Thanks to modern medicine, unexpected health events—like injuries or serious diagnoses—aren’t always as life-altering as they once were. But they can still be confronting, and often lead people to reassess their priorities.
One of those priorities might be your insurance.
Whether you’ve recently experienced a health scare or just want to be prepared, here are a few key things to consider.
If you already had insurance in place
If you had cover at the time of your health event, you may have been able to make a claim—depending on the type of policy you held.
For example, trauma insurance is designed to pay out in the event of a serious illness or injury, such as a heart attack, stroke, or cancer (providing it meets the policy definitions).
If your recovery meant time away from work, income protection could have stepped in to help cover your lost earnings.
At the time, you may not be sure of what you might be eligible to claim. If you're ever unsure, it's a good idea to contact your adviser or insurer for guidance.
If you’re applying for cover after a health event
It’s a common concern: will a recent diagnosis or medical event make it hard—or even impossible—to get insurance in the future?
The good news is, not necessarily.
Insurers will usually want to understand the full picture: when the event happened, the treatment and medications involved, any ongoing symptoms or complications, and how your health has been since.
Depending on your situation, your new cover might come with what's called non-standard terms. This could include things like higher premiums, temporary exclusions, or specific stand-down periods for claims related to your condition.
Every insurer is different, and every case is assessed individually—so it’s worth talking to an adviser who can help you understand your options.
Can you claim more than once?
It depends on the policy. Some policies allow multiple claims for the same or similar health events, while others may only pay out once. In some cases, a future event might not be covered in the same way—especially if it’s related to a condition you’ve already claimed for.
To avoid surprises down the track, check your policy wording or have a chat with your adviser about what to expect.
Let’s talk
Whether you're looking to take out new cover or review your existing policies, we’re here to help. Understanding how a health event might affect your insurance is important—and with the right advice, you can feel confident about your next steps.
Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current developments or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and seek independent guidance.
