Chronic Kidney Disease and Life Insurance

Last updated September 2026

Chronic kidney disease is underwritten primarily on its stage and how stable your kidney function has been over time.

Chronic Kidney Disease: at a glance

CKD is staged 1 through 5 based on eGFR, and rate classes generally track that staging closely.
Early-stage CKD with stable function and controlled underlying causes is rated far more favorably than late-stage disease.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney failure, so those are reviewed alongside CKD.

How Underwriters Look at It

Kidney function is typically staged 1 through 5 based on how well the kidneys are filtering (measured by eGFR), and rate classes generally track that staging closely. Early-stage CKD with stable function and well-controlled underlying causes (like diabetes or hypertension) is rated far more favorably than later-stage disease or dialysis dependence.

CKD Stages

Stages are based on eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), per the National Kidney Foundation:

Stage	eGFR	General Underwriting Significance
1	90 or above	Kidney damage present but function normal; often minimal impact if the underlying cause is controlled
2	60 – 89	Mild loss of function; reviewed alongside the underlying cause
3a	45 – 59	Mild-to-moderate loss; more closely reviewed, stability matters
3b	30 – 44	Moderate-to-severe loss; more heavily reviewed
4	15 – 29	Severe loss; traditional underwriting is a harder fit
5	Below 15	Kidney failure; guaranteed-issue coverage is typically the realistic path

Stages per the National Kidney Foundation (see Further Reading below). Underwriters weigh trend over time (stable vs. declining) alongside the raw stage.

What Can Help Your Rate

A stable eGFR trend over recent lab results, rather than a declining one
Well-controlled diabetes and/or blood pressure, since these are the most common underlying causes
Regular follow-up with a nephrologist
No dialysis or transplant history

What to Expect When You Apply

Expect a request for recent lab work, including creatinine and eGFR, and possibly nephrology records. Later-stage CKD or dialysis is a case where simplified or guaranteed-issue coverage may be a more realistic starting point alongside a traditional application.

This is general education, not medical advice, and it doesn't guarantee a specific rate class or approval. Underwriting depends on your full health history and the guidelines of the insurer you apply with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get life insurance with chronic kidney disease?

Yes, especially at earlier stages with stable function and a well-controlled underlying cause. Later stages are reviewed more heavily, and guaranteed-issue coverage becomes a more realistic option at stage 4-5 or on dialysis.

Does the cause of my CKD matter?

Yes — since diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes, how well those underlying conditions are controlled is reviewed alongside your kidney function itself.

Does a stable eGFR matter more than the stage number?

Trend matters a great deal — a stable eGFR at a given stage is generally viewed more favorably than a declining one, even at an earlier stage.

Can I get coverage if I'm on dialysis?

Traditional fully underwritten coverage is difficult on dialysis. Guaranteed-issue policies, which ask no health questions, are the more realistic path.