Does Life Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
- Covermate Life
- Sep 29, 2025
- 2 min read
When applying for life insurance, one of the first questions many Australians ask is: “Will I be covered if I already have a medical condition?” The answer depends on the type of condition, the insurer’s policy, and how upfront you are during the application process.
What Is a Pre-Existing Condition?
A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury, or health issue you had before applying for life insurance. This can include:
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Heart conditions
Cancer (current or in remission)
Mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression
High cholesterol or obesity
Essentially, if you have sought medical advice, been diagnosed, or received treatment for a condition prior to your policy application, it will likely be considered pre-existing.
Does Life Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
Yes, many life insurers will still offer cover — but with conditions. Typically:
Full cover is possible if your condition is well managed and not deemed high risk.
Loadings (higher premiums) may apply if your condition increases the likelihood of a claim.
Exclusions may be added, meaning your policy won’t pay out for claims related to that specific condition.
Declined applications are possible for severe or unstable conditions.
Why Insurers Ask About Pre-Existing Conditions
Insurers assess risk before issuing cover. Being transparent during the application process is essential — failing to disclose a condition can result in a denied claim, even years later.
What Conditions Are Commonly Covered?
Many Australians with the following conditions are still able to obtain life insurance:
Asthma
Mild to moderate depression or anxiety
High cholesterol
Controlled diabetes (type 2)
Thyroid conditions
The key is demonstrating effective treatment and stable health history.
Tips for Getting Life Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions
Be upfront – disclose all conditions honestly.
Provide medical evidence – reports from doctors or specialists strengthen your case.
Work with a broker – like Covermate Life, who understands which insurers are flexible with certain conditions.
Don’t assume you’ll be declined – many Australians are surprised to find affordable cover available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get life insurance if I had cancer? It depends. If you are in remission and have been clear for a certain number of years, cover may be possible, though often with loadings.
Does mental health affect life insurance? Mild or well-managed conditions often have little impact. Severe or recent hospitalisations may lead to exclusions or higher premiums.
What happens if I don’t disclose a pre-existing condition? Non-disclosure is one of the biggest reasons claims are denied. Always be transparent to protect your loved ones.
Final Thoughts
Having a pre-existing condition doesn’t mean life insurance is out of reach. Insurers look at the type, severity, and management of your health issue before making a decision. With the right advice, many Australians secure cover that provides peace of mind for their families.
At Covermate Life, we specialise in helping people with health conditions navigate the insurance process and find policies that work for them.
Comments