Medical conditions tool

We've included a list of the most common conditions in alphabetical order below.

This includes an overview of each condition, including signs and symptoms, as well as providing an indication of what would be helpful to include on the application form.

For an indication of the underwriting decision that might apply for a medical condition please see our Guide to Underwriting, or our Pre-sale underwriting tool below.

Please note that all underwriting decisions are subject to us receiving a fully completed application form and any additional information obtained.

Where we can we'll make a decision based on information provided on the application form.  If additional medical information is needed to assess a medical condition we'll usually try to obtain it from the customer in the first instance. We'll  request evidence from a customer’s doctor only when absolutely necessary.

Our underwriters are happy to discuss individual applications or provide an indication of the terms that might apply. You can contact our underwriting team either by phone: 0345 609 4500 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or by email at underwriting@royallondon.com.

Abnormal smears (abnormal cervical screening test)

A cervical screening test (previously known as a smear test) is a routine test to check the health of a woman’s cervix. It identifies abnormal cells on the cervix, which in some cases may develop into cervical cancer if left untreated.

Signs and symptoms

Usually the test is carried out as part of a routine health screen, but can also be done where there is a history of unusual bleeding, discharge, pain or discomfort.

What would help on the application form?

  • Date of abnormal smear
  • Grade of abnormality if known (e.g. CIN I, CIN II, CIN III etc.)
  • Details of treatment received including date(s)
  • Date(s) and results of any subsequent smear test(s)
  • Date of next smear

 

Alcohol (alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence)

Alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence are terms used to describe misuse of alcohol that is likely to cause damage to a person’s health.

Signs and symptoms

The effects of alcohol abuse are well documented. Short term effects of excessive alcohol consumption include an increased risk of accident, injury, violence and alcohol poisoning. Longer term, alcohol abuse can increase the risk of high blood pressure and cancer and can cause damage to the brain, nervous system, heart, liver and pancreas. 

What would help on the application form?

  • Past and present levels of alcohol consumption
  • Any treatment e.g. medication and/or counselling
  • Details of any admissions to a hospital or treatment centre
  • If abstinent, the date alcohol was last consumed
  • Any associated health problems including abnormalities in liver function blood tests

 

Anaemia

The amount of red cells and therefore haemoglobin in the blood is abnormally low. There are several different types of anaemia including simple iron deficiency anaemia, haemolytic anaemia, pernicious anaemia and aplastic anaemia.

Signs and symptoms

Classic symptoms of anaemia include paleness of the skin, tiredness, breathlessness and palpitations.

What would help on the application form?

  • Date of diagnosis
  • Investigations carried out, including date(s) and results
  • Type of anaemia, including any underlying cause
  • Symptoms and whether ongoing or resolved
  • Details of any treatment
  • Latest blood results including haemoglobin levels

 

Anxiety 

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, unease or fear. Most people experience these feelings at some time in their life, but for some the feelings can be persistent. Anxiety can cause people to feel distressed and can impact on their daily life.

Signs and symptoms

Anxiety can cause both physical and psychological symptoms. Physical symptoms include difficulty sleeping, headaches, dizziness, palpitations, and shortness of breath.

What would help on the application form?

  • Date(s) and duration of symptoms
  • Is there an underlying cause?
  • Has there been any time off work?
  • Treatment, including medication, counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) etc.
  • Any referral to a psychiatrist, psychologist or Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN)
  • Any treatment at hospital, whether as an inpatient or an outpatient.
  • Self-harm or suicide attempts

 

Arthritis

The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However arthritis can also be caused by many other disease processes including gout, Reiter's syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis.

Signs and symptoms

Arthritis can cause inflammation in joint(s), usually with swelling, redness, pain and restricted movement.

What would help on the application form?

  • Date of diagnosis
  • Type of arthritis and the joints(s) affected
  • Any associated problems or complications
  • Severity of symptoms and impact, if any, on functional ability
  • Investigations carried out, including date(s) and results
  • Details of any treatment
  • Has there been any time off work?

 

Asthma

A chronic illness caused by narrowing of the airways making breathing difficult. It is most commonly relieved by inhalers. Severe cases can be treated with steroids and in some cases a nebulizer.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms include an expiratory wheeze and difficulty breathing. Breathing problems can be mild to severe. In severe cases Asthma can be fatal.

What would help on the application form?

  • The frequency and severity of symptoms
  • Frequency of any acute attacks and date of last acute attack
  • Details of any treatment including regular treatment and any occasional/intermittent treatment
  • Details of any hospital treatment (whether as an inpatient or out-patient)
  • Any time off work

Back pain

Back pain is a very common condition. It can be caused by injury or disease but often no specific underlying cause is identified. 

