Life Insurance for Truck Drivers With Health Conditions
Written and reviewed by Hans Goldstein, licensed insurance producer, NPN 20602398 · CA Insurance License #4273294Last reviewed · Published October 3, 2026
How the DOT medical card connects to life underwriting
Commercial drivers must be medically examined and certified at least every 24 months, and drivers with insulin-treated diabetes every 12 months (49 CFR 391.45). The physical standards bar a current diagnosis of high blood pressure or respiratory dysfunction likely to interfere with safe driving (49 CFR 391.41). For life insurance, that history cuts both ways: regular exams document control, and any condition that shortened your certification period will be asked about.
AI voices. Education, not tax or legal advice. Hans is paid a commission if you buy a policy through him. Comment REVIEW on the video for the checklist.
Condition by condition (general patterns, not promises)
How common driver conditions are viewed
| Condition | What underwriters look at | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| High blood pressure | Readings over time, medication, control | Treated, stable readings; some carriers allow treated BP at preferred |
| Type 2 diabetes | A1c history, medication, complications, age at diagnosis | Steady A1c, no complications, regular care |
| Sleep apnea | Diagnosis severity and whether treatment (such as CPAP) is used | Documented treatment compliance |
| Weight (build) | Height and weight against the carrier's build chart | Carriers' build charts differ; shop by chart |
| Depression or anxiety | Treatment, stability, history | Stable treatment; one carrier rates medicated depression Standard to Table 3 |
Example criteria: Mutual of Omaha guide (treated cholesterol and BP usually compatible with preferred); same guide (depression, type 2 diabetes ranges). Table ratings step in 25% increments (Transamerica guide).
Health condition? Find the right carrier.
Send your email and I'll send the payout illustration request letter, then review the numbers within one business day.
We’ll email it to you. Hans Goldstein · NPN 20602398.
Rather talk it through? Or book 15 minutes on Hans’s calendar.
How to apply with a condition
- Write down diagnoses, dates, medications and your last few readings or A1c results.
- Gather your DOT medical card dates and any short-interval certifications.
- Ask your agent to shop the case informally with two or three carriers before a formal application.
- Apply first with the carrier whose guidelines fit your condition; a decline elsewhere has to be disclosed later.
- If you cannot schedule an exam, ask about accelerated or simplified options that fit your condition.
If you are declined or rated
A table rating raises the premium in steps of about 25% of standard mortality. It can still be worth it. Options include a smaller face, term instead of permanent, a carrier with a friendlier guideline, or a simplified-issue product. Guaranteed-issue coverage and accidental death insurance are last resorts, because they cover less (AD&D vs life insurance).
Driving for a living? Get covered between runs.
Send your age, health basics and how often you are home. Within one business day you get the options that fit a driver's schedule, with or without an exam.
Rather talk it through? Or book 15 minutes on Hans’s calendar, or call 213-414-2808.
Hans Goldstein · 213-414-2808 · NPN 20602398, independent licensed insurance producer
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- 49 CFR 391.45 (FMCSA: who must be medically examined and certified), Cornell LII
- 49 CFR 391.41 (FMCSA: physical qualifications for drivers), Cornell LII
- Mutual of Omaha: max cholesterol 300 for preferred classes, ratio under 5.0 Preferred Plus, under 6.0 Preferred, under 7.0 Standard Plus; treated cholesterol or hypertension does not exclude preferred classes (as of 2025)
- Mutual of Omaha impairment guide: depression controlled with medication Standard to Table 3; mild/well-controlled anxiety Standard; Type 2 diabetes over 20 Standard to Table 8; gastric bypass Table 2-4 after 1-yr postpone; Fit credit program needs A1c under 5.7 (as of 2025)
- Table ratings step in 25% mortality increments: Standard 100%, Table 1/A 125%, 2/B 150%, 3/C 175%, 4/D 200%, 6/F 250%, 8/H 300% (as of 2025)
Hans Goldstein, CA Insurance License #4273294 · NPN 20602398 · Goldstein & Co. LLC dba Goldstein Insurance Services, CA License #6016830
Contact: hans@hansgoldstein.com · 213-414-2808
General education, not tax or legal advice. Tax treatment depends on your facts and on current law, which can change. Talk to your CPA or estate attorney. Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Guarantees apply only to the contractual terms of the policy. Caps, participation rates, loan rates, charges and dividends are not guaranteed and can change. Hans is paid a commission by the insurer if you buy a policy through him. For life insurance, ask and he will tell you what he earns on your specific policy. Product and company names are trademarks of their owners. Goldstein Insurance Services is an independent agency, not affiliated with or endorsed by any insurer named here. Life insurance requires underwriting; not everyone qualifies. This page describes products in general terms; read the policy and the insurer's disclosures before you buy.