Term Insurance with Pre-Existing Disease

Term Insurance with Pre-Existing Disease

Term insurance with a pre-existing disease, such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, may be available after medical underwriting. Your premium can vary based on the severity of the condition, your age, and medical history.

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Term Insurance

Term insurance is like a safety net for your loved ones. You pay a small premium, and in return, your family gets a large sum if something happens to you. It’s affordable, straightforward, and gives peace of mind—because life is unpredictable, but your protection shouldn’t be. Whether you're just starting a family or planning ahead, term insurance plans ensure your loved ones can maintain their lifestyle, pay off debts, cover your child’s fees, home loans, or meet future goals even in your absence. It's a smart step toward long-term financial security. 

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  • Dedicated claim assistance
  • Customisable plans to suit your needs
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In summary

You can buy term insurance with pre-existing disease if you disclose your medical condition honestly during application. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease may lead to medical tests, premium loading, or policy exclusions depending on underwriting results.
Medical Tests and Health Conditions in Term Insurance
 

Medical Tests and Health Conditions in Term Insurance

  • Term insurance for diabetics and heart patients is issued after medical underwriting and risk assessment. 
  • Premiums may increase based on factors such as age, illness severity, and medical history. 
  • Term insurance medical test requirements may include blood tests, ECG, or health reports.  
  • Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) mandates non-investigative claim settlement within 15 days after receiving all required documents. 
  • Life insurance plans starting at Rs. 14/day* are available for eligible applicants. 

Compare term insurance plans, review disclosure requirements carefully, and understand how medical conditions may affect premiums and coverage before buying.

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What is term insurance with pre-existing disease?

Term insurance with pre-existing disease refers to life insurance coverage for people who already have a medical condition before buying the policy. These conditions may include diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, heart disease, or past medical treatments.


The insurer reviews your health condition through medical underwriting before issuing the policy. Depending on the medical risk, the insurer may approve the policy with premium loading, exclusions, or additional medical checks. 


Honest disclosure is important because incorrect information can affect future claim settlement. IRDAI rules also require material information relevant to underwriting to be disclosed and place importance on complete and accurate proposal information.

Can you buy term insurance with a pre-existing disease?

Yes, you can buy term insurance with pre-existing disease in many cases. Insurers may still provide coverage after checking your medical records, lifestyle details, and current health condition.

People looking for term insurance for diabetics, term insurance for hypertension, or term insurance for heart patients may need medical tests before approval. The insurer decides the premium and coverage conditions based on the underwriting outcome. Some applicants may receive higher premiums because of increased health risk.

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What are the eligibility criteria for term insurance with a pre-existing disease?

Eligibility depends on your overall health profile, age, lifestyle, medical history, and the insurer's underwriting rules. No single medical condition-based eligibility rule applies to every life insurance policy.

Eligibility parameterWhat the insurer may review
AgeYour age at the time of application
Medical conditionYour current and past health conditions
Medical reportsReports or tests requested during underwriting
LifestyleSmoking, alcohol use and other relevant habits
IncomeIncome proof may be required for higher cover
Existing policiesOther life insurance policies may be considered

The insurer evaluates several medical and financial details before approving term insurance with pre-existing disease.


  • Medical history disclosure: You must share complete details about past and current illnesses during application. 
  • Health condition stability: Insurers may review whether your diabetes, hypertension, or heart condition is controlled with treatment. 
  • Medical test results: Term insurance medical test reports may affect eligibility and premium loading decisions. 
  • Lifestyle assessment: Smoking habits, alcohol consumption, and occupation may affect underwriting evaluation. 
  • Policy coverage amount: Higher coverage amounts may require stricter underwriting and additional medical checks. 
  • Age and health combination: Older applicants with multiple health conditions may face stricter assessment during approval. 

What is the premium for term insurance with pre-existing conditions?

Premiums for term insurance with pre-existing disease are usually higher because insurers assess additional medical risk before issuing the policy. The final premium depends on your age, medical history, lifestyle habits, and underwriting assessment.

FactorPossible effect on premium
AgePremium may be higher at an older age
Medical conditionHigher assessed risk may result in premium loading
Smoking statusTobacco use may increase the assessed risk
Medical reportsResults can affect underwriting and pricing
Cover amountHigher life cover generally costs more
Policy termA longer policy term may affect the premium

  • Medical underwriting impact: Insurers review health reports before deciding premium pricing and policy conditions. 
  • Premium loading possibility: People with chronic illnesses may receive higher premiums compared to standard applicants. 
  • Health management matters: Controlled medical conditions may improve underwriting assessment in some cases. 
  • Smoking increases risk: Tobacco use along with PED may further increase insurance premiums. 
  • Coverage amount affects pricing: Higher life cover generally increases the premium payable. 
  • Medical history review: Past surgeries, hospitalisation, or ongoing treatment may affect premium calculation.