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms can be acute or chronic; if there is damage to any of the nerves it can cause significant pain and restriction in movement. If the sciatic nerve is irritated it can also cause severe pain and numbness in the leg.

What would help on the application form?

  • Date(s) and duration of all episodes
  • Nature and severity of symptoms
  • Investigations carried out, including date(s) and results
  • Has any underlying cause been identified?
  • Details of any treatment 
  • Has there been any time off work?

 

Blood pressure (raised blood pressure, hypertension)

Abnormally high blood pressure.

Signs and symptoms

High blood pressure often causes no obvious symptoms but if not treated and adequately controlled it can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease e.g. heart attack or stroke and kidney damage

What would help on the application form?

  • Date of diagnosis
  • Date and result of most recent blood pressure reading
  • Details of any treatment
  • Any complications or associated health problems

 

Bronchitis

Bronchitis can be acute, recurrent or chronic. Acute is a short-term inflammation of one or more bronchi. This usually develops following a cold, sore throat or flu. Chronic bronchitis is usually diagnosed when coughing is present most days of the month for three months. 

Signs and symptoms

Acute: symptoms include fever, pain in the chest, coughing and breathlessness.

Chronic: characterised by attacks of coughing, wheezing, breathlessness and frequent chest infections.

What would help on the application form?

  • The frequency and duration of symptoms
  • Investigations carried out, including date(s) and results
  • Has a diagnosis of chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive airways disease (COAD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema been made?
  • Details of any treatment including regular treatment and any occasional/intermittent treatment
  • Details of any hospital treatment (whether as an inpatient or out-patient)
  • Any time off work
  • Date of last symptoms

Cancer

Cancer is a disease where cells grow out of control and invade, erode and destroy normal tissue. There are over 200 different types of cancer. They all have different causes, different symptoms and need different types of treatment.

Signs and symptoms

Depends on the type of cancer, where it is and the person’s general health.

What would help on the application form?

  • Date of diagnosis
  • Site of the tumour
  • Stage and grade of the tumour
  • Dates and details of any recurrences
  • Details of any treatment and date treatment finished
  • Details of any follow up 

 

Cholesterol (raised cholesterol, hyperlipidaemia) 

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is found in the blood and most tissues within the body. Cholesterol has many beneficial properties, but too much of it can cause health problems.

Signs and symptoms

Raised cholesterol often causes no obvious symptoms but if not treated and adequately controlled it can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease e.g. heart attack or stroke and peripheral vascular disease.

What would help on the application form?

  • Date of diagnosis
  • Date and result of most recent cholesterol test to include, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, if known
  • Details of any treatment
  • Any associated health problems

 

Coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is a condition of the small intestine. Gluten, a substance found in wheat, barley and rye reacts with the small bowel, causing damage by activating the immune system to attack the delicate lining of the bowel, which is responsible for absorbing nutrients and vitamins.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms include diarrhoea, weight loss, fatigue and nutritional deficiencies. There is also an increased risk of osteoporosis.

What would help on the application form?

  • Date of diagnosis
  • The frequency and severity of symptoms
  • Details of any treatment
  • Any associated health problems e.g. anaemia, arthritis, osteoporosis

 

Crohn's disease

A chronic inflammatory disease that most commonly affects the distal ileum and colon, but can occur in any part of the gastro-intestinal tract.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms include chronic diarrhoea, fever, severe cramps, weight loss, bowel obstruction, and vomiting.

What would help on the application form?

  • Date of diagnosis
  • Frequency and severity of symptoms
  • Details of any treatment including any hospital admissions and/or surgery
  • Any associated health problems
  • Date of last major attack or flare up of symptoms
  • Has there been any time off work?

Depression 

Depression is characterised by low mood. There may also be a range of other symptoms, which vary from person to person.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms can include low mood, sadness, unhappiness, irritability, a reduction in energy, reduced concentration, disturbed sleep and a change in appetite.

What would help on the application form?

  • Dates, duration and severity of symptoms
  • Date of last symptoms
  • Has any underlying cause been identified?
  • Time off work, if any
  • Treatment, including medication, counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) etc.
  • Any referral to a psychiatrist, psychologist or Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN)
  • Treatment at hospital whether as an inpatient or an outpatient
  • Self-harm or suicide attempts

 

Diabetes 

Diabetes is a problem with the body’s fuel system. It is caused by a lack of insulin, which is essential for getting energy from food. There are two types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed under age 40. In type 1 diabetes the body does not produce insulin. Regular treatment with insulin is required to keep glucose levels normal. Insulin is given by injection or by pump therapy.

