Can You Get Life Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions?

Many people think that having health issues means you can’t get life insurance, but this isn’t always true. A pre-existing medical condition may make the application process more detailed, but it doesn’t automatically stop you from getting cover.

Insurance providers review each application individually. Having a medical history might mean you have to pay higher monthly costs (known as premiums) or accept specific terms. However, many people find they can still get life insurance with a pre-existing illness.

This guide explains how the application process works for people with medical conditions.

It covers:

• how insurers define a pre-existing condition
• how providers assess your medical history and risk
• how health issues can affect your policy terms and costs
• the types of life insurance available to you
• what steps you can take if a provider turns down your application

What qualifies as a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is any health problem, illness, or injury you had before you applied for insurance.

This includes conditions you have:

• Received treatment for
• Had symptoms of
• Had in the long or short term

Because every insurance provider has its own rules around risk, there is no single list of allowed or banned conditions. Providers check your eligibility against your overall risk profile.

They usually consider a mix of personal factors, including your:

• Detailed medical history
• Age
• Lifestyle choices, such as smoking or drinking alcohol
• Current physical health and fitness

Some health conditions are more complex than others. Because of this, providers will look at them more closely when you apply.

Insurers assess pre-existing medical conditions on a case-by-case basis. The information they request and the terms they offer will depend on factors such as the type of condition, its severity, how long you have had it, any treatment you receive, and how it affects your daily life.

Examples of conditions that may lead to additional underwriting questions or requests for further medical information include:

• Cancer
• Heart conditions
• Diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Asthma
• High blood pressure
• Anxiety
• Depression

Depending on the assessment, providers may offer standard terms, apply a higher premium, request further medical evidence, add exclusions, or decline cover.

If you are looking for life insurance with pre-existing conditions, remember that a diagnosis does not automatically mean your application will be rejected. The provider will consider your individual circumstances before making a decision.

Can I still get life insurance with a medical condition?

You can often get life insurance with a pre-existing health condition. A medical diagnosis does not instantly disqualify you from getting financial protection.

Depending on your health situation, an insurance provider will usually offer one of three outcomes:

1. Standard terms: You pay the normal price for your age and circumstances, with no extra restrictions.
2. Amended terms: The provider offers you cover, but you may have to pay higher monthly premiums or accept specific exclusions.
3. Rejection: The provider decides the risk is too high to offer you a policy at this time.

Each insurance provider has its own ways of measuring risk. If one provider turns you down, it does not mean every company will do the same. When you look for life insurance for pre-existing illness, providers look closely at the specific details of your health.

The main factors that influence their decision include:

• Type and severity of the condition: A mild form of an illness will impact your application differently than an advanced or severe form.
• How well the condition is controlled: Providers want to see if you manage your condition through medication, lifestyle adjustments, or regular check-ups.
• General health and lifestyle: Your weight, exercise habits, and whether you smoke all play a part in the decision.
• Treatment history: This includes any surgeries you have had, medications you take, or hospital visits you have needed.
• Current symptoms: Providers will ask whether you feel well now or if you are experiencing an active flare-up.

How insurers assess risk level and medical history

Life insurance providers use a process called underwriting to check risk. Dedicated professionals use your application to calculate how likely it is that a claim will be made on your policy in the future.

If you apply for life insurance for pre-existing conditions, the provider will ask for your health information. This might include doing a medical questionnaire, or asking permission to view your medical records.

Important: These checks are standard practice. They do not mean you will automatically be refused cover. However, they can change how long your application takes and the final price you are offered.

The provider might approve your policy immediately if you have a simple history. If your medical history is more complex, the provider will need more time to review your details or request extra evidence from your doctor.

What policy types are available to people with pre-existing conditions?

There are several types of life insurance policies designed to suit different financial needs and timeframes. When you look for life insurance for pre-existing conditions, you might consider the following options:

• Term life insurance: This policy runs for a fixed number of years. It pays out a lump sum if you die within the agreed period. If you outlive the term, the policy ends without a payout.
• Decreasing term life insurance: The potential payout reduces over time. People often use these policies to cover larger reducing debts, such as a repayment mortgage.
• Whole-of-life insurance: This policy doesn’t have an end date. It is guaranteed to pay out when you die if you keep up with monthly premiums.
• Over-50s life insurance: This type of policy is created specifically for older applicants, typically aged 50 to 80. These plans often feature guaranteed acceptance and are free from medical questions. However, the payout amounts are often lower than traditional policies.

Matching your policy type to your health situation may help you decide how much life insurance to get.

I have a medical condition – will my premiums be higher?

You should expect pre-existing conditions may lead to higher monthly premiums. If an insurance provider decides that your health condition increases the chance of a future claim, they may raise the price of your cover to balance that risk.

