CHOLESTEROL & LIFE INSURANCE ~ UNDERWRITING ISSUES Cholesterol Problems & Life Insurance    If you have a history of raised Cholesterol , a broker may still be able to help you obtain life or critical illness insurance - although maybe not onto standard terms. There are some critical factors involved that will determine your ability to obtain coverage & your information is always treated with the utmost privacy by the insurer or broker.   Life Insurance - What is Cholesterol  ? Cholesterol is a lipid (fat). It is manufactured by the liver from the fatty foods that we eat, and it is vital for the normal functioning of the body. However, having an excessively high level of lipids in your blood - a condition known as hyperlipidemia - can have a serious effect on your health, as it increases your risk of having a heart attack, or stroke. Cholesterol is present in the membrane (outer layer) of every cell in the body. It insulates nerve fibres, and is an essential building block for hormones, such as the sex hormones and the hormones made and released by the adrenal glands. Cholesterol also enables the body to produce bile salts. Cholesterol is carried in the blood by molecules called lipoproteins. There are several different lipoproteins, but the 3 main types are: Low density lipoprotein - Cholesterol (LDL) This is often known as bad cholesterol and is thought to increase arterial disease (i.e. in the arteries). It carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells and can cause a harmful build-up if there is too much for the cells to use. Normally, the blood contains about 70% of LDL, but the level will vary from person to person. High density lipoprotein - Cholesterol (HDL) This is often referred to as 'good cholesterol', and is thought to prevent arterial disease. It takes cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver, where it is either broken down or is passed from the body as a waste product. Triglycerides - Cholesterol  are another type of fatty substance present in the blood. They're found in dairy products, meat and cooking oils. Triglycerides are also produced by the liver. People who are overweight, eat a diet high in fatty or sugary foods or drink a large amount of alcohol have an increased risk of a high triglyceride level. The amount of cholesterol present in the blood can range from 3.6 to 7.8 mmol/litre. More than 6mmol/litre is considered high, and is a risk factor for arterial disease. Government advice recommends a target cholesterol level of less than 5. However, in the UK, 2 out of 3 adults have a total cholesterol level of 5 or above. Men in England, on average, have a level of 5.5, and women have a level of 5.6 but this appears to be headng higher in the UK as waist lines expand. Evidence strongly indicates that high cholesterol levels can cause narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis), heart attacks and stroke. The risk of coronary heart disease also rises as the blood's cholesterol level increases. If other risk factors, such as high blood pressure and smoking, are present, the risk increases even more. Raised Cholesterol & Life Assurance Underwriting  In order to check the severity of your raised Cholesterol, Insurers are likely to request a GP or Medical Report if you are requesting additional options over and above just pure lifecover. Note non-disclosure of your actual true Cholesterol control, may make any plan claim void & the insurer is not obliged on death for the life insurance payout or to refund any premiums paid if this was deliberately not disclosed.  What do Uk Life Insurance Companies look for - when Underwriting a History of Raised Cholesterol ? It would depend on the severity of your raised Cholesterol. For Life & Critical lllness Cover most insurers would view each case on an individual basis before making a decision. However the likely decision for cover maybe a substantial premium rating. Note that decisions may vary quite dramatically between insurers so please contact us for help & advice. History - How long have you had raised Cholesterol problems & how does this affect you day to day? What are you historic & current Cholesterol readings. Medical Records - What do your medical records say about you?  Have you developed medical problems as a result of raised Cholesterol eg; associated raised blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes etc; ?  If you have already developed associated problems as a result of Cholesterol, many companies may probably rate your premiums or decline the case.   Treatment - Have you been for Cholesterol medication - is it under control now, Have you changed your diet ?   Family History - Do you parents or brothers or sisters have a history of raised Cholesterol also? For help with Cholesterol issues why not visit  www.bhf.org.uk or www.eatwell.gov.uk * ( * Note: You are now leaving the regulated site of Uk Life Insurance Quotes. Neither ourselves, nor Sesame Ltd, is responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within the linked site.)  Have Cholesterol & looking in 2010 to compare Life Insurance products against other Uk Insurers - including Life cover, decreasing (mortgage protection) or level term life insurance, Life with Critical Illness and Income Protection.  > Need a Competitive Life or Critical Illness Insurance Quote ?