Life Insurance & Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious health condition affecting blood sugar levels. According to Diabetes.co.uk, more than four million people in the UK are diagnosed as diabetic.

Can you get life insurance if you have diabetes?

Yes, you can get life insurance if you have diabetes. However, please be aware that obtaining life insurance while you have diabetes isn’t always straightforward. This is because diabetes is an individual experience, and different people will experience different levels of severity.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetics

Life insurance for type 1 diabetics is available, however more information from your GP may be needed. This is because Type 1 diabetes can have serious consequences from a young age. The impact on individuals is also significant, with regular and often permanent treatments being needed. Due to these facts, it is likely that higher premiums will be required.

In contrast to this, life insurance for type 2 diabetics is often more straightforward. Around 90% of all adults with diabetes in the UK fall into the type 2 category. Treatment can often include a diet or medication change to control the levels of glucose. Insulin injections may only be required if the condition worsens over time. If you have type 2 diabetes with no additional complications, you may be able to get acceptance of your application straight away.

It is best to make an appointment with your GP if you experience symptoms of diabetes. Your doctor will be able to make a diagnosis and start a treatment plan. You can expect your GP to discuss your lifestyle and what steps you can take to help manage the condition.

Getting life insurance if you are diabetic

You will be asked some questions when you apply for cover and will be made aware straight away, or shortly afterwards, if you are able to obtain cover.

Shoud you disclose your diabetes?

Yes. When you apply for life insurance you will need to disclose if you have ever been diagnosed with diabetes, regardless of how long ago it was. 

Here is a checklist of information you’ll likely need to provide:

• When you were diagnosed, and the date of your last diabetic review.
• Whether your treatment includes insulin injections or an insulin pump.
• Details of any hospital admissions, excluding regular diabetic clinic appointments.
• Results of your latest HbA1c test, which indicates the blood glucose levels within red blood cells.
• Any additional complications such as kidney and eye problems, abnormal urine test results, and any symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in fingers, toes or feet.

Please be aware that failure to answer any of these questions truthfully and accurately could invalidate any future claim and result in your policy being cancelled.

Why might I be declined for life insurance?

There are some circumstances in which life insurance for diabetics is not always possible. For example, help may not be accessible for all smokers or those with other cardiovascular risks. More information may also be needed from your GP if you are currently pregnant, of if the results of your HbA1c test suggest you may have high blood sugar levels.

Is diabetes covered by Critical Illness Cover?

If your policy included Critical Illness Cover, it is possible a cash sum may be paid if you suffer from a specified illness. While diabetes can lead to life-threatening complications in serious cases, it is not included in the list of critical illnesses. This is because it can usually be managed and treated.

Contact us for advice and no obligation quotations.

Heart conditions

In the UK today, 7.6 million people are living with a heart or circulatory disease. Of course, we all want to ensure our loved ones are protected and the implications (including financial impact) of conditions such as heart disease.

What qualifies as a heart condition?

Heart and circulatory conditions recognised by life insurers can include:

• Heart disease, including heart attacks and angina
• Stroke
• Heart Failure
• High blood pressure
• Heart bypass surgery

Can you get life insurance with a heart condition?

It can be a challenge to obtain life insurance if you have a heart condition. In some instances, you may be able to get cover while paying higher premiums but sometimes life insurance is simply not available if you have a heart condition.

What heart conditions would prevent me from getting life insurance?

This will vary from one company to another. Some insurers may not provide cover for people with a history of heart attack or even high blood pressure. Others will provide cover but charge a higher premium.

If you have had heart or circulation issues, you will likely be asked to provide medical information before a decision is made. Insurers will approach their decision in different ways, which is why it makes sense to ask us for advice on which companies may be able to help you.

Applying for life insurance with a heart condition

The medical information you provide will have an impact on whether you are able to get life insurance with a heart condition. It will also have an impact on how much you will need to pay if you can get cover.

Insurers will also consider other factors such as your family medical history (including any heart conditions). They will probably ask you for your consent to access medical records before they make a decision on whether or not they are able to offer you a policy.

It is vital that you answer questions honestly or your policy might be cancelled without a refund of premiums. In extreme cases, deliberate misrepresentation of your health status could even be viewed as fraudulent.

Will life insurance pay out for heart disease?

