What is a pre-existing medical condition?

The common definition of a pre-existing medical condition is any illness, injury, or health condition that you've experienced, had symptoms of, or have been treated for prior to applying for life insurance. Even if your pre-existing medical condition has been successfully treated, you will still need to provide details about it in your life insurance application. Any medical condition that affects your ability to work, or poses a threat to your life, will need to be disclosed to your insurance provider before you take out a policy. Different insurance companies define the term 'pre-existing medical condition' in different ways - please contact us to learn more about how it is defined by NobleOak.

What isn't classified as a pre-existing medical condition?

Most life insurance providers generally do not classify the following as pre-existing medical conditions: Minor colds and flu Injuries (such as broken bones) that you've fully recovered from Routine pregnancies Seasonal allergies Non-chronic skin conditions (such as mild eczema or acne) Minor surgeries (such as wisdom tooth extraction)

Can you apply for life insurance with a pre-existing medical condition?

Yes, it is possible to apply for cover with NobleOak if you have a pre-existing medical condition. An existing illness or injury doesn't necessarily rule out your eligibility for life insurance. You may also need to undergo a medical examination. Depending on the specific condition, NobleOak may offer to: cover the pre-existing condition, exclude your pre-existing condition from your cover, or cover the condition for a higher premium.

Will life insurance cost more if you have a pre-existing condition?

Sometimes, yes, your insurance premiums will be higher to reflect the additional risk to the insurer if you have a pre-existing condition (referred to as a 'loading'). Alternatively, your insurer might decide that they're not able to provide coverage for a certain pre-existing condition - resulting in a life insurance policy that excludes this condition (referred to as an 'exclusion').

How do you disclose your pre-existing condition when applying for life insurance?

When you're taking out life insurance, and pre-existing conditions are relevant to your application, it's important to be upfront. This means you need to provide honest answers about your medical history in your insurance application - either online or over the phone.

Will you need to provide medical information or documentation related to your pre-existing condition?

In addition to the health questionnaire, we may also ask you to provide medical records or undergo a medical examination. The likelihood of this will depend on what the pre-existing condition is.

How long does the application process take when you have a pre-existing condition?

This will depend on what the pre-existing condition is. In most cases, someone at the insurance company will assess your application and let you know if they require more information from you (or further tests) before assessing your application. The length of the process will depend on what the pre-existing condition is, and whether you need to undergo a medical examination. Pre-existing conditions that are generally mild or well-managed may not require a medical examination - for example, if you have hypertension but it's under control through medication and lifestyle factors, the application process should be fairly straightforward.

Can life insurance be declined due to a pre-existing medical condition?

In some circumstances, it might not be possible to obtain life insurance for pre-existing illnesses that are considered to be high risk. Certain aggressive types of cancer, for instance, might make it more difficult to take out a life insurance policy. Ultimately, this will depend on the insurance company, and the specific details of your medical condition.