Common medical conditions
The A-Z
This section will give you our likely requirements for a variety of medical conditions. It also shows what additional information your client should include on the application to help us make a decision more quickly.
alcoholic (current)
Type of cover
Life Cover
Decline
Critical Illness Cover
Decline
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Decline
Income Cover for Sickness
Decline
About the condition
A person who is addicted to alcohol. This addiction can cause long-term damage to health. Symptoms include craving alcohol, inability to control consumption of alcohol, increased tolerance to alcohol as well as a range of physical symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Liver damage, tiredness, weight loss, vomiting and bleeding.
Brain damage, double vision, loss of memory, blackouts and fits.
Stomach damage, feeling sick, retching, vomiting blood, gastritis and stomach ulcers.
Bone damage, joint pain, back pain, and osteoporosis.
Requirements
A person with this medical condition will always be declined automatically.
What would help on the application form?
No further information necessary on the application form.
alcoholic (past)
Type of cover
Life Cover
Subject to individual consideration
Critical Illness Cover
Subject to individual consideration
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Subject to individual consideration
Income Cover for Sickness
Subject to individual consideration
About the condition
A person who has been addicted to alcohol in the past. This addiction can cause long-term damage to health. Symptoms include craving alcohol, inability to control consumption of alcohol, increased tolerance to alcohol as well as a range of physical symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Liver damage, tiredness, weight loss, vomiting and bleeding.
Brain damage, double vision, loss of memory, blackouts and fits.
Stomach damage, feeling sick, retching, vomiting blood, gastritis and stomach ulcers.
Bone damage, joint pain, back pain, and osteoporosis.
Requirements
GP report
Paramed
Blood test
What would help on the application form?
Dates
Current consumption
Lasting effects
anaemia
Type of cover
Life Cover
If the iron deficiency is well controlled - standard terms. All other types of anaemia, or male lives, are subject to individual consideration.
Critical Illness Cover
If the iron deficiency is well controlled - standard terms. All other types of anaemia, or male lives, are subject to individual consideration.
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
If the iron deficiency is well controlled - standard terms. All other types of anaemia, or male lives, are subject to individual consideration.
Income Cover for Sickness
If the iron deficiency is well controlled - standard terms. All other types of anaemia, or male lives, are subject to individual consideration.
About the condition
The amount of red cells and therefore haemoglobin in the blood is abnormally low. There are several different types of anaemia including simple iron deficiency anaemia, haemolytic anaemia, pernicious anaemia and aplastic anaemia.
Signs and symptoms
Classic symptoms include paleness of the skin, tiredness, breathlessness and palpitations.
Requirements
GP report if not enough detail included on application
What would help on the application form?
Type of anaemia
Latest blood results including haemoglobin levels
ankylosing spondylitis
Type of cover
Life Cover
Usually standard terms or small rating applied depending on severity
Critical Illness Cover
Usually standard terms
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Exclusions applied or decline
Income Cover for Sickness
Exclusions applied or decline
About the condition
An inflammatory disorder of the spine and sacroilium that results in stiffness and reduced movement. Ankylosing spondylitis can also damage other joints such as the hips and shoulders, as well as other areas of the body including the eyes, heart and lungs.
Signs and symptoms
Causes pain and spinal stiffness, and, in severe cases, the spine fuses solidly in a forward-stooped posture.
Requirements
GP report
What would help on the application form?
Treatment
Severity
arthritis
Type of cover
Life Cover
If osteoarthritis or mild rheumatoid arthritis – usually standard terms
Critical Illness Cover
If osteoarthritis or mild rheumatoid arthritis – usually standard terms
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Exclusions applied or decline
Income Cover for Sickness
Exclusions applied or decline
About the condition
The two main kinds are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis but arthritis can be caused by many other disease processes. These include gout, Reiter's syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis and a wide variety of infections including gonorrhoea and tuberculosis.
Signs and symptoms
Causes pain and spinal stiffness, and, in severe cases, the spine fuses solidly in a forward-stooped posture.Inflammation in a joint, usually with swelling, redness, pain and restricted movement.