Type 2 diabetes is where the body does not produce enough insulin or the body doesn’t react properly to the insulin that is produced. 

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of high blood sugar levels include thirstiness, tiredness and urinating more often. High blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels, nerves and other organs leading to an increased risk of circulatory problems, stroke, heart disease and problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet.

What would help on the application form?

  • Whether type 1 or type 2 diabetes
  • Date of diagnosis
  • Details of any treatment
  • Details of the most recent diabetic review to include latest HbA1c and urine results if known
  • Known complications such as heart disease, stroke or TIA, vascular disease, high blood pressure, problems with eyes, kidneys, any abnormal sensation in hands or feet, neuropathy etc.
  • Treatment at hospital, other than for routine diabetic review appointments

 

DVT - deep vein thrombosis

Deep Vein thrombosis (DVT) describes a blood clot that develops in a deep vein, usually in the leg. This can happen if the vein is damaged or if the flow of blood slows down or stops.

Signs and symptoms

A DVT can cause swelling, pain, warmth and redness in the affected limb. The clot can also travel to the lungs.

What would help on the application form?

  • Number of episodes and the area affected
  • Date of attack(s)
  • Investigations carried out, including date(s) and results
  • Has any underlying cause been identified?
  • Details of any treatment
  • Any residual problems
  • Has there been any time off work?

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that makes people susceptible to seizures. A seizure is a change in sensation, awareness or behaviour, brought about by a brief electrical disturbance in the brain.

Signs and symptoms

Seizures vary from a momentary disruption of the senses, to short periods of unconsciousness or staring spells, to convulsions.

What would help on the application form?

  • Type of epilepsy
  • Frequency of attacks
  • Investigations carried out, including date(s) and results
  • Date of last attack
  • Details of any treatment
  • Has there been any time off work?

Family history

Family history has long been recognised as an important factor in identifying an individual’s susceptibility to disease during their lifetime.

On the application form we ask about parents and siblings who have been diagnosed with certain medical conditions before the age of 60.

Signs and symptoms

A family history of certain medical conditions could indicate a higher risk of getting the same illness.

What would help on the application form?

  • Details of the condition(s), the relatives affected and their age at diagnosis.
  • Has the client/customer had any symptoms that could be related to the medical condition?
  • Has the client had any or been advised to have any diagnostic investigations due to their family history?

Gallstones

The formation of stones in the gallbladder or bile ducts.

Signs and symptoms

Often gallstones cause no symptoms, but if the stone(s) obstruct a duct in the gallbladder it can cause severe abdominal pain, fever and jaundice. Often the treatment is removal of the gall bladder.

What would help on the application form?

  • Date first experienced symptoms
  • Investigations carried out, including date(s) and results
  • Details of any treatment including surgery
  • Details of any ongoing or residual symptoms (frequency and severity)
  • Date of last symptoms
  • Has there been any time off work?

 

Gout

A disease caused by deposits of crystal around the joints, tendons and other ligaments of the body. This can cause severe inflammation and tissue damage.

Signs and symptoms

This condition can cause very painful joints.

What would help on the application form?

  • The joint(s) affected
  • Frequency, severity and duration of symptoms
  • Details of any treatment
  • Any complications
  • Date of last attack
  • Has there been any time off work?

Heart attack, angina and coronary heart disease

Fatty deposits can build up in the coronary arteries causing them to become blocked or narrowed. This can result in a reduced supply of blood to the heart.

A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to the heart is completely blocked, this can cause damage to the heart.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms vary, but include chest pain which can radiate into the arms, jaw, neck and back. People may also experience dizziness, sweating, breathlessness and nausea.

What would help on the application form?

  • Date first experienced symptoms
  • Nature of symptoms
  • Investigations carried out, including date(s) and results
  • Exact diagnosis
  • Details of any treatment including surgery
  • Follow up and whether this is with GP or at hospital
  • Details of any ongoing or residual symptoms (frequency and severity)

 

Heart murmur

A rumbling sound heard through a stethoscope over the heart.

Signs and symptoms

A heart murmur may be innocent however it can also be caused by a structural heart defect. Symptoms depend on the underlying cause, but can include fatigue, palpitations and shortness of breath.

What would help on the application form?

  • When was the murmur identified?
  • Investigations carried out, including date(s) and results
  • Has any underlying cause been identified?
  • Details of any treatment including surgery
  • Details of any residual problems

 

Hypothyroidism (under active thyroid)

Hypothyroid is a condition in which the body lacks the hormone thyroxine.

Signs and symptoms

The most common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight.

What would help on the application form?

  • Date of diagnosis
  • Has any underlying cause been identified?
  • Nature and severity of symptoms and date of last symptoms
  • Details of any treatment including surgery
  • Whether the condition has stabilised on treatment
  • Has there been any time off work?

