Can I get life insurance with Crohn’s Disease?

Yes, the good news is, it could still be possible to take out life insurance if you’re living with Crohn’s Disease.

Many think that, due to having Crohn’s, life insurance is unobtainable. But this isn’t always the case.

Whilst your condition could affect your application, many other factors are taken into account by insurers to determine the cost of your premiums and eligibility.

Shopping around multiple insurers can help you to find the most suitable options for those with Crohn’s Disease.

At Reassured we can help you do this by comparing quotes from the UK’s best insurers, as well as smaller specialist insurers that are available through our advised team.

Simply contact a friendly member of our team today for your free quotes.

In this article we'll be answering common questions regarding life insurance and Crohn’s Disease, such as:

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about securing life insurance with Crohn’s Disease…

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Crohn’s Disease life insurance: Real customer case studies

The tables below show some real-life examples of where we were able to help secure affordable life insurance for customers living with Crohn’s Disease.

Case study 1

This customer was a 46 year old non-smoker. They secured £493,000 of standard cover for £47.13 a month:

Details of applicantMr A. Brown
(Born in 1978 / Non-smoker)
Multiple sclerosis detailsDiagnosed in 2004 and last attack, no complications at all and no symptoms, taking medication.
Reason for coverMortgage, family & funeral
Policy details

Policy 1
Sum assured: £305,000
Policy type: Decreasing term
Term length: 29 years
Provider: AIG

Policy 2
Sum assured: £50,000
Policy type: Level term
Term length: 20 years
Provider: AIG

Policy 3
Sum assured: £138,000
Policy type: Decreasing term
Term length: 15 years
Provider: AIG

Monthly premium£47.13 a month
in total for all policies

Case study 2

This customer was a 40 year old non-smoker. They secured £464,000 of standard cover for £41.20 a month:

Details of applicantMrs L. Fraser
(Born in 1984 / Non-smoker)
Multiple sclerosis detailsCustomer had a recent MRI scan, no issues discovered. Condition is stable and symptoms well-managed.
Reason for coverMortgage
Policy details

Sum assured: £464,000
Policy type: Decreasing term
Term length: 28 years
Provider: Legal & General

Monthly premium£41.20 a month

Please note, customer names have been changed.

Does Crohn’s Disease affect life insurance?

Yes, Crohn’s Disease can have an impact on your life insurance application.

Symptoms of Crohn’s can vary from person to person. For this reason, the affect your condition will have on your life insurance will depend on your personal circumstances.

For those with mild Crohn’s, your condition may not have a big influence and it could be possible to secure cover on standard terms or with only a small inflation to premiums.

However, if you experience more severe symptoms and/or have regular flare ups, it’s likely you’ll pay increased premiums due to the higher risk.

If you’re awaiting surgery as a result of your condition, such as the fitting of a colostomy bag, then your application may be postponed until you’ve made a full recovery.

Your application could also be affected by the medication you’re taking and whether you’ve experienced any other medical issues because of Crohn’s.

Reassured can help you find the best life insurance for someone with Crohn’s Disease from our panel of insurers. Simply get in touch.

Why do I need life insurance with Crohn’s Disease?

Whilst Crohn’s Disease isn’t typically life threatening, living with a medical condition can highlight the importance of having the right protection in place should the worst happen.

Life insurance could provide your loved ones with a lump sum payment after your passing to help them with daily living costs and other essential expenses.

A life insurance pay out could help to cover:

  • Mortgage payments
  • Rental payments
  • Household income
  • Childcare costs
  • Outstanding debts
  • Funeral costs
  • An inheritance

If you were to pass away unexpectedly, your loved ones could struggle to find these funds at short notice, adding more stress at what’s already a distressing time.

Life insurance can provide you with peace of mind that your loved ones are taken care of financially.

Start your journey today and get in touch for your no-obligation and fee-free quotes.

How much life insurance do you need with Crohn’s Disease?

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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Your total cover estimate

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Do I need to tell the insurer about my Crohn’s Disease?

Yes, you’ll need to disclose your Crohn’s diagnosis during the application process.

During the application you’ll be asked for key information regarding your health and lifestyle.

This includes details of any pre-existing medical conditions you have.

Withholding or lying about this information is known as non-disclosure, which is a form of insurance fraud.

If discovered, non-disclosure could invalidate your policy and prevent a pay out from being made to your loved ones.

The exception to this is with an over 50s plan, as no medical information is required.

Is Crohn’s Disease a pre-existing medical condition?

Yes, if you have Crohn’s Disease at the point of application, this will be considered a pre-existing medical condition.

What’s the best life insurance for people with Crohn’s Disease?

As someone with Crohn’s Disease, the best life insurance for you will depend on what you want to cover, your available budget and the personal circumstances of your condition.

There’s no specific Crohn’s Disease life insurance policy, therefore the options available to you will be no different to a standard applicant.

The only difference is that the price you pay and the policy terms you’re able to secure may be affected by your condition.

There are four life insurance policies available, these include:

Level term cover for crohns sufferers

Level term life insurance

Level term life insurance provides a fixed sum assured (pay out amount) and pays out if you pass away during the policy term.

