Introduction

Pre-existing conditions are defined as any illness or condition that you have prior to applying for a life insurance policy. In the UK, it is estimated that one in four people live with a pre-existing health condition¹. This means that finding life insurance cover can be difficult, as many insurers will either refuse to cover you or charge you higher premiums.

However, it is still possible to find life insurance if you have a pre-existing condition. There are specialist insurers who provide cover for people with health problems, and some mainstream insurers will also offer cover on a case-by-case basis. It’s important to shop around and compare different policies to find the right one for you.

When looking for life insurance, it’s important to be honest about your medical history and disclose any pre-existing conditions. If you don’t declare a condition and it later comes to light, your insurer may refuse to pay out on your policy.

If you’re not sure whether you have a pre-existing condition, it’s best to err on the side of caution and disclose any potential problems when applying for life insurance. Your doctor can also help advise you on whether a condition should be disclosed or not.

References:
1) https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/heart-blood-and-circulation/heart-disease/preventing-heart-disease/pre-existing-conditions

What are pre-existing conditions?

Pre-existing conditions are health conditions that you have before you take out a life insurance policy. They can make it harder to get life insurance, and they often mean that you’ll pay more for cover.

Some common pre-existing medical conditions include: cancer, heart disease, diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure. But there are many other conditions that could be considered pre-existing, so it’s always best to check with your insurer before you apply for cover.

If you have a pre-existing condition and want to find life insurance, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of getting the cover you need. Firstly, make sure you disclose all of your medical conditions when you apply for cover. It may seem like hiding information will make it easier to get insured, but if the insurer finds out about a condition after you’ve taken out the policy, they may refuse to pay out on your claim.

Secondly, shop around and compare policies from different insurers. Some insurers are more willing to cover people with pre-existing conditions than others, so it’s worth doing some research to find the right company for you. Finally, consider taking out a policy with an exclusion for your pre-existing condition. This means that the insurer won’t pay out if you die as a result of your condition, but it will still provide cover for other causes of death.

The challenges of getting life insurance with pre-existing conditions

There are a number of challenges that come with trying to get life insurance coverage when you have pre-existing medical conditions. For one, insurers may be hesitant to provide coverage for someone with known health issues. Additionally, even if an insurer is willing to provide coverage, the rates may be significantly higher than for someone without pre-existing conditions. This is because people with pre-existing conditions are generally considered to be a higher risk, and thus their premiums reflect this risk.

One way to try to get around these challenges is to shop around for life insurance coverage. There are a number of insurers out there, and each has their own underwriting criteria. So it’s worth checking with a few different companies to see if you can find one that is willing to provide coverage at a reasonable rate.

Another option is to look into guaranteed issue life insurance policies. These types of policies don’t require any medical underwriting, so regardless of your health status you should be able to get covered. However, these policies often come with much higher premiums than traditional policies, so they may not be the best option if you’re looking for affordable coverage.

What are your options for life insurance with pre-existing conditions?

There are three main types of life insurance available to people with pre-existing medical conditions: guaranteed issue life insurance, modified life insurance, and underwritten life insurance.

Guaranteed issue life insurance is the most basic type of coverage and is typically offered by employers or other groups. The benefit amount is usually limited and the premiums are higher than for other types of coverage, but this type of policy does not require a medical exam or any health questions.

Modified life insurance policies are designed for people with pre-existing medical conditions that may make it difficult to qualify for traditional coverage. These policies typically have higher premiums and lower benefit amounts than standard life insurance policies, but they can be a good option for those who otherwise would not be able to get coverage.

Underwritten life insurance policies are the most comprehensive type of coverage available and provide the highest benefit amounts. However, these policies also require a medical exam and will ask health questions in order to determine eligibility. Those with pre-existing medical conditions may still be able to qualify for this type of coverage, but the premiums will be higher than for other types of policies.

Tips for getting life insurance with pre-existing conditions

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may be worried that it will be difficult to get life insurance. However, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of being approved for coverage.

