Pre-existing condition
A health condition you had (or had symptoms of, or sought treatment for) before the policy started.
Definition
A pre-existing condition is anything you knew about, had symptoms of, or had been treated for before your policy start date. Insurers typically address these through underwriting — either accepting standard, loading the premium, applying a specific exclusion, or declining cover for that condition. Non-disclosure of a pre-existing condition at application is the most common reason valid-looking claims are declined.
See also
- Non-disclosure — Failing to disclose material information about your health, history, or occupation at application.
- Underwriting — The insurer’s assessment of your application before the policy is issued.
- Exclusion — A specific event or condition the policy will not pay out for.
Not personalised financial advice. Definitions are editorial framings of how the term is used across NZ life cover. Your specific policy wording is the authoritative source.