This article was reviewed and approved by the LifeInsure.com Content Team
Yes — many people with asthma can qualify for affordable life insurance, especially if their condition is well controlled. In fact, some applicants with mild or seasonal asthma may even qualify for preferred rates.
Life insurance companies evaluate asthma based on:
- severity of symptoms
- frequency of attacks
- medications used
- hospitalization history
- overall lung health
- smoking status
Applicants with severe or uncontrolled asthma may still qualify for coverage, although rates are typically higher.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. According to the CDC, more than 25 million Americans live with asthma.
Common asthma symptoms include:
- wheezing
- shortness of breath
- chest tightness
- coughing
- difficulty breathing during exercise or illness
Asthma severity can range from mild seasonal allergies to severe chronic respiratory disease requiring daily medication or hospitalization.
Can You Be Denied Life Insurance Because of Asthma?
In many cases, no.
Most insurance companies approve applicants with mild or moderate asthma. However, approval depends heavily on how well the condition is controlled.
Insurance companies may decline coverage if:
- asthma attacks are frequent
- recent hospitalization occurred
- oral steroids are used regularly
- oxygen therapy is required
- smoking worsens lung function
- additional respiratory conditions, such as COPD, are present
Even if traditional coverage is denied, guaranteed issue life insurance may still be available.
How Life Insurance Companies Evaluate Asthma
Life insurance underwriters review several factors before approving coverage.
Age at Diagnosis
Childhood asthma that improves with age is often viewed more favorably than adult-onset asthma.
Frequency of Asthma Attacks
Applicants with infrequent attacks generally qualify for better rates than individuals with recurring flare-ups.
Medications Used
Underwriters look closely at medications including:
- rescue inhalers
- albuterol
- corticosteroids
- nebulizers
- oral steroids like Prednisone
Using occasional inhalers is viewed more favorably than long-term oral steroid treatment.
Hospitalizations and Emergency Room Visits
Recent ER visits or hospitalization may increase premiums significantly.
Smoking Status
Smoking combined with asthma substantially increases underwriting risk.
What Rate Class Can You Expect?
| Asthma Severity | Possible Rate Class |
|---|---|
| Mild seasonal asthma | Preferred Plus or Preferred |
| Controlled moderate asthma | Standard Plus or Standard |
| Frequent attacks or steroid use | Table Rated |
| Severe uncontrolled asthma | Possible decline |
Each insurer uses different underwriting guidelines, so rates can vary significantly between companies.
Best Types of Life Insurance for People with Asthma
Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance is often the most affordable option and provides coverage for a set period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years.
This is usually the best choice for:
- families
- mortgage protection
- income replacement
Whole Life Insurance
Whole life insurance offers permanent coverage and builds cash value over time.
Although more expensive, it may appeal to applicants seeking lifelong protection.
No Medical Exam Life Insurance
Some insurers offer no-exam policies for applicants with mild or moderate asthma. These policies typically:
- skip the medical exam
- use prescription history reviews
- provide faster approval
Premiums are often higher than fully underwritten policies.
Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
Guaranteed issue policies accept nearly everyone regardless of health history.
These policies:
- require no medical exam
- ask few or no health questions
- usually include a waiting period
- cost more than traditional coverage
What Is a Guaranteed Issue Waiting Period?
Most guaranteed issue policies include a graded death benefit period lasting two to three years.
If the insured dies from natural causes during this waiting period, beneficiaries typically receive:
- premiums paid
- plus a small percentage of interest
Full benefits are usually paid immediately for accidental death.
Tips for Getting Affordable Life Insurance with Asthma
Work with an Independent Insurance Agent
Independent agents can compare multiple insurers to find companies that are more lenient toward asthma applicants.
Apply While Symptoms Are Controlled
Applicants often receive better rates when:
- medications are stable
- attacks are infrequent
- no recent hospitalization occurred
Avoid Tobacco Products
Smoking can dramatically increase premiums for applicants with asthma.
Choose Fully Underwritten Coverage When Possible
Fully underwritten policies often provide the lowest premiums for healthy asthma applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get life insurance if I use an inhaler?
Yes. Many applicants who use rescue inhalers still qualify for affordable coverage.
Is asthma considered a pre-existing condition?
Yes, asthma is considered a pre-existing condition, but many insurers still approve applicants.
Will I need a medical exam?
Possibly. Many traditional policies require a medical exam, blood work, and health history review.
What if I was hospitalized for asthma?
You may still qualify, although rates could be higher depending on how recent the hospitalization occurred.
Can children with asthma get life insurance?
Children usually cannot purchase individual life insurance directly, but parents may be able to add child riders to their own policies.
Final Thoughts
Having asthma does not automatically prevent you from getting life insurance. Many people with mild or moderate asthma qualify for affordable coverage, especially when symptoms are well managed.
Because underwriting guidelines vary between insurers, comparing multiple companies is often the best way to find affordable rates and improve approval odds.
Check out Our Other Articles About High-Risk Life Insurance
For more information about obtaining affordable life insurance with asthma, call the insurance specialists at LifeInsure.Com at (866) 868-0099 during normal business hours, or you can contact us through our website at your convenience.
Reviewed by LifeInsure.com Editorial Team
Last Updated: April 2026
Disclosure: Rates vary, approval is not guaranteed, and policies vary by state and insurer.
Last Updated on May 27, 2026 by Richard Reich
