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Declined Life Insurance Elsewhere?

The Insurance Surgery: Award-winning specialist life insurance broker.

What Is Declined Life Insurance Elsewhere?

When you apply for life insurance, it isn’t always guaranteed that your application will be accepted. This is because different insurers and underwriters take varying views towards what level of high risk client they consider to be acceptable.

A lot of people come to us after having a life insurance application declined elsewhere. It can be quite disheartening if you have previously been refused cover for life insurance, whether this was due to a health condition or your occupation. However, this does not mean that you are uninsurable.

70% of our customers that have been refused life insurance elsewhere get accepted for a life insurance policy through us and that percentage keeps on increasing.

We are specialists in finding life insurance for people with medical conditions or dangerous occupations. We know exactly which provider can help your specific circumstances and work with only the best providers to find a policy that has adequate cover for you at a price that you are happy with.

Why have I been Declined Life Insurance?

The insurer will have deemed you to be too high risk for them to insure. This is normally due to a medical condition(s) or a lifestyle factor i.e. a dangerous hobby or job, or possibly a combination of factors.

You can ask your doctor for a copy of your medical records or ask the insurer for their copy of your medical records to find out why your application was declined if you are unsure. If you still have further questions or queries as to why your life insurance policy was declined, you can speak to a life insurance advisor who can assist you.

  • High cholesterol or related conditions
  • Being overweight or obese (high BMI)
  • Elevated liver function
  • History of cancer (especially if you had a high stage/grade, or a recent treatment)
  • Hepatitis
  • HIV and AIDS
  • High glucose/blood sugar levels
  • Blood or protein in your urine

 

If you do have any of these conditions, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your application will be declined straight away. It could however mean that cover is more difficult to obtain elsewhere.

You should also expect to pay a higher premium for your cover, especially if you have any medical complications related to your condition.

  • A recent diagnosis
  • Ongoing treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy
  • Combinations of certain medical conditions
  • Ongoing medical investigations or surgeries
  • Smoking – especially if you have a difficult medical condition
  • Alcohol consumption – if you drink a large amount of alcohol regularly
  • History of drug use (especially high-class drugs)
  • Dangerous jobs – if your job presents a high level of risk i.e. working at sea
  • Income limitations – some insurers will decline you if they deem that your income is too low to afford your premium payments
  • Applying for too much cover in relation to your earnings

There is also a chance that it’s down to the life insurance company that you applied through. If you previously used a different broker, you may have dealt with an insurance advisor who didn’t have the expertise to find the right insurer for you.

If you have been declined directly from an insurance provider, it could be because they are the wrong provider for your circumstances. Some providers can offer cover for certain circumstances whereas others may reject the same application, or add a large loading onto the premium.

Mortgage

Pay off the outstanding mortgage.

Debts

Clear any debts that you may leave behind.

Gift

Leave a gift for family or a charity.

Education

Leave a sum for your family to enjoy education and hobbies.

Income

Replace a spouse’s income with the support of a lump sum.

Funeral

Cover funeral costs and relieve the pressure from your family.

Can I Still Find Life Insurance If I’ve Been Declined?

It is definitely possible to find some form of life cover if you have been rejected elsewhere. You may have to pay a higher premium than the standard rate to cover your specific needs. There is also a possibility that your cover may include an exclusion on your policy as a result of your medical condition or high-risk lifestyle factor. It is important to find out the reason for your decline as this can be used to help find you life insurance in the future.

For example, if you were declined due to a lifestyle factor, then you could make some lifestyle changes in order to get life insurance. If you wanted to stop smoking or reduce your alcohol intake to help with your life insurance application, you could investigate ways to help.

If you have been rejected due to a medical condition, it may be worth speaking to your GP about your medical history and ways to improve things, for example your blood sugar levels if you suffer from diabetes.

It is also possible that you just applied to the wrong insurance provider so it is always worth checking through The Insurance Surgery in case we can help you find a policy. Some providers are less accepting of certain conditions or lifestyle factors than others and we know where to look to find a policy that you are happy with.

Dependants, like school-age children.

A partner who relies on your income.

A family living in a mortgaged or rented home.

What to do if I’ve Been Declined?

If you have been declined elsewhere, it is important not to reapply straight away as it is likely that you will be declined a second time.

The most important thing you can do is find out why your application was declined. This way, you can adjust your next application to avoid another decline.

It is important to disclose all your medical conditions on every life insurance application. If providers find out that you haven’t, then your application will be declined.

If your application is accepted with incorrect information, it is possible that you may have difficulties down the line. When it is time to claim on your policy you will be refused a pay-out due to a non-disclosure. To protect yourself and your family, it is best to be completely honest on your life insurance policy.

What to do Next…

Once you have reviewed your application yourself and found out the reason for the decline, you can fill in our online quote form or call The Insurance Surgery on 0800 083 2829.

Our expert advisors will be able to take your information and further explain to you the cause of your initial decline.

We can then use our knowledge to apply you to more suitable specialist insurers for your personal circumstances.

Hopefully, we can then find you the cover that you need to get peace of mind for your future and for your family.

If you’re the primary breadwinner or share financial responsibilities, a life insurance policy can help your family maintain their standard of living in the unfortunate event that you’re no longer around to support them.

Life Cover Terminology

Understanding life insurance terminology is essential for policyholders to make informed decisions about their cover, we have broken down the meaning for some of the most used terms.

Why Choose The Insurance Surgery?

Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot.

We take pride in the experience that we offer, guaranteeing excellent service at all times.

25 years Experience.

With 25 years of specialist life and protection experience, we can find the perfect policy for you.

Access to a range of insurers.

