Can I get income protection with High Blood Pressure?
Yes — many people with well-controlled high blood pressure can get income protection insurance. If your blood pressure is managed with medication and you have no associated complications (such as heart disease or kidney damage), most insurers will offer standard or near-standard terms. The key is demonstrating that your condition is stable and well-managed.
How do insurers assess High Blood Pressure for income protection?
Insurers look at your full medical history — when you were diagnosed, how well controlled your condition is, your treatment history, and whether you've had any time off work as a result. The more stable and well-managed your condition, the better the terms available.
What terms might I be offered?
- Standard terms — if your condition is well-controlled with no recent flare-ups or time off work
- Exclusion — your high blood pressure and directly related conditions are excluded, but all other causes of inability to work are covered
- Rated premium — higher premium to reflect the additional risk
- Postponement — some insurers may postpone a decision if you are currently unwell or recently treated
Should I disclose my High Blood Pressure?
Always yes. Non-disclosure is the leading cause of income protection claims being rejected. If you fail to disclose a condition and then make a claim related to it, the insurer can void the policy entirely — leaving you with nothing.
What if I'm currently off work due to my condition?
If you are currently unable to work due to your condition, it is unlikely you will be able to take out income protection for that condition right now. However, you may still be able to get cover with an exclusion for that condition — protecting you against other causes of inability to work.
How much income protection do I need?
Most policies replace 50–70% of gross income. Aim for enough to cover your essential outgoings — mortgage or rent, bills, and food — without your other income sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the insurer and the severity of your condition. Some insurers exclude high blood pressure-related claims entirely; others offer standard terms if the condition is well-controlled. Always compare multiple insurers.
Yes — an exclusion only applies to claims directly related to the excluded condition. If you're unable to work due to an unrelated illness or injury, your policy will pay out in the normal way.
Usually yes. Even with an exclusion for your condition, income protection still covers you for accidents, cancer, heart attack, stroke, and hundreds of other causes of inability to work. That's a significant safety net.