Unsure about life insurance options

Penguin66

Hi all,

I’m struggling to understand how to take out life insurance in my situation so any advise would be great.

Im due to have an operation ( sinus surgery) and am under a consultant as I have lost a bit of hearing in one ear. MRI scans have all come back fine so they suspect it’s just one of those things they won’t know the answer to and to keep an eye on it. I’m due for a follow up appointment so technically I’m still under investigation.

My questions are:

Can I obtain life insurance now before my operation/ follow up takes place or should I wait? 

I have been to the doctors and had numerous hospital appointments for various things, which have resulted in things ugh as suspected IBS and polyps in the colon that were non cancerous. However, when looking at applications for life insurance it ask so many questions that I can’t remember everything so do I need to access my full medical records and sift through everything accurately? I just don’t want to be in a situation we’re something happens and then can’t claim because I missed some fine detail.

It asks about lifestyle questions which is fine as I don’t drink or smoke anymore amd haven’t for years, but remember my doctors notes stating I smoke and drink;  which I did 10 years ago, so do I need to call the doctors and update this information? I know Ishould for health reason alone, but could that affect a future insurance claim?

Finally, when making a claim will they access my health records to make sure I told the truth? If so, Woudl t it just be better that I give them access to my full medical file so there are no complications to the line?

That’s for any help! 

Stay safe 

dunstonh

Can I obtain life insurance now before my operation/ follow up takes place or should I wait?

In many cases, it is unlikely you will be accepted for life assurance with a surgery due.  If investigations are still ongoing as to the cause, then almost certainly you will not be accepted  It is most likely that cover will be postponed until the surgery is complete and the diagnosis is known.  It can depend on the type of surgery so its a not a 100% rule of thumb.   Just more of an expectation that will be the likely outcome.

However, when looking at applications for life insurance it ask so many questions that I can’t remember everything so do I need to access my full medical records and sift through everything accurately? I just don’t want to be in a situation we’re something happens and then can’t claim because I missed some fine detail.

You are not expected to have perfect recollection of your medical history.  However, you should be able to provide sufficient information in general and the underwriters will decide if they need further information or not.  The more you provide, the better it is.   The worst thing you can do is leave off key information.

It asks about lifestyle questions which is fine as I don’t drink or smoke anymore amd haven’t for years, but remember my doctors notes stating I smoke and drink;  which I did 10 years ago, so do I need to call the doctors and update this information? I know Ishould for health reason alone, but could that affect a future insurance claim?

The smoking questions should give you the chance to indicate if you are past smoker.    I would be surprised if your GP notes do not record you as a non-smoker now as you would expect sinus conditions to ask about smoking status.

Finally, when making a claim will they access my health records to make sure I told the truth?

It depends on the cause of death.    But you should assume they will do.

Woudl t it just be better that I give them access to my full medical file so there are no complications to the line?

In most cases, it wouldnt work like that. Often the insurers contact the GP to ask further questions about a case or ask for information regarding a certain condition.   Not a carte blanche copy of your whole file.  It also costs insurers money and time to get this medical information.  So, its not done unless there is a good reason for doing so.

csgohan4

As above, you have several other medical issues in the past, even if accepted, it will be significantly expensive in terms of premiums. Hindsight is good, but always better to get these type insurance when your younger and healthier relatively. 

If I could roll back the years, I would have got these done in the late 20's early 30's

Penguin66

Thanks for great answers! All the best