Protein in urine, or proteinuria, is the presence of abnormal amounts of protein-most commonly albumin-in a person's urine. It is often detected through dipstick urinalysis or quantitative lab tests such as urine protein-to-creatinine ratio. Persistent protein in urine can signal kidney damage from conditions like diabetes, hypertension, glomerulonephritis, or other systemic diseases. Mild, transient proteinuria may occur with fever, exercise, or dehydration and may not be clinically significant. For life insurance underwriting, repeated or significant protein in urine is a red flag that prompts further investigation of renal function, blood pressure, and associated cardiovascular risk, because chronic kidney disease is associated with increased mortality.

In underwriting, a finding of protein in urine on paramedical or lab results typically leads to follow-up requests for primary care records, nephrology reports, and kidney function labs such as creatinine and eGFR. Underwriters differentiate between isolated, low-grade findings and persistent or heavy proteinuria tied to diabetes, long standing hypertension, or immune diseases. Advisors preparing cases may ask clients about known kidney issues and medications to anticipate potential ratings. When mild protein in urine is transient and labs are otherwise normal, standard offers may still be possible; more severe abnormalities often result in table ratings, postponements, or declines. Explaining why protein in urine matters helps clients understand underwriting outcomes and reinforces the link between good kidney health and insurability.