Do medical issues effect whether or not a person can get life insurance?

Yes, definitely. Health is a major factor considered by life insurance underwriters when assessing your premium rating. There are other factors such as age, family health history, gender, occupation, lifestyle habits such as whether you smoke, etc. For instance, if you have an incurable illness, most life insurance will deny coverage. The best life insurance rates are reserved for those who are healthy and young. The more health problems you have, the more your premiums will increase.