Generally speaking Critical Illness insurance is subject to a more rigorous underwriting process than life insurance.

The process is made up of a consideration of the financial need, personal and family medical history.

You may be required to submit to a collection of medical evidence, including the testing of vital body fluids. Insurance companies will also routinely request a current summary report from your physician which will fully outline your health history. Other requirements may be imposed.

It is possible that someone who applies for a Life Insurance policy and is accepted may find that due to their individual family history, they may be ineligible for Critical Illness coverage.

May be eligible

If you have a prior history of any of the following conditions, or fall into one of the situations below, you may still be eligible for coverage, depending on the severity of the situation.

• Overweight
• High blood pressure
• History of heart problems (e.g. murmur)
• Have had both parents and one or more brothers and sisters who have suffered, or died from any of the covered illnesses.
• Elevated cholesterol
• Depression or mental disorder

While an application can be considered under the preceding circumstances, should a policy be issued it may contain a requirement for extra premium or an exclusion of a covered benefit. We would encourage you to contact a Barron’s representative personally to discuss your situation rather then automatically conclude that you may be ineligible. There are also alternatives to a Critical Illness policy that may be appropriate for you.

Not insurable

If you have a prior history of any of the illnesses or conditions listed below, you are ineligible for critical illness insurance.

This is a partial list of common conditions that result in not being insurable.

• Heart attack
• Angina
• Cancer
• Major organ transplant
• Permanent paralysis
• AIDS or tested positive for HIV
• Diabetes (Type 1, Insulin Dependant)
• Chronic Hepatitis Coronary artery bypass grafting
• Stroke
• Chronic kidney failure
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Huntington’s Chorea
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Drug/alcohol abuse within past 3 years