Can I get income protection with Sleep Apnoea?
Income protection with sleep apnoea is available for most well-managed cases. Mild to moderate sleep apnoea controlled with CPAP therapy and with no significant associated complications (such as cardiovascular disease) may be covered at standard or near-standard terms. Poorly controlled sleep apnoea with associated conditions may attract a loading or exclusion. The key question insurers ask is whether the condition has resulted in any time off work or affected your ability to do your job.
How do insurers assess Sleep Apnoea for income protection?
Insurers review your full medical history — diagnosis date, current treatment, stability of the condition, and any time off work it has caused. The more stable your condition, the better the terms available.
What terms might be offered?
- Standard terms — if the condition is well-controlled with no recent work absences
- Exclusion — the condition excluded, all other causes of inability to work still covered
- Rated premium — higher premium reflecting additional risk
Is IP still worth it with an exclusion?
Usually yes — an exclusion only applies to the excluded condition. You're still fully protected against accidents, cancer, heart attack, and hundreds of other causes of inability to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the insurer and severity. Some exclude sleep apnoea-related claims; others offer standard terms if it's well-controlled. Always compare multiple insurers.
Yes — an exclusion only applies to the excluded condition. All other causes of inability to work remain fully covered.