Published May 25, 2026 3 mins read

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.

  • Term insurance for diabetics and heart patients is issued after medical underwriting and risk assessment. 
  • Premiums may increase because of term insurance premium loading PED based on age, illness severity, and medical history. 
  • Term insurance medical test requirements may include blood tests, ECG, or health reports.  
  • 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.

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.

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.

What is the eligibility criteria to get term insurance with PED?

Eligibility for PED term insurance depends on your health profile, lifestyle, age, and medical history shared during underwriting.

ParameterRequirement
AgeDepends on insurer underwriting rules
Medical conditionMust be disclosed honestly
Medical reportsMay be required
Lifestyle detailsSmoking and alcohol habits may be reviewed
Income proofMay be required for higher coverage
Existing policiesCan be reviewed during underwriting

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.

FactorImpact on premium
AgeOlder age may increase premium
Medical condition severityHigher risk may increase loading
Smoking statusTobacco use may increase premium
Medical reportsAbnormal results may affect pricing
Coverage amountHigher sum assured may increase premium
Policy tenureLonger tenure may affect 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.

How to disclose pre-existing disease when buying term insurance?

Correct disclosure is one of the most important steps when applying for term insurance with pre-existing disease.

The insurer uses the information you provide to assess medical risk and decide policy terms. Incorrect or incomplete information can affect claim settlement later.

  • Share all medical conditions:
    Mention diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, surgeries, or ongoing treatment clearly in the application. 
  • Disclose medication details:
    Share details of medicines, treatments, and regular consultations honestly. 
  • Upload correct medical reports:
    Submit genuine medical records and diagnostic reports during underwriting.  
  • Answer lifestyle questions correctly:
    Smoking and alcohol habits should be declared accurately. 
  • Do not hide past hospitalisation:
    Share details of previous admissions or serious medical treatments. 
  • Review application before submission:
    Check all details carefully to avoid mistakes or missing information. 

Tips to avoid term insurance claim rejection for PED

Claim rejection risks can reduce significantly when you provide accurate information and maintain proper policy records.

  • Disclose all illnesses honestly:
    Hidden medical conditions can create problems during claim assessment. 
  • Complete medical tests properly:
    Attend all requested term insurance medical test procedures during underwriting. 
  • Keep documents updated:
    Store medical reports, prescriptions, and policy papers safely for future reference. 
  • Pay premiums on time:
    Missing premium payments may affect policy continuity and claim eligibility. 
  • Inform nominee about policy details:
    Your family should know policy information and claim procedures. 
  • Review policy terms carefully:
    Understand exclusions, conditions, and declarations before purchasing the policy. 

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

Can a diabetic buy term insurance in India?

Yes, you can buy term insurance for diabetics in India if you disclose your condition honestly during application. The insurer may ask for medical reports and underwriting checks before approval. Depending on your health condition and blood sugar control, the premium may include additional loading. Insurers assess each case individually.

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 PED?

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.

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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), 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 Finserv 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.

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