Some plans may come with a premium loading factor. Premium loading means an insurer charges an additional premium because its underwriting assessment considers the applicant to carry a higher risk. There is no standard percentage of premium loading for every pre-existing disease. The insurer decides the amount, if any, after assessing the individual application.

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How should you disclose a pre-existing disease when buying term insurance?

You should disclose every relevant medical condition, treatment and medical history accurately in the proposal form. Do not leave out a condition because it seems minor or is currently under control.

Follow these steps:


  1. List your medical conditions: Mention conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease or thyroid disorders.
  2. Share treatment details: Provide information about medicines, treatment and regular consultations.
  3. Submit genuine medical records: Provide the reports requested by the insurer.
  4. Answer lifestyle questions accurately: Declare smoking and alcohol habits honestly.
  5. Mention previous hospitalisation: Include relevant admissions, surgeries and major treatments.
  6. Review the proposal form: Check all answers before submitting the application.



How can you reduce the risk of a term insurance claim being rejected because of a pre-existing disease?

The best way to reduce claim-related problems is to provide complete and accurate information when you apply and keep your policy active throughout the policy term.
  • Disclose your illnesses honestly: Do not hide known medical conditions.
  • Complete requested medical tests: Follow the insurer's medical examination process.
  • Keep medical records: Store prescriptions, reports and treatment documents safely.
  • Pay premiums on time: Keeping the policy active is important for continued cover.
  • Tell your nominee: Make sure your family knows about the policy and where the documents are kept.
  • Read the policy carefully: Check the cover, exclusions and other applicable conditions before accepting the policy.

Section 45 of the Insurance Act, 1938 also sets rules around when a life insurance policy can be called into question for misstatement or suppression of material facts.

Can people with diabetes get term life insurance in India?

Yes, people with diabetes can get term life insurance in India, but approval and premium depend on factors such as the type of diabetes, HbA1c levels, age, overall health, treatment and other medical conditions. Insurers may charge a higher premium or apply other underwriting terms based on the health assessment.


For example, some insurers offer dedicated term plans for Type 2 diabetics and pre-diabetics, subject to specific eligibility criteria.

Important: Applicants should disclose their diabetes and medical history accurately. Non-disclosure of relevant health information can affect future claims.

How to apply for term insurance with a pre-existing disease through Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall

You can explore and compare term insurance plans with pre-existing disease through Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall in the following way:
  1. Click on ‘Get Quote’: Open the life insurance page and select ‘Get Quote’ to begin the online application.
  2. Enter your basic details: Provide your name, mobile number, email ID, date of birth and gender to generate a personalised premium estimate.
  3. Share additional information: Enter details such as your lifestyle, occupation, education, income and PIN code, then select ‘View Plans’.
  4. Review the available plans: Compare the premium, coverage, policy details and applicable rider options.
  5. Select a plan and apply: Choose the plan that matches your requirements and select ‘Buy Now’ to proceed.
  6. Complete the next steps: An authorised representative may contact you to explain the available products and guide you through the remaining application and documentation requirements.

Conclusion

Buying term insurance with pre-existing disease is possible if you disclose your medical condition honestly during application. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease may increase premiums because of medical underwriting and risk assessment.

Before choosing a policy, compare coverage details, medical requirements, and premium conditions carefully. Proper disclosure, timely premium payment, and accurate documentation can help reduce the chances of future claim-related issues and support smoother policy servicing for your family.

Frequently asked questions

Term insurance with pre-existing diseases

Can a diabetic buy term insurance in India?

Yes, people with diabetes can buy term insurance in India, subject to the insurer’s eligibility and underwriting criteria. You may need to provide medical reports and undergo medical tests during the application process. Depending on your health condition and blood sugar control, the insurer may charge an additional premium.

How much premium loading applies for pre-existing diseases?

Premium loading for pre-existing diseases depends on factors such as your age, medical condition, lifestyle habits, and underwriting assessment. People with diabetes, hypertension, or heart conditions may pay higher premiums based on the insurer’s risk evaluation. You can compare term insurance options through Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall.

