Life Insurance with a Pre-Existing Condition
Written by Check Financial · 3 min read
The short answer
Yes, most people with a pre-existing medical condition can get life insurance, and often at standard or only modestly loaded rates. The outcome depends on the condition, how well it's managed, how long you've been stable, and crucially which insurer you apply to. With the right approach, a medical history rarely closes the door.
How Insurers Assess Medical History
Underwriters look at the type and severity of the condition, when it was diagnosed, the treatment you've received, how stable things have been since, and any associated risk factors (lifestyle, family history, other conditions). For chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma or controlled hypertension, the focus is usually on how well-controlled things are right now, recent test results, medication, and any complications.
For one-off events (a heart attack, a cancer diagnosis, surgery), insurers look at how long ago it was and what monitoring or treatment has happened since. The further into recovery you are, the more favourably it's usually viewed.
Why Insurer Choice Matters So Much
Different insurers have genuinely different appetites for different conditions. One insurer may accept type 2 diabetes at standard rates if HbA1c readings are well-controlled; another may apply a moderate loading. One may decline anyone with a recent cancer diagnosis; another may offer cover after a defined remission period. There is no single 'industry view'.
This is exactly where a whole of market adviser adds value. We know which insurers are likely to take a sympathetic view of your specific condition, and we'll only apply where the chance of a good outcome is genuinely strong. For complex cases, including mental health histories like our guide to life insurance with anxiety covers, we use pre-application enquiries to get an informal underwriter opinion before any formal application is submitted.
Real scenario
Details changed for confidentiality
Told Premiums Would Be Unaffordable, They Weren't
A client with a high BMI had received quotes through a comparison site that felt prohibitively expensive.
Outcome: By approaching the market differently and identifying insurers with a more favourable view of the client's overall health profile, we secured life cover at a premium meaningfully lower than the comparison site quotes. The client also had no other health complications, which we were able to present clearly.
Read the case study →Common Outcomes
Standard rates: For well-controlled conditions with good supporting evidence (stable readings, sensible lifestyle, no complications), standard terms are often achievable. This means the same premium someone of your age and other health factors would pay without the condition.
Rated terms: Where there's added risk, insurers may apply a premium loading, typically expressed as a percentage above standard rates, or as additional pounds per mille (£ per £1,000 of cover). Loadings vary widely; getting the right insurer can be the difference between a 25% loading and a 100% one.
Exclusions: For some conditions, the insurer may offer cover that specifically excludes claims related to that condition. This isn't always ideal, but it can still be the right answer where the cover is primarily intended to protect against unrelated risks.
What to Do Before Applying
Don't apply online directly without advice if you have any significant medical history. A decline goes on your record and can make future applications more difficult, see our guide to life insurance after being declined for what an online decline actually means and how to recover from one. Speak to a whole of market adviser who can assess your situation, recommend the right insurer, and present your case properly.
And never be tempted to leave anything off the application form. Non-disclosure is the most common reason claims are denied at the worst possible moment. Full, accurate disclosure with the right insurer is almost always a better outcome than a tidied-up application with the wrong one. You can also browse real client scenarios showing how we've handled diabetes, post-cancer and other complex medical histories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get life insurance with diabetes?+
Yes. Most type 1 and type 2 diabetics can get life insurance. The outcome depends on the type, how well-controlled it is (HbA1c readings), any complications, and which insurer is approached. Well-controlled type 2 diabetes often attracts only a modest loading, sometimes standard rates.
Can I get life insurance after cancer?+
In many cases yes, particularly once you've completed treatment and reached a defined period of remission. The required waiting period varies by insurer and cancer type. Some insurers specialise in post-cancer cover and may offer terms others won't.
Will my premiums be higher because of my condition?+
Sometimes, but not always. Well-managed conditions with good supporting evidence often achieve standard rates. Where a loading does apply, it's usually a percentage uplift; the right insurer can make a substantial difference to how much.
Should I tell my insurer about everything in my medical history?+
Yes, full disclosure is essential. Insurers can request your medical records and will void claims if material information was withheld. Honest disclosure with the right insurer almost always produces a better outcome than non-disclosure.
Related Guides
Life Insurance and Mental Health
What insurers look at for depression, anxiety and other mental health histories, and how a specialist helps.
Read guide →Previously Declined for Life Insurance?
Why declines happen, what they mean, and how a specialist adviser can help.
Read guide →Income Protection for Self-Employed People
How cover works when you have no employer sick pay and your income varies.
Read guide →This guide is general information, not personal advice. Check Financial Ltd is an appointed representative of Capital Protect Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.