Life Insurance With Pre-Existing Conditions

The application will normally ask about your medical history, diagnoses, treatment, investigations and medication. What needs to be disclosed depends on the wording of the insurer’s questions, so answer the questions asked rather than trying to decide for yourself what is relevant.

Not every application requires further evidence. Depending on the answers you provide, the amount of cover and the insurer’s process, they may decide from the application alone or request additional information such as a GP report, nurse screening or medical examination.

Yes. An insurer can decide not to offer cover where the risk falls outside its underwriting limits. That does not necessarily mean another insurer would reach the same decision, although repeated applications without a clear strategy can be unhelpful.

Possibly. Insurers may look at the type and stage of cancer, treatment, time since treatment, follow-up results and any recurrence. The outcome can range from standard or increased premiums to postponement or no offer, depending on the individual case.

Life insurance can be available to people with diabetes. Underwriters may consider the type of diabetes, control, treatment, recent measurements, complications and other health factors when deciding what terms can be offered.

It can form part of underwriting, but a mental health history does not automatically mean an application will be declined. Insurers may consider the diagnosis, severity, treatment, time off work, recent symptoms and other relevant information.

The insurer bases its decision on the information provided. Inaccurate or incomplete answers can affect the validity of the cover and may cause problems when a claim is assessed. If you are unsure how to answer a question, ask for clarification rather than guessing.