Life insurance and medical records
Life insurance can be a financial lifeline to your dependents if you die, but when you take out a policy you may need to share information about your health and medical records with your insurer. We explain here what details are needed and how to access them.
Key takeaways
Insurers use your medical records to verify your health status and assess the risk of insuring you, they are particularly interested in any serious illnesses from the last five to ten years
Insurers can only access your medical records with your explicit consent, however, refusing access to your medical records can lead to them refusing to offer you cover
Pre-existing health conditions can increase policy costs or lead to exclusions
Some policies, like over 50s life insurance, do not require medical records
Why do insurers ask for medical details?
Insurers ask for medical details to understand the level of risk they’re taking on when offering you a life insurance policy.
Your health history, existing medical conditions, and lifestyle factors help them estimate how likely you are to make a claim and how costly that claim might be.
For example, if you have a chronic condition or a history of serious illness, the insurer may see you as a higher risk and adjust your premium to reflect that.
What kind of medical information might insurers request?
Insurers might request a range of medical information, including:
Your medical history: details of past or current illnesses, surgeries, or hospital treatments
Existing medical conditions: such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, or mental health conditions
Medication details: any prescriptions or regular treatments you take
Family medical history: information about hereditary conditions, like cancer or heart disease
Lifestyle factors: smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, or exercise habits
Height and weight: to calculate your body mass index (BMI)
Recent medical test results: such as blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar levels
Doctor’s reports or medical examinations: sometimes required for life or health insurance applications
Can you get life insurance without accessing your full medical records?
Yes, you can get life insurance without giving full access to your medical records, though your options may be more limited.
Some insurers offer no medical or guaranteed acceptance policies that only require you to answer a few basic health questions rather than undergo a medical exam or share your full records.
An over 50s life insurance policy might also be right for you, as this type of life insurance doesn’t require medical details.
These policies can be ideal if you have pre-existing conditions or prefer more privacy, but they often come with higher premiums or lower payout amounts.
For most standard life insurance policies, however, insurers may still ask for limited medical information to fairly assess the risk and price your cover accurately.
How do insurers access medical records?
Insurers need your formal consent to request a medical report. This is usually obtained during the application process for a policy.
Once they request access, you'll be notified and given 21 days to review the report with your GP before it's sent to the insurer. You have the right to know what's shared and can refuse disclosure at any stage.
Life insurers, or any insurers, can only look at your medical details if you give your consent for them to do so. You're protected by laws such as the Data Protection Act (2018) and the Access to Medical Reports Act (1998).
These laws ensure that your medical history cannot be accessed without your permission. However, while you're not legally bound to grant access to your medical records, refusing to do so can lead to a denial of coverage.
Pre-existing conditions, as detailed in your medical history, can bump up the cost of your policy. Some insurers may even exclude certain conditions from coverage.
How do insurers access medical details if someone has died?
Life insurance companies may request medical records after the policyholder's death, but they'll need permission from someone authorised to act on behalf of the deceased.
They use this information, along with other documentation, to determine the validity of a claim.
How to prepare your medical records and reduce complications when applying
Before applying for life insurance, gather key details about your medical history, including past diagnoses, medications, and recent test results.
Make sure your GP records are up to date and accurate, as insurers may contact your doctor for verification. Be honest and consistent when completing your application.
Misleading or missing information can delay approval or affect future claims.
Having your records organised and ready helps speed up the process and reduces the risk of complications.
Personal Finance & Insurance Expert
Our expert says...
“Any request for personal information can understandably be uncomfortable. But significant protections are in place, enshrined in law, that support financial product customers.
Remember, you can withdraw your consent at any stage, but don’t be tempted to be creative or quiet about relevant information – it’s rarely worth the risk of voiding your policy in return for a few quid off your premiums.”
Finding affordable life insurance
For those looking to find a more affordable life insurance policy, comparing quotes from leading providers is a smart move. You can easily search for life insurance on MoneySuperMarket and compare quotes within minutes, ensuring you find a policy that meets your needs and budget.
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Collette Shackleton
Content Writer
Collette Shackleton is a highly skilled Content Writer who has over nine years’ experience creating helpful and engaging personal finance content for consumers. Collette shares her experience as a...
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Rebecca Goodman
Personal Finance & Insurance Expert
Rebecca is an award-winning financial journalist with over a decade of experience writing for print and online media. Her mission is to take the jargon out of personal finance and to help everyone...
