Living with Crohn's disease can come with a lot of obstacles, including concerns about your financial future. But is it possible to get life insurance cover with this condition?
We’ll look at whether you can get covered, as well as the policies available to people with Crohn’s and other high-risk conditions.
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Impact of Crohn's Disease on life insurance
It's possible to get covered with Crohn's disease, but there are some factors that insurers will consider.
One of the major concerns for insurers is the potential for complications associated with Crohn's disease. They’ll assess the regularity of flare-ups, as well as any surgeries or hospital visits.
Insurers will also look at your current treatment plan and medication regimen, as well as any history of complications. They will also consider your overall health, age, and other conditions you may have.
Your insurance premiums will likely be higher. This is because the condition increases the risk of complications and potential death. However, the exact cost will vary based on the severity and management of your Crohn's disease, as well as other individual factors.
Options for Life Insurance with Crohn's Disease
Although obtaining life cover with Crohn's disease can be challenging, there are still options available.
Term life insurance
Term life insurance is one option to consider when looking for cover. It provides cover for a specific period, typically 5-50 years. During this term, your premiums and death benefit remain the same.*
*The cost of premiums is typically fixed unless you choose an ‘increasing policy’.
It can be a good choice for Crohn's sufferers as it tends to have lower premiums compared to permanent life cover. Getting cover will ultimately depend on the severity of your condition and how it's managed.
Whole life insurance
Unlike term life insurance, whole life insurance provides cover for the rest of your life, as long as you continue to pay the premiums. These premiums are typically higher compared to term, as the cover is meant to be permanent.
Those with mild symptoms of Crohn's disease may be able to get whole life insurance cover. But those with more severe symptoms may face higher premiums.
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Guaranteed life insurance
Guaranteed life insurance is another option for individuals with Crohn's disease who may have difficulty gaining cover. These policies do not require a medical exam, making it an option for those with pre-existing conditions.
However, it's important to note that these policies often have low cover and high premiums compared to traditional policies.
Over 50s life insurance
This type of protection is designed for people over the age of 50 a who wish to avoid a medical exam. With over 50s life insurance, you are typically guaranteed acceptance regardless of your risk. This can be beneficial if you’re older and have difficulty acquiring traditional cover.
This plan comes with some restrictions. Due to the risk associated with applicants in this age group, insurers often impose a waiting period. This waiting period typically lasts for the first 12 to 24 months. It acts as a safeguard for insurers against immediate claims upon approval of the policy.
If you pass away during this waiting period due to natural causes, your family and/or loved ones will not receive a payout.
Despite these limitations, an over 50s plan can still provide peace of mind for people who may struggle to obtain traditional life cover.
Please note: The insurance products offered by Cavendish Online have no cash-in value at any time. If you stop paying your premiums your cover will stop, your policy will end, and you will receive no benefit. If you have not claimed before the end of your chosen policy term, the policy will end, and no benefit will be paid.
If you are facing financial difficulty, please contact your insurer before cancelling your policy or letting it lapse. They may have options available that means you don't have to lose the plan.
What about critical illness insurance?
Critical illness is a type of policy that provides a lump sum payment if you are diagnosed with an illness, such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Crohn's disease may be classed as a critical illness, depending on the insurer's guidelines.
Say you are unable to work due to your condition, then the policy can provide support towards your income. This way, you won’t have to worry about paying off bills or providing for your dependants.
If you have Crohn's or ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease) and it’s controlled, it’s possible to get critical illness cover. However, the cost might be higher compared to those without such conditions, and you may see exclusions added to your plan.
Steps to Get Life Insurance with Crohn's Disease
Obtaining life insurance with Crohn's Disease may require some additional steps compared to getting standard cover. Here are the steps to follow:
Research and compare insurers
Take the time to research different insurance companies and their policies regarding chronic conditions like Crohn's disease. Look for insurers that have experience working with individuals with similar health conditions.
Gather medical records
Collect all relevant medical records including diagnosis, treatment history, and current medications. This information will be necessary for insurance underwriting purposes.
Be honest on the application
It is crucial to provide accurate and honest information on your life insurance application. Disclose your diagnosis and any other relevant health conditions, surgeries or medications. Failure to do so could result in denial of cover or cancellation of the policy in the future.
Understand the waiting period
Depending on the type of policy you choose, there may be a waiting period before cover begins. Be sure to understand this and any specific exclusions related to your condition.
Review policy terms and conditions
Carefully check the policy agreement. Pay close attention to any exclusions or limitations related to your state. It's essential that you understand what is covered and what is not before making a decision.
Speak to Cavendish Online
At Cavendish Online, we know that life insurance can feel overwhelming. That's why we're dedicated to providing the best assistance and advice to customers when they need it.
Our team of experienced advisers is available to answer any questions you may have about life cover. They can also offer guidance on which type of policy would be the best fit for you. Speak to an adviser today to discuss your options.
You can get a get a free personalised quote with one of our expert advisers by calling us on
01392 436193
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