If there are medical conditions present it may not be possible to avoid a medical examination or a report from a doctor because without all the facts, life insurance companies are unable to evaluate the risk.

Someone who is fit and healthy with no medical conditions or health problems is unlikely to need a medical examination or have to wait for a doctor’s report to be prepared unless they are applying for high value life insurance.

With the wonder of modern technology it is even possible to be accepted for life insurance and be covered within a matter of minutes (about 30).

Minor ailments such as colds, hay-fever and headaches don’t normally need to be disclosed to a life insurance company but it is always advisable to disclose any information that has been requested because ‘non-disclosure’ could invalidate a policy and prevent a claim being paid.

Any more serious illnesses or conditions that are mentioned are treated in the strictest confidence.

The only type of life insurance that does not require any medical information are ‘over 50 plans’.

These are only available to people over 50 and are typically more expensive than standard ‘term assurance’ life insurance policies so there is less cover compared to cost. They are suitable for small amounts of cover for things like funeral expenses and would be a very expensive way to protect a mortgage.