Can You Get Life Insurance If You Have a Health Condition?
Have you ever thought, “I have a health condition, so I probably won't qualify for life insurance”?
You're not alone.
It's a concern many people have when they start thinking about life insurance—especially if they've been diagnosed with a chronic condition, take regular medication, or have a history of significant health issues.
But here's the important thing:
Don't automatically assume you're uninsurable.
Life insurance applications are assessed individually. Insurance companies consider a range of information when determining whether and on what terms they can offer coverage. This can include your age, medical history, the amount of coverage you're applying for, and other factors related to your overall risk.
Depending on the circumstances, an insurer may offer coverage, offer it at a different premium or with specific conditions, request additional medical information, or determine that coverage isn't available under that application.
That's why having a conversation and exploring your options can be so valuable.
How Does Life Insurance Underwriting Work?
When you apply for life insurance, the insurance company a
ssesses the information provided in your application to determine the risk associated with insuring you.
This process is called underwriting.
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada explains that insurers may consider factors such as age, medical history and the amount of coverage requested. The underwriting process helps determine the amount of coverage the insurer will provide, any applicable exclusions, and the premium.
Depending on the type and amount of coverage you're applying for, you may be asked health questions or be required to provide additional medical information or complete an examination.
The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association also notes that life insurance applications typically include a health questionnaire and that insurers may consider factors such as health condition, medical history, family medical history, financial situation and occupation when assessing an application.
Does Having a Health Condition Mean You Can't Get Life Insurance?
Not necessarily.
Every situation is different.
Having a health condition doesn't automatically mean an application will be declined. The insurer will look at the overall circumstances and the information available to them.
For example, two people could have the same diagnosis but receive different underwriting outcomes because other factors may be different.
The insurer may consider things such as:
When the condition was diagnosed
Whether it is well controlled
Current treatment
Medications
Follow-up and monitoring
Medical history
Any related complications
Age
Amount of insurance requested
Other relevant health and lifestyle information
This is one reason it's difficult to determine whether someone will qualify simply by looking at one diagnosis.
What Health Conditions Can Affect Life Insurance?
There are many different health conditions that may be considered during underwriting.
Some examples include:
Diabetes
An insurer may consider the type of diabetes, how it is being managed, treatment, medical history and whether there are related complications.
High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure history, treatment, control and other cardiovascular risk factors may be relevant.
High Cholesterol
An insurer may consider cholesterol levels alongside other health information and cardiovascular risk factors.
Asthma or Other Respiratory Conditions
The nature and severity of the condition, treatment and overall health history may be considered.
Heart Conditions
A history of heart disease or other cardiovascular conditions may require additional medical information depending on the circumstances.
Cancer History
A previous cancer diagnosis doesn't necessarily tell the whole story. Factors such as the type of cancer, treatment, time since treatment and current status may all be relevant to underwriting.
Mental Health History
Mental health conditions and treatment may also be considered as part of an overall medical history.
The important takeaway is:
A diagnosis by itself doesn't tell you what your insurance options will be.
Your individual circumstances matter.
What If You Take Medication?
Taking prescription medication doesn't automatically mean you can't get life insurance.
Medication is simply one piece of the overall health picture an insurer may consider.
Your application may ask about medications, treatment and medical history. Providing accurate information allows the insurer to properly assess your application.
If you're unsure about a question on an application, it's better to clarify it than to guess.
Why Being Honest on Your Application Matters
This is extremely important.
When applying for life insurance, you need to answer the questions on your application completely and honestly.
Failing to do so can have serious consequences, including cancellation of a policy or a future claim being refused.
If you're unsure whether something from your medical history needs to be disclosed, don't simply leave it out.
Ask your advisor.
The goal isn't to make your health history sound better. It's to provide the insurer with accurate information so the application can be properly assessed.
What Happens If the Insurance Company Needs More Information?
Sometimes an insurer may request additional information before making a decision.
That could include medical records, a doctor's report, lab results or a medical examination, depending on the application and underwriting requirements.
This doesn't necessarily mean you've been declined.
It may simply mean the insurer needs more information before making an underwriting decision.
The amount of information requested can also vary depending on factors such as the amount of insurance being applied for.
What If You Are Offered Coverage at a Higher Premium?
Sometimes an insurer may determine that coverage can be offered but at a different premium based on the assessed risk.
This is one possible underwriting outcome.
The important thing is to understand the offer before deciding whether to accept it.