Working with a specialist insurance broker who understands the market and has experience helping people with pre-existing conditions find coverage can be a big help. They can guide you to the insurers who are most likely to approve your application and help you put together the strongest possible application.

Being honest about your medical history is important. The insurer will need to know about your condition in order to make an accurate assessment of the risk. Providing all relevant medical records will give them the information they need to make a decision.

Consider applying for a joint policy with a healthy partner. This can sometimes be easier than applying for an individual policy, and it may also be cheaper.

Case studies of individuals who successfully obtained life insurance with pre-existing conditions

When it comes to life insurance, having a pre-existing condition can sometimes feel like you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t. On the one hand, you need life insurance to protect your loved ones in case something happens to you. On the other hand, finding a life insurance policy when you have a pre-existing condition can be difficult – and even if you do find one, the premiums can be sky-high.

But it is possible to get life insurance with a pre-existing condition. Here are some case studies of individuals who have done just that:

1. Mary is a 38-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes. She was diagnosed at age 24 and has been managing her condition with medication and diet ever since. When she went to apply for life insurance, she was initially declined because of her diabetes. But she did some research and found a company that specializes in insuring people with pre-existing conditions. With this company, she was able to get a policy with rates that were only slightly higher than those of healthy people her age.

2. John is a 45-year-old man who was diagnosed with cancer five years ago. He is now in remission, but his cancer treatment has left him with some lingering health issues, including heart problems and high blood pressure. He was initially declined for life insurance because of his health history, but he also found a company that specializes in insuring people with pre-existing conditions. With this company, he was able to get a policy with rates that were only slightly higher than those of healthy people his age.

3. Sarah is a 51-year-old woman who was diagnosed with high cholesterol several years ago. She has managed her condition through diet and exercise, but her medical history still caused her to be declined for life insurance initially. But she did some research and found a company that specializes in insuring people with pre-existing conditions. With this company, she was able to get a policy with rates that were only slightly higher than those of healthy people her age.

These case studies demonstrate that it is possible to get life insurance with a pre-existing condition if you take the time to do your research and find the right insurer for you.

Conclusion

When it comes to life insurance with pre-existing conditions, the most important thing is to be honest with your insurer. You will need to provide them with full details of your condition (es) and any medications or treatments you are receiving. It is also important to be realistic about your needs and expectations.

Some insurers may be willing to cover you for a limited amount, while others may exclude your condition from their policies altogether. It is important to compare policies and prices before making a decision.

There are a number of specialist providers who cater for people with pre-existing conditions, so it is worth shopping around. Some companies will offer discounts if you take out multiple policies with them.

If you are having difficulty finding cover, there are a number of government schemes that can help in uk.

These include  the NHS Low Income Scheme, which provides free or discounted life insurance for those on low incomes, and the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA), which offers a comparison service to help you find the best policy for your needs.

No matter what your situation, it is possible to obtain life insurance with pre-existing conditions – you just need to be prepared to put in the work required to make sure you get the cover that is right for you.

Next steps : what you should to do

If you have a pre-existing condition and are looking for life insurance, there are a few things you should do to ensure you get the coverage you need.

First, consult with your doctor to determine what, if any, limitations your condition may place on your life expectancy. This information will be crucial in determining how much coverage you need and what kind of policy is right for you.

Next, shop around and compare life insurance policies from different companies. Be sure to read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions of each policy before making a decision.

Finally, consult with a financial advisor to make sure that you are getting the best possible coverage for your needs. They can help you understand the different policy options and make sure that you are getting the most bang for your buck.

References:

• “Life insurance with pre-existing medical conditions” Money Advice Service, https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/life-insurance-with-pre-existing-medical-conditions
• “Life insurance with a pre-existing medical condition” Which?, https://www.which.co.uk/money/insurance/life-insurance/health-and-medical-conditions/life-insurance-with-a-pre-existing-medical-condition-a1z6j5r6ux5h
• “Getting life insurance with a pre-existing condition” Age UK, https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/insurance/life-insurance/pre-existing-conditions/ 
• https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/heart-blood-and-circulation/heart-disease/preventing-heart-disease/pre-existing-conditions