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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

Life Insurance for Medical Conditions

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

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Medical Conditions

Trending searches: cancerdiabetesHIVheart diseasemental health

What is a pre-existing condition?

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:

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!

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:

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.

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.

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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.

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

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.
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*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.

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Copyright © 2025 The Insurance Surgery Ltd. The Insurance Surgery is authorised and regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority. We are entered on the Financial Services Register No 401425 at https://www.fca.org.uk Registered in England and Wales. No 5137288. Registered and trading from 2nd Floor, Pickford Street Mill, Pickford Street, Macclesfield, SK11 6JD The guidance and/or advice contained within the website is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore primarily targeted at customers in the UK.

Price promise terms & conditions: Please read our price promise terms and conditions which will tell you more about our promise.