Your advisor can help explain:
The amount of coverage offered
The premium
The policy terms
Any exclusions or conditions
How the coverage fits into your overall financial plan
This allows you to make an informed decision rather than simply looking at whether the application was accepted or declined.
What If One Insurance Company Says No?
An application outcome with one insurer doesn't necessarily mean every possible insurance solution will be identical.
Different insurers have different underwriting approaches and products.
As an independent advisor, one of the benefits I can provide is helping clients explore available solutions based on their individual circumstances.
However, it's important to remember that no advisor can guarantee an underwriting outcome.
The insurance company ultimately makes the underwriting decision.
Why Working With an Independent Advisor Can Help
If you're concerned about your health history, having a conversation with an experienced insurance advisor before applying can be helpful.
An advisor can help you understand:
What information may be required
What types of coverage may be appropriate
What factors insurers may consider
What existing coverage you already have
How much coverage you may actually need
Most importantly, the goal is to help you make an informed decision.
You're not expected to know how insurance underwriting works.
That's part of what your advisor is there to help you understand.
Don't Wait Until You Need the Coverage
Life insurance is generally easier to plan for when you're thinking about it before a major life event occurs.
If you're buying a home, starting a family, changing careers, starting a business or simply reviewing your financial plan, it can be a good time to look at your insurance needs.
Your health is only one part of the conversation.
Your financial responsibilities and the people who depend on you matter too.
Marietta's Tip 💗
Don't count yourself out before you've explored your options.
One of the first things I tell clients who are worried about their health history is that we shouldn't make assumptions before understanding the full picture.
A health condition may affect your insurance options, but your diagnosis alone doesn't tell us what the outcome will be.
My role is to help you understand the process, gather the information needed, and explore the solutions that may be available to you.
And sometimes, the first step isn't applying for insurance at all.
It's simply having a conversation.
What If You Already Have Life Insurance?
If you already have a policy, don't cancel it simply because you're considering a new application.
Your existing coverage may be valuable—particularly if your health has changed since you purchased it.
If you're considering replacing an existing policy, speak with your advisor and understand the new policy before making changes to the old one.
There can be important differences in premiums, coverage, policy terms and underwriting.
Your existing coverage should be reviewed as part of the bigger picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get life insurance if I have diabetes?
Possibly. Diabetes is one factor an insurer may consider during underwriting. The outcome depends on the individual's circumstances and the insurer's assessment.
Can I get life insurance with high blood pressure?
Having high blood pressure doesn't automatically determine the outcome of an application. The insurer may consider your medical history, treatment and overall health.
Can I get life insurance after cancer?
It may be possible in some circumstances. The insurer will consider relevant details about your medical history and current situation when assessing the application.
Can I get life insurance if I take medication?
Taking medication doesn't automatically mean you can't qualify. Medication and treatment are among the factors that may be considered as part of your overall medical history.
Will a health condition make my life insurance more expensive?
It can, depending on the insurer's assessment of the application. Insurance premiums are based on the risk associated with providing the coverage, and health history can be one factor considered during underwriting.
What happens if my life insurance application is declined?
A decline doesn't necessarily mean you should stop exploring your options. Your advisor can discuss whether other insurance solutions may be available, depending on your circumstances.
Should I wait until my health improves before applying?
This is something to discuss with a licensed advisor. Waiting may or may not be beneficial depending on your circumstances, and there is no guarantee that a future application will receive a particular outcome.
Life Insurance for Kelowna & Okanagan Families
Life doesn't always give us perfect timing.
You may be thinking about life insurance because you bought a home in Kelowna, welcomed a new child, started a business, or simply realized that your family depends on you financially.
And if you're also managing a health condition, it can be tempting to assume that insurance isn't an option.
Don't make that decision for yourself before exploring your options.
As an independent Life & Legacy Planning Advisor, I help individuals, families and business owners throughout Kelowna, the Okanagan and British Columbia understand their insurance options and navigate the application process.
My approach is simple:
Educate first. Explore your options. Make an informed decision.
If you're wondering whether life insurance may be right for you, let's have a conversation.
Book your complimentary insurance review at www.mariettadavislegacy.ca
About Marietta Davis
Marietta Davis is an independent Life & Legacy Planning Advisor serving Kelowna, the Okanagan and communities across British Columbia.
She helps individuals, families and business owners understand their insurance options and create personalized strategies based on their unique circumstances and goals.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not insurance, medical, tax or legal advice. Insurance eligibility, premiums, coverage, exclusions and policy terms vary by insurer and individual circumstances. An insurer's underwriting department makes the final decision on an application.
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