Requirements
GP Report for rheumatoid arthritis
All others individual consideration
What would help on the application form?
Type of arthritis
Severity
Treatment
Joints affected
asthma
Type of cover
Life Cover
If not smoking – usually standard terms unless more marked symptoms. If smoking - we'll apply a rating depending on severity
Critical Illness Cover
If not smoking – usually standard terms. If smoking - we'll apply a rating depending on severity
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
If not smoking – usually standard terms. If smoking - we'll apply a rating depending on severity
Income Cover for Sickness
If not smoking – usually standard terms. If smoking - we'll apply a rating depending on severity
About the condition
A chronic illness caused by narrowing of the airways causing difficulty in breathing. Is most commonly relieved by inhalers. Severe cases can be treated with steroids and in some cases a nebulizer.
Signs and symptoms
Expiratory wheeze. Mild to severe difficulty in breathing. Can be fatal.
Requirements
Include full details in the application form. A respiratory quesionnaire may be needed for more severe cases.
What would help on the application form?
Severity
Peak flow readings
Smoker status
Treatment
Hospital admissions
Dates
bronchitis
Type of cover
Life Cover
Usually standard terms. For chronic bronchitis, we will apply a rating depending on severity
Critical Illness Cover
Usually standard terms. For chronic bronchitis, we will apply a rating depending on severity
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Decline if client is unable to work
Income Cover for Sickness
Decline if client is unable to work
About the condition
Two types - acute and chronic. Acute is a short-term inflammation of one or more bronchi. This usually develops following a cold, sore throat or flu. Chronic – presence of a chronic cough most days of the month, three months of the year for two successive years.
Signs and symptoms
Acute: Symptoms include fever, pain in the chest, coughing and breathlessness.
Chronic: Characterised by attacks of coughing, expectorant and changes in lung tissue.
Requirements
Include full details in the application form
GP report for chronic bronchitis
What would help on the application form?
Type
Severity
Smoker status
Treatment
Whether occupationally caused
cancer
Type of cover
Life Cover
Individual consideration
Critical Illness Cover
Decline
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Decline
Income Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
About the condition
Cancer is a disease where cells grow out of control and invade, erode and destroy normal tissue. There are over 200 different types of cancer. They all have different causes, different symptoms and need different types of treatment.
Signs and symptoms
Depends on the type of cancer, where it is and the person’s general health.
Requirements
GP report
Tumour questionnaire
What would help on the application form?
Exact dates
Where in the body the cancer was
Whether any recurrence
cardiomyopathy
Type of cover
Life Cover
Individual consideration
Critical Illness Cover
Individual consideration
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
Income Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
About the condition
A series of diseases affecting the heart muscle, producing cardiac dysfunction. The conditions are broadly classified as dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive, arrhythmogenic right ventricular and unclassified (cases that do not fit in the other groups).
Signs and symptoms
Tiredness, breathlessness, fainting and palpitations.
Requirements
GP report
What would help on the application form?
Date of diagnosis
Current treatment
Symptoms
cholesterol
Type of cover
Life Cover
Usually standard terms or small rating applied. The exact underwriting terms will depend on a number of other factors such as cholesterol level, Body Mass Index, blood pressure levels and family history.
Critical Illness Cover
Individual consideration. The exact underwriting terms will depend on a number of other factors such as cholesterol level, Body Mass Index, blood pressure levels and family history.
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration. The exact underwriting terms will depend on a number of other factors such as cholesterol level, Body Mass Index, blood pressure levels and family history.
Income Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration. The exact underwriting terms will depend on a number of other factors such as cholesterol level, Body Mass Index, blood pressure levels and family history.
About the condition
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is found in the blood and most tissues within the body. Cholesterol has many beneficial properties but too much of it can cause health problems.
Signs and symptoms
Blood clots, heart attack, stroke or angina.
Requirements
Miniscreen and blood test if not enough detail included on application
What would help on the application form?
Latest readings
Current treatment
coeliac disease, also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy or coeliac sprue
Type of cover
Life Cover
Usually standard terms or small rating applied.
Critical Illness Cover
Usually standard terms or small rating applied.
