Can I secure life insurance with cystic fibrosis?

The answer is yes, you could get life insurance with cystic fibrosis, although the severity of your condition will affect your eligibility and how much your premiums may be inflated.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a critical inherited disease that affects around 10,800 people in the UK[1].

Due to the increased risk associated with having a pre-existing medical condition, many people think it’s not possible to secure life insurance or affordable cover with cystic fibrosis. However, this is not always the case.

Reassured have a specialist impaired risk life insurance team who can help identify the options available to applicants with cystic fibrosis, even if you’ve been declined previously.

There are many different types of cover suited to varying needs and circumstances. Reassured can provide quotes from a range of insurers, including specialist insurers, to help you find affordable quotes.

Get in touch with one of our friendly professionals today to discover suitable policies for you and compare fee-free quotes to find our best deal.

Keep reading this quick and simple guide to find out:

Life Insurance with Cystic Fibrosis » Get Quotes

Do I need to tell insurers about my cystic fibrosis?

Yes, when applying for a life insurance policy, you’ll have to disclose all medical information (unless applying for an over 50s policy).

Insurers will need to know about your cystic fibrosis and will ask you questions about your condition; this is so they can determine the level of risk you pose and assess your application accurately.

If you’re eligible for a policy, the information you provide will help the insurer work out how much your life insurance will cost and ensure that you’re offered the right cover.

It’s important to tell your insurer the truth and disclose all information regarding your cystic fibrosis, as otherwise your policy may not pay out to loved ones when you are no longer around.

When applying, you may be asked for your medical details or even a medical exam so the insurer can gain a greater understanding of your condition.

How does cystic fibrosis affect life insurance?

Having cystic fibrosis can affect your life insurance in a number of ways (depending on the severity). You may experience increased premiums or even be declined.

Even so, it can be possible to secure an affordable policy and keep your loved ones protected by understanding which options may be available to you.

Below are some examples of the possible outcomes for an applicant with cystic fibrosis depending on the severity of their condition (although the outcomes can also depend on the insurer):

ApplicantCondition severityPossible outcome
1Relatively mild condition with good lung function, little to no impact on day to day lifeYou may meet the criteria to obtain standard cover, although expect higher premiums
2Mild symptoms but suffering with respiratory conditions or related complications that impact daily tasksMay be accepted but with inflated premiums or declined. Could apply for specialist cover through Reassured
3More severe symptoms that impact daily life, suffering with symptoms such as: fatigue, anxiety, pain, coughA high chance of being declined, however you could apply for specialist cover through Reassured


Please note, whether you’re accepted for a policy and the cost of your premiums will also be based on factors such as your BMI, smoking status and age.

Cystic fibrosis is considered a high-risk condition due to its progressiveness, therefore it could be more difficult to find cover. Regardless, this doesn’t mean you can’t explore your options, as you may still be eligible to secure a policy.

Contact Reassured for expert support and free quotes.

What will insurers ask about my cystic fibrosis?

Questions you may be asked by insurers regarding your condition include:

  • What age were you diagnosed?
  • What organs are affected?
  • What symptoms do you have and how frequent?
  • Have you received any treatment/surgery for your condition?
  • Do you have any other medical conditions?

You will also be asked if you have any other related conditions, such as: depression, diabetes, cirrhosis (liver disease), arthritis, reflux, hypersplenism (overactive spleen), and osteoporosis

In some cases, an insurer may require further medical evidence. This could be a medical report from your GP, or a physical exam.

In your application, you’ll also be asked about the following:

  • Age
  • Smoking status
  • BMI
  • Medical history (including family medical history)
  • Occupation
  • Lifestyle (hobbies)

All these factors, as well as your chosen policy details, will affect the cost of your life insurance premiums.

At Reassured, our agents can help you through the entire application process, offering support along the way.

How much life insurance do you need?

Find out how much life insurance may be right for you by using our simple calculator. Fill in the costs you would like your policy to cover.

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£121,687 is the estimated average outstanding mortgage per household in the UK.

Our property is generally the largest financial commitment any of us will make.

Your life insurance should cover this significant debt should you no longer be around.
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According to Money Advice Service, full-time childcare in the UK now costs £242 a week.