With a broad selection of partners, we are well-equipped to find the best insurance deals for you.

Award-winning broker.

Known for making insurance simple, The Insurance Surgery is a trusted, award-winning broker.

*Terms & Conditions.

These terms and conditions are promoted by the Insurance Surgery, whose registered office is at 2nd Floor Pickford Street Mill, Pickford street, Macclesfield, SK11 6JD.

To be eligible for a gift card you must be a UK resident aged 18 or over.

In order for you to receive the voucher, you will need to have a minimum monthly premium of £20 and the policy to be live for a minimum of three months.

You must make all payments to your policy each month and in full.

If the policy taken out falls into arrears or lapses, then you will not be eligible for a gift card.

This offer is valid until 31st March 2025. However, should we decide to extend the offer, we reserve the right to do so, updating our terms and conditions accordingly.

The gift card is issued via Lifestyle and can be used at more than 250 of the UK brands. For more details about the brands included, please visit thelifestylevoucher.co.uk. By clicking this link, you will be leaving the regulated site of The Insurance Surgery. The Insurance Surgery is not responsible for any content posted by a third party within a non-regulated site.

You will be sent a link to claim your gift card. The gift card will expire 2 years after being issued and any outstanding balance will be lost; No cash alternative will be offered.

We reserve the right to refuse issue of the gift card should we suspect foul play; We reserve the right to cancel or modify these terms and conditions at any time and at our sole discretion; Our Privacy Notice explains how your data will be used.

Your age

Your lifestyle

Your family’s medical history

Smoker Status

The length of your policy

Your occupation

Medical conditions

Life insurance cost, case study.

James is looking for life insurance to cover his mortgage and to give a lump sum to his wife and two children. James had a stroke ten years ago but doesn’t suffer from any symptoms.
We found James the increasing policy below:

Total Cover
Amount:

£750,000

Monthly Premium
Cost:

£41.57

Duration of
Policy:

Until age 70

How much cover do you need?

You can use our Cover Calculator below to determine how much cover you need. Additionally, you will need to take into consideration the following:

Any outstanding debts

Mortgage/rent

Number of dependants

Take-home pay or income from other sources

Speak to our team of experts for FREE
specialist advice today.

Monday to Thursday:

9:00am – 8:00pm

Friday:

9:00am – 3:00pm

Facts About Life Insurance.

Life insurance can serve multiple purposes, including income replacement, wealth transfer, estate planning, and business succession. But how does life insurance shape up with the UK population?

7.5 million families

in the UK have no life insurance or critical illness cover.

£40,000

The average life insurance policy in the UK covers only about £40,000.

28%

of UK adults believe life insurance is too expensive.

96.9%

of all protection case claims were paid in 2024

What Are the Different Types of Life Insurance Policies?

A term life insurance policy...

Term life insurance policy covers a specified duration, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. Should the insured individual pass away during this period, the policy pays a lump sum to their designated beneficiaries.

Whole-of-Life Insurance.

Whole-of-life insurance covers a person’s entire lifespan, provided premiums are consistently paid. It delivers a lump sum to beneficiaries upon the insured’s death.

Over 50s Life Insurance.

Over 50s life insurance guarantees acceptance without a medical report. With lower cover amounts and fixed premiums, it is used to cover funeral costs or leave a modest inheritance.

How different policies payout over time.

Benefit from Our Life Insurance Policies Today.

Relax, knowing that your family can receive the financial support that they need after you pass, and trust The Insurance Surgery to guide you through the life insurance process. With 25 years behind us, we are a trusted broker known for our expertise, prioritising transparency, and providing excellent customer service. So, rely on us to ensure you receive the cover you need at a fair and affordable price.

For a life insurance quote, contact us today on 0800 083 2829 to schedule a free consultation and take the first step towards protecting yourself and your loved ones financially.

Understanding how IHT works and the ways to mitigate its impact can help you plan and ensure that your loved ones don’t face unexpected tax bills.  

Price Promise.

Obtain a cheaper quote elsewhere, we’ll beat<br>the price and also give you a £50 gift card!*

We are committed to offering unbeatable prices. Our
Price Promise ensures that we will find you the right
cover for your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need life insurance for a mortgage?
No, when it comes to getting a mortgage in the UK, having life insurance is by no means a necessity. It is a time, however, when many people begin to look into life insurance quotes to protect their family’s financial security. Whilst majority do not, you may find that some mortgage lenders do stipulate that life insurance is required.
Your personal life insurance needs are completely unique to your circumstances. For a clearer idea of your life insurance needs, get a quote from one of our experts or submit your information into our Life Insurance Calculator.
Yes, you are able to have more than one ongoing life insurance policy. If you have doubts about your previous policy, however, and are looking for an updated one please speak to a member of our team – we can look at your current policy details and compare them to newer quotes.
If we can find you a better life insurance deal that offers better cover, or lower premiums we will make our recommendations. We will only ever suggest a switch to a new life insurance provider if we think that it is the right option for you.
Yes, you can take out life insurance when you’re pregnant. In fact, starting a new family is one of the main reasons that people consider life insurance.
Most life insurance payouts are not taxed in the UK. You may, however, have to consider inheritance tax following the passing of a loved one.
There is no correct age to begin considering life insurance. Everyone has their own needs and reasons when it comes to life insurance. Life insurance tends to be cheaper the younger you are, but most people begin to seek out life insurance quotes when they have a long-term partner, children, or a home.

Life insurance is unique – just like you.

Life Insurance for Parents

Life Insurance for Dads

Life Insurance for Sports & Hobbies​

Life Insurance for Self-Employed

Income Protection

Life Insurance for Smokers

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