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Usually standard terms or small rating applied.
Income Cover for Sickness
Usually standard terms or small rating applied.
About the condition
Coeliac disease is a condition of the small intestine. Gluten a substance found in wheat, barley and rye reacts with the small bowel, causing damage by activating the immune system to attack the delicate lining of the bowel, which is responsible for absorbing nutrients and vitamins.
Signs and symptoms
Nutritional deficiencies, osteoporosis or fractures.
Requirements
Include full details in the application form
What would help on the application form?
Dates
Current weight
Treatment
Any known complications
crohn's disease
Type of cover
Life Cover
Individual consideration. Rates will depend on the extent of the disease, the severity and number of attacks, and the time since the last symptoms.
Critical Illness Cover
Individual consideration. Rates will depend on the extent of the disease, the severity and number of attacks, and the time since the last symptoms.
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration. Rates will depend on the extent of the disease, the severity and number of attacks, and the time since the last symptoms.
Income Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration. Rates will depend on the extent of the disease, the severity and number of attacks, and the time since the last symptoms.
About the condition
A chronic inflammatory disease that most commonly affects the distal ileum and colon, but can occur in any part of the gastro-intestinal tract.
Signs and symptoms
Chronic diarrhoea, fever, severe cramps, weight loss, bowel obstruction, and vomiting.
Requirements
GP report
What would help on the application form?
Severity
Treatment
cva - stroke
Type of cover
Life Cover
Individual consideration. We'll rate any cases we accept.
Critical Illness Cover
Decline
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Decline
Income Cover for Sickness
Decline
About the condition
Cerebrovascular accident or stroke is an interruption in the blood supply to the brain. During a stroke loss of blood and oxygen in the brain cells causes brain damage.
Signs and symptoms
Depends on severity, age of patient and general health.
Requirements
GP report
What would help on the application form?
Dates
Age at diagnosis
Progress since
cystitis
Type of cover
Life Cover
Usually standard terms
Critical Illness Cover
Usually standard terms
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Usually standard terms
Income Cover for Sickness
Usually standard terms
About the condition
Inflammation of the urinary bladder caused by infection.
Signs and symptoms
Painful to pass urine. Frequent and intense need to pass urine usually producing only small amounts at a time, pain in the lower abdomen and back, incontinence, a low fever and feeling generally unwell or 'fluey'.
Requirements
Include full details in the application form
What would help on the application form?
Frequency
Severity
depression
Type of cover
Life Cover
Individual consideration
Critical Illness Cover
Individual consideration
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Downgraded to working tasks, decline or exclusion
Income Cover for Sickness
Downgraded to working tasks, decline or exclusion
About the condition
A mental state of depressed mood. Depression can range from minor to major.
Signs and symptoms
Sadness, unhappiness and discouragement.
Requirements
GP report
Full details included in the application form
What would help on the application form?
Dates
Reason
Severity
Treatment
Suicide attempts
diabetes – insulin
Type of cover
Life Cover
Individual consideration. We'll rate any cases we accept.
Critical Illness Cover
Decline
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Decline
Income Cover for Sickness
Decline
About the condition
Diabetes is a problem with the body’s fuel system. It is caused by lack of insulin, which is essential for getting energy from food. There are two kinds of diabetes; both differ in aetiology, pathology, treatment, age of occurrence and genetics. Key symptoms include extreme tiredness, increased thirst and going to the loo all the time.
Signs and symptoms
A higher-than-average risk of heart disease.
Problems with eyes, kidneys, nerves, teeth or skin.
Requirements
GP questionnaire
What would help on the application form?
Control
Latest HbA1c
Known complications
Treatment
diabetes – non insulin
Type of cover
Life Cover
Rated terms
Critical Illness Cover
Decline
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Decline
Income Cover for Sickness
Decline
About the condition
Diabetes is a problem with the body’s fuel system. It is caused by lack of insulin, which is essential for getting energy from food. There are two kinds of diabetes; both differ in aetiology, pathology, treatment, age of occurrence and genetics. Key symptoms include extreme tiredness, increased thirst and going to the loo all the time.
