Reinstating a lapsed policy
Usually possible. Usually requires proving you're still insurable.
If a life policy lapses, many insurers allow reinstatement within a limited window. It's often the better option than buying new — but not always, and the deciding factor is your health.
The window and requirements are set by the policy, so the first step is finding out what yours says.
What reinstatement usually requires
- An application within the policy's reinstatement window
- Payment of back premiums, often with interest
- Evidence of insurability — a health questionnaire, sometimes an exam
- Repayment or reinstatement of any outstanding policy loan
The health question decides it
Evidence of insurability means your health now, not when the policy was issued. If your health has deteriorated, the insurer may decline reinstatement.
This is why a lapsed life policy is a genuinely serious event rather than an administrative one — and why the grace period matters so much.
Reinstate or buy new?
Reinstating usually preserves your original age-based pricing, which is generally favourable. Buying new means underwriting at your current age.
But reinstatement typically restarts the contestability period on the reinstated coverage, and requires back premiums up front. Compare the total cost and the terms rather than assuming reinstatement wins.
If reinstatement is declined
Options remain — simplified issue, guaranteed issue, or group coverage through an employer. They carry real tradeoffs in amount and cost per dollar of benefit.
It's also worth checking whether the lapsed permanent policy has any remaining value under its non-forfeiture provisions.
Common questions
The window is set by the policy and varies. Check yours immediately — it's the deadline that determines whether this is an option at all.
Reinstatement generally requires evidence of insurability, which may be a questionnaire or an exam depending on the insurer and how long it lapsed.
Often, because it preserves original age-based pricing. But it restarts contestability on the reinstated coverage and requires back premiums. Compare both properly.
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This page is general information, not advice about your specific circumstances. A licensed insurance professional can tell you what’s actually available to you.
General information only, not insurance advice. Coverage, availability, and terms vary by insurer and by state, and are subject to underwriting. Quote My Policy LLC is a licensed insurance producer. Nothing here binds coverage.