Life Insurance with a Family Medical History

Does Family Medical History Affect Life Insurance?

When applying for life insurance, insurers often ask about your family medical history, particularly if your parents or siblings have experienced serious health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or stroke.

While having a family history of certain conditions doesn’t automatically prevent you from getting life insurance, it can influence how insurers assess your application and the premiums you pay.

At Covermate Life, we’re an insurance broker offering general advice only. We can help you understand how family medical history may affect your life insurance options in Australia.

General advice only: This information does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and seek professional advice before making decisions.

What Do Insurers Look At?

When reviewing family medical history, insurers may consider:

Type of illness – Cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other hereditary conditions.
Age at diagnosis – Conditions diagnosed in family members at a younger age may be considered higher risk.
Number of relatives affected – A single family history may have less impact than multiple occurrences.
Your own health – Blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and overall medical reports can balance family history.
Lifestyle factors – Smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, and exercise habits.

How Family History May Affect Life Insurance

Standard cover – If your health is good and risks are low, you may still qualify for standard premiums.
Premium loadings – Higher premiums may apply if there’s a strong family history of early-onset illness.
Exclusions – Some insurers may exclude claims related to specific hereditary conditions.
Additional medical checks – Blood tests, reports from your GP, or specialist assessments may be required.

How to Improve Your Chances of Approval

Provide accurate medical information about your family history.
Show evidence of healthy living – exercise, balanced diet, non-smoking.
Attend regular check-ups and keep medical records updated.
Consider multiple insurers – some are more flexible with family history than others.

Other Cover Types to Consider

Income Protection – Replaces a portion of income if illness or injury prevents you from working.
TPD Insurance – Lump sum if permanently unable to work due to illness or injury.
Trauma Cover – Pays a lump sum if diagnosed with serious illnesses like cancer, heart attack, or stroke.

FAQs About Life Insurance and Family Medical History

1. Will a family history of cancer stop me getting life insurance?
Not necessarily. Many people with a family cancer history still qualify for cover, although exclusions or higher premiums may apply.

2. Do I need to disclose family medical history?
Yes. Full disclosure is essential. Not disclosing family history could lead to denied claims later.

3. Will premiums always be higher with family medical history?
Not always. If you’re in good health and have no symptoms, you may still qualify for standard rates.

4. Do insurers treat all conditions the same?
No. Heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are usually weighted more heavily than other conditions.

5. Can lifestyle changes reduce the impact of family history?
Yes. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help demonstrate to insurers that you are managing risk factors.

General Advice Disclaimer

This content is general advice only and does not consider your individual objectives, financial situation, or needs. Always review the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and seek professional advice before purchasing life insurance.