What Is Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance?

Guaranteed issue (GI) is a type of burial insurance designed for people who can't qualify for standard coverage due to health issues.

Key Features

• No health questions — None. Zero. You cannot be declined.
• No medical exam — No blood work, no doctor visits
• Automatic approval — If you're 50-85 and can pay, you're in
• Waiting period — Full benefits don't kick in for 2-3 years
• Higher cost — Expect to pay 30-50% more than simplified issue

The Waiting Period

This is the main catch. During the first 2-3 years:

• If you die from natural causes → beneficiary receives premiums paid + 10% interest
• If you die from accident → full death benefit (accidental death is usually covered immediately)
• After waiting period → full death benefit for any cause of death

Who Should Consider Guaranteed Issue?

• Anyone declined for simplified issue coverage
• People with serious conditions: dialysis, oxygen dependency, recent cancer, CHF
• Those in assisted living or nursing facilities
• Anyone who values simplicity and certainty over cost

If you're relatively healthy, always try simplified issue first — it's cheaper and has no waiting period.