Can I get life insurance with ulcerative colitis?

Yes, it’s possible to secure life insurance if you live with ulcerative colitis.

Although, the severity of your condition will be taken into consideration by insurers, which can affect the availability and terms of the policy.

People with ulcerative colitis do not have a specific insurance policy tailored for them; instead, the term 'Ulcerative colitis life insurance' refers to those with the condition securing a suitable life insurance policy.

Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed. Around 1 in every 227 people in the UK has been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis[1] and is commonly diagnosed in youthful years.

Whilst ulcerative colitis isn’t considered life threatening, inflammation can increase the risk of more fatal complications.

Reassured offers a comparison service for those with ulcerative colitis, providing personalised quotes from a variety of leading UK insurers, as well as smaller specialists.

Life Insurance Ulcerative Colitis UK » Get Quotes

Ulcerative colitis and life insurance key points:

  • Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease
  • It may be possible to secure affordable life cover with ulcerative colitis
  • Around 296,000 people in the UK have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis[1]
  • Ulcerative colitis isn’t curable; however, you can have treatment to maintain remission (relieve and prevent symptoms)
  • Individuals applying for life insurance with ulcerative colitis may face inflated premiums
  • Insurers will require detailed medical records and information when applying (unless applying for an over 50s plan)

Can I be denied life insurance with ulcerative colitis?

It can be possible to be declined life insurance if you have ulcerative colitis.

The severity of your condition will be taken into consideration by insurers. If you’re proactively seen to control and manage your ulcerative colitis and symptoms are mild, then you may not be declined.

Insurers determine your eligibility and premium costs from a variety of factors, not just your medical history.

If you have been denied life insurance before, or have concerns about being denied, Reassured provides specialised help from our impaired life insurance teams to assist you in securing some form of cover.

Why not reach out today to benefit from our expert assistance?

Does ulcerative colitis affect life insurance?

Yes, having ulcerative colitis could affect your life insurance, depending on the severity of your condition.

If you’ve been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis prior to taking out life insurance, then this could affect your eligibility and the cost of your premiums.

If you have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis during your policy term, this won’t affect your current policy and you aren’t obligated to inform your insurer.

Whilst ulcerative colitis isn’t always seen as a serious condition, it’s known to lead to other health complications if not properly managed.

Insurers calculate an individual’s life insurance premiums based on a variety of factors, not just medical history. These factors include:

  • Smoking status
  • Age
  • BMI
  • Occupation & lifestyle
  • Health & wellbeing
  • Sum assured
  • Type of policy
  • Term length

However, if you’re a UK resident aged between 50 - 85 applying for over 50s cover with ulcerative colitis, your condition will not affect your application or premiums as this type of cover offers guaranteed acceptance and no medical questions asked.

Best life insurance for ulcerative colitis

There technically isn’t a ‘best’ life insurance option for those with ulcerative colitis, however, there are a variety of options suitable for different needs and circumstances.

The most popular options being:

Level term life insurance

  • Cover amount remains the same throughout the policy lifetime
  • Fixed sum payout up to £1,000,000
  • Cover can last 2 - 40 years
  • Suitable for those looking to help cover a mortgage, bills, family living costs and other expenses
  • Medical questions will be asked in the application process, so you’ll need to disclose your ulcerative colitis

Decreasing term life insurance

  • Cover amount decreases throughout the policy lifetime
  • Cover can last 2 - 40 years
  • Up to £1,000,000 worth of cover available
  • Suitable for those looking to cover a repayment mortgage
  • Medical questions will be asked in the application process, so you’ll need to disclose your ulcerative colitis

Over 50s life insurance

  • Guaranteed acceptance if you are a UK resident aged 50 - 85
  • Fixed monthly premiums (until you pass away or turn 90 years of age, depending on your chosen insurer)
  • Guaranteed payout up to £20,000 (after the insurers set waiting period, this is usually around 12 - 24 months)
  • Insurer will calculate premium costs by age, smoking status and sum assured
  • Application won’t ask any medical questions. Making it a suitable option for those with a pre-existing medical condition (as this won’t affect the policy)

Whole of life insurance

  • Policy will last for the rest of your life (long term cover)
  • Fixed monthly premiums
  • A guaranteed pay out up to £1,000,000 to loved ones when you pass away
  • This can be a more expensive option if you have a medical condition due to inflated premiums

Reassured can compare life insurance from the listed types of life insurance policies from some of the best insurers in the UK.

