Life Insurance with Ulcerative Colitis

Can I Get Life Insurance with Ulcerative Colitis?

Yes — ulcerative colitis (UC) is insurable in the UK, and many applicants with UC obtain life insurance at standard or near-standard rates. UC is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the colon, and insurers assess it based on disease activity, current medication, and overall health status.

Those with mild UC that is in remission and managed with standard medications (such as mesalazine) can often obtain standard rates. Those with more severe UC, or UC managed with immunosuppressants or biologics, may face a modest loading.

How Does Ulcerative Colitis Affect My Premium?

The premium impact depends on:

• Disease activity: UC in complete remission is viewed most favourably. Active disease may attract a postponement request or higher loading
• Medication: Mesalazine and sulfasalazine are standard medications with minimal underwriting impact. Steroids, azathioprine, biologics (e.g. infliximab) indicate more severe disease and may attract a loading
• Surgery: Those who have had a colectomy (surgical removal of the colon) may be viewed as cured, which can result in standard or near-standard rates depending on time elapsed
• Associated conditions: UC alongside liver disease (primary sclerosing cholangitis), arthritis, or skin conditions may attract a combined loading

What Information Will the Insurer Ask For?

Insurers will typically ask:

• When were you first diagnosed?
• What is your current disease activity — remission, mild, moderate, or severe?
• What medication are you currently taking?
• Have you had any hospitalisations due to UC?
• Have you had or are you considering surgery?
• When did you last see a gastroenterologist?

Which Insurers Are Most Competitive?

Most major UK insurers — including Legal & General, Aviva and AIG — take a relatively favourable view of well-managed UC in remission. The underwriting is sensitive to the current disease status, medication, and whether colectomy has been performed.

The most competitive insurer for your specific profile can only be identified by comparing the whole market. Premiums vary significantly — sometimes by 30–40% — for the same applicant across different providers.

Can I Also Get Critical Illness Cover and Income Protection?

Critical illness cover is available for most UC applicants, as UC itself is not a covered CIC condition. A loading consistent with the life insurance underwriting may apply for more severe cases.

Income protection is generally available for UC applicants. A gastrointestinal or IBD exclusion may apply in some cases, meaning claims arising directly from UC are excluded. For those in sustained remission, some insurers offer cover without an exclusion. An adviser can identify the most appropriate option.

Tips for Applying with Ulcerative Colitis

• Be fully transparent: Always disclose your full medical history. Non-disclosure is the most common reason for a declined claim — and insurers check medical records at the point of claim.
• Use a whole-of-market adviser: They know which insurers are most favourable for your condition and can submit your application to get the best available terms.
• Apply when well-controlled: If your condition is managed with medication, applying when your condition is stable and well-controlled gives the best chance of favourable terms.
• Don't self-reject: Many people assume they cannot get cover or will pay extortionate premiums. In the majority of cases, cover is available at reasonable cost.