Signs and symptoms
A higher-than-average risk of heart disease.
Problems with eyes, kidneys, nerves, teeth or skin.
The symptoms are less severe than 'insulin diabetes' and often not noticed.
Requirements
GP questionnaire
What would help on the application form?
Control
Latest HbA1c
Known complications
Treatment
DVT – deep vein thrombosis
Type of cover
Life Cover
Usually standard terms if full recovery made and fewer than 2 attacks
Critical Illness Cover
Usually standard terms if full recovery made and fewer than 2 attacks
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Usually standard terms if full recovery made and fewer than 2 attacks
Income Cover for Sickness
Usually standard terms if full recovery made and fewer than 2 attacks
About the condition
A blood clot that develops in a deep vein – usually in the leg. This can happen if the vein is damaged or if the flow of blood slows down or stops.
Signs and symptoms
Can cause swelling of the leg, warmth and redness of the leg, pain that is noticeable, or worse when standing or walking. The clot can also travel to the lungs.
Requirements
GP report
What would help on the application form?
Underlying cause
Treatment
Recurrent attacks
endometriosis
Type of cover
Life Cover
Standard terms
Critical Illness Cover
Standard terms
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Usually standard terms
Income Cover for Sickness
Exclusion may apply. May be declined if symptoms are severe
About the condition
Endometriosis is a progressive disease that tends to get worse over time and can reoccur after treatment. It is a condition in which the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus grows outside it and attaches to other organs in the abdominal cavity such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Signs and symptoms
Infertility
Painful menstrual periods
Abnormal menstrual bleeding
Requirements
Possible gynaecological questionnaire
Include full details on application form
What would help on the application form?
Severity
Time off work
Treatment
Known complications
epilepsy
Type of cover
Life Cover
Standard rates usually if well controlled. Rating/exclusion may apply if less well controlled
Critical Illness Cover
Standard rates usually if well controlled. Rating/exclusion may apply if less well controlled
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Standard rates usually if well controlled. Rating/exclusion may apply if less well controlled
Income Cover for Sickness
Standard rates usually if well controlled. Rating/exclusion may apply if less well controlled
About the condition
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that makes people susceptible to seizures. A seizure is a change in sensation, awareness, or behaviour brought about by a brief electrical disturbance in the brain.
Signs and symptoms
Seizures vary from a momentary disruption of the senses, to short periods of unconsciousness or staring spells, to convulsions.
What would help on the application form?
Type
Date of last attack and frequency of attacks
Treatment
family history
Type of cover
Life Cover
Individual consideration
Critical Illness Cover
Individual consideration
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
Income Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
About the condition
Relating to a direct family member i.e. mother, father, brother, sister who has had an illness or condition before age 60.
Signs and symptoms
Could indicate a higher risk of getting the same illness.
Requirements
Application form
Possible GP report
Possible Paramed
Possible blood tests
What would help on the application form?
Full details of the condition, who did it affect and at what age were they diagnosed.
Any known genetic conditions.
gallstones
Type of cover
Life Cover
Usually standard terms but depends on age and severity of symptoms. If surgery is pending then we may decide to postpone until treatment is completed.
Critical Illness Cover
Usually standard terms but depends on age and severity of symptoms. If surgery is pending then we may decide to postpone until treatment is completed.
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Usually standard terms but depends on age and severity of symptoms. If surgery is pending then we may decide to postpone until treatment is completed.
Income Cover for Sickness
Usually standard terms but depends on age and severity of symptoms. If surgery is pending then we may decide to postpone until treatment is completed.
About the condition
The formation of stones in the gallbladder or bile ducts. Gallstones increase with age, occurring in 15% of women in their 50s and a third of women in their 80s. The prevalence in men is lower, but again this increases with age to about 13% in men in their 70s.
Signs and symptoms
There may be no symptoms or they may relate to any resultant obstruction of the ducts. Obstructive symptoms can be pain (right upper abdomen), fever, jaundice.
Often the treatment is removal of the gall bladder.
Requirements
Include full details on application form, a GP report may be needed if no surgery has been performed or if symptoms are continuing.
