What is simplified issue vs. guaranteed issue life insurance?

Question

Jim Mentink · Accepted Answer

Simplified issue life policies typically are provided with minimal medical information on the insured, and usually no fluids are needed.
Guaranteed issue life policies are just that: guaranteed.  However, even with them the carriers will often have maximum age they'll cover.

Mary Brown · Answer

Simplified issue life insurance requires no medical exam but does ask health questions. Guaranteed issue life insurance requires no medical exam and no health questions, making approval nearly guaranteed, though premiums are typically higher and coverage amounts are lower.

Answered by Mary Brown on July 9, 2026

Broker Licensed in NJ

Answered by Mary Brown Life Insurance Agent

Leslie Kaz · Answer

✅ Simplified issue asks health questions but usually requires no medical exam. Approval and pricing depend on your answers.

✅ Guaranteed issue asks no health questions and generally cannot decline you for medical reasons—but coverage amounts are smaller, premiums are higher, and graded benefits may apply.

Simplified issue is usually the better value when you qualify.

Clifford Moss · Answer

Simplified Issue means there is usually no underwriting at the time the policy is issued but the policy would be contested within two or three years should the person die.
Guaranteed issue means no matter what your health is, the policy would be issued; you can't be denied for any reason.

Clifford Roger Moss, Agent
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Sandra Bailey · Answer

“Simplified Issue” is when the insurance company does not require a paramed (physical) on you.  During the application process, they will ask you to sign a HIPPA form.  You’re giving them permission to request your medical history. Your MIB(Medical Information Bureau) report & your RX, prescription drug check. The insurance company will approve or decline you based on this information.  No medical exams required. 

“Guaranteed Issue” is when the insurance company will not ask any health questions. There is a wait period of 2 years mainly but some carriers have a 3 year wait before they will pay out the death benefit. If you die before the 2 or 3 year wait period, most companies will return your premiums back to you plus interest. Some carriers will pay you 10% interest while other carriers may pay less. 

Hope this explains the difference. Thanks for the question.

Andy Kelly · Answer

Simplified Issue vs. Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

Simplified issue life insurance typically does not require a medical exam, but you will answer health questions. Approval is based on those answers and other information available to the insurer. Because there is some health screening, premiums are generally lower than guaranteed issue coverage.

Guaranteed issue life insurance has no medical exam and typically no health questions. Acceptance is generally guaranteed if you meet the basic age and eligibility requirements. Because the insurer takes on more risk, premiums are usually higher for the amount of coverage, and many policies include a graded death benefit during the first couple of years for non-accidental death.

Both can be valuable options—the right choice depends on your health, coverage needs, and budget.

Stephen Finney · Answer

Simplified issue insurance means that the life insurance company will ask you a few basic questions about your health. You will not need to do a medical exam and if you are approved then it is very quick to get your offer.

Guaranteed issue life insurance is guaranteed to approve you no matter what your health status is. With guaranteed issue life insurance there is almost always a two-year exclusion period where if you passed away within that period of time, your beneficiaries would only get your money back plus a little bit of interest. The death benefit will not be paid out during those two years.

Simplified issue life insurance is best to attempt applying for first.