UK life insurance non-disclosure in 2026 is governed by the Consumer Insurance (Disclosure and Representations) Act 2012 (CIDRA). It's the single biggest cause of declined claims across the UK market. Here's what it means, how insurers apply it, and how to avoid problems.
What non-disclosure means
An applicant has a duty to take reasonable care not to make a misrepresentation to the insurer. In practice this means answering every question on the application form truthfully, completely, and to the best of your knowledge — including medical history, family history, occupation and lifestyle.
The CIDRA framework
- Deliberate or reckless: the applicant knew the answer was untrue or didn't care. Insurer can void the policy and keep all premiums.
- Careless: the applicant failed to take reasonable care. Insurer can apply the "proportionate response" — pay a reduced amount, apply the loading that would have been applied, or void the policy if cover would have been declined.
- Innocent: the applicant reasonably didn't know. Insurer must pay the full claim.
Typical non-disclosure issues at claim
- Not disclosing a GP visit or referral that the applicant thought was routine.
- Misremembering the date or nature of a medical issue.
- Not disclosing family history (some insurers ask about parents' age at death and specific conditions).
- Not disclosing occupational hazards or hobbies (e.g. scuba diving, motor racing).
- Not disclosing changes between application and policy inception.
How to avoid non-disclosure problems
- Over-disclose rather than under-disclose. If unsure, mention it.
- Check your own GP records before applying — you're entitled to these under GDPR.
- Answer every question fully, including "don't know" where true.
- Use a broker — they'll go through the application with you and flag potential issues.
- Keep copies of the application — you'll want them if there's ever a dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Failing to disclose relevant information on an application form — for example, omitting a medical condition, occupation detail, or lifestyle factor that would have affected underwriting.
Not necessarily. Under CIDRA 2012, UK insurers apply three categories: deliberate/reckless (intentional), careless (reasonable care failed), and innocent (applicant reasonably didn't know). Only the first two can reduce or void a claim.
Only for deliberate or reckless non-disclosure. Careless non-disclosure usually leads to a proportionate response — reduced payout or added loading. Innocent non-disclosure means full payment.
Over-disclose rather than under-disclose. Answer every question fully. Check your own GP records (available free via GDPR). Use a broker who'll flag issues. Keep a copy of the application.
Contact the insurer immediately. Most insurers will re-underwrite mid-term based on the disclosed information, either standard-rating you or adding appropriate loading — rarely voiding.
Yes, identically. CIDRA 2012 applies to all UK consumer insurance contracts — life, CIC, IP, accident and health.