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Income Protection with Pre-Existing Conditions

Over 15 million UK adults live with a long-term health condition. Most assume this makes them uninsurable, it rarely does. The majority get income protection with an exclusion, not a decline.

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Income Protection with a Pre-Existing Condition: What Actually Happens

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, applying for income protection can feel daunting. Many people assume they will be turned down. In reality, outright declines are relatively uncommon. The vast majority of applicants with pre-existing conditions are offered some form of cover.

When you apply, the insurer will assess your condition and typically respond in one of three ways:

  • Standard terms, your condition is considered low-risk and the insurer offers normal cover at normal prices. This is common for well-managed conditions like controlled blood pressure or mild asthma.
  • Exclusion, the insurer covers you for everything except claims related to your specific condition. You still have broad protection for all other illnesses and injuries. This is the most common outcome.
  • Premium loading, the insurer charges a higher premium but provides full cover, including for the pre-existing condition itself. This is generally the best outcome if available, as you have no gaps in your cover.

The critical point is that insurer approaches vary enormously. One insurer might exclude a condition that another covers with a small loading, while a third might offer standard terms. This is why comparing the whole market through a specialist broker is not just helpful, it is essential.

Key fact: There is no guaranteed acceptance income protection in the UK. Every application is individually underwritten. However, this does not mean most people are declined. A specialist broker can pre-screen your application with multiple insurers to find the most favourable terms before you formally apply.

For a detailed look at how pre-existing conditions affect income protection applications and what to expect, see our guide to income protection with pre-existing conditions.

Understanding Your Options

Standard Cover vs Exclusion vs Premium Loading

The three possible outcomes when applying for income protection with a pre-existing condition, and what each means for your protection.

FactorStandard TermsCover with ExclusionCover with Loading
What it meansNormal cover at normalCovered for everythingFull cover including your
Claims for pre-existing conditionFully coveredNot covered, excludedFully covered
Claims for other conditionsFully coveredFully coveredFully covered
Monthly premiumStandard priceStandard price (no extraHigher than standard
When this happensWell-controlled, low-riskMost common outcome forConditions where the
Best outcome?Ideal, no gaps, no extraGood, broad protection, oneExcellent, full cover,

The outcome depends on the specific condition, its severity, how well it is managed, and which insurer you apply to. A specialist broker can identify the best outcome for your situation.

Important: You must always declare all pre-existing conditions when applying for income protection. Failure to disclose a known condition, even if unrelated to a future claim, can result in your entire policy being voided. Honesty is always the best approach, and a specialist broker will present your medical history in the most favourable way possible.
Common Conditions

Income Protection by Condition

Here is what to expect when applying for income protection with some of the most common pre-existing conditions in the UK.

🩸

Controlled Diabetes

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are routinely considered by insurers. Well-controlled diabetes with good HbA1c results and no complications is viewed more favourably. Some insurers offer cover with a loading rather than an exclusion, meaning your diabetes-related claims would be covered too.

Usually covered, exclusion or loading typical
❤️

Managed High Blood Pressure

Hypertension is one of the most common conditions insurers deal with. If your blood pressure is controlled with medication and within acceptable ranges, many insurers will offer standard or near-standard terms. Uncontrolled blood pressure may result in an exclusion for cardiovascular-related claims.

Often standard terms if well controlled
🌬️

Asthma

Mild to moderate asthma managed with standard inhalers is one of the easiest conditions to insure. Many insurers offer standard terms for well-controlled asthma. Severe asthma requiring frequent hospital admissions or oral steroids may result in an exclusion or loading.

Usually standard terms for mild-moderate
🧠

Depression & Anxiety History

Mental health conditions are among the most common reasons for income protection claims. Insurers will consider how recently you were affected, the severity, and whether you are currently receiving treatment. A single past episode may result in standard terms; ongoing or recurring conditions are more likely to receive a mental health exclusion.

Cover available, terms depend on history
🏅

Cancer Survivors (in Remission)

If you are in remission from cancer, income protection is usually available after a waiting period, typically 2 to 5 years depending on the type and stage. After sufficient time with clear follow-ups, insurers may offer cover with a cancer exclusion or a premium loading. Specialist brokers know which insurers have the shortest remission requirements.

Available after remission, 2–5 years typical
📋

Multiple Conditions

Having more than one pre-existing condition does not automatically prevent you from getting cover. Each condition is assessed individually, though you may end up with multiple exclusions or a combined premium loading. A specialist broker is particularly valuable here, as they can find insurers with the most favourable approach to your specific combination.

Specialist broker strongly recommended

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Costs Explained

How Much Does It Cost with a Pre-Existing Condition?

The cost depends on your condition, how it is managed, your age, occupation, and chosen benefit level. Here is a general guide for a 35-year-old insuring £1,500/month benefit.

£20–£45/mo
Standard Terms or Exclusion
If your condition results in standard terms or an exclusion, the premium is often comparable to someone without a condition. The exclusion means you pay the same price but have one gap in cover.
£30–£75/mo
Premium Loading Applied
If the insurer applies a loading (typically 25–75% extra), you pay more but get full cover including your condition. The exact loading depends on your specific condition and its management.
Worth knowing: Once your policy is in force, your terms are locked in for the life of the cover (with guaranteed premiums). Even if your condition worsens after the policy starts, your premium and cover remain the same. This is a strong reason to get cover in place as early as possible, your current health is what matters at the point of application. See our full guide to income protection costs.

The most effective way to find the best price with a pre-existing condition is to compare the whole market through a specialist broker. Insurers vary enormously in their approach to specific conditions, and the difference in price and terms can be significant.

