Do you have a Pre-exisiting health condition? Unusual Risks help client with a heart condition find Life Assurance.
Phillip is looking for Life Assurance for his Mortgage for an amount of £300,000 but is hesitant that he will be able to obtain cover. He has a slight heart condition, which has been controlled by medication.
Phillip said…
‘I realise that it may be difficult to obtain Life Assurance considering my circumstances, but I’d like to try. There have not been any irregularities since starting my medication over 5 years ago. I see my doctor for regular check-ups, where he takes my blood pressure’.
Contrary to common belief, people with pre-existing medical conditions can still obtain Life Assurance, but may be charged a higher premium. It is very rare that Life Assurance companies decline applications for life cover, as most are in the business of doing business.
It’s more probable that they will increase the premium, in line with the underwriting statistics for your particular condition. For example, a person with a slight heart condition may have their premium increased between 50% and 100%.
Phillip continued…
‘I’m perfectly willing to accept an increased premium providing the policy is still reasonably priced. It’s very important that my partner can pay off the mortgage, should anything happen to me. I understand that Life Assurers charge higher premiums in these circumstances, because there is an increased risk’.
Here’s some advice for people with pre-existing medical conditions
You should declare all the details of your medical condition on the application form, as non-disclosure could result in non-payment of benefits later. It’s also possible that your Life Assurance provider will write to your doctor and take a look at your medical records.
With more complicated conditions they may also ask you to undergo a medical examination, either with a nurse or your own doctor. Life Companies make this as effortless as possible, with nurses who can often visit at your convenience.
You are not likely to be treated unfairly, because most medical conditions have standard ‘loadings’, which affect the premium you pay. Remember, if you are asked to pay an extra premium, it’s because you are more likely to use the cover and you should seriously consider taking the insurance.
And Phillip?
Unusual Risks arranged £300,000 of cover for his mortgage at a premium of £100.00 per month, including an additional loading. He was asked to attend a medical examination by the insurer, before finalising his application and the insurance company asked for his doctor to complete a medical report.
If you require specific advice on these issues, or are looking for a quotation then you should contact Unusual Risks. They are one the UK’s leading mortgage and insurance specialists for people with pre-existing medical conditions. They can be found at www.unusualrisks.co.uk