Essential guide to income protection with pre-existing medical conditions. Yes, it's possible to get cover even with conditions like diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, depression, or back problems. Our specialist impaired risk team with 15+ years experience helps find insurers who understand pre-existing conditions. Coverage depends on condition severity and control - expect premium loadings (10-100% higher), exclusions on specific conditions, or specialist insurer terms. Compare whole of market quotes covering up to 70% of income.
By: Rob Rutherford Impaired Risk Specialist Updated: 5th January 2026
Will a pre-existing condition affect your income protection?
Yes, it could be possible to purchaseincome protectionif you have a pre-existing medical condition.
Income protection could payout up to 70% of your usual earnings if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury.
Providers will need to assess the risk level of your condition (how likely it is for a claim to be made).
Please note, whether you qualify for income protection insurance and how much you cover cover will depend on the nature and severity of your pre-existing medical condition.
Applicants with pre-existing conditions may experience premium loadings (increased premiums), policy exclusions or even have their application declined. While those with mild conditions, that don’t have a great impact on daily life, may find it easier to secure cover.
Those with mild conditions, that don’t have a great impact on daily life, may find it easier to secure cover than those who experience more regular and severe symptoms/flare ups.
How much income protection do you need with a pre-existing condition?
The amount of income protection insurance you need depends on your individual circumstances and financial commitments. Most experts recommend covering 50-70% of your gross annual income, as this typically provides enough to maintain your standard of living if you're unable to work due to illness or injury.
When calculating how much cover you need, consider:
Your monthly mortgage or rent payments
Household bills and utilities
Childcare costs
Loan repayments and credit card bills
Daily living expenses for your family
Any savings you have that could cover short-term absences
Remember that income protection payments are tax-free, so you may not need to replace your full salary. The key is ensuring you can maintain your essential outgoings and standard of living during a period when you're unable to work.
To get an accurate quote tailored to your needs, use our free comparison service to compare quotes from 50+ UK providers, including Income Protection With Pre Existing Conditions.
What's the best income protection with pre-existing conditions?
The best income protection policy for someone with a pre-existing medical condition will be the policy that offers the right terms and conditions to meet your needs, while being at an affordable price.
When taking out income protection, there are some key policy terms and conditions it's advisable to be aware of to ensure you're taking out the right policy for you:
Key Income Protection Policy Terms
Policy Term
Definition
What to Consider
featureBenefit amount
provider1Monthly payment you'll receive (typically 50-70% of gross income)
provider2Must be sufficient to cover your essential expenses while leaving incentive to return to work
featureDeferred period
provider1Waiting time before payments start (4, 8, 13, 26, 52 weeks)
provider2Longer deferred period = lower premiums. Match to your sick pay or emergency savings
featurePayment period
provider1How long benefits continue (short-term 1-5 years or long-term until retirement)
provider2Long-term offers better protection but costs more. Consider your job stability and health condition
featureDefinition of incapacity
provider1What qualifies you to claim (own occupation, suited occupation, any occupation)
provider2Own occupation is best - allows claim if unable to do your specific job
Can I get income protection with a pre-existing condition?
Yes, it's possible to get income protection with a pre-existing condition, though outcomes vary based on your specific circumstances.
Getting income protection with a pre-existing condition requires specialist underwriting. Insurers assess your condition's severity, how well it's controlled, and the likelihood of future claims.
Different insurers have different appetites for various conditions. Some specialise in impaired risk cases, while others may decline or offer unfavourable terms.
✓ Advantages
headingFavourable Outcomes
itemsStandard terms: Well-controlled conditions may have no exclusions or premium increasesPremium loading: Condition covered but higher cost (10-50% increase)Exclusion with standard premium: Condition excluded but everything else covered at normal ratesSpecialist insurer acceptance: Impaired risk insurers may cover cases others decline
✗ Disadvantages
headingUnfavourable Outcomes
itemsHigh premium loading: 50-100%+ increase in costMultiple exclusions: Condition and related issues not coveredPostponement: Wait 6-12 months for condition to stabilise before reapplyingDecline: Severe or uncontrolled conditions may be declined
LifePro's specialist impaired risk team has access to insurers who specifically cover pre-existing conditions. We can help find the best outcome for your circumstances.
Can I get income protection with pre-existing conditions?
Yes, it's possible to get income protection with pre-existing conditions, but coverage depends on: Condition severity, How well controlled it is, Impact on daily life, Medical history. Possible outcomes: Standard terms (mild/well-controlled conditions), Premium loading (10-50% higher cost), Exclusions (condition not covered), Postponement (wait until more stable), Decline (severe/uncontrolled conditions). Specialist impaired risk brokers like LifePro can help find insurers who cover your specific condition.
Will my pre-existing condition be excluded?
It depends on the condition and insurer. Common scenarios: Exclusion: Condition and related issues not covered (common for ongoing/chronic conditions). Premium loading: Condition covered but higher premiums. Standard terms: Mild conditions may have no exclusions. Example: Diabetes with exclusion - cover pays out for broken leg but not diabetes complications. Different insurers have different approaches - some exclude, others load premiums. Compare multiple insurers through LifePro.
How much more expensive is income protection with pre-existing conditions?
Premium loadings vary by condition severity: Mild conditions (well-controlled): 10-25% loading, Moderate conditions: 25-50% loading, Severe conditions: 50-100%+ loading or decline. Example (35-year-old, £30,000 income): No conditions: £25/month, Mild asthma: £28-31/month (10-25% more), Diabetes (well-controlled): £31-37/month (25-50% more). Factors affecting loading: Medication, Specialist consultations, Time since diagnosis, Complications. Compare quotes - loadings vary significantly between insurers.
What conditions can be covered?
Many conditions can be covered with appropriate terms: Often covered with exclusions/loadings: Diabetes, Asthma, High blood pressure, Depression/anxiety, Arthritis, Back problems, IBS. May be difficult to cover: Recent cancer (usually 5-year wait), Severe heart disease, MS/Parkinson's, Severe mental health conditions. Key factors: Time since diagnosis, Stability/control, Treatment compliance, Absence of complications. Every case is individual - specialist brokers can find coverage options.
Should I declare old conditions that are resolved?
Yes, you must declare ALL medical conditions within the lookback period (usually 5 years, sometimes 10 years). Declare even if: Fully recovered, No longer on medication, No symptoms. Failure to disclose can: Invalidate your policy, Result in claim rejection, Constitute insurance fraud. Insurers ask specific questions like: Any medical conditions in last 5 years?, Any medication/treatment?, Any consultations? Answer honestly. Resolved conditions may not affect your premium but non-disclosure will void your policy.
Can I get cover if I've been declined before?
Yes, previous decline doesn't prevent future applications. Reasons to reapply: Condition improved/stabilized, Time passed since diagnosis, Different insurer (different criteria), Specialist impaired risk insurer. Important: You must declare previous declines on new applications. Some insurers specialise in difficult cases. LifePro works with specialist impaired risk insurers who may cover cases others decline. Don't give up after one decline - shop around with specialist brokers.
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