The loss of a parent could result in the need for additional childcare whilst the surviving parent increases their hours to account for lost income.

Your life insurance cover should factor in this additional required outgoing.
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The average level of debt (minus a mortgage) in the UK is £15,385.

Factoring in any outstanding debts in your name when arranging life insurance ensures this burden is not passed to loved ones.
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You may wish to leave your loved ones an inheritance or lump sum gift upon your passing.

Factoring in the gift amount when arranging your cover will ensure the pay out amount will be sufficient to provide your loved ones with this selfless gesture.
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According to SunLife, the average cost of a UK funeral is now £4,417, whilst the total cost of dying is £9,493.

This is a 130% increase over the past 16 years and shows no signs of slowing down.

A significant cost which should be factored into the amount of life insurance you secure.
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If you are one of the 65% of the UK who are lucky enough to have savings, this could be used as protection if you were to pass away.

Any pay outs from existing life insurance policies and investments can also be used as financial protection for your loved ones if you were no longer around.

Factor this into your required cover amount.
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Your total cover estimate

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The best life insurance for cystic fibrosis

Technically, there is no ‘best life insurance’ for those with cystic fibrosis. The best policy for you will be down to:

  • What you’re looking to cover
  • Your desired sum assured
  • How long you’d like cover for
  • If you would like to cover yourself or your partner also (a joint policy)
  • Your budget

As you may be considered as a higher risk applicant by insurers (more likely to make a claim on your policy) your premiums may be inflated.

Reassured offer a specialist impaired risk service that specialises in finding some form of cover for those who are non-standard applicants.

There are many life insurance options available, but whichever is best for you will depend on your personal needs.

Listed are the most popular life insurance policies:

Cystic fibrosis life insurance over 50s

Over 50s life insurance

  • Guaranteed acceptance for UK residents aged 50 - 85
  • Provides a fixed lump sum
  • Cover for all your life
  • Guaranteed pay out to loved ones when you pass away
  • Fixed monthly premiums
  • No medical questions asked
  • A 12 - 24 month waiting period (you won’t be covered in this time)
Cystic fibrosis life insurance term life

Term life insurance

  • An option of level or decreasing cover amount
  • Term can last up to 40 years
  • Fixed monthly premiums
  • Medical information is required
  • Pay out if you pass away during the set term
  • Decreasing term is best for a repayment mortgage and is a cheaper option
  • Level term is best for an interest based mortgage
Cystic fibrosis life insurance whole of life

Whole of life insurance

  • Provides a fixed lump sum
  • Cover for all your life
  • Pays out when you pass away (not if)
  • Fixed monthly premiums
  • Medical information required
  • Tends to be a more expensive option
  • Good for those who want peace of mind that they're covered for life
Cystic fibrosis life insurance family income benefit

Family income benefit

  • Pays out in monthly instalments (rather than a lump sum) if you pass away during a set term
  • Term can last up to 40 years
  • Fixed monthly premiums
  • Medical information is required
  • Helps with long term family budgeting
  • Could help to cover mortgage repayments and family living costs

Whilst term life insurance is the most popular due to the amount of cover that can be provided to help cover a mortgage/ large expenses for a set period, over 50s could be a great an option if you fit the requirements and are looking for cover for the rest of your life.

This is because no medical questions are asked and you’re guaranteed acceptance if you are aged 50 - 85.

Reassured offer personalised, fee-free quotes with no-obligation, to help you find a policy best suited to you and your needs.

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Do I need life insurance with cystic fibrosis?

Having life insurance can provide you with peace of mind that your loved ones are financially covered when you’re no longer around.

Having a medical condition can especially make this matter more compelling.

Everyone’s circumstances and needs are different, but leaving any financial burdens behind to friends and family is a worry many people share.

Depending on how much life insurance you take out, your policy could help to cover:

  • Funeral expenses (average cost of a UK funeral is £4,141[2])
  • Family living costs
  • Childcare and future education
  • Mortgage/ rent payments
  • An inheritance for loved ones
  • Outstanding debts

All insurers have different options and prices, Reassured can help compare quotes from UK leading insurers to help you find our best deal.

