Can You Get Income Protection or Life Insurance with a Pre-Existing Condition?

by Carmel Green Protection Specialist

Don’t Wait Until You’re Sick: Why You Need Income Protection Today

I can’t tell you how often people come to me after they’ve been turned down for income protection or life insurance, thinking they’re out of options. The truth? Most of the time, they could’ve gotten cover if they’d acted earlier. The worst thing you can do is wait until something goes wrong. By then, it’s a lot harder—and sometimes too late—to get the protection you need.

So let me say it loud and clear: get income protection before you need it. Don’t wait for a health scare or an accident to start thinking about your future.

Short answer: Yes, but it’s more complicated. A pre-existing condition doesn’t mean you’re automatically out of the running—it just means there might be some strings attached, like exclusions or higher premiums. This is why timing is everything. The earlier you apply, the fewer obstacles you’ll face.

Let’s Talk About Pre-Existing Conditions

Here’s the thing: I see clients all the time with conditions they think disqualify them from cover. But you’d be surprised how many insurers are willing to work with you—even if there are exclusions or loadings.

Mental Health Issues

Anxiety, stress, depression—these are some of the most common pre-existing conditions I see.

Post-natal depression? No problem unless there’s a history of self-harm or you’re on very heavy meds.
Income protection? You’ll likely have an exclusion for mental health issues, but you’ll still be covered for everything else. Honestly, this one baffles me—why are so many people refused for anxiety? About half of my clients with income protection have had anxiety!

Don’t take “no” for an answer without talking to me first.

Back Problems

Bulging discs? Chronic back pain? Spinal issues? These are so common, and they’re not a dealbreaker. Yes, there’ll likely be an exclusion for anything back-related, but you’ll still be covered for everything else.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Life cover is doable, but it’s a case-by-case situation and might involve higher premiums.

Cancer

This one hits close to home—one in two of us will face cancer in our lifetime. The good news? Life insurance is still possible. The specifics depend on your diagnosis, treatment, and current health, but it’s worth exploring.

Diabetes

Let’s not sugarcoat it (pun intended). Life cover is more expensive—about 75% higher premiums—but it’s not impossible. Income protection and serious illness cover? That’s trickier, but Royal London has a basic policy, and Zurich offers cancer cover.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease)

If you’re on autoimmune meds, it’s tough to get cover. But don’t lose hope—I’ll always do my best to find options.

Heart Attack

Yes, you can still get cover, but there may be exclusions for heart-related issues. It’s case by case.

Kidney Disease

This one’s a tough nut to crack. Coverage is rare, but I’ll always try for you.

Weight Issues

This is all about BMI. If you’re outside the insurer’s ranges, it gets tricky, but it’s not impossible.

Why You Need to Act Now

Here’s the deal: waiting is the biggest mistake you can make. The second you have a diagnosis, your options narrow, exclusions kick in, and premiums go up. By getting cover now, while you’re healthy (or as healthy as possible), you lock in better terms.

I can’t stress this enough—don’t wait until you’re in a tough spot. Income protection is about safeguarding your future, your family, and your finances. If you lose your income because of an illness or injury, how are you going to pay your bills or keep your household afloat?

Don’t Face This Alone

If you’ve been refused by an insurer, don’t throw in the towel. I’ve helped so many people who thought they’d never get cover. Even if there are exclusions, most of the time you’ll still be covered for everything else. That’s a lot better than having no safety net at all.

I get it—insurance isn’t the most exciting topic, and it’s easy to put it off. But trust me, when life throws you a curveball, you’ll be glad you planned ahead.

Let’s Make a Plan

So here’s what I’m saying: don’t wait. Don’t let a pre-existing condition or a past refusal stop you from protecting yourself. There are options out there, and I’m here to help you find the right one.

Reach out, and let’s figure this out together.

Because you deserve financial security, no matter what life throws your way.

You can find out more here

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