Thinking about getting life insurance but worried you’ll need a medical exam? The good news is, not everyone needs one.
In New Zealand, it’s often possible to apply for life insurance without having a medical examination. However, that doesn’t mean insurers won’t ask about your health.
Here’s how it works, when medical tests might be required, and what happens if you have a pre-existing condition.
Do You Need a Medical Exam for Life Insurance in NZ?
Not necessarily.
When you apply for life insurance in New Zealand, insurers usually ask questions about your health, lifestyle, occupation and medical history.
Depending on your answers, your age and the amount of cover you’re applying for, the insurer may be able to assess your application without requiring a medical examination.
In other cases, they might request additional information, such as:
- Medical records or a report from your GP
- Blood tests or other health screening
- Further details about an existing medical condition
- A medical examination arranged as part of the application process
Every insurer has its own underwriting requirements, so what’s needed can vary.
Can You Get Life Insurance With a Pre-Existing Medical Condition?
Yes, it’s possible.
Having a pre-existing medical condition doesn’t automatically mean you can’t get life insurance.
Insurers consider a range of factors, including the type of condition, its severity, treatment, how well it’s managed and your overall health.
Depending on your circumstances, an insurer may offer:
- Standard cover: Life insurance at its usual premium rates.
- Cover with a higher premium: Sometimes called a premium loading, where the insurer charges more to reflect additional risk.
- Cover with specific exclusions: Certain risks may be excluded, depending on the insurer and policy.
- A postponed or declined application: In some circumstances, an insurer may not be able to offer cover immediately or at all.
Importantly, different insurers can assess the same medical history differently.
That’s one reason it can be helpful to speak with an experienced insurance adviser before submitting an application.
What Happens if You Don’t Disclose a Medical Condition?
When applying for life insurance, it’s important to answer the insurer’s questions honestly and accurately.
Even if you don’t need a medical examination, you still need to provide the information the insurer asks for.
Failing to disclose relevant information can affect your cover or a future claim, depending on the circumstances and applicable law.
If you’re unsure whether something needs to be mentioned, ask your adviser or insurer rather than guessing.
Is It Easier to Get Life Insurance Through a Broker?
A broker can’t guarantee approval or bypass an insurer’s medical requirements, but they can help make the process easier.
At Canvas Insurance, we work with a range of New Zealand insurers, including AIA, Chubb Life and Nib.
If you have a medical history that might complicate your application, we can help you understand what information may be required and explore suitable options before you formally apply.
We can also help you work out how much life insurance you actually need, rather than simply applying for the largest amount possible.
Can You Get Life Insurance Without Medical Questions?
Some insurance products offer simplified applications or limited cover without detailed medical questions.
However, these products can have different eligibility requirements, exclusions, waiting periods or limits on what they’ll pay.
It’s important to understand exactly what you’re covered for before choosing a policy based purely on how easy it is to apply.
Getting Life Insurance in NZ Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Whether you’re perfectly healthy, have an existing medical condition or simply haven’t looked at life insurance before, the best place to start is understanding your options.
At Canvas Insurance, we help New Zealanders compare life insurance policies, understand the application process and find cover that makes sense for their circumstances.
Want to know what life insurance options are available to you?
Learn more about life insurance in NZ, or get in touch with Canvas for a no-obligation chat.
