FREE expert help & advice 0800 083 2829

Contact our specialist team for FREE expert help & advice 0800 083 2829

Life Insurance for Medical Conditions.

Looking for life insurance with a pre-existing medical condition can be a difficult process, but here at The Insurance Surgery, we make it simple. 70% of people who are declined elsewhere get accepted through us.

Life insurance | Income Protection | Critical Illness cover | Private Medical Insurance

For more information search for your medical condition below:

This list is not a complete list so if your medical condition does not appear then please do not hesitate to contact us.

e.g. Type ‘Diabetes’ to find type 1 diabetes, type 2 life insurance

What Is Medical Conditions life insurance?

We are often asked if certain illnesses are considered ‘pre-existing medical conditions’ and how they may impact your policy. A pre-existing condition is when you have, or have had, symptoms, medication, advice, treatment or diagnostic tests for disease, illness, or injury before taking out a life insurance policy.

Different insurance providers have their own definitions when it comes to pre-existing conditions. They do, however, often include conditions such as:

Heart disease

Asthma

Cancer

Type 1 diabetes

Mental health

Other types of diabetes

Insurance providers will also take into consideration the severity of the condition.

Pre-existing conditions are just one of many factors that insurers must consider when you apply for cover. They also take into account factors such as:

Job

Smoker status

Age

How much cover you need

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

Yes, life insurance underwriting is improving constantly, and with advancements in treatment, it’s becoming easier to get life insurance with existing medical conditions.

When applying for life insurance with a pre-existing medical condition, the insurance provider may need to know more about your medical information, possibly asking for a report from your GP or specialist or even a medical exam. This can often lead to higher costs as insurance providers consider the likelihood of you making a claim based on your condition. In some cases, however, insurers may decline applications based on your medical history.

That’s where we step in. The Insurance Surgery may increase your chances of getting the cover that you need!

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.

How will an insurer know you have a pre-existing condition?

Remember to be completely open and honest about every aspect of your health and lifestyle during the application process, as insurers have no other way of knowing about your pre-existing condition unless you disclose that information. It’s crucial to provide accurate and truthful answers to all the questions asked during the application.

You will also be asked things like if you:

Smoke or vape

Your weight and height to determine your BMI

Your occupation

Any family history of illness

Make sure you answer all the questions that you are asked correctly and truthfully, including the medical questions about any pre-existing conditions you may have.

If you don’t answer honestly when your family comes to contact your insurance provider regarding the payout, hoping to claim the financial support, the cover that you have been paying for may not be valid and they will be unable to claim the money owed.

Will I Need A Life Insurance Medical Exam?

You might think that doctor’s reports and nurse screenings will draw out the process of getting life insurance. However, most doctor’s reports are received within a month of requesting them and nurse screenings are usually arranged very quickly and completed at a time and place that suits you.

Either way, you can rest assured that The Insurance Surgery will coordinate these appointments for you with the insurer. You can also depend on us to chase the relevant/reports and offer updates on progress throughout the process.

The decision for a doctor’s report is usually based on the amount of cover applied for and the answers to your application questions.

Some of the questions that you’re asked may include:

Your age

Occupation

Smoker status

Height and weight

Medical history

Alcohol consumption

Hobbies (such as hazardous activities)

If you’re in good health, then it’s likely you’ll be offered life insurance on standard terms without a medical exam.

Will I Need to Have a Doctor’s Report to Get Life Insurance?

Get in touch with our experts and we will be happy to advise on whether or not you require a doctor’s report.

80% get life insurance without a doctor’s report

20% get life insurance after a doctor’s report or nurse screening

Do You Need Life Insurance?

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.

Who We Work With

Our team of friendly life insurance experts will help you find the perfect policy for your pre-existing condition, taking into consideration your individual circumstances to protect your family and save you money. Our insurance partners include all the biggest brands and best insurers:

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.

What medical conditions affect life insurance?

Common pre-existing conditions that affect life insurance include:

Diabetes

Cancer

Heart disease

Epilepsy

Obesity

Asthma

Mental health conditions

It’s important to disclose pre-existing health conditions, whether you have them now or had them in the past.

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

For a clearer idea of the average cost of life insurance, visit our Guide.

What does the process of getting life insurance with a medical condition involve?

