Being declined for life insurance can be unsettling — and frustrating — especially if you don’t understand why it happened or what your options are.

A decline does not automatically mean you can’t get life insurance. In many cases, it simply means the application wasn’t approached correctly or submitted to the right insurer.

At The Insurance Surgery, we specialise in helping people move forward after a life insurance decline, drawing on expert underwriting knowledge and access to the whole UK market.

Why Life Insurance Applications Get Declined

Life Insurance is declined for a range of reasons, including:

• Medical history or ongoing health conditions
• Mental Health disclosures
• Previous or current medication
• Occupation or hazardous activities
• Lifestyle factors (such as smoking or alcohol use)
• Incomplete or poorly presented information

Often, the issue isn’t that cover is impossible — it’s that the wrong insurer was approached, or the application wasn’t structured correctly.

A Decline Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story

Different insurers assess risk in very different ways.

What one insurer declines outright, another may:

• Accept at standard rates
• Accept with adjusted terms
• Accept after further clarification

The problem is that once you’ve been declined, future applications need to be handled carefully. Insurers can see previous decisions, which is why expert advice becomes even more important at this stage.

What NOT to Do After Being Declined

This is where many people unintentionally make things worse.

After a decline, you should avoid:

• Submitting multiple applications online “to see what happens”
• Withholding information to try to improve your chances
• Assuming all insurers will make the same decision
• Giving up without getting specialist advice

Each new application creates a record. Poorly handled reapplications can reduce your options further.

How a Specialist Broker Can Help After a Decline

At The Insurance Surgery, we take a measured, informed approach.

Before any new application is made, we:

• Review the reason for the decline in detail
• Assess your medical, lifestyle, and occupational profile
• Identify insurers most likely to consider your case
• Speak to underwriters before submitting an application where appropriate
• Structure the application to reduce the risk of another decline

This approach protects your insurability and improves your chances of a positive outcome.

Common Reasons Clients Come to Us After a Decline

We regularly help people who have been declined due to:

• Diabetes or other long-term conditions
• Anxiety, depression, or other mental health disclosures
• Heart conditions or high blood pressure
• Cancer history (including post-treatment cases)
• Multiple or complex medical conditions

Even if your situation feels complicated, it’s worth getting proper advice before assuming cover isn’t possible.

Can You Still Get Life Insurance After Being Declined?

In many cases, yes — but outcomes depend on:

• Why the original application was declined
• How recently it happened
• Whether circumstances have changed
• Which insurer is approached next

Some clients secure cover shortly after a decline. Others may benefit from waiting or adjusting the type or amount of cover.

Our role is to give you clear, realistic advice, not false reassurance.

Why Use The Insurance Surgery?

We don’t take a “one size fits all” approach.

Our advisers:

• Deal with declined and complex cases every day
• Understand how insurers’ underwriting criteria differ
• Have access to insurers not available on comparison sites
• Explain your options clearly and honestly
• Support you throughout the process — not just at the application stage

We work for you, not the insurer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will another insurer see my previous decline?

Yes. Insurers typically ask about previous applications and decisions, which is why careful handling is essential.

Should I wait before applying again?

Sometimes. In other cases, the right approach can be taken immediately. This depends on the reason for the decline.

Will my premium be higher?

It depends on the circumstances. Some people secure cover on reasonable terms once the application is handled correctly.

Is my information kept confidential?

Yes. All discussions with our advisers are confidential and handled sensitively.

Speak to a Specialist Adviser

If your life insurance application has been declined, the most important thing is not to rush your next step.

A confidential conversation with a specialist adviser can help you understand:

• Why the decline happened
• Whether the cover is still possible
• The safest way to move forward

Speak to a specialist life insurance adviser today

There’s no obligation — just clear, professional guidance when you need it most.