Can you get life insurance if you have asthma?

Yes, it could be possible to secure life insurance if you have asthma.

As asthma is a common condition in the UK, many companies may be able to offer you life insurance cover.

However, there are factors which could add an additional loading (additional cost) to your premiums.

As certain negative health and lifestyle attributes can impact the severity of your asthma, it’s possible that the premiums quoted could be lower with an improved lifestyle.

However, no two quotes are the same, and the price you pay for life insurance will be affected both by your asthma and other factors.

Reassured can compare quotes from some of the top UK life insurance providers. Quotes are fee-free and no-obligation. Simply get in touch.

Keep reading as we cover the following:

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How does asthma affect life insurance?

Generally speaking, asthma is classed as a "low risk" pre-existing medical condition and may not have an impact on your ability to secure cover.

However, the affect asthma will have on your life insurance will depend on the severity of your condition.

Those with mild and well managed asthma could be able to secure cover on standard terms or with a small loading to their premiums.

Whereas those with more severe asthma, or asthma that’s unmanaged, can experience a greater loading to their premiums or eligibility affected.

Insurers will need to know certain key information about your condition so that they can assess your application accurately. This includes:

  • When you were diagnosed
  • How frequent your symptoms are
  • Whether you’ve been hospitalised
  • What medication/treatment you’re using/have used

If other high-risk factors are identified, such as if you’re a heavy smoker, your policy may need additional underwriting due to the increased risk.

Additional underwriting may also be required for asthma sufferers who have been taking oral steroids as a treatment, those who are regularly admitted to hospital or those who have required surgery.

Why do I need life insurance for asthma?

While many people in the UK live alongside the condition, around 3 people in the UK die from asthma attacks everyday[1].

While this is a low percentage of people who are asthmatic, it’s a high amount of people for a common, long-term condition.

With any condition that can be fatal, it’s worth securing life insurance. However, if you have a family who rely on you, it’s important to protect your loved ones if something happens, regardless of your health.

Life insurance could help cover the following:

Mortgage

Your mortgage - The average UK mortgage debt, as of 2021, is £132.378[2]. If your family rely on your income to pay either the mortgage or your rent, life insurance could help to pay off the remainder of the balance, or a period of rent.
Debts

Daily living costs - Your family may also rely on you to cover utilities, council tax and day-to-day expenses like food and travel. If you were to pass away and your family couldn’t afford to cover this, it’s certainly worth considering life insurance.
Health

Health complications - Untreated or severe asthma can lead to additional complications, including respiratory failure, pneumonia, and lung scarring. Your life insurance could potentially cover you passing away from these additional complications. If you’re susceptible to them but currently only have asthma, life insurance is worth considering as a precaution.
Funeral

Covering your funeral - The average funeral costs £4,141, with the cost of dying being £9,658[3]. Life insurance could provide a sum assured to ensure your funeral is covered in line with your wishes, without leaving an unaffordable bill for your family.
Definition of Incapacity

High risk occupations - If you have a job which could impact your asthma, or is hazardous to your health, the higher risk to your life means it could be wise to secure life insurance. Life insurance could help to replace some or all your income after your passing and help your family continue financially.
Inhertiance

An inheritance/charity donation - If you wish to leave a sum of money to your loved ones when you pass away, life insurance can help to provide money to do so. Alternatively, you can also donate a portion of your life insurance to a charity.

However, you may have alternative reasons why you’d like to secure life insurance. It’s worth contacting Reassured if you’re uncertain about what life insurance can cover.

We can discuss the process while also finding our best quotes from our panel of insurers.

How much life insurance do asthmatics need?

Work out how much life insurance you may need based on your current financial commitments and what you want your policy to cover. Simply fill in the fields which apply to you for an instant calculation.

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£137,934 is the estimated mortgage debt per household in the UK.

The purchase of a home is likely to be the largest financial commitment any of us will make in our lifetime. Your life insurance should cover your remaining mortgage balance to allow your loved ones to stay in the family home should anything happen to you.