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Real Reviews

What Our Customers Say

Amir H.
Amir H.
Leeds • Income Protection, Type 2 Diabetes
★★★★★
“Type 2 diabetes didn't stop me”

I was convinced I couldn't get income protection because of my diabetes. My adviser found an insurer that covered me with a small loading rather than an exclusion. I'm now fully protected including for diabetes-related claims. Wish I'd asked years ago.

Karen W.
Karen W.
Glasgow • Income Protection, Cancer Survivor
★★★★★
“Covered after breast cancer”

Three years after treatment I thought insurance was off the table. My adviser knew exactly which insurers to approach and found one that offered cover with a cancer exclusion. I'm protected against everything else, back problems, accidents, mental health. That peace of mind is priceless.

James C.
James C.
Cardiff • Income Protection, Depression History
★★★★★
“Depression history wasn't a barrier”

I had a period of depression five years ago and assumed no insurer would touch me. The first insurer my adviser tried offered standard terms because it was a single episode that resolved. No exclusion, no loading, just normal cover at a normal price.

Sophie R.
Sophie R.
Manchester • Income Protection, Asthma
★★★★★
“Asthma made no difference at all”

I have had asthma since childhood and take a daily inhaler. I expected a loading or exclusion but my adviser found an insurer that offered completely standard terms. I am paying £13/month for £1,900/month of cover with no restrictions whatsoever.

Mark D.
Mark D.
London • Income Protection, High Blood Pressure
★★★★★
“Controlled BP meant standard rates”

I take medication for high blood pressure and my readings are well controlled. My adviser pre-screened with three insurers and two offered standard terms with no loading. I am covered for £2,600/month at £21/month. The whole process took less than 25 minutes.

Claire B.
Claire B.
Bristol • Income Protection, Anxiety & IBS
★★★★★
“Two conditions and still got cover”

I have generalised anxiety and IBS, so I thought getting income protection would be impossible. My adviser found an insurer that excluded mental health claims but covered everything else at standard rates. Even with the exclusion, I am protected for back problems, injuries, cancer, and more.

Learn More

Related Guides

Dive deeper into the topics that matter for getting the right income protection with a pre-existing condition.

Pre-Existing Conditions Guide

Full breakdown by condition

What Is Income Protection?

Complete UK guide

Income Protection Cost

UK pricing breakdown

Income Protection vs Critical Illness

Which do you need?

Is Income Protection Worth It?

Honest assessment

Income Protection Waiting Periods

Choosing the right deferred period
Got Questions?

Pre-Existing Conditions: Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in most cases. The vast majority of people with pre-existing conditions can get income protection. The insurer may apply an exclusion for the specific condition, add a premium loading, or in some cases offer standard terms. Outright declines are relatively uncommon. A specialist broker can identify which insurers are most likely to offer favourable terms for your particular condition.
An exclusion means the insurer will cover you for everything except claims related to your specific pre-existing condition. For example, if you have asthma, your policy would pay out if you could not work due to a back injury, cancer, or any other illness, but not if your absence was caused by your asthma. You still get broad protection for all other causes of incapacity.
A premium loading means the insurer charges a higher premium to reflect the increased risk associated with your condition, but provides full cover including for the pre-existing condition itself. This is generally a better outcome than an exclusion because you are fully covered, though you pay more for the privilege. Loadings typically range from 25% to 75% extra on the standard premium.
Yes. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are routinely considered by income protection insurers. Well-controlled diabetes with good HbA1c results and no complications is viewed more favourably. Some insurers may exclude diabetes-related claims, while others may offer cover with a premium loading. The terms vary significantly between insurers, which is why specialist comparison is essential.
Yes. Managed high blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most common conditions insurers deal with. If your blood pressure is controlled with medication and within acceptable ranges, many insurers will offer standard or near-standard terms. Uncontrolled or very high blood pressure may result in an exclusion or loading.
Yes, though terms vary. Insurers will consider when your last episode was, whether you are currently on medication, how many episodes you have had, and whether you have been hospitalised. A single past episode that resolved may result in standard terms. Ongoing or recurring conditions are more likely to result in a mental health exclusion. Some insurers are more favourable for mental health than others, a specialist broker will know which ones.
Yes, though insurers typically require a period of remission, often 2 to 5 years depending on the type and stage of cancer. After sufficient time in remission with clear follow-ups, many insurers will offer cover with either a cancer exclusion or a premium loading. A specialist broker will know which insurers have the shortest remission requirements for your specific cancer type. Read our pre-existing conditions guide for more detail.
Yes, you must declare all pre-existing conditions when applying for income protection. Failure to disclose a known condition can result in your claim being rejected, even if the claim is for something completely unrelated. Insurers may void your policy entirely if non-disclosure is discovered. Always answer medical questions honestly and completely, your adviser will present your history in the best possible way.
Each insurer has their own underwriting criteria, medical guidelines, and risk appetite. One insurer might exclude a condition that another covers with a small loading, while a third might decline altogether. This is why comparing the whole market through a specialist broker is essential, the right insurer can make the difference between an exclusion and full cover.
No. Unlike some life insurance products, there is no guaranteed acceptance income protection in the UK. Every application is individually underwritten based on your health, occupation, and other factors. However, this does not mean you will be declined, the vast majority of applicants with pre-existing conditions are offered some form of cover, whether with standard terms, an exclusion, or a loading.
No. Once your income protection policy is in force with guaranteed premiums, your terms are locked in for the life of the policy. Even if your condition worsens after the policy starts, your premium and cover remain the same. This is one of the strongest reasons to get cover in place as early as possible, your current health is what matters at the point of application.
A specialist broker knows which insurers are most favourable for specific conditions. They can pre-screen your application with multiple underwriters before formally applying, present your medical history in the most favourable light, negotiate with insurers on your behalf, and find the best combination of cover and price for your particular situation. This expertise is especially valuable for complex medical histories.

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