Life Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions in New Zealand
Get life insurance even with diabetes, heart disease, cancer history, or other health conditions. Compare quotes from NZ insurers who specialize in pre-existing conditions.
Compare Quotes - All Health Conditions WelcomeCan You Get Life Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions?
Yes. Most New Zealanders with pre-existing conditions can get life insurance. While you may pay higher premiums or have certain conditions excluded, coverage is available through:
- Standard policies with loading - Higher premiums for your condition
- Policies with exclusions - Coverage for everything except the pre-existing condition
- Guaranteed acceptance policies - No medical questions, everyone accepted (limited coverage)
- Group life insurance - Through your employer, often with no health checks
Common Pre-Existing Conditions & Life Insurance
Diabetes (Type 1 & Type 2)
Coverage Options:
- ✅ Well-controlled: Standard + 25-75% loading
- ⚠️ Poorly controlled: Higher loading or exclusions
- ✅ Type 2 (no complications): Often approved
- ⚠️ Type 1: Higher premiums, more underwriting
What Helps:
- • HbA1c under 7% (well-controlled)
- • No complications (kidney, eye, nerve damage)
- • Regular medical check-ups
- • Healthy BMI and blood pressure
Heart Disease & High Blood Pressure
Coverage Options:
- ✅ High blood pressure (controlled): +25-50%
- ⚠️ Previous heart attack: +100-300% or decline
- ✅ High cholesterol (treated): +10-30%
- ⚠️ Heart failure: Usually declined
What Helps:
- • Blood pressure under 140/90
- • 5+ years since heart event
- • Regular cardiology check-ups
- • Medication compliance
Cancer Survivors
Coverage Options:
- ✅ 5+ years cancer-free: Often approved
- ⚠️ 2-5 years cancer-free: High loading
- ❌ Active treatment: Usually declined
- ✅ Early stage (caught early): Better rates
What Helps:
- • Longer remission period
- • Early stage at diagnosis
- • No recurrence
- • Complete treatment records
Mental Health Conditions
Coverage Options:
- ✅ Anxiety/depression (mild): +10-50%
- ⚠️ Severe depression: Higher loading
- ⚠️ Bipolar disorder: Significant loading
- ✅ Stable on treatment: Better rates
What Helps:
- • Stable for 12+ months
- • Regular therapy/medication
- • No recent hospitalizations
- • Employed and functioning well
Asthma & Respiratory Conditions
Coverage Options:
- ✅ Mild asthma: Standard rates or +10-25%
- ⚠️ Moderate asthma: +25-75%
- ⚠️ Severe/hospitalizations: Higher loading
- ✅ Childhood asthma (outgrown): Standard
What Helps:
- • Well-controlled symptoms
- • No recent ER visits
- • Minimal medication use
- • Good lung function tests
Obesity & High BMI
Coverage Options:
- ✅ BMI 30-35: +25-75% loading
- ⚠️ BMI 35-40: +75-150% loading
- ⚠️ BMI 40+: May be declined
- ✅ Weight loss progress: Better rates
What Helps:
- • Active weight loss program
- • No obesity-related conditions
- • Good overall health markers
- • Regular exercise routine
Your Coverage Options
Standard Policy with Loading
Most common option. You get full coverage but pay higher premiums based on your health risk.
Best For:
- • Well-controlled conditions
- • Stable health status
- • Need full coverage
Policy with Exclusions
Standard premiums but specific conditions or complications are excluded from coverage.
Best For:
- • Serious pre-existing conditions
- • Want affordable premiums
- • Cover other risks
Guaranteed Acceptance
No medical questions, everyone approved. Limited coverage ($10,000-$50,000) and waiting periods apply.
Best For:
- • Serious health issues
- • Previously declined
- • Ages 50-85
How to Apply with Pre-Existing Conditions
Be Honest and Complete
Disclose all conditions, treatments, and medications. Non-disclosure can void your policy. Insurers will access medical records, so honesty is essential.
Gather Medical Documentation
Collect recent test results, doctor's notes, medication lists, and treatment plans. Well-documented stable health improves your chances.
Compare Multiple Insurers
Different insurers assess risk differently. AA Insurance may rate diabetes differently than AIA or Southern Cross. Always compare quotes.
Consider Using a Financial Adviser
Financial advisers know which insurers are most lenient with specific conditions and can advocate on your behalf during underwriting.
Wait for Better Health (If Possible)
If your condition is recent, waiting 12-24 months while staying stable can result in better rates. Recent diagnosis = higher risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I've been declined for life insurance before?
Being declined doesn't mean you're permanently uninsurable. Try guaranteed acceptance policies, wait until your health improves, or work with a broker who specializes in high-risk cases. Different insurers have different risk appetites.
Should I disclose conditions that are well-controlled or minor?
Yes, absolutely. Disclose everything you've been diagnosed with or treated for in the past 5-10 years. Non-disclosure is grounds for claim denial, even if the condition is unrelated to your cause of death.
Can my premiums go down if my health improves?
Some insurers allow premium reviews after significant health improvements (e.g., losing weight, quitting smoking, diabetes remission). Check your policy terms and contact your insurer to request a review after 12+ months of improvement.
What's the difference between an exclusion and loading?
Loading means you pay higher premiums but have full coverage. An exclusion means you pay standard premiums but specific conditions or complications aren't covered. For example, a diabetes exclusion means if you die from diabetes complications, the claim may be denied.
How much more will I pay with a pre-existing condition?
It varies widely. Mild conditions add 10-50%, moderate conditions add 50-150%, and serious conditions can add 150-300% or result in decline. For example, well-controlled Type 2 diabetes might add $20-40/month to a $80/month premium.
Is group life insurance through my employer a better option?
Group life insurance often accepts all employees regardless of health, making it excellent for pre-existing conditions. However, coverage is usually limited (1-2x salary), isn't portable if you leave, and may not be enough for your family's needs.
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