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🛡️ Medical Conditions Cover

Life Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions

Over 15 million people in the UK live with a long-term health condition. Most can get life insurance, and many pay standard or near-standard rates. Do not assume you cannot be covered.

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Can You Get Life Insurance with a Pre-Existing Condition?

Yes, and in the vast majority of cases, you can. Over 15 million people in the UK live with at least one long-term health condition, and the life insurance industry covers millions of them every year. Having a pre-existing condition does not automatically mean you will be declined or face unaffordable premiums.

When you apply for life insurance with a health condition, insurers will typically take one of four approaches:

  • Standard terms, your condition is considered low risk and has no impact on your premiums. Common for well-controlled asthma, mild hay fever, or treated thyroid conditions.
  • Cover with a loading, you pay a percentage more than standard rates to account for the additional risk. A 50% loading on a £10/month policy means you pay £15/month.
  • Cover with an exclusion, the insurer covers you for everything except claims directly caused by your specific condition. More common on critical illness and income protection than life insurance.
  • Postponement or decline, rare, and usually only for very recently diagnosed or unstable conditions. Even then, another insurer may accept you.

The critical point is that different insurers have very different attitudes to different conditions. One insurer might apply a 100% loading where another applies just 25% for the exact same condition. This is why comparing the whole market through a specialist broker is not optional, it is essential.

Key fact: UK life insurers paid out £5.32 billion in individual claims in 2024, with a 97.9% acceptance rate. The overwhelming majority of claims are paid, including those from policyholders who disclosed pre-existing conditions at the time of application.

For a detailed look at how specific conditions affect your options, see our comprehensive guide to life insurance with pre-existing conditions.

Cover Comparison

Standard vs Exclusion vs Loading vs Guaranteed: Your Options

Understanding the different types of cover available helps you know what to expect and what questions to ask your adviser.

FeatureStandard CoverCover with ExclusionCover with LoadingGuaranteed Acceptance
Medical questionsYes, full disclosureYes, full disclosureYes, full disclosureNone required
Premium impactNo increaseNo increase (but exclusion25–200%+ addedSignificantly higher
CoverUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£25k–£50k typical max
WaitingNoneNoneNone1–2 year moratorium
Best forLow-risk conditionsSingle specific conditionModerate-risk conditionsLast resort after decline
Common conditionsMild asthma, hay fever,Previous depression, pastDiabetes, heart conditions,Any condition, no health

The outcome depends on your specific condition, its severity, treatment, and which insurer you apply to. A specialist broker will identify your best option.

Important: Never withhold medical information from an insurer. Non-disclosure is the single most common reason life insurance claims are rejected. Being honest about your health, and using a broker who knows which insurer to approach, is always the better strategy. Read our guide to how much cover you need.
Common Conditions

Life Insurance by Condition

Here is how insurers typically approach some of the most common pre-existing conditions.

🩸

High Blood Pressure

Hypertension is one of the most commonly insured conditions. If your blood pressure is well-controlled with medication and there are no complications, many insurers offer standard or near-standard rates. Uncontrolled hypertension may result in a moderate loading.

Standard rates when controlled
🧠

Depression & Anxiety

Mental health conditions are among the most frequently disclosed on applications, and the vast majority of people receive cover. Mild to moderate cases managed with medication typically qualify for standard rates. Severe or recent episodes may result in a small loading or short postponement.

Widely covered, severity matters
🌬️

Asthma

Mild to moderate asthma rarely affects life insurance premiums at all. Most people with asthma pay standard rates. Severe asthma requiring frequent hospitalisations, oral steroids, or nebuliser treatment may attract a small loading, but cover is almost always available.

Usually standard rates
🎗️

Cancer Survivors

Many cancer survivors can get life insurance after a period of remission, typically 2–5 years depending on the type and stage. The type of cancer, treatment received, and current health status all factor in. A specialist broker is essential for navigating which insurers have the most favourable approach.

Available after remission period
❤️

Heart Conditions

Heart conditions including previous heart attacks, angina, arrhythmias, and heart valve issues can all be covered. Premiums depend on the condition, when it occurred, current treatment, and overall cardiovascular health. Recovery time and ongoing management are key factors.