If you die while a life insurance policy is in place, then yes it will pay out. So if you die due to a heart condition and a valid claim is made, the policy will pay.

You can also add Critical Illness Cover to your policy when you take out life insurance. This would pay out if you were to undergo a medical operation or were diagnosed with a specific illness, including the following:

• Aorta graft surgery
• Cardiac arrest
• Cardiomyopathy
• Coronary artery bypass grafts
• Heart attack
• Complete heart transplant
• Open heart surgery
• Primary pulmonary hypertension

The cost of life insurance with a heart condition

Life Insurance providers will often provide low-cost example premiums in their advertising but if you successfully obtain life insurance with a heart condition then it is likely you will pay higher premiums than a customer in normal health.

By applying for life insurance through an independent financial adviser like us, you have access to a wide range of insurers as well as the support of our knowledgeable team who can help you to find the life insurer best able to meet your needs.

Contact us for advice and no obligation quotations.

Strokesife insurance and strokes

A stroke is a serious, potentially life-threatening emergency. How do previous strokes impact your ability to get life insurance? First let’s consider some context.

What are the types of stroke?

According to the Stroke Association, more than 1.3 million people in the UK have previously  experienced a stroke. It might be a more common medical condition than you think. There are three main types of stroke:

• Ischaemic stroke - This is the most common. It refers to situations where the blood supply is cut off to the brain.
• Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) - Sometimes referred to as a ‘mini stroke’, a TIA is like an ischaemic stroke in that it’s a blockage that stops blood from getting to the brain. However the blockage is temporary, so the symptoms do not persist.
• Haemorrhagic stroke - A type of stroke where there is bleeding to the brain.

Can you get life insurance after a stroke?

Yes, however, this will depend on the severity of your symptoms. Other factors such as your age, smoker status and medical history will also be considered. Life insurance pays out on the death of the insured person during the length of the policy. This could help their family meet ongoing living costs such as mortgage or rent, childcare costs and help towards paying household bills. So, life insurance will pay out for a stroke would if it results in death and a valid claim is made.

Can I get life insurance with a family history of strokes?

Yes, but you will need to disclose information about your family medical history when you apply for life insurance. This information will include whether you, or close family members, have ever had a stroke. Insurance providers will take this medical information into account before deciding whether they can issue a policy. You will also be asked about your age, lifestyle and health status.

Does Critical Illness Cover pay out for strokes?

In many instances Critical Illness Cover (Critical Illness Cover) will pay out if you experience a stroke. The symptoms of a stroke will usually need to last for at least 24 hours before a claim can be made. You will need to refer to the terms of your individual policy for more information on how it covers you in the event of a stroke. Medical information from the doctors who treat you will usually be needed to support your claim.

Can I get Critical Illness Cover if I’ve already had a stroke?

Yes, having a stroke does not necessarily mean you are excluded from getting Critical Illness Cover. As with life insurance, your application will be assessed to help the insurer decide if they are able to offer you a policy. Critical Illness Cover can be added when taking out life insurance for an additional cost. It is designed to pay out if you were to undergo a medical procedure for one of the specified illnesses covered by the policy.

Can I get income protection insurance if I’ve had a stroke?

Yes, you can still get Income Protection Insurance if you have had a stroke. Income Protection Insurance is designed to pay you a monthly benefit if you are unable to work due to illness or injury which results in a loss of earnings. However, as with any life or health insurance, your application will be assessed before a decision is made.

If I’ve had a stroke, what questions will I be asked when I apply?

You should disclose whether you have ever experienced a stroke in the past when you submit your application, otherwise your policy could become invalid should you or a loved one need to make a claim. Some questions you are likely to be asked include:

When did the stroke occur and on how many occasions?

• Were you advised of a specific cause?
• What treatment did you have and have you required surgery?
• Are you experiencing any residual symptoms or restrictions in your daily activities?
• Do you have difficulty breathing; chest pain on exertion; angina, or pain in your calves when walking?

In some cases, your GP may be asked to make a report to help provide a full picture of your condition before a final underwriting decision is made.

Different insurance providers will take a slightly different approach to individual circumstances which means that it makes sense to get independent advice to help to select an insurer who is most likely to provide you with the cover that you need.

Contact us for advice and no obligation quotations.