  • Policy term up to 40 years
  • Sum assured up to £1,000,000
  • Terminal illness cover included at no extra cost
  • Medical information required during the application
  • Critical illness cover can be added for an extra cost
  • Can help to protect an interest-only mortgage, other large debts and/or family living costs
  • Available through Reassured
Decreasing term cover for crohns sufferers

Decreasing term life insurance

Decreasing term life insurance provides a reduced sum assured and pays out if you pass away during the policy term.

  • Policy term up to 40 years
  • Sum assured up to £1,000,000
  • Terminal illness cover included at no extra cost
  • Medical information required during the application
  • Critical illness cover can be added for an extra cost
  • Can help to protect a repayment mortgage (as the sum assured can reduce at the same rate)
  • Available through Reassured
Whole of life cover for crohns sufferers

Whole of life insurance

Whole of life insurance provides lifelong cover and guarantees a pay out to loved ones when you pass away (not if you pass away).

  • Cover lasts for life
  • Sum assured up to £1,000,000
  • Medical information required during the application
  • Can be well suited to those later in life who are still in good health (as a higher sum assured can be secured than with an over 50s plan)
  • Can guarantee loved ones an inheritance and help to cover funeral costs
  • Available through Reassured’s advised team
Over 50s life insurance for crohns sufferers

Over 50 life insurance

Over 50 life insurance provides lifelong cover to those aged 50 – 85. After a waiting period of 12 or 24 months (depending on the insurer) it guarantees a pay out to loved ones when you pass away.

  • Cover lasts for life
  • Sum assured up to £20,000 (subject to your age and lifestyle)
  • No medical information is required (acceptance is guaranteed)
  • Ideal for those in this age bracket who have struggled to secure standard cover due to Crohn’s Disease
  • Can help to cover funeral costs and or/provide a small inheritance
  • Available through Reassured from 20p-a-day +

At Reassured, our friendly team can provide you with all the information you need to know about the above policies.

We can also help you compare multiple quotes to find you the most suitable policy options.

Compare Life Insurance Quotes »

What other policies are available to those with Crohn’s Disease?

There are also additional policies available to help you provide an extra safety net. This could be in the form of:

  • Critical illness cover
  • Income protection

As with life insurance, having Crohn’s Disease may have an impact on the price you pay and the policy terms you’re able to secure.

Critical illness cover for crohns sufferers

Critical illness cover

Critical illness cover can be added to a life insurance policy for an additional cost.

  • Provides a tax-free lump sum payment
  • Could pay out if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness
  • List of illnesses included within the policy
  • Can help to cover lost income and/or private medical care
  • Crohn’s Disease may be excluded from cover
  • Available through Reassured
Income protection for crohns sufferers

Income protection

Income protection can be taken out separate to a life insurance policy to protect your income.

  • Provides monthly fax-free payments
  • Can pay out if you can’t work due to illness or injury
  • No set list of injuries listed within the policy
  • Can help to cover essential living costs while you’re unable to work
  • Crohn’s Disease may be excluded from cover
  • Available through Reassured’s advised team

How much does life insurance with Crohn’s Disease cost?

How much you’ll pay for your life insurance as someone with Crohn’s Disease will depend on your personal circumstances.

When calculating life insurance premiums, insurers will assess the level of risk you pose (the likelihood of a claim being made).

Declaring a pre-existing illness, such as Crohn’s Disease, is just one factor that will be taken into consideration.

You’ll also be required to provide information about the following:

  • Age
  • Smoking status
  • General health & wellbeing
  • BMI
  • Lifestyle
  • Policy length
  • Sum assured

Additional information about your condition may impact the price you pay such as how frequent your flare ups are, whether you’ve had surgery or been hospitalised and what medication you’re taking.

If you have mild Crohn’s, there will be less of an impact on the price you pay for your premiums and it could even be possible to secure cover on standard terms.

Life insurance quotes with standard terms start from just 20p-a-day through Reassured † .

However, if your Crohn’s is more severe, you’ll likely experience inflated premiums due to the increased risk.

Comparing quotes could help you find the most affordable life insurance policy for your personal circumstances.

Why not enlist our expert team to help you find life cover?

What information do I need to provide to insurers about Crohn’s Disease?

During the application process, as well as providing standard information, you’ll also be required to provide details about your condition.

This is so insurers can get a better understanding of your personal circumstances.

The information you’ll be required to provide can include (but is not limited to):

  • When were you diagnosed?
  • What part of the bowel is affected?
  • How much of the bowel is affected?
  • What symptoms do you experience?
  • How frequent/severe are the symptoms/flare ups you experience?
  • When was your last flare up?
  • Do you take any medication? (Sulfasalazine, Mesalamine, Purinethol, Infliximab, Azathioprine etc)
  • Have you had any surgery or are you due to have surgery in the near future?
  • Have you had to take any time off work?
  • Have you ever been hospitalised?

Prior to applying for cover it could be wise to keep track of your symptoms, flare ups, any doctors/hospital visits, as well as any medication/treatment you receive.

This is so you can provide the insurer with the most up-to-date information.