Cover available, specialist broker essential
📋

Multiple Conditions

Having two or more pre-existing conditions does not automatically prevent you from getting life insurance. Insurers assess the overall risk rather than simply adding up conditions. The right broker will know which insurers take a holistic approach and offer the most competitive terms for combined conditions.

Whole-of-market comparison essential

Not sure if your condition can be covered? Ask a specialist.

Get matched with an FCA-regulated adviser who specialises in medical underwriting. They know which insurers are most favourable for your specific condition.

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Costs Explained

How Much Does Life Insurance Cost with a Pre-Existing Condition?

The impact on your premiums depends entirely on your specific condition and how it is managed. Here is what a 35-year-old non-smoker might expect for £200,000 of level term cover over 20 years.

£9–£15/mo
Low-Risk Conditions
Well-controlled asthma, treated high blood pressure, mild depression. Standard or near-standard rates from most insurers.
£15–£40/mo
Moderate-Risk Conditions
Diabetes, cancer survivors, heart conditions, multiple conditions. Loadings vary significantly, comparing the market is essential.
Worth knowing: The difference between insurers can be dramatic. For the same person with the same condition, one insurer might charge double what another charges. A specialist broker will compare every UK insurer to find you the most competitive rate. See our full guide to life insurance costs in the UK.

If you have been declined by one insurer, it does not mean you cannot get cover elsewhere. Different insurers have genuinely different appetites for different conditions, and a specialist broker will know exactly where to place your application.

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Real Reviews

What Our Customers Say

Karen W.
Karen W.
Nottingham • High Blood Pressure
★★★★★
“Standard rates despite my blood pressure”

I was worried that my high blood pressure would make life insurance really expensive. My adviser found me cover at virtually the same price as someone without any conditions. I wish I had done this years ago instead of worrying about it.

Paul G.
Paul G.
Cardiff • Cancer Survivor
★★★★★
“Covered 3 years after treatment”

After bowel cancer treatment, I assumed life insurance was off the table. My adviser explained the remission requirements and found an insurer willing to cover me three years after my all-clear. The loading was far less than I expected.

Laura B.
Laura & Tom B.
Glasgow • Depression & Anxiety
★★★★★
“No judgement, just results”

We both have a history of anxiety and depression. The adviser was incredibly understanding and found us joint cover with no exclusions and only a very small loading. The process was straightforward and completely judgement-free.

Robert N.
Robert N.
Liverpool • Asthma & Eczema
★★★★★
“Two conditions, standard rates”

I have both asthma and eczema and was worried about declaring multiple conditions. My adviser said these are among the most commonly insured conditions in the UK. Got £300k of cover at standard rates, £13/month at age 36. No loading at all.

Michelle F.
Michelle F.
Bristol • Crohn's Disease
★★★★★
“Specialist broker made all the difference”

I have Crohn's disease and had been quoted astronomical premiums going direct. The specialist broker I was matched with knew exactly which insurer to approach. Ended up with £200k cover for £19/month with a small loading. Totally manageable.

Chris A.
Chris A.
Sheffield • Type 2 Diabetes & High Cholesterol
★★★★★
“Multiple conditions, still affordable cover”

I have Type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol, both well managed with medication. My adviser approached three insurers and the best quote came back at £21/month for £250k. One insurer wanted £35/month for the same cover. Comparing saved me over £4,000 over the term.

Learn More

Related Guides

Dive deeper into the topics that matter for life insurance with health conditions.

Pre-Existing Conditions Guide

Full UK guide by condition

How Much Cover Do I Need?

Calculate the right amount

How Much Does It Cost?

UK pricing breakdown

Life Insurance & Critical Illness

Combined cover options

Life Insurance Over 50

Options for older applicants

Whole of Life Insurance

Lifetime cover explained
Got Questions?

