value can earn tax-deferred interest at a fixed rate the insurer sets.
Once you accumulate enough cash value, you have options to possibly cash it out via low-rate, no-credit-check loans and policy withdrawals. You may also be able to surrender the policy if you no longer need benefit coverage to receive its cash surrender value minus surrender charges.
Whole life insurance premiums may be more impactful to your budget, in comparison to other policy types. However, those who want lifelong coverage and an added savings component built into the coverage may find this policy worth the cost.2
Universal life insurance offers the same lifelong coverage and cash value component with fixed interest as whole life insurance. However, you can adjust your death benefit to fit your coverage or budget needs. Those who want lifelong coverage but need more flexibility could opt for universal life insurance.4
Guaranteed issue life insurance is a small whole life insurance policy that approves all applicants. It requires no medical exam and does not ask medical questions on the application. Plus, premiums are adjusted to account for the smaller death benefit. This makes it an excellent option for those with high blood pressure who don’t want medical conditions to influence their life insurance.
However, these policies may have waiting periods. Your beneficiaries only receive a refund of premiums paid if you pass away during the specified waiting period.5
Final expense insurance is a small whole life insurance policy designed to help with end-of-life costs, such as medical bills and funeral expenses. The death benefit is small, but premiums are often available to fit many budgets. It also typically offers lifelong coverage and wealth-building through cash value. Plus, these often don’t require medical exams. The insurance company may ask medical questions on the application.
If your primary concern is helping loved ones cover your end-of-life expenses and you want to keep life insurance costs within your budget, a final expense policy may be a good choice.6
Following a few tips can help those with high blood pressure find desired coverage at competitive rates:
Independent insurance agents are insurance professionals who help you shop for quotes and navigate the life insurance process. They earn commissions from life insurers when they sell a policy. Independent insurance agents work for themselves, not a life insurer, which can allow them to focus more on your needs. An insurance agent, especially one experienced in helping applicants with health conditions, can help you find multiple quotes and help you determine a policy that meets your needs and fits your budget despite having high blood pressure.
Insurers vary in how they calculate risk, meaning each insurer may charge different premiums for the same individual and coverage amount. Plus, insurers must compete with each other to win the business of applicants.
Therefore, shopping for multiple quotes is one of the best ways for those with high blood pressure to find competitive rates on the coverage they need. Agents can help by gathering quotes for you and showing you how policy costs, coverages, and terms differ.
Visiting your doctor regularly can help reduce rates and perhaps improve approval chances for a couple of reasons:
Those with new high blood pressure diagnoses or related health issues may consider visiting the doctor regularly so the doctor can provide a treatment strategy and medication to help you manage your condition. Those with stable and well-managed conditions may not require frequent doctor visits. Ultimately, talk to your doctor to determine what’s right for you.
Adjust your diet and lifestyle to avoid substances that can raise blood pressure. This can help you manage the condition and potentially be categorized with a lower risk. Some substances you should avoid include:
Life insurance may be more impactful to your budget if you have high blood pressure, but plenty of options are available, and insurers consider other factors when deciding whether to approve you for a policy. Controlling your hypertension and leading a healthy lifestyle may help reduce your blood pressure and demonstrate a good faith effort to manage the condition. If you’re seeking life insurance coverage at cost-conscious rates despite having high blood pressure, Aflac is here to help. Speak with an agent today to learn more about your options and get a quote.
Get StartedConsidering family life insurance? Learn how life insurance for families can financially protect loved ones in case you pass away and get a quote from Aflac.
A life insurance grace period is the time between when your payment was due and when your policy will lapse. Learn how life insurance grace periods work.
1 American College of Cardiology - Collaborative Care a Critical Piece in the Hypertension Puzzle. Updated February 2, 2024. https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2024/02/01/01/42/cover-story-collaborative-care-a-critical-piece-in-the-hypertension-puzzle. Accessed July 12, 2025.
2 Policygenius - Best life insurance for high blood pressure (2024). Updated February 19, 2025. https://www.policygenius.com/life-insurance/high-blood-pressure/. Accessed June 16, 2025.
3 U.S. News & World Report - Life Insurance With Preexisting Conditions. Updated May 30, 2025. https://www.usnews.com/insurance/life-insurance/life-insurance-with-pre-existing-conditions. Accessed July 12, 2025.
4 Business Insider - How to Get Life Insurance with a Pre-Existing Condition. Updated June 20, 2024. https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/life-insurance/life-insurance-with-pre-existing-conditions. Accessed July 12, 2025.
5 Bankrate – Best life insurance for high blood pressure. Updated July 1, 2025. https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/life-insurance/high-blood-pressure/. Accessed July 12, 2025.
6 Final Expense Benefits – Life Insurance for People With High Blood Pressure: What Affects Your Eligibility. Updated May 6, 2025. https://finalexpensebenefits.org/life-insurance-for-seniors-with-high-blood-pressure/. Accessed July 12, 2025.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Aflac life plans – A68000 series: Term Life Policies: In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma & Virginia, Policies: ICC1368200, ICC1368300, ICC1368400. In Delaware, Policies A68200, A68300 & A68400. Whole Life Policies: In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma & Virginia, Policies: ICC1368100. In Delaware, Policy A68100. B60000 series: In Arkansas, Oklahoma & Virginia, Policies: ICC18B60C10, ICC18B60100, ICC18B60200, ICC18B60300, & ICC18B60400. Not available in Delaware. Q60000 series/Whole: In Arkansas & Delaware, Policy Q60100M. In Idaho, Policy Q60100MID. In Oklahoma, Policy Q60100MOK. Not available in Virginia. Q60000 series/Term: In Delaware, Policies Q60200CM. In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Policies ICC18Q60200C, ICC18Q60300C, ICC18Q60400C. Not available in Virginia.
Aflac Final Expense insurance coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Aflac Incorporated and is administered by Aetna Life Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (NAIC 92908).
In AR, DE, ID, OK and VA: Policies ICC21-AFLLBL21 and ICC21-AFLRPL21; and Riders ICC21-AFLABR22, ICC21-AFLADB22, and ICC21-AFLCDR22. Aflac Final Expense policies are not available in New York.
Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY, VA or VT. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations, and exclusions.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
Aflac New York | 22 Corporate Woods Boulevard, Suite 2 | Albany, NY 12211
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