What counts as a “pre-existing condition”?

A pre-existing condition is any medical issue you’ve had symptoms of, treatment for, or diagnosis of before applying.

This can include:

  • Asthma
  • Anxiety or depression
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Back or joint problems
  • Heart conditions
  • Cancer (past or present)

Even conditions that feel minor or “under control” usually count.

Does a pre-existing condition mean automatic rejection?

In most cases, no.

Insurers usually choose one of four outcomes:

1️⃣ Standard terms – accepted with no price increase
2️⃣ Loaded premium – accepted, but costs more
3️⃣ Exclusion – condition-related causes excluded (less common in life insurance)
4️⃣ Postponement or decline – usually for very recent or severe conditions

Most people fall into options 1 or 2, not 4.

What insurers actually look at

Insurers don’t just look at the condition name — they look at risk over time.

They’ll assess:

  • When you were diagnosed
  • Severity and frequency of symptoms
  • Medication and dosage
  • Hospital admissions
  • Time since last episode
  • Lifestyle factors (smoking, weight, alcohol)

A well-managed condition is viewed very differently from an unstable one.

👉 [See how insurers assess medical conditions]

Common conditions and how they’re viewed

Mental health conditions

Such as anxiety or depression:

  • Mild or historic conditions are often accepted
  • Stability and time since treatment matter
  • Ongoing therapy or medication doesn’t automatically mean refusal

Honest disclosure is critical here.

Asthma

Often one of the easiest conditions to insure if:

  • Symptoms are mild
  • Inhaler use is infrequent
  • No recent hospital admissions

Many people with asthma get standard terms.

High blood pressure

Often accepted if:

  • Controlled with medication
  • No related complications

Recent diagnosis or poor control may increase premiums.

Diabetes

Type and control matter:

  • Type 2 (well-controlled) often insurable
  • Type 1 may cost more but is still often possible

Blood sugar control and complications are key factors.

Cancer (past)

This depends heavily on:

  • Type of cancer
  • Stage and severity
  • Time since treatment ended

Some insurers will consider cover a few years after successful treatment.

👉 [Check life insurance options after cancer]

Why disclosure matters (a lot)

Trying to hide or downplay a condition is risky.

If you don’t disclose:

  • A policy may be invalidated
  • A claim may be refused
  • Premiums paid could be lost

Insurers access medical records if needed.
Non-disclosure almost always causes worse outcomes than honesty.

How to improve your chances of acceptance

You can often improve outcomes by:

  • Applying after a period of stability
  • Having up-to-date medical records
  • Ensuring medication is consistent
  • Demonstrating healthy lifestyle choices
  • Using the right insurer for your condition

Timing and presentation matter.

👉 [Get help applying with a pre-existing condition]

Why using comparison sites can backfire

Many online quote tools:

  • Ask very basic health questions
  • Automatically decline complex cases
  • Don’t explain why terms change

This can leave people thinking they’re “uninsurable” — when they’re not.

Why independent advice makes a big difference

Different insurers treat the same condition very differently.

An independent adviser can:

  • Pre-check insurers anonymously
  • Match you to condition-friendly providers
  • Avoid unnecessary declines
  • Structure applications correctly
  • Explain pricing clearly

This is especially important for:

  • Mental health history
  • Cancer survivors
  • Multiple conditions

👉 [Speak to someone who understands medical underwriting]

A realistic example

Two applicants with the same condition apply.

  • Applicant A uses a generic comparison site → declined
  • Applicant B applies via the right insurer → accepted with a small loading

Same health.
Different outcome — purely down to how and where they applied.

What if you’re declined?

A decline from one insurer:

  • Does not mean all insurers will say no
  • Does not mean you should give up

There are often:

  • Alternative insurers
  • Different policy structures
  • Options after waiting periods

Declines are information — not the end.

The bottom line

Having a pre-existing condition does not automatically stop you getting life insurance.

Most people can still get cover if:

  • The condition is stable
  • Full disclosure is made
  • The right insurer is chosen

The biggest risk isn’t the condition — it’s assuming you can’t be covered and not checking properly.

👉 [Find out if you can get life insurance with your medical history]