Pre-Existing Conditions: Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the vast majority of people with pre-existing conditions can get life insurance in the UK. Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, depression, and many others are routinely covered. Insurers assess each application individually, and most conditions result in cover being offered, sometimes at standard rates, sometimes with a loading or exclusion, but rarely with an outright decline.
A pre-existing condition is any medical condition you have been diagnosed with, treated for, or experienced symptoms of before applying for life insurance. This includes physical conditions (diabetes, heart disease, cancer, asthma), mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder), and chronic conditions (arthritis, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis). Even conditions that are well-managed or in remission must be disclosed.
Not necessarily. Many common conditions result in standard or near-standard premiums. For example, well-controlled asthma or mild high blood pressure may not increase your costs at all. More serious conditions may result in a premium loading (a percentage added to the standard rate), an exclusion, or in rare cases, a decline. The key is comparing multiple insurers, as their approaches vary significantly.
A premium loading is an additional charge added to your standard life insurance premium because of a health condition or other risk factor. For example, a 50% loading on a £10/month policy would mean you pay £15/month. Loadings vary enormously between insurers, one might apply a 100% loading where another applies just 25% for the same condition. This is why comparing the whole market is essential.
An exclusion means the insurer will not pay out if your death is directly caused by a specific condition. For example, if you have a history of depression, an insurer might exclude death by suicide within the first year. The rest of your cover remains fully in place. Exclusions are less common on life insurance than on income protection or critical illness cover.
Yes, many cancer survivors can get life insurance. Insurers will consider the type of cancer, the stage at diagnosis, treatment received, and how long you have been in remission. Most insurers require a minimum remission period (typically 2–5 years depending on the cancer type) before they will offer terms. A specialist broker can identify which insurers have the most favourable approach to your specific type of cancer.
Yes, depression and anxiety are two of the most commonly disclosed conditions on life insurance applications, and the vast majority of applicants receive cover. Mild to moderate depression managed with medication typically results in standard or near-standard rates. More severe cases, recent hospitalisations, or multiple episodes may result in a loading or short postponement.
Yes, high blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most commonly insured conditions in the UK. If your blood pressure is well-controlled with medication and there are no complications, many insurers will offer standard or near-standard rates. Your most recent blood pressure reading will be key to your application.
Yes, asthma is very commonly covered and most people with mild to moderate asthma pay standard life insurance rates. Severe asthma requiring frequent hospital admissions, oral steroids, or nebuliser treatment may result in a small loading. The vast majority of asthma sufferers will have no difficulty obtaining affordable life insurance.
Guaranteed acceptance life insurance asks no medical questions and cannot decline you for any reason. It is designed for people who have been unable to get cover through standard channels. However, it comes with significant limitations: higher premiums, lower maximum cover (typically £25,000–£50,000), and a moratorium period of 1–2 years during which death from a pre-existing condition is not covered. It should only be considered as a last resort.
Yes, you must answer all medical questions on your application honestly and completely. This includes conditions you consider minor, conditions that are well-managed, and conditions you had in the past but no longer suffer from. Failure to disclose a relevant condition could result in your policy being voided and your family receiving no payout. Non-disclosure is the most common reason claims are rejected.
Yes, having multiple conditions does not automatically prevent you from getting cover. Insurers assess the overall risk profile, and many people with two or more conditions are covered every day. A specialist broker is invaluable when you have multiple conditions because they know which insurers take the most holistic and sympathetic approach. Read our guide to pre-existing conditions for more detail.
Yes, a specialist broker is strongly recommended. They understand which insurers are most favourable for specific conditions, how to present your medical history in the best light, and can often negotiate better terms than you would get applying directly. A good broker can also prevent unnecessary declines, which can make future applications more difficult.
No, once your policy is in force, your premiums are guaranteed for the full term regardless of any changes to your health. This is one of the most important reasons to get cover as soon as possible, if your condition worsens in the future, it will not affect your existing policy. However, if you apply for a new or additional policy later, your current health will be reassessed.
Being declined by one insurer does not mean you cannot get cover. Different insurers have very different appetites for risk, and a condition that one insurer declines may be readily accepted by another. A specialist broker can approach insurers on your behalf without generating multiple declined applications on your record. If all standard options are exhausted, guaranteed acceptance plans remain available as a last resort.

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