Each insurer will ask for specific information depending on your particular condition, alongside general health questions that everyone is asked when applying for life insurance.

This will include:

Your age

Smoker status

BMI

Date of diagnosis

Type of condition

Medication

Severity

Family History

For each condition, they will then ask more specific questions, for example:

Diabetes life insurance: Insurers will ask about how your diabetes is controlled (medication, insulin, diet, etc.), your BHa1c/Mmol reading, your medical record, any Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes-related complications, etc.

Cancer life insurance: Different cancers bring about different symptoms/ conditions/ treatments, but, generally, insurers will ask about the type of cancer, the grade or stage, how long you have been in remission, and the specific treatment you have received.

MS life insurance: Insurance companies will want to know the type of MS (relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, primary progressive), whether you need walking aids or not, any medication you might be on, and how the MS restricts daily living for you.

Essentially, the process of getting life insurance with existing medical conditions can differ with their own subset of questions from insurers. You can find out more about the specific questions you may be asked regarding getting life insurance with medical conditions by searching our A-Z of conditions above.

Who We Work With.

We are proud to partner with some of the most reliable and respected brands. Our helpful team of experts are keen to find you the perfect policy from one of the best insurers in the country, so you can rest assured that you’re in good hands.

What does a life insurance medical exam involve?

A life insurance medical exam will be with a doctor or nurse, in a place convenient for you. This could be at home, at your GP surgery or your local hospital. Every application is different so insurers may require a short health check or discussion about your medical history.

The check up will be nothing to worry about. It will feel like a routine health check with your GP, or a regular check up with your specialist if you do have a pre-existing medical condition.

Some of the things that might be checked include:

Weight and height measurements to determine your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Waist measurement

Blood pressure

Pulse checks

Urine testing for blood, glucose and protein

If you are asked for additional testing during your exam, this could include any of the following:

A test to confirm your smoking status (if you have told us you are a non-smoker)

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) test

Other tests for life insurance can include blood tests and/or an electrocardiogram.

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 Inheritance Tax (IHT) and Life Insurance

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.

How much life insurance do I need?

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.

Can you have more than one life insurance policy?

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.

Can I get life insurance while pregnant?

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.

Do you have to pay taxes on life insurance payouts?

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.

What age should you get life insurance?

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.

*Price Promise Terms and 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.

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

For More Information, Check Out Our Latest Blogs

Stay informed with the latest updates in the insurance industry for 2025 here.

We aim to provide clear advice, breaking down the jargon, so you understand the importance of protection insurance.

Family

By Policy

Helpful Information

What Are the Most Dangerous Occupations?

Is Income Protection Insurance Worth It?

Life and Health Insurance for Business

Specialised Business Insurance

Helpful Information

What is Income Protection

Is Income Protection Insurance Worth It?

Life Insurance for Medical Conditions.

For more information search for your medical condition below:

What Is Medical Conditions life insurance?

Job

Smoker status

Age

How much cover you need

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

Mortgage

Debts

Gift

Education

Income

Funeral

How will an insurer know you have a pre-existing condition?

Will I Need A Life Insurance Medical Exam?

Will I Need to Have a Doctor’s Report to Get Life Insurance?

Life Cover Terminology

Who We Work With

Why Choose The Insurance Surgery?

Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot.

25 years Experience.

Access to a range of insurers.

Award-winning broker.

What medical conditions affect life insurance?

Diabetes

Cancer

Heart disease

Epilepsy

Obesity

Asthma

Mental health conditions

Life insurance cost, case study.

Total Cover Amount:

£750,000

Monthly Premium Cost:

£41.57

Duration of Policy:

Until age 70

For a clearer idea of the average cost of life insurance, visit our Guide.

What does the process of getting life insurance with a medical condition involve?

Your age

Smoker status

BMI

Date of diagnosis

Type of condition

Medication

Severity

Family History

Who We Work With.

What does a life insurance medical exam involve?

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

Monday to Thursday:

Friday:

Facts About Life Insurance.

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...

Whole-of-Life Insurance.

Over 50s Life Insurance.

How different policies payout over time.

Benefit from Our Life Insurance Policies Today.

Price Promise.

Total Cover
Amount:

Monthly Premium
Cost:

Duration of
Policy:

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

Life Insurance for Sports & Hobbies