Will the insurer reject my term insurance application if I disclose a pre-existing disease?

Disclosing a pre-existing disease does not automatically mean rejection. Insurers may still approve your policy after reviewing medical history, lifestyle details, and term insurance medical test reports. Some applicants may receive higher premiums or special conditions instead of rejection. Honest disclosure improves transparency during underwriting and reduces future claim risks.

Are medical tests mandatory for term insurance with pre-existing disease?

Yes, medical tests are commonly required for term insurance with pre-existing disease because insurers need to assess your current health condition. Tests may include blood tests, ECG, blood pressure checks, or additional diagnostic reports depending on the illness disclosed.

What happens at claim time if I hide a pre-existing disease?

If you hide a pre-existing disease during policy application, the insurer may investigate the information during claim assessment. Incorrect or incomplete disclosure can affect claim approval if the medical condition was material to underwriting. IRDAI regulations also allow insurers to review policy disclosures during claims processing. Insurers recommend that applicants to provide complete and honest health information.

Can I buy term insurance with cancer or heart disease history?

Yes, some insurers may offer term insurance for heart patients or people with a past cancer history after medical underwriting. Approval depends on your current health condition, treatment status, medical reports, and recovery details. The insurer may apply premium loading, exclusions, or additional medical requirements depending on risk assessment.

Which term insurance plan is ideal for a person with diabetes?

An ideal term insurance plan depends on your diabetes type, health condition, treatment, age and coverage needs. Compare plans based on life cover, premium, policy terms and medical requirements, and disclose your condition accurately during the application process.

 

Can I buy health insurance along with term insurance if I have diabetes?

Yes, you can generally buy health insurance along with term insurance if you have diabetes. However, eligibility, coverage, waiting periods and premiums may vary by insurer. Disclose your medical condition accurately and review the policy terms before purchasing.

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Disclaimer

*T&C Apply. Bajaj Finance Limited (‘BFL’) is a registered corporate agent of third party insurance products of Bajaj Life Insurance Limited (Formerly known as Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited), HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Limited.),  Bajaj General Insurance Limited(Formerly known as Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited), SBI General Insurance Company Limited, ACKO General Insurance Company Limited, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company, TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited, New India Assurance Limited, Chola MS General Insurance Company Limited, Zurich Kotak General Insurance Company Limited, Star Health & Allied Insurance Company Limited, Care Health Insurance Company Limited, Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited, Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Limited and Manipal Cigna Health Insurance Company Limited under the IRDAI composite registration number CA0101. Please note that, BFL does not underwrite the risk or act as an insurer. Your purchase of an insurance product is purely on a voluntary basis after your exercise of an independent due diligence on the suitability, viability of any insurance product. Any decision to purchase insurance product is solely at your own risk and responsibility and BFL shall not be liable for any loss or damage that any person may suffer, whether directly or indirectly. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions and exclusions please read the product sales brochure & policy wordings carefully before concluding a sale. Tax benefits applicable if any, will be as per the prevailing tax laws. Tax laws are subject to change. BFL does NOT provide Tax/Investment advisory services. Please consult your advisors before proceeding to purchase an insurance product. Visitors are hereby informed that their information submitted on the website may also be shared with insurers. BFL is also distributor of other third party products from Assistance service providers such as CPP Assistance Services Private Limited, Bajaj Finance Health Limited. etc. All product information such as premium, benefits, exclusions, value added services etc. are authentic and solely based on the information received from the respective Insurance company or the respective Assistance provider company.

Note- While we have made all the efforts and taken utmost care in gathering precise information about the products, features, benefits etc. However, BFL cannot be held liable for any direct or indirect damage/loss. We request our customers to conduct their research about these products and refer to the respective products sales brochure and policy/membership wordings before concluding sales.

T&C Apply. #Above illustration is considering Male aged 25years | Non-Smoker | Policy Term(PT)– 30 years | Premium Payment Term (PPT)– 30 years | Sum Assured opted is Rs.1,00,00,000 | Offline Channel | Standard Life | Yearly Premium is Rs. 5,417. Total Premium Rs.1,62,518 | Medical Rates | Yearly Premium Payment Mode | Death benefit opted is lumpsum payout and monthly instalments (Lumpsum Payout Percentage: 40, Income Payout Percentage: 60). Income payout instalment opted for 40 years | Premium shown above is exclusive of Goods & Service Tax/ any other applicable tax levied, subject to changes in tax laws, and any extra premium and is for illustrative purpose only.