Although the COVID-19 pandemic has been over for some time, it's still possible to catch the illness, and variants do exist. For some, the effects of the virus linger far beyond the initial infection. Known as long COVID, this condition has affected the lives and health of millions across the UK.
If you're one of many dealing with long COVID, you may be wondering if you can still get life insurance. In this guide, we’ll explore how insurers view long COVID, what questions you might be asked, and what steps you can take to get covered.
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What is Long COVID?
Long COVID (also known as Post-Covid Syndrome) is a new condition where people continue to show symptoms of COVID-19, even when they are no longer infected.
With COVID-19, most people tend to feel better after a few days or weeks after the initial infection and tend to make a full recovery within 12 weeks. However, for people suffering from long COVID, symptoms can last months, even years.
The main symptoms can include:
Fatigue
Loss of smell (even after COVID-19)
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Shortness of breath
Chest pain or tightness
Muscle aches
Sleep disturbances
Anxiety or depression
According to a 2024 study by the Office for National Statistics, an estimated 3.3% (around 2 million people) living in private households in England and Scotland were experiencing self-reported long COVID, defined as symptoms lasting more than four weeks after a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection.
Because long COVID is a relatively new condition, research is still ongoing on its long-term effects and how best to manage it. Because of this, life insurance providers may not have set procedures for how they assess it.
Is long COVID a recognised medical condition?
Long COVID is officially recognised by the NHS and other leading health organisations around the world, including the World Health Organization (WHO).
Some insurers may treat it as a pre-existing medical condition, particularly if symptoms are ongoing or if your daily life is significantly impacted.
How does long COVID impact life insurance?
If you have/had long COVID, it could potentially affect your premiums or eligibility. Insurers tend to assess applicants based on their age and health, which could mean your premiums may be higher than usual.
As long as your condition is well managed, most insurers may still offer you cover, albeit sometimes with adjusted terms. As always, you should declare any medical conditions you may have to the insurer to avoid complications or denials later.
It's also worth noting that the impact of long COVID may vary depending on the type of life insurance policy you're applying for.
Since policies and risk assessments differ between insurers, it’s a good idea to speak with one of our life insurance advisers. They can guide you toward a suitable policy based on our circumstances
What questions may I be asked when applying for cover?
As with any type of medical condition, insurance companies will want to understand how it impacts your overall health.
They will likely ask for details, such as:
When you were diagnosed with long COVID
The symptoms you experience and their severity
How long have you experienced symptoms
Medications or treatments you've received
How it impacts your ability to work
These approaches can vary between providers, and some are beginning to adapt their underwriting policies as more data becomes available.
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Can I get critical illness cover with long COVID?
Critical illness cover differs from life insurance in a few ways. Instead of covering you for death, it pays out a cash lump sum if you are diagnosed with a medical condition covered by the insurer. This can include heart attack, stroke, and certain types of cancer.
Similar to life insurance, the insurer will want to know about your condition and its severity. They will also want to know if your condition is linked to any other health issues, such as heart problems. Your application could be accepted at a standard rate, or in other cases, you could pay a higher premium.
Can I get income protection with long COVID?
Unlike the other types of cover mentioned, income protection covers you in the event you are unable to work due to health issues. It pays out a regular income while you're off work, helping to cover key expenses such as rent, bills, or mortgage payments.
Getting income protection with long COVID could be more challenging as the condition may impact your ability to work, especially with symptoms like fatigue. In such cases, waiting periods may apply, or there may be exclusions for any related conditions.
What if I’m declined for life insurance due to long COVID?
In the event your application is denied due to long COVID, there are alternative life insurance options available.
Policies like guaranteed life insurance offer acceptance regardless of any health issues you may have. While it usually offers lower levels of cover and may come with a waiting period, it can still provide valuable peace of mind.
Another option is to consider waiting and reapplying. If your symptoms improve or you've been symptom-free for a number of months, you may be in a better position to reapply.
Unsure about your options? We’re here to help
We understand that searching for life insurance cover can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with a health condition like long COVID.
At Cavendish Online, we shop around so you don’t have to. We compare policies from a wide range of leading insurers to help you find the best cover for your individual circumstances, without charging over the odds.
Whether you’re looking for life insurance, critical illness cover, or income protection, we’re committed to offering transparent, low-cost services with minimal fees, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
If you’re ready to explore your options, it’s quick and easy to get a life insurance quote. Simply enter a few details into our website, and we’ll show you a range of tailored quotes, so you can choose a policy that works best for you.
Prefer to talk to someone?
Not sure what cover you need? Our friendly, expert advisers are here to help. If you’ve been declined before, have any questions, or just want to make sure your policy still suits your needs, we’re only a phone call away.
Get in touch today or request a callback, and we’ll help you find the right protection with confidence.
