What medical conditions affect life insurance premiums?

Numerous medical conditions can impact your life insurance premiums or coverage in Australia. Heart-related conditions including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, previous heart attacks, and congenital heart defects typically result in premium loadings of 25-150% or more, depending on severity and management. Cancer history significantly affects premiums, with recent or aggressive cancers potentially leading to policy exclusions or declines, while successfully treated cancers from 5+ years ago may only result in moderate loadings. Diabetes (Type 1 or 2) usually increases premiums by 25-100%, depending on control and complications. Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder can increase premiums by 50-150% or be excluded entirely if severe or poorly controlled. Other conditions affecting premiums include obesity (BMI over 35), sleep apnoea, asthma, kidney disease, liver conditions, autoimmune diseases, and neurological disorders. However, having a medical condition doesn't automatically mean you can't get life insurance in Australia. Insurers assess each case individually, considering how well-managed your condition is, how long you've had it, current symptoms, and treatment compliance. Well-controlled conditions with good medical management typically receive better terms. Some Australian insurers specialise in covering higher-risk applicants. Always disclose all conditions honestly – non-disclosure can void your policy when you need it most.