Buying life insurance can seem like a daunting task. And if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you might think this could make things complicated.
The good news is that it's possible to buy life insurance with a pre-existing medical condition, but the application might not be as straightforward.
This guide explores what information you'll need to give to insurers, as well as what options are available to you. 
Can you get life insurance with pre-existing conditions?
Yes, it's possible to get life insurance if you have a pre-existing medical condition.
It’s likely that you’ll need to give more information during the application though. This is so insurers can paint a better picture of your overall health and how your condition affects you.
Depending on the personal circumstances of your condition, it could impact:
- The type of cover available to you
- The price you pay for a policy
Some conditions may have a small impact. But more serious conditions could mean you experience complications with your application or you could be declined.
What is a pre-existing medical condition?
A pre-existing medical condition is a condition that you’re currently living with.
It also includes any condition you’ve been diagnosed with, had symptoms of or received medication or treatment for in the past.
For example, if you had a heart attack 4 years before applying for life insurance, this would be classed as a pre-existing condition.
Other common pre-existing medical conditions include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Asthma
- Stroke
- Depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions
Do you need to tell insurers about your medical condition?
Yes, if you have a pre-existing medical condition you’ll need to tell insurers during the application process.
If you don't include your medical condition in your application, your insurer might not pay out when you die.
Even if you’re not sure if something in your medical history is relevant, it’s good to mention it.
How will a pre-existing condition affect your life insurance?
A pre-existing medical condition can affect your eligibility for life insurance, and it might be more expensive.
When insurers assess life insurance applications, they look for certain risk factors such as your medical history, lifestyle and occupation.
These are factors that could make a claim on a policy more likely.
If any high risk factors (such as medical conditions) are flagged on an application, your policy could cost more. Or some life insurance providers might choose not to cover you.
You’ll need to answer some questions about your condition so that insurers can get a better understanding of your personal circumstances. As well as how your condition affects you.
What questions will you be asked about your condition?
As well as the standard application questionnaire, you’ll have to answer questions specific to your medical condition.
The standard application questions will need you to give information on:
- Age
- Health and wellbeing
- Medical history
- Smoking status
- Occupation
- Lifestyle
The questions you’ll be asked about your condition can vary between insurers, but it could include questions like:
- When were you diagnosed?
- Are you taking/have you taken any medication for the condition?
- How often do you experience symptoms and how severe are they?
- What treatments have you received?
- Is there a family history of the condition?
- When did you recover? (if applicable)
What’s the best life insurance for pre-existing conditions?
If you've got a pre-existing condition, there could be a range of life insurance options available to you.
But the best one for you will be the policy that's affordable and meets your needs.
The options available include:
Term life insurance
Term life insurance covers you for an agreed amount of time (the term) and a pay out is made if you die while your policy is in place.
When buying term life insurance, you have the option of:
- Level term life insurance - pay out amount remains the same. Often used to protect an interest only mortgage and/or family living costs
- Decreasing term life insurance - pay out amount reduces throughout the policy term. Ideal for helping to protect a repayment mortgage as your cover amount can reduce at the same rate as your remaining mortgage balance.
With both level and decreasing term life insurance, you’ll need to give medical information during the application.
This means having a medical condition could impact your eligibility and the price you pay.
Whole of life insurance
Covers you for the rest of your life and guarantees a pay out when you pass away.
It’s often used to help cover funeral costs, provide an inheritance or pay for inheritance tax bills (when a policy is written in trust).
You’ll need to give medical information during the application, so having a medical condition could increase the price you pay for a policy.
You’ll also need to pay monthly life insurance premiums for the rest of your life, so it could become an expensive option over time.
We don't currently offer 'whole of life insurance', but it may be available with other providers.
Over 50s life insurance
If you’re aged 50 to 85, you could buy an over 50s plan with guaranteed acceptance and without having to give any medical information.
If you’ve struggled to buy standard life insurance policies in the past and fit into this age bracket, it could be a great option.
The cover amount you can buy is usually smaller than other policy types (often between £10,000 - £20,000), which could help to cover funeral costs or provide a small inheritance.
Cover lasts for life and a pay out is guaranteed after a waiting period of 12 – 24 months has passed.
We don't currently offer 'over 50s life insurance', but it may be available with other providers.
Specialist life insurance
It’s possible to buy life insurance through a 'specialist insurer'. These are insurers that specialise in offering cover to ‘non-standard’ applicants, such as those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Specialist insurers tend to offer term life insurance, but their underwriting processes are more lenient which can make it easier for those with pre-existing conditions to buy a policy.
Leading life insurance provider The Exeter are an example of a specialist insurer.
Will you need to take a medical exam for life insurance?
Yes, insurers might ask for a medical exam when you apply for life insurance.
In some instances, insurers could find out all the information they need by asking you questions.
But sometimes they might need more information to better understand your condition.
They do this by asking you to take a medical exam or by requesting a medical report from your GP.
Insurers can’t access any of your medical information without your permission. If you’re asked to take a medical exam, your insurer should pay for it and arrange it at a time and place that’s convenient for you.
Can a medical condition stop you from getting?
Yes, it’s possible for a medical condition to stop you getting life insurance.
Insurers will do their best to understand your personal circumstances when assessing your application. But sometimes the risk could be too big, and they could reject your application.
You do have options if this happens to you though. You could buy a policy through another insurer, through a specialist insurer or you could consider an over 50s plan (if you’re aged 50 – 85).
How to get life insurance with a pre-existing medical condition
Buying life insurance doesn't have to be intimidating, here are our top tips to get you started on your journey:
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Shop around - comparing different policy types and insurers can help you to find an affordable deal for your circumstances.
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Consider alternative forms of cover - if you're struggling to get accepted for standard policy types, why not try a specialist insurer or an over 50s plan?
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Have an understanding of how much cover you need - use a life insurance calculator to add together your financial commitments and get an estimate of how much cover you need.
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Always be open and honest - if you provide false information or withhold certain details this can invalidate your policy.
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Have your most recent medical information to hand - you'll need to give details about your condition during the application. Having important details to hand could help to minimise any potential delays.
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Don't be afraid if you're asked for a medical exam - being asked for a medical exam isn't always a bad thing. It helps insurers get to know your circumstances better so they can offer you the right cover at the right price.
If you need some help, why not use Confused.com?
By using Confused.com you can compare multiple quotes at once. One of our experts can also help you through the application and answer any questions you might have.
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