Medical conditions

Angina is chest pain caused by restricted blood flow to the heart muscles. This could be a warning sign that your client is at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. It’s possible to control the symptoms through treatment and lifestyle changes, subsequently reducing the risk of more serious problems.

Information we'll need from your client:

• How long ago it was diagnosed
• Date of last symptoms
• Details of any outstanding tests, investigations, consultations or referrals.

Evidence we'll require

Where terms may be possible, we will request a report from their GP asking for full details.

Terms we could offer for Life cover:

Life cover may not be offered:

• If the customer is 40 or younger
• If If the application is made within six months of the diagnosis, or the condition is considered unstable
• If the customer has also been diagnosed with diabetes

We are unable to offer any of the following benefits: Critical Illness, Income Protection, Total permanent disability, Waiver of premium or Accelerate.

Arthritis is a range of disorders that cause pain and inflammation in a joint. This could result in restricted mobility, or in more severe cases, problems with other tissues and organs in the body. The two most common types or arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Information we’ll need from your client

• Client’s age
• Type of arthritis
• Affected joint(s)
• Details of any operations completed or awaited including dates
• Frequency and severity of symptoms
• Details of any outstanding tests, investigations, consultations or referrals.
• Treatment required

Evidence we’ll require

If we are unable to make a decision from the client’s disclosures alone, we will request a report from the GP asking for full details.

Terms we could offer

*Terms depend on occupation and number of joints affected

When terms may not be offered

• Rapidly progressive or highly disabled
• Associated vasculitis or interstitial lung disease.

Asthma is a common lung condition that results in occasional breathing difficulties, coughing and chest tightness. Preventative treatment with inhalers usually controls these symptoms, however, more severe symptoms may require treatment with tablets. If not controlled, asthma could lead to tiredness, mental illness and lung infections. A severe asthma attack could be life-threatening.

Information we’ll need from your client

• Frequency and severity of symptoms including date of last symptoms
• Treatment received both past and present
• Details of any hospital admissions
• Impact on daily work and personal activities
• Details of any outstanding tests, investigations, consultations or referrals.

Evidence we'll require

If we are unable to make a decision from the client’s disclosures alone, we will request a report from the GP asking for full details.

People who have asthma and smoke may attract a +25% to +50% on top of the outcomes above depending on the daily amount smoked.

Other factors that may impact terms include hospital admissions and associated disorders such as Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease (COPD).

If there has been no symptoms or treatment for more than 2 years prior to the application, we may be able to offer standard terms for all products.

When terms may not be offered

Poorly controlled asthma with a history of hospital admissions and significant treatment such as oral steroids.

Back pain is very common and in most cases not caused by anything serious. With the correct treatment this usually gets better over time, however, the pain can sometimes last a long time or keep coming back. Treatment is usually in the form of therapy, such as physiotherapy, with more significant back pain requiring a combination of therapy and medication or even surgery.

Information we’ll need from your client:

• Frequency and severity of symptoms including date of last symptoms
• Treatment received both past and present
• Impact on daily work and personal activities
• Details of any operations completed or awaited including dates
• Details of any outstanding tests, investigations, consultations or referrals

Evidence we’ll require

In most cases we will offer terms from the information provided on the application. If we are unable to do so then we will request a report from the GP asking for full details.

Terms we could offer

When terms may not be offered

• With nerve root compression causing neurological deficit (including bowel or bladder problems)
• Significant impact on health and wellbeing

Breast lumps have lots of different causes. Usually there is a harmless cause such as a non-cancerous growth or an infection (mastitis), however, sometimes there is a more sinister cause such as cancer.

Information we’ll need from your client

• Diagnosis including cause, if known
• Whether any change in size and shape
• Details of any treatment completed or awaited including dates
• Outcome of any tests or investigations

Evidence we’ll require

If we are unable to make a decision from the client’s disclosures alone, we will request a report from the GP asking for full details.

Terms we could offer

Terms will be dependent on the exact diagnosis

When terms may not be offered:

Confirmed malignant

The fundamental cause of obesity is the consumption of excess calories, although other factors may also contribute. Obesity can lead to many health problems including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some cancers. There are many ways in which a person's health in relation to their weight can be classified, but the most widely used method is body mass index (BMI) as it corresponds very closely to the actual mass of body fat.

• Source: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/height-weight-chart/

Information we’ll need from your client:

• Height
• Weight

Evidence we’ll require

In most cases we will offer terms from the information provided on the application. If we are unable to do so then we may need to obtain a medical examination or doctor’s report.

