Life insurance with pre-existing conditions

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If you have a pre-existing medical condition, then looking for life insurance can be tricky. You may have a chronic condition or be under investigation for symptoms you’re experiencing. Whatever your pre-existing medical condition, it can be disheartening to be turned away from providers.

In this guide, we will discuss whether you can get life insurance with pre-existing conditions, and how those conditions could affect your life insurance policy.

What is a pre-existing medical condition?

A pre-existing medical condition can be anything that has been diagnosed before you apply for an insurance policy. It can also include conditions without a diagnosis but for which you’ve experienced symptoms, had or been told to have investigations regarding, or received treatment or counselling for.

Each insurer will consider the severity of the condition before determining whether cover can be offered.

Some common pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your insurance to varying degrees include:

• asthma,
• diabetes, 
• heart disease and/or stroke,
• high blood pressure and/or cholesterol,
• cancer,
• anxiety or depression,
• neurological conditions, for example multiple sclerosis,
• conditions that run in your family.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, and you should answer all of your insurers questions in full and honestly.

How does a pre-existing medical condition affect my life insurance?  

Pre-existing medical conditions might not affect your cover at all, or they may mean that you’re not able to take out a policy or that you pay a higher premium. The outcome can vary depending on the type of condition, its severity and how well it’s managed.  

There are some life insurance providers who specialise in life insurance for those with pre-existing conditions, but your premiums may be higher than a standard policy, and you may have more restrictions on what you can claim on.

What could happen after you declare a pre-existing medical condition?

After you declare a pre-existing medical condition, the insurer will review your application and decide whether they can offer cover.

Depending on your circumstances, they may:

• Offer cover on standard terms.
  
• Offer cover with a higher monthly premium.
  
• Ask for more medical information.
  
• Request a GP report, medical exam or additional tests.
  
• Offer cover with specific terms or exclusions.
  
• Decline the application.

The outcome can depend on the condition, when you were diagnosed, the severity of your symptoms, whether the condition is well managed and the amount of cover you want.

Being asked for more information doesn’t always mean you’ll be declined. It may simply help the insurer understand your health more clearly before deciding what cover they can offer.

Will I need a medical exam or additional tests before taking out life insurance? 

You won’t always need a medical exam when applying for life insurance with a pre-existing condition. Many people can apply by answering health and lifestyle questions as part of the application process.

Your insurer may ask about things like your age, occupation, smoker status, height, weight, medical history, alcohol consumption, travel and hobbies. If you declare a medical condition, they may ask for more detail about your diagnosis, treatment, symptoms and how the condition affects your everyday life.

In some cases, the insurer may request a report from your GP or ask you to complete a medical exam, screening or additional test. This usually depends on the amount of cover you apply for, your answers during the application and the type or severity of the condition you disclose.

You’ll usually need to give permission before an insurer can request medical information from your doctor.

Why do you have to declare pre-existing medical conditions? 

It’s important to declare any pre-existing conditions for a few reasons, the main one being that if you don’t you may find your insurer won’t pay your claim, and your policy could be cancelled. The insurer won’t always write to your GP, so it’s really important you declare everything up-front to your insurer as part of the application process, and to answer all questions they ask, honestly, and in full. 

As part of getting life insurance, your insurer may contact your GP or doctor’s surgery and ask them to complete a questionnaire which includes your medical history. 

It’s understandable that some people might consider not disclosing their medical history to obtain cheaper life insurance. However, if you provide incomplete or inaccurate health information in your application, any future claim might be denied, leaving your loved ones without any payout to help cover costs such as mortgages and funeral bills.  

What do I have to tell my life insurance provider? 

To determine your premiums and assess if you can get life insurance you’ll need to complete a life insurance application and answer all medical questions honestly and to the best of your knowledge. Things like the NHS app can be helpful to have nearby, as it may help you quickly find the answers to any additional questions the insurer asks about your condition. 

If you disclose a health issue, you may need to provide additional information including: 

• the date of diagnosis,
• details of any hospitalisations and specialist consultations,
• the severity and frequency of your symptoms,
• impact on daily life, including work absences,
• any treatment you’ve received, including prescribed medications and start dates.

In some instances, a medical report from your doctor may be required. Please note, your consent is necessary before an insurance company can request such a report. You can also ask to see a copy of this report before it’s sent to the insurer, and if you do, you’ll be given 21 days to review the report with your doctor.  

Can you get life insurance with pre-existing medical conditions? 

Yes, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions can get life insurance cover. However, given the unique nature of each case, it is recommended to consult with a financial adviser for personalised guidance on eligibility and what provider may be best for you and your circumstances. 

What types of life insurance are available to me?  

Depending on your eligibility and circumstances, you may be able to take out life insurance. The type of life insurance you choose is up to you, but the most common types available are:  

1. Level term life insurance

Level term life insurance provides coverage for a fixed term, and the payout amount remains the same throughout the policy term. It's often used to cover specific financial obligations like an interest-only mortgage or so that your family and dependants have money should you die. 

2. Decreasing term life insurance 

Also known as mortgage life insurance, the payout amount decreases over the policy term. It's typically used to cover a repayment mortgage, where the amount owed decreases over time. The payout amount reduces in line with the mortgage balance, ensuring the debt is cleared if the policyholder passes away during the term. 

3. Increasing term life insurance 

Increasing term life insurance covers you for a set term, but the payout amount increases over time, typically in line with inflation. This can help protect the real value of the payout, but it's important to note that the premiums will also increase over time. It's often used to cover potential future financial needs of your family and dependants.  

LV= can help with your life insurance 

We partner with LifeSearch to offer you independent advice on which life protection products are right for you. Why not request a call to see what life insurance would be right for you if you have pre-existing medical conditions?