Insurers will look at many different factors when considering how much of a risk you are to them, including:
Age
Older people are generally considered higher risk for life insurance because the likelihood of developing serious health conditions increases with age. As we get older, issues such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and high blood pressure become more common, all of which can shorten life expectancy.
From an insurer’s perspective, this means there is a greater chance of a claim being made sooner rather than later. As a result, premiums for life insurance tend to be higher for older applicants, and some policies may offer lower levels of cover or impose certain restrictions based on age.

Health issues
Personal health issues can significantly impact how insurers assess your risk when applying for life insurance. Conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, asthma, or high blood pressure may lead insurers to view you as a higher risk.
This is because these illnesses can increase the likelihood of a claim being made during the policy term. As a result, you might face higher premiums, specific exclusions, or in some cases, a decline in cover. Even minor or well-managed conditions must be disclosed fully during the application process to ensure your policy remains valid.
The severity and management of your health condition will influence the insurer’s decision. For example, someone with well-controlled diabetes who regularly attends medical appointments and follows treatment plans may be assessed more favourably than someone with poorly managed symptoms.
Most insurers are likely to ask for additional medical evidence, such as a report from your GP or specialist, to gain a clearer understanding of your health. Being honest and providing complete information is essential to securing the best possible cover for your circumstances.

Unhealthy lifestyle choices
Unhealthy lifestyle choices can significantly increase your risk level when applying for life insurance. Insurers assess the likelihood of a claim being made during the term of the policy, and poor lifestyle habits can lead to serious health problems that raise that likelihood.
For example, a poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption are all linked to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. As a result, insurers may view you as a greater risk, which can lead to higher premiums or even difficulty obtaining cover.
Smoking is one of the most common factors that increases life insurance costs. Smokers are statistically more likely to develop life-threatening conditions compared to non-smokers.
Insurers often differentiate sharply between smokers and non-smokers, with smokers typically paying significantly higher premiums. Even occasional or social smoking must be disclosed, as insurers usually classify anyone who has smoked in the past 12 months as a smoker.
Also, people who smoke vapes or e-cigarettes will also count as smokers to insurers, partly because the long-term effects of vaping are still relatively unknown. Insurers will sometimes require you to be tested for nicotine, so if you do only smoke e-cigarettes, you’ll still show up as positive on such a test.
Excessive alcohol consumption can also impact your life insurance application. Heavy drinking is associated with liver disease, heart problems, and a weakened immune system, all of which raise your risk profile.
Insurers will usually ask questions about how much you drink and how often. If your alcohol intake is above the recommended limits, you may face higher premiums or further medical assessments before a policy can be offered.
In addition to this, a lack of exercise and a poor diet can contribute to obesity and related health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. These conditions not only shorten life expectancy but also increase the risk of serious illness, making you a higher-risk applicant in the eyes of insurers.
Taking steps to improve your lifestyle before applying for life insurance can help lower your premiums and improve your chances of securing the cover you need at an affordable price.

Dangerous hobbies and pastimes
If you regularly partake in high risk hobbies your insurer will want to know as this could increase the risk of you making a claim. Some insurers will even exclude certain people from cover if they take part in any particularly dangerous activities with high associated mortality rates.
What hobbies are considered high risk?
If you are into high risk activities in your free time, you might need to declare these to your insurance provider. Some hobbies are typically considered high risk and could increase your insurance premiums but this will differ between insurers. These include:
- Skydiving
- Mountaineering
- Hang gliding
- Scuba diving
- Motor racing
Naturally you can partake in these different types of hobbies, but you might need to declare them to your life insurance company. As a result, insurers may charge higher premiums, apply exclusions, or in some cases, decline cover altogether. If you don't, you might not be covered if the worst happens whilst you are engaging in one of these activities.

Dangerous occupations
Having a dangerous occupation can make someone high risk in the eyes of a life insurance provider. Especially certain Jobs that involve working at height, operating heavy machinery, handling hazardous materials, or being exposed to dangerous environments.
Examples include:
- Construction workers
- Pilots
- Firefighters
- Offshore oil rig workers
- Soldiers
These occupations are typically seen as carrying a greater risk of injury or death.
As a result, insurers may charge higher premiums or impose specific terms and exclusions. It is important to provide full and accurate details about your job when applying, as failing to do so could affect future claims.
