If you have been declined for life insurance or are worried you could be, there are still ways to get covered. First of all, you shouldn't be disheartened if your application is denied. Different insurers have their own criteria for how they determine risks.
Before you reapply it's a good idea to understand why you were declined for cover in the first place. In some cases, you may only need to make a few lifestyle adjustments to be accepted. Or, you could be better suited to another type of life insurance altogether.
In this guide, we'll look at some of the common reasons people are declined for life insurance and what you may be able to do about it.
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Why would you be refused life insurance?
There are lots of reasons why an insurer may deny you cover. Two of the main factors insurers look at when assessing your risk is your age and health. That isn't to say if you are older you won't be able to get cover. It also depends on whether you have any pre-existing conditions that could increase the risk of death.
For example, a 35-year-old cancer survivor could be seen as a higher risk compared to a 50-year-old in general good health, with no medical conditions.
When you apply for life insurance, you'll typically be asked a series of health and lifestyle questions. The insurer uses this information to assess the likelihood of a claim being made during the term of the policy. If they feel the risk is too high, or if key details are missing or unclear, they may decline your application.
Reasons you may be declined for life insurance
Depending on the insurer’s underwriting criteria, there are several factors that could increase the likelihood of your life insurance application being declined. Common reasons include:
Your age (Many providers have age ranges)
Pre-existing medical conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, or diabetes
Recent or severe health issues, including hospitalisation or surgery
Dangerous occupations, such as working at height, offshore, or with hazardous materials
Dangerous hobbies, like skydiving, scuba diving, or motor racing
Substance or alcohol misuse
Family medical history, such as hereditary conditions
Undisclosed or incomplete medical information on your application
Obesity or other health risks, like high blood pressure or cholesterol
You may also be refused cover due to a previous refusal and haven't addressed the reasons for it. However, this isn’t always permanent. If time has passed and your health or lifestyle has improved, you may now be eligible for cover.
For example, if you previously had a heart attack but your condition is now well-managed, with no further complications, some insurers may be open to offering cover (possibly with adjusted terms or a higher premium).
Do I need to be honest about the information I give?
It can be tempting to keep certain aspects of your health from your insurer, especially if it could mean paying more for cover. However, it's crucial to be completely honest about the information you provide.
Withholding information, even unintentionally, can have serious consequences. Your policy could be cancelled, or worse, your loved ones might be denied a payout if you pass away.
For example, if you're a smoker but claim to be a non-smoker on your application, your insurer could void the policy if your death is related to smoking. Insurers have the right to request your medical records from your GP, where evidence of smoking or undeclared medical conditions could be found.
Be upfront from the start so your family stays protected, and there are no nasty surprises later on.
How to get life insurance if you've been denied
Even if your application is rejected, it doesn't mean you can't get cover altogether. There are a number of ways you can improve your chances of being accepted for cover. It could even mean looking at alternative policies that are more suited to your circumstances.
1. Review why you were denied
Before you start looking at alternative insurers, you need to understand the reasoning behind your denial for life insurance. If you can, go over the application and try to remember what answers you gave for each question.
If you have any medical conditions or risky behaviours, this may have been the reason for being denied cover.
Likewise, if you work in a dangerous occupation (i.e. construction, police officer, firefighter, offshore work, you could consider getting life insurance through your employer if you haven't done so already.
2. Improve your health and lifestyle
If your rejection was due to health-related concerns, taking steps to improve your overall health can help. Start by consulting with your GP provider to discuss potential lifestyle changes or treatments that could improve your situation.
This might mean following a diet and exercise plan, managing any chronic conditions more effectively, or stopping habits such as smoking.
Once you've noticed improvements, it might be worth revisiting the idea of applying for life insurance. If you explain to the insurer how your condition is managed they may
3. Consider an appeal
If your application has been rejected it's worth asking the insurer for details. It may be the case that you ticked the wrong box, or left out key information. It's also possible that the insurer may have made an error on your application in which case you could have grounds for an appeal.
4. Explore alternative life insurance policies
If you were denied acceptance for policies like whole life insurance, there are other types of policies you can apply for.
Guaranteed life insurance is a policy designed for people who may struggle to get accepted for traditional cover. it works similarly to a whole-of-life policy, where the policy lasts until your death, with no expiry date.
Unlike standard policies, you won't need to answer any medical questions or undergo a medical exam when you apply for cover. However, you may be limited to how much cover you can take out and the premiums are usually higher.
If you're aged 50 or over, you may be suited to over 50s life insurance. This policy guarantees acceptance regardless of health. It usually includes a waiting period (e.g. two years) before full cover begins, but it's ideal for those who are older or have health issues.
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Will l have an initial exclusion period if I'm later accepted?
If you've previously been denied life insurance but are later accepted, you may face an initial exclusion period. This is a set time at the start of your policy during which certain claims may not be paid, such as illness or suicide or the condition that led to your original denial.
If death occurs during this time from an excluded cause, the policy might only refund premiums rather than pay out the full sum.
Struggling to get life insurance? Speak to the experts
Whether your application was declined due to health problems, lifestyle factors, or something else entirely, getting the right support can make all the difference.
At Cavendish Online, we’re here to help you find the most suitable and affordable policy for no medical life insurance. Our team of friendly, professional advisers work on a whole-of-market basis, meaning we search across a wide range of insurers rather than just one provider.
Our advisers are here to answer your questions, explain your options clearly, and support you through every step of the process. Call us today to speak to an expert and take the next step toward protecting your family’s future.