Source: Moneynerd.co.uk
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The average monthly household budget in the UK is £2,548 (that’s £30,576 per year), which is spent on transport, food & drink, utilities (gas, electricity, water etc), clothing, council tax and leisure activities.

With energy prices hitting a record high and the cost of living rising sharply in the UK, you may wish to factor in utility bills and family living expenses into your cover.

Source: Nimblefins.co.uk
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The average personal debt of UK adults has risen to £34,566 (not including mortgage debt), with credit cards, personal loans and overdrafts being the most common forms of debt.

Factoring in any debts into your life insurance cover means that, if they need to be paid back from your estate after your passing, your loved ones won’t miss out financially.

Source: Money.co.uk
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According to SunLife, the average cost of a funeral in the UK is £3,953 (with the overall cost of dying at £9,200).

Funeral costs have increased by 116% since 2004 and are a significant cost which should be factored into the amount of life insurance you secure.

Source: SunLife.co.uk
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When factoring in cover for your children, you may wish to calculate the amount based on how long it is until they reach financial independence.

This could include childcare (£7,000 per year for part-time care), school expenses (£1,519 per school year for uniforms, lunches, stationary etc), as well as an additional sum for further education (this could be a contribution of up to £5,000 per year).

Sources: Daynurseries.co.uk, Primarytimes.co.uk & Savethestudent.org
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2 in 5 adults say they are relying on an inheritance to fund their retirement.

Factoring in an inheritance to your sum assured could allow loved ones to live a more financially comfortable life. Alternatively, you could leave a cash gift to a charity of your choosing.

Source: Moneyage.co.uk
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If you’re lucky enough to have your own savings or are part of the 30% of UK residents who already have a life insurance policy in place, this can provide financial protection for loved ones.

By entering your current cover, savings or death in service amount you can reduce the sum assured you require.

Source: Scottishbusinessnews.net
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How much is life insurance with asthma?

The price you pay for life insurance with asthma will vary depending on your personal circumstances and the severity of your condition.

As standard, you’ll need to provide the following information on your life insurance application in order for insurers to calculate the price you pay:

  • Your occupation - A hazardous or life-threatening occupation will incur higher premiums
  • Your age - On average, the older you are, the higher your premiums will be
  • Your health - Any additional health complications alongside your asthma can result in a higher loading
  • Your smoking status - Smokers and those that use nicotine products pay more than non-smokers
  • Your weight BMI - If you’re weight or BMI isn’t in a healthy range, your premiums will reflect this
  • Your lifestyle - How active you are, your diet and your alcohol consumption can all impact your premiums. Dangerous hobbies will also increase the premiums you pay
  • Length of cover - Longer term-based policies will have higher premiums than short term based policies. Whole of life cover on average is more expensive than both
  • Level of cover - The higher the sum assured, the higher the premiums will be

Insurers will also need to know about your condition, such as your symptoms and whether they’re persistent or intermittent.

The more frequent your flare-ups and the higher the dose of inhaled corticosteroids or other medication, the higher your premiums will be. Any untreated or uncontrolled asthma will also result in higher premiums.

In contrast, those who experience mild asthma symptoms and don’t have regular flare ups may be able to secure cover on standard terms or with only a small increase to their premiums.

It’s important that you accurately disclose your asthma and other information on your life insurance application.

Failure to do so is known as “non-disclosure”, which would lead to your policy being invalidated. Any claims on policies where non-disclosure is found will be unsuccessful.

Comparing quotes is essential in finding affordable life insurance with asthma, as each insurer with have a different underwriting process.

Why not compare quotes through Reassured?

Life insurance for people with asthma

Those with asthma still have a wide range of life insurance policies available to them.