This could prevent them needing to request a doctors report in order to obtain these details.

How will Crohn’s Disease affect a joint policy?

If you’re securing joint life insurance and one applicant has Crohn’s, it could affect the premium that you both pay.

A joint life insurance policy protects two lives simultaneously, with one premium to pay between both parties.

If one partner is in good health (with no pre-existing medical conditions), securing a joint policy with someone who has Crohn’s Disease could result in them paying a higher premium than is necessary.

For this reason, it could be beneficial to secure two single policies.

A friendly member of our team can help you compare both joint and single life insurance policies to find the best solution for your needs.

Is Crohn’s Disease classed as a critical illness?

Yes, Crohn’s Disease is commonly one of the conditions covered within critical illness cover.

Being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease during the term of your policy could allow you to make a claim and receive a lump sum payment.

However, if your Crohn’s Disease is pre-existing when securing cover, it’s likely it will be added as an exclusion to your policy. This will prevent you from claiming for this reason.

The list of conditions covered by critical illness cover can vary between providers, so not all policies may cover Crohn’s.

That’s why it’s important to compare multiple policies to secure the most comprehensive cover.

What if I’ve been declined due to Crohn’s Disease before?

If you’ve been declined for life insurance in the past, due to Crohn’s Disease, it could still be possible to secure life cover.

It may be that you were declined due to one of the following reasons:

Icon ruby cross Your diagnosis was too recent

Most insurers will require a specific time period to pass after a diagnosis before approving an application.

This is so the condition can be more accurately assessed (for example, how symptoms effect you and how frequently they occur).

Without information like this, it could be hard for insurers to assess your risk level accurately.

Icon ruby cross You recently had surgery

Similarly, if you had recently undergone surgery or were awaiting a surgery, insurers are likely to postpone or decline an application until a full recovery has been made.

Icon ruby cross You applied for cover with a mainstream provider

Some mainstream providers don’t have the capacity to offer cover to non-standard applicants (such as those with pre-existing medical conditions).

The underwriting processes used by each insurer vary. Therefore, just because you couldn’t secure cover with one provider, doesn’t mean you won’t be able to secure cover with another.

It can also be possible to secure cover with specialist providers, who specialise in offering cover to non-standard applicants.

Icon ruby cross Your level of risk was deemed too great

You may be declined if multiple high-risk factors are identified by the insurer, and you were deemed too risky to insure.

Other high risk factors could include (but aren’t limited to) a high-risk occupation, having a BMI that classes you as morbidly obese, as well as smoking and drinking in excess.

In this case, it could still be possible to secure cover with the help of a specialist insurer or with an over 50s plan. 

Reassured have a specialist impaired risk team on hand to support you. So, even if you have previously been refused life insurance, we’ll do our best to help you find some form of cover.

Not only do we work with some of the UK’s leading providers, but we also we also have an advised team that works with specialist insurers, allowing us to provide you with the details of the insurer who’s most likely to offer you cover.

Simply get in touch for your free quotes.

What if I’m diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease during the policy term?

If you’re diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease during the term of your policy, you’re not required to inform your insurer.

However, it can beneficial to keep your insurer up to date with any medical changes that may happen. This is so there’s documentation of when the condition occurred.

If there’s no documentation and you were to pass away, insurers may need to investigate the death to see whether the condition was pre-existing or not.

This could delay a pay out being made to your loved ones.

Will I need to undergo a medical exam?

In some circumstances, you may be asked to undergo a medical exam when applying for life insurance with Crohn’s Disease.

However, insurers do have the right to request this if they believe it’s necessary to get a better understanding of your health and the effect Crohn’s has had.

What’s more common is for a medical report to be requested from your GP (this can only be obtained with your permission).

Particularly if you’ve been on strong medications or have had multiple surgeries, insurers may want further details.

The need for a doctor’s report could be reduced if you keep track of your surgeries, medications and the dates they occurred.

In these instances, if you’re unable to give consent for further medical evidence then your application will not proceed as the insurer will not have the necessary information to underwrite your policy.

Can you get life insurance with IBD?

Yes, it could be possible to secure life insurance with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

IBD is an umbrella term used to describe both Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

You may wonder does colitis affect life insurance too?

The answer is yes, as both conditions are classed as IBD, Colitis will have a similar effect on life insurance as Crohn’s Disease.

You may still be able to secure life insurance with IBD, so why not use the services of Reassured to find the right insurer for you?

Simply get in touch for your fee-free quotes.

Compare life insurance quotes for Crohn’s Disease

Whilst it’s still possible to secure life insurance with Crohn’s Disease, the price you’ll pay for cover could be impacted by your condition.

This makes it even more important to compare quotes to find the most affordable cover.

At Reassured, we work with panel of insurers to help you find the best cover for your needs, at the right price.

Our specialist team could help you find some form of cover, even if you’ve been declined before.

Rest assured you’re in good hands, so why not get in touch for your free and no-obligation quotes today?

Compare Life Insurance for Crohn's Disease Applicants »

Sources:

[1] https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/about-crohns-and-colitis/publications/crohns-disease

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