Many people think getting life cover is off the table if you have health issues. That’s not true. You can still get life insurance with pre-existing conditions—you just need to know your options.
This is especially helpful for older people, where health worries are more common. Here’s how it works, what to expect, and how to improve your chances of getting cover.
What we’ll cover
What counts as a pre-existing condition?
Insurers define pre-existing conditions as any illness or diagnosis you had before applying for cover. These affect the risk an insurer takes, which in turn affects your premiums and terms.
Some conditions raise red flags, while others are easier to cover—especially if they’re well managed.
Examples of common pre-existing conditions
Let’s look at a few that often appear on insurance applications:
- Asthma – Common and usually manageable, but insurers may ask how often you use inhalers or visit hospital.
- Diabetes (type 1 or 2) – Needs regular monitoring. Insurers often ask about your blood sugar control and medication.
- High blood pressure – If it’s under control, many insurers will still offer standard rates.
- Heart disease – Conditions like angina, bypass surgery, or heart attacks can raise premiums, but don’t always rule out cover.
- Cancer (past or current) – If you’re in remission, you may still get cover, though some types have longer waiting periods.
- Mental health conditions – Anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder often appear in applications. Insurers usually ask about hospital stays, medication, and time off work.
- Arthritis or chronic pain – These don’t always shorten life, but they can still influence your policy depending on severity.
- Epilepsy – If well controlled, it’s often not an issue, but insurers will want details of your treatment and frequency of seizures.
It’s worth noting that not all pre-existing medical conditions are treated equally. The impact depends on how long you’ve had the condition, whether it’s improving or stable, and what treatment you need.
How pre-existing conditions affect life insurance
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Each insurer assesses your health differently, but here’s what they tend to look at.
Your life insurance premiums
Your monthly cost usually reflects how risky you are to insure. Some medical conditions can affect life insurance premiums quite a lot, especially if they increase the chance of early death.
For example, someone with well-controlled asthma may pay a similar rate to someone with no conditions. But a recent cancer diagnosis might raise costs or delay approval.
What the policy will and won’t cover
In some cases, you’ll get cover but with exclusions. That means your pre-existing condition won’t be included in the payout. If death is linked to that condition, your family may not receive a payment.
Always read the fine print. It’s important to know exactly what the insurer is offering before you sign anything.
Life insurance options for seniors with pre-existing conditions
If you’re older and dealing with health issues, there are still options. Insurers know that many people looking for life insurance for seniors won’t be in perfect health.
Age-specific life insurance
Insurance plans such as over-60s life insurance plans accept anyone within certain age brackets (typically from 50 to 80), without medical exams or health questions. Payouts are usually fixed and modest, but they help with funeral costs or debts.
They can be useful if you’ve struggled to get cover elsewhere due to pre-existing conditions.
Guaranteed acceptance policies
These are similar to over 50s plans, but some allow younger applicants too. You won’t be turned away due to health, but there’s often a waiting period before the full payout applies.
If you die within that time, only premiums paid are returned.
Tips for securing life insurance with health conditions
It’s not always easy, but there are ways to improve your chances of getting decent cover at a fair price.
Be open about your medical history
Honesty is the best policy. If you leave out a condition or lie on your application, your policy might be cancelled or refused at claim time.
If you’re unsure about dates or medication names, ask your GP to help fill in the gaps.
Improve your health where possible
You don’t need to be in perfect shape, but even small changes can make a difference. Insurers often look favourably on people who are:
- Quitting smoking
- Losing weight
- Managing conditions with regular check-ups
- Reducing alcohol intake
A small effort now could reduce your future life insurance premiums.
Use a broker or specialist
If you’re finding it hard to get approved, speak to a specialist who deals with high-risk or complex cases. They can match you with insurers who offer insurance for critical illness or other tailored options.
This can save you time and increase your chances of getting cover.
Compare different providers
Don’t go with the first quote you get. Each insurer has its own rules, and prices can vary widely.
Use comparison sites, or ask a broker to do the legwork. This is especially helpful if you’re dealing with more than one pre-existing condition.
What to expect during the application process
The more info the insurer has, the better they can assess the risk. Here’s what the process might involve.
Answering medical questions
Most applications start with a form asking about your health, family history, and lifestyle. Be honest. You might be asked about medication, past surgeries, or hospital visits.
These questions help the insurer decide whether to ask for more detail or offer a quote straight away.
Medical exams and GP reports
Some people may be asked to attend a medical or let the insurer contact their GP. This can seem daunting, but it helps to back up your application with facts.
These checks aren’t always required. Some policies skip them, especially ones aimed at seniors or if the cover amount is low.
Policies that don’t require life insurance medical exams often cost more, but they’re an option if you prefer speed or privacy.
Underwriting and approval times
Underwriting is the process insurers use to weigh up your risk. If you have several pre-existing medical conditions, it can take longer.
Be patient. It’s better to wait and get proper cover than rush and end up with a policy that doesn’t protect your family.
Conclusion
You can still get life insurance if you have pre-existing conditions—you just need to know where to look. Many providers offer flexible plans for people with health issues, including tailored life insurance for seniors.
Take your time, compare your options, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether you’re applying alone or with a partner, you may want to consider joint life insurance or policies with guaranteed acceptance.
For younger applicants with new responsibilities, such as growing families, check out options that offer life insurance for new parents to make sure your household stays protected.
Get a policy that meets your needs
We’ve partnered with some of the UK’s top life insurance brokers to give you the best possible choice.
Frequently asked questions
What does pre-existing conditions mean?
A pre-existing condition refers to any health issue you’ve been diagnosed with or treated for before applying for a new health or life insurance policy. Insurers consider these conditions when evaluating your application.
Is asthma a pre-existing condition?
Yes, asthma is commonly considered a pre-existing condition by insurers. Its impact on your policy will depend on its severity and how well it’s managed.
Is pregnancy a pre-existing condition?
Pregnancy itself isn’t typically classified as a pre-existing condition for life insurance purposes. However, complications arising from pregnancy might be considered, depending on the insurer’s criteria.