When you apply for life insurance, your insurer will want to know just how risky of an investment they will make by insuring you. After all, you are going to cost them money if you die and your beneficiary makes a claim on your policy. They want to know how likely that is to happen. 

Of course, everyone is going to die one day. But to life insurers, some customers have much higher risks of death than others, and therefore they are costlier to cover. As a result, those with higher insurance risks are likely to have to pay more for their plan, and they might not even qualify for certain coverage altogether. 

Consider a few of the factors that could influence both your life insurance eligibility and your eventual premium payments. 

Age 
It’s pretty obvious that the older you are, the more likely you are to pass away. However, even once you reach the age of 30, your mortality risk will rise, and your eligibility for life insurance might drop. It is always recommended that you purchase your life insurance benefit before the age of 30 if you want to get optimized pricing. 

Health Conditions 
Individuals who have a history of health problems or chronic medical conditions often find it harder to qualify for certain life insurance policies. After all, issues like cancer, high blood pressure, obesity, or other chronic conditions all can create significant challenges and lead to a higher risk of death. However, life insurance is still very much attainable to anyone with such challenges, so you should never hesitate to work with your insurer to find the solution for you. 

Occupation 
Those who work in certain industries—physicians, construction workers, truck drivers, police, animal handlers—often face significant personal safety risks. As a result, they might face a higher risk rating when they apply for life insurance. 

Tobacco-Use History 
Any type of tobacco use, even if it is infrequent, poses a significant health risk and personal challenge to the consumer. Eventually, tobacco users put themselves at risk of cancer, chronic breathing issues, high blood pressure and countless other problems. 

Beyond just tobacco use, any history of illegal substance abuse, alcohol abuse and other high-risk activities could be a warning sign to any potential life insurance provider. Therefore, it is always best to commit to quit long before you purchase a policy. 

Countless other factors like your income, chosen policy and benefits and place of residence will impact your life insurance eligibility. Additionally, there are numerous plan options on the market today, all of which offer different benefits and cost structures. With the help of your dedicated life insurance agent, you’ll be able to find and enroll in the perfect policy solution that will protect you throughout your life.