Money Expert > Life Insurance > High risk life insurance
What are the factors that can make insurers view you as 'high-risk'? Whatever your lifestyle and health profile, we'll help you find a policy that works for you.
Last updated: 23/05/2025 | Estimated Reading Time: 14 minutes
Old age, unhealthy habits, and dangerous hobbies can all make you ‘high risk’ in the eyes of life insurance providers. But this doesn’t mean you can’t find cover.
People who are high risk will typically pay more for their life insurance premiums, however, there may be other ways to keep your costs down. Compare life insurance quotes today to see how much it will cost you to find cover.
High-risk life insurance is designed for individuals who may be considered a greater risk to insurers due to their health, age, lifestyle, occupation, or hobbies. This life insurance means people with pre-existing medical conditions, those who smoke, or individuals working in dangerous environments such as construction or aviation are able to have some kind of insurance coverage.
It can also apply to those who take part in high-risk activities like extreme sports. Because the risk of a claim is seen as higher, premiums are usually more expensive than standard life insurance. However, specialist insurers and tailored policies are available to help provide the necessary protection for those in higher-risk categories.
The cost of your life insurance largely depends on how likely you are to pass away within the policy term. This risk will be calculated based on various factors about you and your life, including your and occupation.
As a general rule of thumb, however, the higher risk posed by your lifestyle choices and habits, the higher your premiums.
Different insurers will place different weight on different aspects of your lifestyle and health when calculating your premiums, and some will exclude customers from cover altogether if they are deemed too high a risk, so you should always read your policy small print before you sign on the dotted line.
Insurers will look at many different factors when considering how much of a risk you are to them, including:
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.
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 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
This depends on the condition, but you usually will still be able to take out life insurance policy even if you have serious health issues. It may have some conditions or exclusions attached though.
If you’ve had a heart attack in the past, or if you’ve had repeated instances of a serious medical condition, your cover may require you to exclude these conditions from your policy.
Some insurance providers may not exclude it from your policy, but could charge a higher monthly premium, as you will be considered to be more likely to make a claim compared to the average healthy person.
Usually, each condition will be looked into on a case-by-case basis. Insurers will usually take into account when you were diagnosed, as well as how severe the condition is.
If you are over 50, you can take out an over 50s life insurance policy. With this type of policy, health issues are not taken into account, so if you have any pre-existing conditions that are preventing you from getting an affordable insurance policy, this could be a viable option for you although the amount of cover provided will usually be lower.
A family's medical history of certain conditions can make you higher risk in the eyes of life insurance providers. If close relatives, such as parents or siblings, have suffered from illnesses like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or genetic disorders, insurers may see you as more likely to develop similar health risks.
This could lead to higher premiums, additional questions during the application process, or specific exclusions being applied to your policy. It is important to answer all family history questions that are medically related honestly, as non-disclosure could affect any future claims.
However, some insurers offer more flexible options depending on your individual circumstances.
When you apply for life insurance, you will have to answer a variety of questions about your health and lifestyle. The exact nature of these questions will vary depending on the insurance provider, but they will typically ask you questions such as whether you smoke, how much, how much you drink, your job and pastimes and any health conditions you or your family have had.
You must be truthful when answering these questions. If you are found to be withholding any relevant information, or downplaying how much you drink or smoke, your policy could be invalidated when it comes to making a claim.
In some cases, insurers may request further details or ask you to undergo a medical examination. This could include basic tests like blood pressure readings or more in-depth checks, depending on your circumstances.
They might also contact your GP for a medical report to better understand your health history. These additional steps help insurers make a fair decision about your application and ensure the cover offered matches your needs.
Other risk factors include gender where women are generally considered to have a longer life expectancy which can effect premiums given by life insurance companies.
If the idea of a medical exam feels a bit intrusive or makes you uncomfortable, take a look at our page on getting life insurance without a medical.
There are several ways you can lower your risk to life insurance companies, which may help you secure lower premiums. One of the most important steps is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and moderating your alcohol intake.
Insurers view applicants with healthy habits more favourably, as they are generally considered less likely to make a claim during the term of the policy.
Managing any existing medical conditions carefully can also make a difference. Keeping conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or asthma under control with regular check-ups and following medical advice shows insurers that you are taking steps to stay healthy. Some insurers may even offer improved terms if you can demonstrate good management of your health over time.
It is also important to review your hobbies and lifestyle choices. Activities considered high risk, such as extreme sports or hazardous occupations, can raise your premiums in the eyes of life insurance companies.
While you may not want to give up hobbies you enjoy, being aware of how they impact your application allows you to make informed decisions. Overall, small changes to improve your health and lifestyle can make a noticeable difference when applying for life insurance.
When completing a life insurance application, it is important to provide accurate and honest information. You will be asked about your personal details, lifestyle habits, occupation, medical history, and any existing health conditions. Some applications may also require information about your family’s medical background.
Take your time to answer each question carefully, as any inaccuracies could affect a future claim. In some cases, the insurer may request a medical examination or a report from your GP. If you are unsure about any part of the form, seek advice from a financial adviser to ensure everything is completed correctly.
Life insurance premiums are the payments you make to an insurance company in exchange for financial protection. They can be paid monthly or annually and are calculated based on several factors, including your age, health, lifestyle, occupation, and the level of cover you choose.
Generally, the younger and healthier you are when you take out a policy, the lower your life insurance premiums will be. If you have certain medical conditions, a dangerous job, or risky hobbies, you may have to pay more to reflect the increased risk to the insurer.
The cost of your premium also depends on the type of life insurance policy you choose. For example, term life insurance, which covers you for a set number of years, often has lower premiums than whole-of-life insurance, which guarantees a pay out whenever you die.
Some insurers offer level premiums, which stay the same throughout the policy, while others offer reviewable premiums, which may increase over time. It is important to understand how your premiums are structured so you can budget accordingly and maintain your cover for as long as you need it.
Securing life insurance as a high-risk individual can be challenging. However, several UK insurance providers and brokers specialise in offering coverage tailored to higher-risk applicants:
When seeking life insurance as a high-risk individual, it's advisable to consult with brokers or providers experienced in handling similar cases. They can guide you through the application process, help you understand the terms and conditions, and find coverage that best suits your needs.
Standard life insurance policies do not usually cover critical illnesses on their own. Life insurance is designed to pay out a lump sum to your beneficiaries if you die during the policy term, helping them cope financially in your absence.
However, if you want cover for serious medical conditions such as cancer, heart attacks, or strokes, you will typically need to add critical illness cover to your policy or purchase it separately. Critical illness cover provides a tax-free pay out if you are diagnosed with one of the specified illnesses listed in the policy terms.
Many insurers offer combined life and critical illness policies, which provide financial protection for both death and serious illness under one plan. The illnesses covered can vary between providers, so it’s important to check exactly what conditions are included and any exclusions that might apply.
Adding critical illness cover can increase your premium, but it can offer valuable peace of mind by helping you manage expenses such as mortgage payments, household bills, or medical costs if you are unable to work due to a major illness.