Your final premium depends on your overall risk profile. Providers calculate this using several distinct factors:

• Medical history: Having a past illness or managing a long-term condition today can increase your monthly costs.
• Age: Older applicants may face higher premiums as the risk of health issues increases over time.
• Lifestyle: Habits that carry health risks can increase your costs. Providers look at your weight, your diet, whether you smoke, how much alcohol you drink, and whether you take part in high-risk sports.
• Current health: A recent illness or an unresolved health issue can make your insurance more expensive.

However, mild or well-controlled health issues might not affect your costs. For example, if you manage your blood pressure well with medication, a provider might offer you standard rates. To find the most affordable cover for your situation, you may want to get quotes from several different companies.

How can I improve my chances of a successful application?

When you apply for life insurance for pre-existing illnesses, you can take practical steps to make your application as strong as possible.

Focus on honesty, preparation and timing.

• Fill out your application accurately. If you deliberately hide health details, the provider could cancel your policy or refuse to pay out a claim in the future.
• Make sure you have clear details about your medical history early on. This includes the dates of your diagnoses, your medication and treatments.
• Compare different insurance providers. Different companies have different views on health risks. Take time to research multiple providers to see which ones are more flexible with your specific condition.
• Take steps to improve your lifestyle where possible. Eating a balanced diet, stopping smoking, and lowering your alcohol intake may help your application.
• If your condition fluctuates, be honest about how it affects you, including both good periods and times when symptoms are more severe.

Are there any options that guarantee acceptance?

Some policies guarantee acceptance, but they operate differently to standard life insurance. If you are struggling to get traditional cover, then a guaranteed acceptance policy could be an alternative.

These plans do not require you to complete any medical underwriting. You do not have to answer questions about your illness, and you do not need a medical exam.

However, these policies come with specific conditions:

• They are most commonly offered as over 50s life insurance plans.
• The insurer takes on more risk by not checking your health, so the monthly costs are often higher for the amount of cover you get.
• The total payout amount is usually lower than standard term policies.
• Most of these plans include a waiting period, which is often one or two years. If you die from an illness during this initial period, the policy will not pay out the full sum, though it will usually return the premiums you have paid.

Guaranteed policies might be a reliable backup option if you cannot get regular life insurance for pre-existing conditions.

My application was rejected – what do I do now?

You still have options if an insurance company turns down your application. A rejection from one provider does not mean you can’t get cover elsewhere.

First, you can look for alternative products or providers. Some specialist insurance companies and brokers focus specifically on finding life insurance for people with pre-existing health conditions. They understand which insurers are most likely to cover your specific illness.

You could also look into over-50s plans or guaranteed acceptance options if you meet the requirements.

Remember that a rejection is not forever. Providers assess new applications based on your health or situation at the time. If your health improves or your condition stabilises, you can submit a new application.

If you have tried multiple routes without success, you may consider speaking to an independent financial adviser or specialist insurance broker. They can provide tailored information based on your personal situation.

FAQs

Can I get life insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?

Many people with health conditions get life insurance. Providers review each application based on the individual’s health, age, and lifestyle.

What qualifies as a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is any injury, illness or medical issue that was diagnosed or treated before starting your insurance application.

Do I need a medical examination to get life insurance?

Not always. Many applications only ask you to complete a health questionnaire. However, if you have a complex medical history, the provider may ask for a report from your doctor or arrange a brief medical exam.

Will I pay more for life insurance if I have a medical condition?

You might. If a provider decides your condition increases the risk of a claim, they may apply an extra charge, which increases your monthly cost. Well-managed or minor conditions may not affect the price.

Can I get life insurance after cancer?

Many people get cover after a cancer diagnosis. The provider’s decision will depend on the type of cancer, the grade, the treatment you received and how many years you have been in remission.

What happens if I don’t disclose a health condition?

Your policy is at risk if you don’t tell your insurer about a condition. The provider could cancel your cover or may refuse to pay out if you pass away.

What is guaranteed acceptance life insurance?

This policy doesn’t ask any medical questions or require a health exam. You are guaranteed to be accepted, but these policies often have waiting periods and lower payout limits.

Can I apply again if I’ve previously been declined?

You can apply with a different provider who may have other rules for your condition, or you can reapply to the same provider if your health stabilises.

What alternatives can I consider if I am unable to get life insurance?

If traditional life insurance isn’t possible, you might explore life assurance. Unlike term life insurance, life assurance guarantees a payout on your death whenever it occurs.

There are also income protection options available.

Key points to remember

Having a medical condition does not mean you cannot get life insurance. Insurance companies check your medical history to understand your overall profile. Some conditions might mean you pay higher premiums or have different terms, but you still have options.

If you cannot get a standard policy, you can explore other plans. These include:

• Specialist insurance policies
• Over-50s plans
• Income protection policies

When you apply, be honest and give accurate details about your health.

The information in this article is for general guidance only and is not financial advice.

Please note: No advice has been given by Shepherds Friendly, and if you are in any doubt as to which life insurance plan may be suitable for you, then you should contact a financial adviser. There may be a charge for financial advice, and the cost should be confirmed to you before any advice is given