What would help on the application form?
Date of diagnosis
Current symptoms
Details of current and any future treatment
glomerulonephritis
Type of cover
Life Cover
Individual consideration
Critical Illness Cover
Decline
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Decline
Income Cover for Sickness
Decline
About the condition
Glomerulonephritis is a type of kidney disease caused by inflammation of the internal kidney structures.
Signs and symptoms
Varies in each case but can cause high blood pressure, pain or kidney failure.
Requirements
Kidney questionnaire
What would help on the application form?
Type
Severity
Treatment
gout
Type of cover
Life Cover
Individual consideration. Rated terms or standard terms.
Critical Illness Cover
Individual consideration. Rated terms or standard terms.
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration. Decision will depend on joints affected, nature and severity of symptoms, occupation etc.
Income Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration. Decision will depend on joints affected, nature and severity of symptoms, occupation etc.
About the condition
An acute joint disease caused by deposits of crystal around the joints, tendons and other ligaments of the body. These cause severe inflammation and tissue damage.
Signs and symptoms
Very painful joints.
Requirements
Possible GP report
Include full details on application form
What would help on the application form?
Frequency
Joints affected
Treatment
Known complications
habits
Type of cover
Life Cover
Individual consideration
Critical Illness Cover
Individual consideration
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
Income Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
About the condition
Relating to alcohol and smoking habits – a predictable sequence of reactions or behaviours.
Requirements
Possible paramed or miniscreen
Possible blood test
Possible GP report
What would help on the application form?
Full details about past and/or present consumption. Have they ever been asked to reduce consumption? Are they on any treatment? Are there any complications?
hepatitis
Type of cover
Life Cover
Individual consideration
Critical Illness Cover
Individual consideration
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
Income Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
About the condition
A, B and C. Inflammation of the liver due to infection with a virus.
Signs and symptoms
Varies depending on which type.
Requirements
GP report
What would help on the application form?
Type
Treatment
Dates
Known complications
hypertension
Type of cover
Life Cover
Rated terms to standard terms
Critical Illness Cover
Rated terms to standard terms
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Rated terms to standard terms
Income Cover for Sickness
Rated terms to standard terms
About the condition
Abnormally high blood pressure.
Signs and symptoms
Increased risk of heart disease, kidney failure, damage to sight or stroke.
Requirements
Miniscreen or GP questionnaire if not enough detail included on the application form
What would help on the application form?
Latest blood pressure reading
Date of last reading
Treatment
Known complications
hypothyroidism
Type of cover
Life Cover
Usually standard terms
Critical Illness Cover
Usually standard terms
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Usually standard terms
Income Cover for Sickness
Usually standard terms
About the condition
Underactive thyroid.
Signs and symptoms
Most common symptoms include: fatigue, weakness, weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight.
Requirements
Include full details on application form
What would help on the application form?
Whether thyroid is stabilised
Treatment
Dates
hysterectomy
Type of cover
Life Cover
Standard rates dependent on the reason
Critical Illness Cover
Standard rates dependent on the reason
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Standard rates dependent on the reason
Income Cover for Sickness
Standard rates dependent on the reason
About the condition
Surgical removal of the womb.
Signs and symptoms
A hysterectomy is often carried out to remove a malignant or benign tumour (fibroid).
It may also be to relieve the symptoms of menorrhagia.
Requirements
Possible gynaecological questionnaire.
Include full details on application form.
What would help on the application form?
Reason
Histology report
Any follow ups
IBS - irritable bowel syndrome
Type of cover
Life Cover
Standard terms
Critical Illness Cover
Standard terms
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Standard terms
Income Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
About the condition
The nerves and muscles in the bowel are extra sensitive. When eating, the muscles may contract. These contractions can cause cramping and diarrhoea during or shortly after a meal. Or the nerves can be overly sensitive to the stretching of the bowel. Cramping or pain can result. IBS is a persistent, chronic disorder.
Signs and symptoms
Constipation, diarrhoea or abdominal pain.
Requirements
GP report if not enough detail included on application
What would help on the application form?