• Use the Pre-application tool for expected outcomes for all benefits

Terms we could offer

When terms may not be offered:

Associated risk factors present such as heart disease, raised blood pressure or cholesterol.

Accelerate will be unavailable for any customers where the BMI attracts a Moderate to High rating for Life or Critical Illness due to the higher risk of cancer and heart disease.

Cancer is a condition where cells in a specific part of the body grow and reproduce uncontrollably. The cancerous cells can invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue, including organs. Cancer sometimes begins in one part of the body before spreading to other areas. This process is known as metastasis.

There are more than 200 types of cancer, the most common being:

• Breast cancer
• lung cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Bowel cancer

Information we’ll need from your client

• How long ago it was diagnosed
• Type of cancer and whether it has spread
• Details of any treatment completed or awaited including dates
• Outcome of any tests or investigations
• Details of any outstanding tests, investigations, consultations or referrals
• Any details such as TNM scores, Gleason scores or staging information will be very helpful

Evidence we’ll require

Where terms may be possible, we will request a report from the GP asking for full details.

Terms we could offer

Cancer is a complex condition to underwrite and our decision will be based on many factors such as cancer type, size, treatment and time since treatment completed. Terms range from standard to being unable to offer terms. Where terms are possible for critical illness, Cancer will be excluded in addition to any rating.

When terms may not be offered

• Incomplete treatment
• Uncontrolled growth
• Stage 3 or higher
• Diagnosis within the last 2 years
• Not discharged by specialist unless for annual review only
• If there are any outstanding tests, investigations or referrals

Cholesterol is a fatty substance known as a lipid that is vital for the normal functioning of the body. Having an excessively high level of lipids in the blood (hyperlipidaemia) can have an effect on health and could lead to serious health problems such as heart disease and stroke. Lipid levels can usually be controlled through diet and exercise or a drug known as a statin.

Information we’ll need from your client

• Frequency of cholesterol checks
• Treatment received
• Last total cholesterol levels or how these were described
• Details of any tests, investigations, consultations or referrals completed or awaited

Evidence we’ll require

In most cases we will offer terms from the information provided on the application. If we are unable to do so then we may need to obtain a medical examination or doctor’s report.

Terms we could offer

Where the lipid levels are normal and controlled we will usually allow standard terms.

When terms may not be offered

• Uncontrolled raised lipid levels
• Poor compliance with treatment

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammation commonly affecting the intestine, but which may also affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include diarrhoea, weight loss and rectal bleeding and can be a risk factor for colonic cancer.

Information we’ll need from your client

• How long ago it was diagnosed
• The number and severity of attacks
• Treatment received including whether surgery has taken place
• Details of any tests, investigations, consultations or referrals completed or awaited

Evidence we’ll require

In most cases we will offer terms from the information provided on the application. If we are unable to do so then we will request a report from the GP asking for full details.

Terms we could offer

*Total Permanent Disability may be offered on a “Activity of Daily Work” definition if ‘Own Occupation’ is not offered

When terms may not be offered

• Surgery within the last 6 months
• Significantly underweight with active disease
• Requires nutrition through a tube
• Liver function abnormalities
• If diagnosis or a major attack in the last year we could only consider terms for Life cover

A chronic condition associated with abnormally high blood sugar levels due to the body’s inability to produce sufficient insulin (or to respond to the insulin it produces). With Type 1 diabetes – no insulin is produced by the body and insulin injections are required. With type 2 diabetes – not enough insulin is produced by the body, or the body produces insulin but becomes resistant to it. Complications linked to diabetes include heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and blindness.

Information we’ll need from your client

• Type of diabetes
• Date diagnosed
• Details of any associated complications such as kidney, foot or eye problems
• Any hospital admissions
• Length of time off work, if any
• Latest HbA1c, blood sugar or how these were described to the client e.g. normal – well controlled, Borderline – close to normal etc.

Evidence we’ll require

If we are unable to make a decision from the client’s disclosures alone, we will request a report from the GP asking for full details.

Terms we could offer

These outcomes are based on the diagnosis being made in the last 6 years. Where the condition was been diagnosed more than 6 years ago any loadings may be higher or we may be unable to offer terms.

When terms may not be offered:

• there is a history of heart disease, stroke or diagnosis of chronic kidney disease
• the customer is under age 40 and has high blood pressure, high cholesterol or family history of heart disease/stroke
• the customer's BMI is 38 or more
• the customer is a smoker
• the customer latest HbA1c blood test result over 10.5% / 91 mmol/mol

We are unable to offer any of the following benefits: Critical Illness, Income Protection, Total permanent disability, Waiver of premium or Accelerate.