At Reassured, we can help you secure a life insurance product which reflects your personal needs. The polices we offer include:

Level term life insurance for people with asthma

Level term life insurance

  • Provides a fixed lump sum pay out upon passing away (if within the term)
  • Term is predefined and can be up to 40 years
  • Premiums are fixed
  • Terminal illness included
  • Critical illness cover can be added for an additional cost
  • Medical information required

Level term life insurance can help to protect an interest-based mortgage, other large debts and/or daily family living costs

However, as this is a term-based product, it’s possible to outlive the policy. If you pass away after the policy has finished, claims will be unsuccessful.

Decreasing term life insurance for people with asthma

Decreasing term life insurance

  • Provides a lump sum which decreases over the policy term
  • Term is predefined and can be up to 40 years
  • Premiums are fixed
  • Terminal illness included
  • Critical illness cover can be added for an additional cost
  • Medical information required

Decreasing term life insurance can help to protect a repayment mortgage as your policy could mirror your mortgage term and balance.

The sum assured will reduce during the policy’s term and claims will be unsuccessful if you pass away after the predetermined term.

Whole of life insurance for people with asthma

Whole of life insurance

  • Provides a fixed lump sum pay out upon passing away
  • Cover lasts for your whole life, offering a pay out when you pass away, not if
  • Premiums are fixed
  • Terminal illness cover not included
  • Critical illness cover not included
  • Potential to receive a higher sum assured than an over 50s plan
  • Medical information required

If you’re an older asthmatic who wants to ensure they’re covered for a certain sum assured and are still in good overall health (other than your asthma), this policy could be ideal for you.

On average, whole of life insurance has the highest premiums. As your premiums may have additional loading due to your asthma, it’s possible to pay more into the policy than you would receive.

Over 50s life insurance for people with asthma

Over 50s life insurance

  • Provides a fixed lump sum pay out upon passing away
  • Cover lasts for your whole life, guaranteeing a pay out (after the initial 12 - 24 month waiting period)
  • Premiums are fixed
  • Terminal illness included with certain providers
  • Critical illness cover not included
  • No medical information required

Asthmatics who have additional health complications and are UK residents aged between 50 - 85 can find this a great option.

However, the maximum sum assured is lower than the other life insurance policies due to accepting people without medical information

Please note the severity of your asthma will also be taken into consideration during the application process.

Reassured can help find suitable life insurance at an affordable price by comparing quotes from the UK’s leading providers and smaller specialists (through our advised team).

Compare Life Insurance with Asthma Quotes »

How does smoking impact asthma life insurance?

If you’re an asthmatic smoker, you could still secure life insurance.

However, smokers pay more on average for life insurance than non-smokers and asthmatic smokers may find an additional loading on their premiums.

Heavy smokers may also face their policies needing additional underwriting due to the greater risk.

Having asthma and smoking has been proven to further irritate the airways and aggravate other asthma symptoms.

If you’re considering life insurance, it’s worth attempting to quit smoking. Those who are smoke free could save money on their policy and may entitle them to a higher sum assured.

Please note that any form of smoking, vaping or nicotine product which has been used in the last 12 months would classify you as a smoker.

How can weight gain affect life insurance with asthma?

You could still secure cover if you’re asthmatic and overweight.

If you’re overweight or obese you may find your asthma symptoms are more severe.

If you have a BMI over 30, you have a much higher risk of having asthma than those with a lower BMI[4].

While it’s not exactly clear what the link is between asthma and weight gain, being overweight will already result in higher premiums for life insurance.

Therefore, if you’re overweight and asthmatic, you could face further inflations to your premiums.

Losing weight and getting down to a healthy BMI could help you to secure a more favourable premium price.

Life insurance and asthma medication UK

Insurers will want to know the type of medication you take for your asthma.

Depending on the type, strength, and way you take your medication, you may experience additional loading on your premiums.

The main form of medication and preventative treatments are:

  • Inhalers - Either reliever, preventative, or a combination inhaler. Reliever inhalers treat symptoms when occurring. Preventative inhalers reduce inflammation and sensitivity in your airwaves. Combination inhalers help with both
  • Tablets - LTRA’s, theophylline or other steroids may be used as a long-term solution to stop symptoms occurring
  • Injections - Asthmatics with severe asthma may have injections every few weeks to prevent symptoms
  • Bronchial thermoplasty - A type of surgery which uses heat on the muscles around the airways to prevent them closing

Insurers may ask about any asthma medication or surgeries you have required in the past when considering your premiums.