Frequency
Severity of attacks
Visits to consultant
IHD – ischaemic heart disease
Type of cover
Life Cover
Rated terms or decline
Critical Illness Cover
Decline
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Decline
Income Cover for Sickness
Decline
About the condition
Blocked or narrowing arteries causing a reduced supply of blood to the heart.
Signs and symptoms
Angina, heart attack.
Requirements
Ischaemic heart disease questionnaire
What would help on the application form?
Severity
Type
Treatment
kidney stones
Type of cover
Life Cover
Usually standard terms
Critical Illness Cover
Individual consideration
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
Income Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
About the condition
Kidney stones are hardened crystal clumps that can develop in the urinary system. They usually form because there is a breakdown in the balance of liquids and dissolved solids in the urine.
Signs and symptoms
If kidney stones are left untreated, they can block the flow of urine. This may result in a kidney that no longer functions properly.
Requirements
Kidney questionnaire
What would help on the application form?
Severity of attacks
Date of last attack
Treatment
Known complications
leukaemia
Type of cover
Life Cover
Individual consideration
Critical Illness Cover
Decline
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Decline
Income Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
About the condition
Any of a group of malignant diseases in which abnormal amounts of leukocytes in the blood are produced.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms include lethargy, weight loss, fever and bruising.
Requirements
GP report
What would help on the application form?
Type
Dates
Recurrence
malignant tumours
Type of cover
Life Cover
Individual consideration
Critical Illness Cover
Decline
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Decline
Income Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
About the condition
Cancerous tumours that invade and spread.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the type and stage of the tumour.
Requirements
Tumour questionnaire
What would help on the application form?
Where in the body the tumour was
Treatment
ME – myalgic encephalomyelitis
Type of cover
Life Cover
Individual consideration
Critical Illness Cover
Individual consideration
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
Income Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
About the condition
Fatigue and emotional disturbance causing fatigue and depression.
Signs and symptoms
Chronic fatigue, muscle pain or lack of concentration.
Requirements
GP report
What would help on the application form?
Severity
Time off work
Whether a full recovery has been made
meningitis
Type of cover
Life Cover
Individual consideration. Standard terms available if full recovery made
Critical Illness Cover
Individual consideration. Standard terms available if full recovery made
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration. Standard terms available if full recovery made
Income Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration. Standard terms available if full recovery made
About the condition
Inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain. There are several types of meningitis.
Signs and symptoms
Can cause many long-term and short-term problems for the sufferer.
Requirements
GP report
What would help on the application form?
Dates
Type
Residual effect
MS - multiple sclerosis
Type of cover
Life Cover
Rated terms or decline
Critical Illness Cover
Decline
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Decline
Income Cover for Sickness
Decline
About the condition
Chronic disease of the central nervous system in which the myelin sheath is destroyed.
Signs and symptoms
Varies depending on severity but can cause partial or complete loss of function.
Requirements
GP report
What would help on the application form?
Type
Severity of symptoms
myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Type of cover
Life Cover
Rated terms or decline
Critical Illness Cover
Decline
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Decline
Income Cover for Sickness
Decline
About the condition
Death of a portion of the heart muscle – a heart attack.
Signs and symptoms
If treated, the sufferer may return to a normal lifestyle. Depending on the severity some individuals may be left with a shortness of breath or inability to do strenuous exercise.
Requirements
Ischaemic heart disease questionnaire
What would help on the application form?
Dates
Course since Myocardial Infarction
murmur
Type of cover
Life Cover
Individual consideration
Critical Illness Cover
Individual consideration
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
Income Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
About the condition
A purring or rumbling sound heard through a stethoscope especially over the heart.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms depend on the underlying cause. There may be no symptoms and no structural heart disease. However, symptoms may include fatigue and palpitations if there is an underlying abnormality.
Requirements
Individual consideration
What would help on the application form?
Underlying cause
nephrectomy
Type of cover
Life Cover
Individual consideration. Depends on reason and function of remaining kidney.
Critical Illness Cover
Individual consideration. Depends on reason and function of remaining kidney.
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration. Depends on reason and function of remaining kidney.
Income Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration. Depends on reason and function of remaining kidney.
