If you’re living with a medical condition or have experienced health issues in the past, the thought of applying for life insurance can feel a bit daunting. You might be wondering if you can even get cover at all, or if your premiums will be sky-high.
The good news is that having a health condition doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be turned away. Many people with health problems are still able to get life insurance, sometimes with only minor adjustments. We’ll walk you through what to expect when applying for life insurance with health concerns.
Can I get life insurance if I have a medical condition?
You can still get life insurance if you have a health condition. Every insurer has their own way of assessing risk, and many specialise in offering cover to people with existing medical issues.
When you apply, insurers will look at your overall health, lifestyle, and medical history to decide whether they can offer you cover, and if so, at what price. In some cases, they may apply exclusions, or they may increase your premiums slightly to reflect the higher risk.
But don’t let that put you off. It’s still possible to find a life insurance policy that works for you, and your loved ones.
What kind of health issues affect life insurance?
Almost any health condition could impact your application in some way, depending on how serious it is and how well it’s managed. Here are a few examples of conditions that insurers often ask about:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Heart conditions
- Cancer (past or present)
- Mental health conditions (like depression or anxiety)
- Obesity
- Autoimmune diseases
Each case is different, so it really comes down to your individual situation. If your condition is well-controlled with no complications may find it easier to get cover than someone recently diagnosed with a condition.
What questions will insurers ask?
When you apply for life insurance, you’ll need to complete a health and lifestyle questionnaire. You can expect to be asked about:
- Any diagnosed medical conditions
- Dates of diagnoses and treatments
- Medications you’re taking
- Results of recent tests (like blood pressure or cholesterol)
- Whether you’ve been hospitalised or seen a specialist
- Family medical history
- Smoking, alcohol, or drug use
- Your height and weight
- Any upcoming tests or procedures
The more accurate and honest you are, the better. If you leave something out or give incorrect information, it could lead to your policy being cancelled later on.
Will I need to take a medical exam?
Not always. Many insurers offer policies based on your answers to the health questions alone, especially if your condition is minor or well-managed.
However, in some cases, particularly if you’ve had more serious or complex issues, you may be asked to undergo a medical exam or provide a GP report. This helps the insurer get a clearer picture of your current health and make a more accurate decision.
Will I need to pay more for life insurance if I have health issues?
Your premiums may be higher if you have a medical condition, especially if it increases your risk of early death. That said, this isn’t always the case.
If your condition is well-controlled, you’re following medical advice, and you have a healthy lifestyle overall, you could still get affordable cover. Some insurers are more lenient than others, which is why it’s worth shopping around or speaking with a specialist adviser who knows which providers are best for your situation.
What if I’ve been denied life insurance before?
Being turned down for life insurance once doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Each insurer has different underwriting criteria, so while one may say no, another may be happy to offer you cover, sometimes even on standard terms.
It’s important to know why you were declined. If it was due to a lack of information or an incomplete application, that’s something you can fix. In other cases, your condition may have improved since you last applied, which could work in your favour.
A life insurance broker or adviser can help you figure out your best next step and match you with a provider who’s more likely to accept you.
What types of policies are available?
You’ll still have access to most standard life insurance options, including:
- Term life insurance: Covers you for a fixed number of years (e.g. 10, 20 or 30 years). Pays out a lump sum if you die during the term.
- Life assurance: Also known as whole life insurance. Covers you for your entire life. More expensive, but guarantees a payout whenever you pass away.
- Joint life insurance: Covers two people on one policy, paying out on the first or second death.
- Over 50s life insurance: Guaranteed acceptance policies for people aged 50–80, with no medical questions. Often used to cover funeral costs or leave a small gift.
- Critical illness cover/income protection: Can be added to your life insurance or bought separately to protect against serious illness or loss of income.
Can I improve my chances of getting cover?
There are plenty of ways to increase your chances of getting life cover. Here are a few tips that could help:
- Keep your medical condition well-managed by sticking to your treatment plan.
- Stay healthy, eat well, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking or excessive alcohol.
- Gather medical documents to help your application go smoothly.
- Work with a broker who understands your condition and the insurance market.
Where can I get help?
If you have health issues and need life insurance, it’s a good idea to speak to a specialist adviser. They often work with people in all kinds of situations, whether you’ve got a common condition like high blood pressure, or something more complex.
They can guide you through your options, explain how each policy works, and help you find a plan that fits your needs and budget. With the right advice and a bit of preparation, you can still find a policy that gives you and your loved ones the protection and peace of mind you’re looking for.