If you don’t take any form of medication or if your asthma is uncontrolled, then you will face higher premiums due to the risk reflected on the insurer.

How many people in UK have asthma?

Approximately 6.5% of the population, have asthma in the UK.

A diagnosis of asthma is more common in children, and some grow out of the condition when reaching adulthood.

As of July 2024, the National Institute for Health Care and Excellence concluded that 5.4 million people in the UK are actively receiving asthma treatment.

The risks of developing asthma are a mixture of being hereditary or caused by additional health complications.

Those with a family history of atopic diseases, including eczema, conjunctivitis, and asthma itself, are all susceptible to developing the condition at a young age or having persistent asthma into adulthood[5].

Smoking, obesity and regular inhalation of pollution, spores, damp and other particles can all trigger asthma or lead to continuing symptoms.

Is income protection available for people with asthma?

Yes, you could secure income protection if you have asthma.

If you’re worried about being unable to work, income protection is a way of ensuring you can receive a percentage of your income.

As most people with asthma can work full-time, you could be able to secure cover, providing your symptoms are not extreme.

Income protection is designed to pay out a sum of money per month if you’re too ill or injured to work.

Unlike life insurance, income protection will be paid to you while you’re still alive. This can substitute your income and give you time to recover or rehabilitate.

You can secure income protection through Reassured's advised team. Their friendly team will be able to compare income protection quotes with their whole of market comparison service.

Compare Life Insurance with Asthma Quotes »

Asthma life insurance FAQ

What is moderate asthma?

If you have a wheeze that’s noticeable with a stethoscope and flare ups roughly once a week, your asthma is likely to be moderate. Moderate and mild asthma are the most common variations in the UK.

If you’re unsure about the level of your asthma, it’s important to talk to a doctor.

What is classed as severe asthma UK?

If you struggle to control and regulate your symptoms, even with higher doses of medication, you would be classified as having severe asthma.

Severe, persistent asthma is the highest level and leaves you with constant symptoms.

Does mild asthma affect life insurance?

Mild asthma won’t impact your ability to secure life insurance.

You may experience an increase to your premiums, depending on when it was diagnosed and the type of treatment you use.

Is asthma a critical illness?

Asthma isn’t classified as a critical illness.

As it’s not considered a serious condition and deemed low risk by certain providers, it won’t be on the list of conditions covered under critical illness with most companies.

Does asthma count as a long term health condition?

Yes, asthma is a long term condition. However, if you’re diagnosed with asthma as a child, your symptoms may improve or disappear entirely.

Asthma is more likely to be a long term condition if diagnosed in adulthood.

Does asthma worsen with age?

Asthma attacks can be more severe as you get older. This is due to your body’s ability to recover diminishing.

However with treatments, many asthmatics can expect to have the same life expectancy as someone without asthma.

Can I get cover if I’ve been declined previously?

Yes, it’s possible to still secure some form of cover. Reassured have a specialist impaired team who are on hand to support such applicants.

If you’ve been declined in the past, why not contact our team for help.

How to get life insurance with asthma?

Contact Reassured to obtain your fee free and no obligation quotes. We can find you our best deals from our panel of insurers.

Life insurance with asthma quotes

Reassured can compare quotes from leading providers and smaller specialists for asthmatics.

Our UK based team can support you with every step of your application and help find a quote that suits your individual circumstances and budget.

Best of all, our quotes from our award-winning broker service are fee-free and no-obligation.

Save yourself time and money by comparing quotes. Simply getting in touch.

Sources:

[1] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/asthma-attack/

[2] https://www.finder.com/uk/mortgages/mortgage-statistics

[3] https://www.sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs/

[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11355285/

[5] https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/asthma/

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