These outcomes are based on the diagnosis being made in the last 6 years. Where the condition was been diagnosed more than 6 years ago any loadings may be higher or we may be unable to offer terms.

When terms may not be offered:

• there is a history of heart disease, stroke or diagnosis of chronic kidney disease
• the customer is under age 40 and has high blood pressure, high cholesterol or family history of heart disease/stroke
• the customer's BMI is 38 or more
• the customer latest HbA1c blood test result over 10.5% / 91 mmol/mol
• for Critical Illness or Income Protection where the customer is a smoker

We are unable to offer any of the following benefits: Critical Illness Select, Critical Illness Enhanced, Critical Illness Enhanced Plus, Total permanent disability, Waiver of premium or Accelerate.

A brain disorder that causes recurring seizures. The seizures happen when clusters of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain send out the wrong signals. It is usually diagnosed following an electroencephalogram(EEG). There are many types of epilepsy including simple and complex partial seizures, tonic-clonic seizures and absence seizures.

Information we’ll need from your client

• Diagnosis including type
• Date of diagnosis
• Frequency and severity of attacks
• Date of last seizure
• Treatment received and/or any ongoing treatment or medication
• Outcome of any tests or investigations

Evidence we’ll require

If we are unable to make a decision from the client’s disclosures alone, we will request a report from the GP asking for full details.

Terms we could offer

*Total Permanent Disability may be offered on a “Activity of Daily Work” definition if ‘Own Occupation’ is not offered

When terms may not be offered

• Full evaluation/investigation incomplete
• Diagnosed less than 6 months ago
• Multiple episodes of status epilepticus
• Presence of personality changes
• Alcohol misuse
• Non-compliance with treatment

Information we’ll need from your client

• How many family members had breast cancer
• Family members ages at diagnosis
• Details of any screening scans or doctor recommendations

Evidence we’ll require

Immediate terms are typically possible at point of sale.

Terms we could offer

Life cover outcomes typically range from standard to +50%.

Critical Illness will typically either have a breast and ovarian cancer exclusion or a +50% rating with a less advanced cancer exclusion.

Income protection outcomes typically range from standard to +50% rating.

Total Permanent Disability will either be standard, have an exclusion or a +50% rating.

Terms may not be offered when multiple family members had breast cancer and the life assured decided to not attend any recommended screening/mammogram/scans, or have not discussed their family history with a health professional.

For explicit guidance please visit the Pre-Application tool within the adviser portal.

The medical term for a heart attack is ‘myocardial infarction’ and occurs when the blood flow through the heart vessels is blocked. The heart muscle becomes starved of oxygen and is permanently damaged as a result. The main symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath and dizziness.

Information we’ll need from your client

• Age at diagnosis
• Severity of the heart attack
• All investigations completed
• Any treatment given
• Details of smoking history, height and weight, blood pressure and cholesterol readings

Evidence we’ll require

We will request a report from the GP asking for full details.

Terms we could offer for Life cover

When terms may not be offered for Life cover:

• Under age 45 at the time of the application
• Heart attack within the last 6 months
• Continuing unstable angina
• Severe ongoing symptoms
• Also suffering with diabetes or had a stroke or TIA

We are unable to offer any of the following benefits: Critical Illness, Income Protection, Total permanent disability, Waiver of premium or Accelerate.

High blood pressure is also known as hypertension and means the heart has to work harder to pump blood around the body, increasing the risk of developing heart disease or suffering a stroke. Hypertension rarely has any noticeable symptoms, the only way to find out if your blood pressure is high is to have it checked.

Information we’ll need from your client

• How long ago it was diagnosed
• Treatment received both past and present
• Latest blood pressure reading
• Details of any tests, investigations, consultations or referrals completed or awaited

Evidence we’ll require

If we are unable to make a decision from the client’s disclosures alone, we will request a report from the GP asking for full details.

Terms we could offer

When terms may not be offered

• Non-compliant with treatment
• Poorly controlled
• Associated risk factors including smoking, high cholesterol and obesity

A common condition that affects the digestive system causing stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. The cause is unknown but is linked to diet, stress and family history. It can become a lifelong problem, treated through dietary changes and medicine.

Information we’ll need from your client

• How long ago it was diagnosed
• Details of any treatment completed or awaited including dates
• Outcome of any tests or investigations
• Details of any outstanding tests, investigations, consultations or referrals
• Length of time off work, if any

Evidence we’ll require

If we are unable to make a decision from the client’s disclosures alone, we will request a report from the GP asking for full details.

Terms we could offer

When terms may not be offered

We would rarely not offer terms for a definite diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome alone.