About the condition
Surgical removal of the kidney.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on the reason for the removal of the kidney.
Requirements
Kidney questionnaire
What would help on the application form?
Reason kidney removed
obesity
Type of cover
Life Cover
Rated terms or decline in some cases.
Critical Illness Cover
Rated terms or decline in some cases.
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Rated terms or decline in some cases.
Income Cover for Sickness
Rated terms or decline in some cases.
About the condition
An increase in body weight beyond normal due to an increase in body fat.
Signs and symptoms
Increased risk of heart disease and other medical complications.
Requirements
Possible miniscreen
What would help on the application form?
Current weight and blood pressure
pancreatitis
Type of cover
Life Cover
Rated terms or decline in some cases.
Critical Illness Cover
Rated terms or decline in some cases.
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Rated terms or decline in some cases.
Income Cover for Sickness
Rated terms or decline in some cases.
About the condition
Inflammation of the pancreas – can be acute or chronic.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms vary. Chronic pancreatitis can cause diabetes, weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, anaemia or liver problems.
Requirements
GP report
What would help on the application form?
Underlying cause
paralysis
Type of cover
Life Cover
Rated terms
Critical Illness Cover
Exclusions apply and in some cases a decline
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Exclusions apply and in some cases a decline
Income Cover for Sickness
Exclusions apply and in some cases a decline
About the condition
Temporary or permanent loss of power or movement in a part of the body.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on the reason for the paralysis. Reasons for the paralysis include a trapped nerve or suffering a stroke.
Requirements
GP report
What would help on the application form?
Underlying cause
PE – pulmonary embolism
Type of cover
Life Cover
Usually standard terms if full recovery made
Critical Illness Cover
Individual consideration
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
Income Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
About the condition
A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that has entered the lungs.
Signs and symptoms
Small clots may cause no symptoms at all and medium-sized clots may cause sudden breathlessness. When the clot is large, it can stop blood from flowing through the lungs.
Requirements
GP report
What would help on the application form?
Cause and dates
How often this has happened
prostatitis
Type of cover
Life Cover
Usually standard terms if full recovery made
Critical Illness Cover
Usually standard terms if full recovery made
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Usually standard terms if full recovery made
Income Cover for Sickness
Usually standard terms if full recovery made
About the condition
Inflammation of the prostate.
Signs and symptoms
Pain and discomfort in lower abdomen.
Difficulty passing urine.
Requirements
GP report
What would help on the application form?
Latest prostate specific antigen levels
sarcoidosis
Type of cover
Life Cover
Usually standard terms if full recovery made
Critical Illness Cover
Usually standard terms if full recovery made
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
Income Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
About the condition
Areas of inflammation may appear anywhere around the body. The lungs, skin, eyes, and the lymph nodes are most commonly affected. One or many areas may be affected at the same time. Sarcoidosis is a chronic disorder of unknown cause.
Signs and symptoms
Breathlessness, blurred vision, painful joints, and a general loss of well-being.
Requirements
GP report
What would help on the application form?
Type
Dates
Treatment
schizophrenia
Type of cover
Life Cover
Rated terms or decline
Critical Illness Cover
Rated terms
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Downgraded to working tasks, decline, or exclusion
Income Cover for Sickness
Downgraded to working tasks, decline, or exclusion
About the condition
A major mental disorder usually presenting before age 25 and lasts for life.
Signs and symptoms
Some sufferers make a full recovery although relapse is common. The most significant risk is attempted suicide.
Requirements
Mental health questionnaire or GP report
What would help on the application form?
Current treatment
Date of last attack
slipped disc
Type of cover
Life Cover
Standard terms
Critical Illness Cover
Usually standard terms
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Exclusions apply and in some cases a decline
Income Cover for Sickness
Exclusions apply and in some cases a decline
About the condition
The bones or vertebrae that comprise the spinal column are joined together by cartilage discs. Each disc consists of a circle of connective tissue with a central jelly-like core. When that jelly-like core bulges out through the circle of connective tissue, you have a slipped disc.
Signs and symptoms
Can cause pain in the spinal area, arms and legs.