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Calculate how much life insurance you may need by filling in the costs you’d like your policy to cover.

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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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What will I be asked in the application?

When applying for a life insurance policy with ulcerative colitis, you will be asked for further medical details so the insurer can gain a greater understanding of your condition.

These questions will allow insurers to assess the level of risk associated with your ulcerative colitis and therefore can help calculate premium costs and eligibility.

You may be asked questions such as:

  • When were you diagnosed with ulcerative colitis?
  • What symptoms do you experience and how severe are they/do you often experience flare ups?
  • What treatments or medications are you using currently?
  • Have you had any surgery related to your ulcerative colitis/have you been hospitalised?
  • How well managed is your condition?

When answering insurers questions throughout the application, it’s important you answer honestly and to the best of your ability.

If the application is completed incorrectly, any claim by your loved ones in the future may be refused due to non-disclosure.

Life insurance & ulcerative colitis FAQs:

Why take out life insurance with ulcerative colitis?

Having life insurance can provide financial protection for your loved ones when you pass away. The lump sum pay out can help cover costs such as:

  • Mortgage or rent payments
  • Funeral costs
  • Childcare / future education costs
  • Household bills and family living expenses
  • Any outstanding debts left behind

Life insurance can offer you peace of mind, knowing that your family/ friends would be financially safeguarded if the worst were to happen.

Will I need to do a medical exam?

Depending on how well treated and stable your symptoms are, you may not need to supply your insurer with a medical exam.

Unless you have a more serious medical condition related to your ulcerative colitis (e.g. Crohn’s disease or IBS), your application could be straight forward.

Please note, the insurer can’t access any of your medical records or GP reports without your permission, although if you refuse to supply the necessary information, insurers will not have what is required to underwrite the policy.

Can you get income protection with ulcerative colitis?

Similarly to life insurance, if your symptoms are manageable, you could secure income protection with ulcerative colitis.

If your ulcerative colitis is severe, you may still be able to secure a policy but you may face inflated premiums and exclusions (e.g. certain related medical terms excluded or paying a higher monthly rate).

Income protection is a type of cover that can help cover up to 70% of your monthly income if you were ever unable to work due to an injury or illness.

Reassured offer a whole of market comparison service for income protection in order to find the right cover for you.

Can you get critical illness cover with ulcerative colitis?

Critical illness may still be secured for applicants with ulcerative colitis.

For an additional cost, you can add on this form of cover to a life insurance policy to financially aid you if you were to be diagnosed with a critical (not terminal) illness.

Whilst ulcerative colitis isn’t considered as critical, there are associated critical illnesses that are and therefore may be excluded and not covered on the policy.

Due to the increased risk associated with ulcerative colitis, there’s a chance premiums may be increased compared to applicants without pre-existing medical conditions.

Compare life insurance quotes with ulcerative colitis

Securing life insurance with ulcerative colitis is possible, whether your policy is affected or not by your medical condition, it is essential to compare quotes in order to make sure you’ve found your best deal.

At Reassured, our friendly call handlers can help you explore your life insurance options from some of the UK's largest insurers, as well as smaller specialist insurers to help you find the most suitable policy for your needs and budget.

Alternatively, Reassured offer a buy online service, allowing you to secure financial protection from the comfort of your own home and convenience.

All quotes are fee-free and with no-obligation, allowing you to make a well-informed decision. Why not start your life insurance journey and get in touch today?

Compare Life Insurance Quotes with Ulcerative Colitis »

Sources:

[1] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ulcerative-colitis/

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