Can I get income protection with cystic fibrosis?

It could be possible, although income protection may be slightly tricky to secure, depending on the severity of your condition and the complications that may occur.

Income protection could pay out up to 70% of your usual earnings if you fall ill or have an injury, preventing you from working.

Similar to a life insurance policy, your premiums are calculated based on the likelihood of a claim. If you have mild symptoms and your condition does not affect your daily life, it may be easier for you to secure cover.

If your condition is deemed as high-risk by providers and you have a history of taking time off work previously due to your condition, there’s a chance of them adding exclusions to your policy to compensate for the increased risk. The insurers may also increase the premium or decline the application.

To have an added exclusion to your policy means you won’t be able to make a claim for your condition.

However, if your condition doesn’t impact your daily life and you have mild symptoms, there’s still a chance you will not have to have an added exclusion. It will depend on the provider and the terms they offer as to whether they’ll cover your condition or not.

Reassured could help you find the most suitable policy for your needs.

Is cystic fibrosis a critical illness?

Yes. Like many other critical illnesses, the course of the condition varies widely for everyone personally.

All insurers will have a different list of conditions that they deem to be critical, however cystic fibrosis usually makes the majority.

You can still apply for critical illness cover if you've already been diagnosed with a health condition, although an exclusion may be added for the condition you've been diagnosed with meaning you cannot claim for this.

You and loved ones could receive a cash sum if you’re diagnosed with or have a medical procedure for a specified critical illness (already covered in your policy), that could help with day to day costs or childcare.

Reassured can add critical illness cover to life insurance policies when you secure a policy through us, at an additional cost.

What to do if I am declined life insurance with cystic fibrosis?

Being declined life insurance can be disappointing. However, it might be possible to be accepted by an alternative insurer.

Usually applicants are declined due to being seen as too high-risk. While some things are not within your control, you could consider improving other aspects of your life to help secure an affordable policy, for example:

  • Stop smoking
  • Lower your alcohol intake (if over 14 units a week)
  • Lead a healthier lifestyle (lower BMI if too high)
  • Reduce risk by changing your occupation and hobbies (if possible) to avoid dangerous activities

In addition, taking out cover as young as possible and choosing the right policy generally means lower premiums.

Some insurers may have limitations on certain policies for those with pre-existing conditions, like cystic fibrosis. Life insurance companies consider cystic fibrosis as a high-risk condition, which can affect the availability and cost of coverage.

At Reassured, we have a specialist impaired team who specialise in assisting those who have been declined or have complex circumstances.

Securing a policy with cystic fibrosis UK

Don’t forget the importance of securing a life insurance policy, many think they can’t secure cover/ will be declined because of a pre-existing condition, however this isn’t always the case.

Even if you have previously been declined, this may not necessarily mean that you can’t find cover elsewhere.

We can compare quotes from a variety of insurers for different policies. Using our expertise, we can identify the best insurers from our panel who may offer you affordable rates.

We've been able to help many people with pre-existing conditions find suitable cover, so why not get in touch and find a suitable policy for you.

Reassured’s professionals can help guide you every step of the way through the application process and assist you with finding a personalised quote affordable and suitable for you.

Get in touch today to find a fee-free quote with no-obligation.

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About cystic fibrosis (CF)

  • Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited condition that causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. This can cause lung infections and problems digesting food[1]
  • CF is usually genetic and picked up from birth[3]
  • There isn’t a cure for cystic fibrosis yet and life expectancy is estimated around 50 years old, although many cases have lived long full lives into their 80s[3]
  • Although no cure, there are treatments that can help control symptoms, such as medication and exercises[3]
  • Complications can include: weak and brittle bones, diabetes, fertility problems and sinus infections[3]

The NHS cystic fibrosis page have lots of information and details regarding CF, its treatments to control symptoms and guides on living with the condition.

Sources:

[1] https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/what-is-cystic-fibrosis/faqs

[2] https://www.sunlife.co.uk/siteassets/documents/cost-of-dying/sunlife-cost-of-dying-report-2024.pdf/

[3] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cystic-fibrosis/

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