Life insurance for pre-existing medical conditions

Can I get life insurance if I have a medical condition?

You may be able to get life insurance, even if you have a pre-existing medical condition – but as with any policy, cover isn’t guaranteed and will depend on your individual circumstances. Insurance for pre-existing medical conditions can come with a higher premium. 

When you apply for a life insurance policy with pre-existing conditions, you’ll need to provide further information about your general health as part of your application. The insurer will review this information before deciding whether to offer you an insurance policy.  

Why insurers need to know about pre-existing conditions

An insurer needs to know about your pre-existing conditions to establish whether you are eligible for their cover. It is important to let your insurance provider know about your pre-existing medical conditions. Failure to provide accurate information about your medical conditions could invalidate your policy. If information about pre-existing medical conditions comes to light after you die, your beneficiaries might not receive a payout.  

Do I need a medical exam to get life insurance with a pre-existing condition?

You don’t always need a medical exam to get life insurance with pre-existing conditions. The requirement for a medical exam will depend on the information you provide in your application, alongside the provider’s own criteria. 

When you apply for life insurance, you will be asked questions regarding your:

• Age
• Occupation
• Smoker status
• Height and weight
• Medical history
• Alcohol consumption
• Travel and residency
• Hobbies

Depending on your answers, you may be asked to provide more information or to undergo a medical examination. However, there are scenarios where you could be deemed “in good health,” in which case you may be offered a standard policy.