What are the implications of not flagging up a medical condition when applying for life insurance or another form of protection? Thomas Heyes offers advice in his latest Q&A
The Question
I’m due to buy a new home in a few weeks’ time and have been speaking with my mortgage broker about protection insurance for my mortgage. She mentioned pre-existing illnesses and it got me thinking.
I have recently been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and I am now following a diet plan to help reduce the symptoms.
As it’s potentially reversable I am wondering if I could get away with omitting this from application to keep the premiums down. Would this help cut costs?
Thomas’s Answer
Even if your diabetes was in remission at the point of claim, the fact that you had it at the point of application would still be classed as a non-disclosure.
When you apply for protection insurance (like life insurance, critical illness cover, or income protection), the insurer uses your medical history to assess your risk.
If you miss off a known condition – even if it’s mild, well-managed, or potentially reversible – this is considered a non-disclosure.
If you or your loved ones ever need to claim on your policy, the insurer has the right to review your medical records. If they discover you left something out intentionally or accidentally, your claim could:
- Not pay out
- Or the policy could be cancelled
Meet our Expert…
Thomas Heyes, senior protection adviser with The Insurance Surgery, is here to answer your insurance questions. You can read more about him and the business in our profile of The Insurance Surgery.
If you have a question about life insurance leave a message in the comments below or email kate.saines@emap.com