Requirements
Musculoskeletal questionnaire
What would help on the application form?
Dates
Time off work
Treatment
smoking – over 30 a day
Type of cover
Life Cover
Rated terms
Critical Illness Cover
Rated terms
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Rated terms
Income Cover for Sickness
Rated terms
About the condition
An individual who smokes 30 or more cigarettes each day.
Signs and symptoms
Smoking significantly increases the risk of cancer. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, productive cough, and obstructive airways disease.
Requirements
Paramed
What would help on the application form?
Any residual effect
Related conditions
smoking – over 40 a day
Type of cover
Life Cover
Rated terms
Critical Illness Cover
Decline
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Decline
Income Cover for Sickness
Decline
About the condition
An individual who smokes 40 or more cigarettes each day.
Signs and symptoms
Smoking significantly increases the risk of cancer. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, productive cough, and obstructive airways disease.
Requirements
Paramed
What would help on the application form?
Any residual effect
Related conditions
splenectomy
Type of cover
Life Cover
Individual consideration. Usually standard if performed as a result of trauma.
Critical Illness Cover
Individual consideration. Usually standard if performed as a result of trauma.
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration. Usually standard if performed as a result of trauma, unless there are residual problems from the trauma.
Income Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration. Usually standard if performed as a result of trauma, unless there are residual problems from the trauma.
About the condition
Removal of the spleen. This can be done as the result of an accident so that it doesn't bleed into the abdomen. In some cases the operation is needed to increase red cell survival. Removal of the spleen is done for this reason in rare blood diseases.
Signs and symptoms
Greater risk of infection.
Requirements
GP report if not enough detail included on application
What would help on the application form?
Date and reason for removal of the spleen
spondylosis
Type of cover
Life Cover
Usually standard rates
Critical Illness Cover
Usually standard rates
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Exclusions may apply or decline
Income Cover for Sickness
Exclusions may apply or decline
About the condition
A general term for any changes in the spine caused by wear and tear. Spondylosis refers to the changes that occur, often with age, to the discs and vertebrae of the back.
Signs and symptoms
May cause loss of normal spinal structure and function.
Requirements
Musculoskeletal questionnaire
What would help on the application form?
Severity
Time off work
Treatment
suicide attempt
Type of cover
Life Cover
Rated terms and in some cases a decline
Critical Illness Cover
Rated terms and in some cases a decline
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Rated terms and in some cases a decline
Income Cover for Sickness
Rated terms and in some cases a decline
About the condition
Attempt to take own life and may be associated with a mental health disorder.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms are dependent on the underlying cause.
Requirements
Mental health questionnaire
What would help on the application form?
Underlying cause
Dates
thrombosis
Type of cover
Life Cover
Individual consideration
Critical Illness Cover
Individual consideration
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
Income Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
About the condition
Clotting of blood within an artery or vein.
Signs and symptoms
Depends on the location and size of clot.
Requirements
GP report
What would help on the application form?
Cause
Dates
Treatment
tachycardia
Type of cover
Life Cover
Individual consideration depends on cause
Critical Illness Cover
Individual consideration depends on cause
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
Income Cover for Sickness
Individual consideration
About the condition
A rapid heart rate that can be related to heart disease or exertion.
Signs and symptoms
Feeling faint, sometimes passing out, dizziness, or a pounding in the chest.
Requirements
GP report
What would help on the application form?
Type
Frequency of symptoms
Treatment
ulcerative colitis
Type of cover
Life Cover
Rated terms. The level of rating will depend on the extent and severity of symptoms, together with the frequency and number of exacerbations.
Critical Illness Cover
Rated terms and in some cases a decline.
Total Permanent Disability/Payment Cover for Sickness
Rated terms and in some cases a decline.
Income Cover for Sickness
Rated terms and in some cases a decline.
About the condition
Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and sores called ulcers in the lining of the large intestine. A chronic and recurrent disease of unknown cause.
Signs and symptoms
Diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, rectal bleeding, loss of body fluids and nutrients.
Requirements
GP report
What would help on the application form?
Severity of symptoms
Degree of involvement
Treatment
