A year after Rose* arranged income protection, mortgage protection, and health insurance, she made a claim to her life insurer, as she was unable to work as a result of fatigue. The insurer avoided the policies, as Rose had not disclosed medical details about depression/stress, rhinitis, sinusitis, irritable bowel syndrome, piles, rashes, lipoma, dermatitis, spine issues, fibro-adenoma, raised cholesterol, ear pain, a liver scan and raised liver function tests.
Rose said she hadn’t suffered from any of the conditions for years, they were old news. A senior independent underwriter confirmed the non-disclosure was material. This means the insurance cover would not have been provided on the same terms given the significant number of exclusions relating to mental health, ankles, back, neck, hip and knees.
The insurer confirmed that it would not have offered cover, if Rose had disclosed her full medical history. The case manager was satisfied the non-disclosure caused the insurer to enter the contract on the terms provided. The insurer was entitled to avoid the policies and decline to consider the claim.
Complaint not upheld.
*Names have been changed.