Life Insurance Over 40 With Pre Existing Conditions In 2025
Pre-existing conditions can make finding life insurance coverage more difficult and, sometimes, more expensive.
However, even if you have a chronic or terminal health problem, you can still qualify for pre-existing conditions life insurance in your 40s if you know where to look.
The right policy depends on your specific medical issues, how you manage your condition, and the insurer.
Insurance Hero has access to specialist insurers with a proven track record of helping those with pre-existing conditions get covered.
Free Life Insurance Quotes For Over 40s With Pre-Existing Health Conditions
What Insurers Look For
Even if you find the best life insurance for people over forty in the UK, your insurer will likely ask about pre-existing conditions.
A pre-existing condition is usually a health problem affecting longevity, but each insurance company qualifies them differently.
Here’s how insurers factor in pre-existing conditions and why they might increase your premiums:
Risk
Insurance companies are usually the most hesitant about major conditions like metastasized cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In these cases, they view it as a higher risk to take on a policyholder with these conditions.
This is because they may not put as much money into the policy as they will take out in the death benefit, as the assumption would be that the policyholder wouldn’t live long enough to contribute to the policy.
However, other conditions like high blood pressure, a history of stroke, or high cholesterol may also cause scrutiny from insurance companies.
They will likely request that you undergo a medical exam or fill out a health questionnaire about the severity of the issue, the factors that led up to it, and what steps you have taken to manage it.
Controllable Issues
Some pre-existing conditions are more appealing to insurers than others, and this is because insurance providers working with people in their forties are looking at the ways you are making an effort to stay healthy.
For example, if you have type 2 diabetes, an agent will want to see that you are adjusting your diet and exercise, as well as taking medications that can help you control your blood sugar levels.
Following your doctor’s instructions and actively maintaining a healthy lifestyle can increase your chances of approval and potentially lower your monthly premiums.
Example Costs Of Over 40s Cover With Pre-Existing Conditions:
| Age | Cost of coverage per Month (£) |
|---|---|
| 40 | 10.31 |
| 41 | 10.98 |
| 42 | 11.63 |
| 43 | 11.73 |
| 44 | 12.04 |
| 45 | 12.82 |
| 46 | 13.18 |
| 47 | 13.52 |
| 48 | 15.88 |
| 49 | 16.12 |
15 common pre-existing conditions that insurers typically consider for people in their 40s:
It’s worth noting that while many insurers offer coverage for these conditions, the terms, premiums, and availability can vary. Some policies may have exclusions or higher premiums based on the condition’s severity and the individual’s overall health.
- Heart Conditions: Including angina, heart attacks, and heart valve problems.
- Stroke: Including mini-strokes and brain haemorrhages.
- Cancer: Various forms, depending on the type and stage.
- Asthma: Chronic respiratory condition.
- Arthritis: Such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- High Blood Pressure: Also known as hypertension.
- Epilepsy: Neurological disorder with recurrent seizures.
- Mental Health Disorders: For example, depression and anxiety.
- Kidney Diseases: Including chronic kidney disease.
- Neurological Disorders: Such as multiple sclerosis.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A group of lung conditions.
- HIV/AIDS: Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.
- Obesity: Excess body weight and its potential health implications.
- Cystic Fibrosis: A genetic disorder affecting the lungs and digestive system.
What You Can Do
If you are in your forties and concerned about finding life insurance coverage, there are a few things you can do to help your chances:
Shop Around
Not all insurance providers play by the same rules, and each will have its unique take on pre-existing conditions. You should compare insurance companies before committing to the first one offering coverage.
Never lie about your health or pre-existing conditions when applying for insurance. If the insurer later finds out you had entered false information or omitted critical information, you may lose your coverage or experience a significant premium increase.
Know Your Options
There’s always the chance that you cannot find coverage on your own.
Luckily, there are a few life insurance options out there to help protect your peace of mind and your family’s financial future:
- Group life insurance: This type of insurance is typically offered by employers for an affordable premium. If you participate in a group life policy your employer provides, your health conditions likely won’t be considered. The tradeoff? The death benefit tends to be slightly more limited, and your coverage is contingent on your employment. If you lose your job, you lose your coverage.
- Guaranteed acceptance: Guaranteed acceptance life insurance doesn’t require you to undergo a medical exam or complete a health questionnaire. This form of life insurance is usually offered to people with serious conditions that disqualify them from traditional life insurance. These premiums tend to be more expensive.
If you’re struggling to find an insurance company or policy that works for you or seek insight on what happens if you miss premium payments after forty, Insurance Hero is your trusted broker.
We offer fast, free, and tailored comparisons from the UK’s leading insurance providers. Contact us today for your personalised quote.
Research Sources:
- https://www.royallondon.com/about-us/media/media-centre/good-with-your-money-guides/life-insurance-with-preexisting-medical-condition
- https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/businesses/complaints-deal/insurance/pre-existing-medical-conditions
Steve Case is a seasoned professional in the UK financial services and insurance industry, with over twenty years of experience. At Insurance Hero, Steve is known for his ability to simplify complex insurance topics, making them accessible to a broad audience. His focus on clear, practical advice and customer service excellence has established him as a respected leader in the field.
