How Pre-Existing Conditions Affect Your Application
A pre-existing condition is any health issue you had before applying for insurance. The question isn't whether you can get cover — you can — it's what exclusions or conditions the insurer will apply.
Insurers in our market use different criteria. Some will exclude your condition entirely. Others will apply a waiting period (rare in health insurance unlike Australia). Most will accept your application but exclude that specific condition from cover.
The Critical First Step: Full Medical Disclosure
Your application asks about health history. You must be honest and complete — there's no such thing as a "small omission."
Lying on your application gives the insurer grounds to cancel cover later or refuse claims. If you had diabetes, depression, a knee injury, or cancer in the past, disclose it. The insurer already has access to your medical records through GP networks, so omitting it only harms you if you later need to claim.
Which Conditions Are Tricky to Insure
Common conditions and typical outcomes:
Diabetes (Type 1 or 2): Most insurers accept this with a condition exclusion or minor loading. You're covered for everything except complications directly from your diabetes.
Heart conditions: Similar outcome — accepted but with specific exclusions for related conditions.
Cancer (past): Most insurers will exclude further cancer cover for 3-5 years post-treatment.
Mental health conditions: Partners Life and AIA are most accommodating. Southern Cross and nib are stricter. Accuro is moderate.
Arthritis and joint conditions: Usually accepted with no exclusion if managed.
Strategies to Get Better Terms
1. Shop multiple insurers: Partners Life, AIA, Accuro, and Southern Cross assess risk differently. You might get cover from one that another rejects.
2. Apply with your GP's letter: Getting your GP to write a letter confirming your condition is stable and well-managed improves your application chances.
3. Target insurers known for acceptance: AIA and Partners Life are most willing to accept applicants with pre-existing conditions.
4. Consider moratorium underwriting: Some insurers offer moratorium underwriting where you don't disclose history, but conditions from the last 5 years are automatically excluded for 2-3 years. After that exclusion period, if symptom-free, coverage may begin.
5. Work with an adviser: A licensed adviser knows which insurer is most likely to accept your specific condition. This is where adviser value is highest.
You Don't Have to Accept the First Offer
If one insurer declines or applies harsh exclusions, apply to others. The NZ market has enough variety that most people can find adequate cover, even with significant health history.