What is simplified issue life insurance?

Simplified issue life insurance is easier to apply for and quicker to get because it requires less information than a standard life insurance policy. A simplified issue policy can be beneficial if you're healthy and need a policy quickly or want to skip the life insurance medical exam.

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How does simplified issue life insurance work?

Simplified issue life insurance provides coverage for a certain length of time and pays out a certain benefit amount in the event of your death. Simplified issue term life insurance uses a simplified application process that lets you forego a medical exam. Instead of an exam, you'll fill out a questionnaire to provide health-related information and other personal details like your name, age, height, weight, and where you live.

Since simplified issue life insurance doesn't require a medical exam, the approval process can be much faster. If you get approved and make your first policy payment, your coverage might begin minutes after you complete your application (depending on the insurer). The process is particularly fast if you apply for instant life insurance, a specific type of simplified issue policy.

However, you're not guaranteed approval just because the process is simplified. You might not qualify if you have certain medical issues or a high-risk occupation or hobby. Always be honest in a life insurance application — lying to obtain coverage or reduce your premium is considered life insurance fraud.

Pros and cons of simplified issue life insurance

Pros Cons
Faster to obtainConsMay cost more
Skips medical examConsSmaller coverage amounts

Simplified life insurance is faster to obtain, but it's not always the best option. Because the insurer may take on more risk by using a simplified approval process, the policy might cost more and include a smaller coverage amount. However, there are plenty of affordable, simplified issue options available. You can compare term life insurance rates to determine if the speed of approval will be worth any extra premium cost.

Is simplified life insurance right for me?

Simplified issue policies are often beneficial for healthy individuals who need a policy quickly or want to forgo the life insurance medical exam. If you're planning to travel, you're experiencing a gap in coverage, or you have a legal obligation, simplified issue life insurance may fit your needs. Depending on the insurer and policy, you could have coverage within minutes to a few days, while a standard life insurance policy might take a month or more.

How much does simplified issue life insurance cost?

Simplified issue life insurance generally costs more than a regular term life policy. This is because the insurer takes on additional risk by forgoing the medical exam, requiring a higher premium to offset the risk of providing coverage. Learn more about what influences the cost of life insurance.

How to get term life insurance

You can get a life insurance quote online and compare rates in as little as 60 seconds. Or, call 1-866-912-2477 to speak with a licensed representative.

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Please note: The above is meant as general information to help you understand the different aspects of insurance. Read our editorial standards for Answers content. This information is not an insurance policy, does not refer to any specific insurance policy, and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions expressly stated in any insurance policy. Descriptions of all coverages and other features are necessarily brief; in order to fully understand the coverages and other features of a specific insurance policy, we encourage you to read the applicable policy and/or speak to an insurance representative. Coverages and other features vary between insurers, vary by state, and are not available in all states. Whether an accident or other loss is covered is subject to the terms and conditions of the actual insurance policy or policies involved in the claim. References to average or typical premiums, amounts of losses, deductibles, costs of coverages/repair, etc., are illustrative and may not apply to your situation. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites linked from this page.

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