There are a number of disorders affecting the renal system that may affect the kidney’s performance to filter blood and remove any waste products. Common kidney disorders include renal calculus (kidney stones) and nephritis (inflammation).

Information we’ll need from your client

• Age at diagnosis
• Type of kidney condition
• Any investigations completed
• Treatment received
• Current reading of renal function blood test

Evidence we’ll require

If we are unable to make a decision from the client’s disclosures alone, we will request a report from the GP asking for full details.

Terms we could offer

When terms may not be offered

• Evidence of severe or worsening kidney function
• Diagnosed with diabetes
• Poorly controlled blood pressure

A type of skin cancer that can spread to other organs within the body. The most common sign of a melanoma is the appearance of a new mole or a change to an existing mole. The biggest cause of melanoma is over exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun.

Information we’ll need from your client

• Age at diagnosis
• Type of melanoma including staging
• Treatment given

Evidence we’ll require

Where terms may be possible, we will request a report from the GP asking for full details.

Terms we could offer

Cancer is a complex condition to underwrite and our decision will be based on many factors such as cancer type, size, treatment and time since treatment completed. Terms range from standard to being unable to offer. Where terms are possible for critical illness, Cancer will be excluded in addition to any rating.

When terms may not be offered

• Simultaneous melanomas
• Incomplete treatment
• Stage 4 melanomas

A mental health condition affects a person’s thinking, feeling or mood. There are a wide range of conditions including stress, anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder and schizophrenia. Mental health conditions present various risk factors including time off work, alcohol and drug misuse, poor lifestyle choices resulting in other conditions such as heart disease.

Information we’ll need from your client:

• How long ago it was diagnosed and when the last symptoms were
• Treatment received both past and present
• Details of any treatment including hospital treatment
• Impact on daily work and personal activities
• Length of time off work, if any
• Whether any suicide attempts, self-harm or thoughts to do either
• Type of mental health condition

Evidence we’ll require

If we are unable to make a decision from the client’s disclosures alone, we will request a report from the GP asking for full details.

Terms we could offer

*Total Permanent Disability may be offered on a “Activity of Daily Work” definition if ‘Own Occupation’ is not offered

When terms may not be offered

• Suicide attempt within the last year or recurrent suicide attempts or self-harming within the last two years
• Suicidal thoughts within the last year
• Associated alcohol or drug abuse, current or in the past

An inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Signs and symptoms include muscle weakness, tremor, disturbance of speech and vision, and bladder dysfunction. The most common type of multiple sclerosis (MS) is described as relapsing remitting MS. It’s characterised by recurrent attacks of symptoms with periods of remission in between. With progressive MS, symptoms continue to get worse over time, with no distinct periods of remission.

Information we’ll need from your client

• Age at diagnosis
• Type of MS
• Date of last attack
• Severity of symptoms
• Investigations completed
• Treatment given

Evidence we’ll require

We will request a report from the GP asking for full details.

Terms we could offer for Life cover

When terms may not be offered for Life cover

Severe functional limitation i.e. ataxia, speech or swallowing difficulty.

We are unable to offer any of the following benefits: Critical Illness, Income Protection, Total permanent disability, Waiver of premium or Accelerate.

A stroke occurs when there is permanent damage to part of the brain caused by a sudden interruption in the blood supply. This can be due to a blockage in one of the blood vessels supplying the brain or a bleed in the brain. Most strokes occur when a blood clot blocks an artery.

Information we’ll need from your client

• Age at diagnosis
• Type of stroke
• Severity of symptoms
• Date investigations completed
• Treatment given
• Any ongoing disability or complications

Evidence we’ll require

We will request a report from the GP asking for full details

Terms we could offer for Life cover

When terms may not be offered for Life cover:

• When the client also has diabetes
• Diagnosed less than 6 months ago
• Severe disability affecting daily living

We are unable to offer any of the following benefits: Critical Illness, Income Protection, Total permanent disability, Waiver of premium or Accelerate.

Chronic inflammation of the colon and rectum due to the formation of small ulcers that can bleed and produce pus. The main symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach pain and tiredness.

Information we’ll need from your client

• Age at diagnosis
• Frequency of attacks
• Date of last attack
• Investigations completed
• Treatment given including any surgery

Evidence we’ll require

If we are unable to make a decision from the client’s disclosures alone, we will request a report from the GP asking for full details.

Terms we could offer

*Total Permanent Disability may be offered on a “Activity of Daily Work” definition if ‘Own Occupation’ is not offered

When terms may not be offered

• Less than 6 months since diagnosis
• Underweight or unstable weight loss
• Surgery is being contemplated