Can you get life cover with no medical?

Updated: 5 Oct 2026

With most types of life insurance, you'll usually be required to answer some medical questions before you can be accepted for cover. Your age, health, and family medical history can all affect the cost of your monthly premiums. 

If you're older or have pre-existing medical conditions, you may be concerned about the cost of your policy or whether you will be accepted for cover.

In this article, we help explain how no medical life insurance works, who it’s suitable for, and the types of policies you can get without a medical assessment.

Why might I need to undergo a medical exam to buy life cover?

The process of applying for life insurance is fairly straightforward. Before you take out cover, you'll need to apply for a quote– this is an estimate of how much you'll pay each month for premiums. At this point, your insurer will typically ask some health questions regarding your:

• Age

• Health

• Occupation

• Smoker Status

• Family medical history

Depending on these factors, combined with the level and type of cover you are looking to secure; you may be required to undergo a medical exam by your insurance provider. 

The purpose of a medical exam is to assess your current health and for the insurer to better understand the potential risks in offering cover. Your insurer will ask for your consent to undergo a medical examination, or if they require a report from your doctor - most providers will cover the cost of the medical. 

This then provides them with the necessary details to calculate a fair and accurate premium rate based on your health.

What happens during a life insurance medical?

Most exams are arranged by the insurer and carried out by a qualified medical professional. The appointment can often take place at home or a nearby clinic and usually takes around 20–30 minutes to complete.

During the medical, you may be asked to:

• Confirm details about your medical history and lifestyle

• Have your height and weight measured

• Have your blood pressure checked

• Undergo an ECG (electrocardiogram)

• Provide a blood sample or urine sample

• Answer questions about smoking, alcohol consumption, and occupation

Some insurers may also request access to medical records from your GP, especially if you have disclosed previous health conditions during the application process.

If you fail a life insurance medical or the results show certain health issues, it doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be eligible for life cover. In these situations, some providers offer cover with no medical, allowing you to apply for cover without one.

Which life insurance policy can I get without a medical exam?

Most standard policies, such as whole life cover and term life cover, will require you to undertake a medical exam or questionnaire.

While this may limit your choice for cover, there are two types of policies you can apply for that don't need a medical exam - guaranteed life insurance and over 50's life insurance.

These policies are often referred to as no medical life insurance, as they do not require a medical test and acceptance is usually guaranteed within certain age limits.

Guaranteed life insurance

Also known as guaranteed acceptance life insurance. This policy is designed to provide cover for those who would typically be denied cover for a standard life insurance policy. This can be due to their age, health, and family medical history.

Guaranteed acceptance policies are one of the most common forms of no medical life insurance. They do not require a medical exam and usually involve very few health questions during the application process.

Like any type of life cover, it pays out a cash lump sum when you die, which can help your loved ones with costs such as mortgage repayments and assisting with funeral costs. 

The downside is that the payout is typically smaller than a standard policy, whilst premiums remain high. This is mainly due to the increased likelihood of a claim being made.

Furthermore, the payout may be much lower if you die within the first 12 months of your policy - as always, we would strongly suggest reading your policy documents carefully for the terms and conditions of your cover.

Over 50's life insurance

If you're aged between 50 and 80 years old, you could benefit from over 50s life insurance. This type of policy is designed for those over 50s who may be denied or cannot afford regular cover.

These policies usually guarantee acceptance and do not require medical questions or exams.

Because of this, over 50s life insurance can be a useful option if you have pre-existing medical conditions, have previously been declined cover, or simply want a quicker and simpler application process.

The drawback to over 50s cover is that you cannot cash your policy in. Your family may end up receiving less than what you've paid for cover, depending on how soon you die after taking out a policy.

But if you're young and in good health, you may want to consider term life insurance or whole life insurance first.

What does no medical life insurance cover?

Like most life insurance policies, no medical life insurance pays out a cash lump sum to your beneficiaries if you pass away while the policy is active. Your loved ones can use this money however they need.

Common uses for the payout include:

• Covering funeral expenses

• Helping with mortgage or rent payments

• Paying off outstanding debts

• Supporting everyday living costs for your family

• Leaving a small financial gift for loved ones

Because life insurance with no medical exam typically offers smaller levels of cover, many people use it primarily to help with funeral costs or short-term financial support.

It's also important to note that some policies include a waiting period, usually within the first 12–24 months. If the policyholder dies during this period from natural causes, the insurer may return the premiums paid rather than paying the full benefit.

How much does no medical life insurance cost?

Premiums can vary depending on several factors, including your age, the amount of cover you choose, and the type of policy you take out.

Generally speaking, life insurance with no medical exam tends to be more expensive than traditional policies for the same level of cover. The reason for this is that insurers take on more risk when they do not assess your medical history in detail.

Your premiums may be influenced by:

• Your age when you take out the policy

• The amount of cover you choose

• Whether the policy is guaranteed acceptance

• The length of time you plan to keep the policy

For example, over 50s life insurance policies often start from just a few pounds per month, although the payout amounts are typically smaller than standard life insurance policies.

Because prices vary between providers, it's always worth comparing quotes to find the right policy for your needs.

Taking the next steps...

If you're struggling to get life insurance cover due to your age or health and lifestyle disclosures, we're here to help. At Cavendish Online, we provide multiple routes to buy online life insurance cover.

We can also help you explore policies that offer life insurance with no medical exam, helping you find cover even if you've previously been declined or have health concerns.

You can also speak to one of our trained life insurance advisors, who can recommend a policy for you. This option is ideal for those who have medical and lifestyle disclosures and hazardous occupations.