 

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the womb.

Signs and symptoms

A hysterectomy is often carried out to remove a benign growth such as a fibroid. It may also be to relieve the symptoms of menorrhagia (heavy periods) or to remove a malignant tumour.

What would help on the application form?

  • Date and reason for surgery
  • Was any further treatment or follow up required?
  • Following surgery was it confirmed that the findings were benign?
  • Details of any ongoing/residual symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder of the bowel which can cause diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal pain. It can be associated with stress and anxiety.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms include altered bowel habit, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea or abdominal pain.

What would help on the application form?

  • Date of diagnosis
  • Frequency and severity of attacks
  • Has the life assured experienced any rectal bleeding or weight loss?
  • Has the life assured been seen by a specialist?
  • Investigations carried out, including date(s) and results
  • Details of any treatment
  • Any time off work

Kidney stones

Kidney stones are hardened crystal lumps that can develop in the urinary system.

Signs and symptoms

Small kidney stones may be passed painlessly. Larger stones can block the flow of urine causing severe pain and may result in a kidney that no longer functions properly.

What would help on the application form?

  • Number of episodes
  • Date of last attack
  • Details of any treatment
  • Known complications or underlying problem
  • Whether one or both kidneys have been affected
  • Details of any ongoing follow up or review
  • Any abnormalities in urine or kidney function blood tests

ME - myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome)

A person with ME or chronic fatigue suffers from persistent fatigue despite sleep and rest.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of chronic fatigue can include severe and debilitating fatigue, muscle pain, disturbed sleep and lack of concentration. It can have a significant impact on functional ability.

What would help on the application form?

  • Date symptoms first started
  • Nature and severity of symptoms
  • Investigations carried out, including date(s) and results
  • Time off work
  • Whether a full recovery has been made and if applicable date of last symptoms

 

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition. It is a chronic disease of the central nervous system in which the myelin sheath (a protective coating around the nerves) is destroyed. There are different types of MS:

  • Relapsing remitting MS
  • Secondary progressive MS
  • Relapsing progressive MS
  • Primary progressive MS

Signs and symptoms

Progression of the disease varies, but MS can cause symptoms such as visual problems, numbness and tingling, muscle spasms and difficulty with movement and balance.

What would help on the application form?

  • The type of MS
  • The nature and severity of symptoms
  • The date of the last relapse

Palpitations

When a person suddenly notices their heartbeat fluttering or beating quickly it is usually referred to as palpitations.

Signs and symptoms

Often there are no symptoms other than the palpitations themselves, however sometimes a person can also experience chest pain/tightness, shortness of breath and/or dizziness.

Although it can be distressing, palpitations are often entirely harmless. Palpitations can sometimes occur in association with anxiety or they can be secondary to an underlying medical condition.

What would help on the application form?

  • Date first experienced symptoms
  • Duration of symptoms and details of any recurrence
  • Investigations carried out, including date(s) and results
  • Has any underlying cause been identified?
  • Has any treatment been prescribed?
  • Date of last symptoms

 

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas - can be acute, recurrent or chronic.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms usually begin with severe abdominal pain which radiates into the back there may also be nausea and diarrhoea. Chronic pancreatitis can cause diabetes, weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, anaemia and liver problems.

What would help on the application form?

  • Date first experienced symptoms
  • Details of any subsequent episodes
  • Has any underlying cause been identified?
  • Date of last symptoms

 

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is inflammation or swelling of the prostate.

Signs and symptoms

Prostatitis can develop in men of any age and it can be acute or chronic. If chronic, symptoms can be present for several months or in some cases years.  Symptoms include pain and discomfort in lower abdomen and difficulty passing urine.

What would help on the application form?

  • Date first experienced symptoms
  • Details of any subsequent episodes
  • Investigations carried out, including date(s) and results
  • Has any underlying cause been identified?
  • Details of any treatment
  • Date of last symptoms

 

Pulmonary embolism (PE)

A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that has entered the lungs.

Signs and symptoms

Small clots may cause no symptoms at all and medium-sized clots may cause sudden breathlessness. When the clot is large, it can stop blood from flowing through the lungs.

What would help on the application form?

  • Date first experienced symptoms
  • Details of any subsequent episodes
  • Investigations carried out, including date(s) and results
  • Has any underlying cause been identified?
  • Details of any treatment including surgery
  • Date of last symptoms

Stroke

A cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke is usually caused by an interruption in the blood supply to the brain. During a stroke loss of blood and oxygen to brain cells causes brain damage. In some cases a stroke can also be caused by an area of bleeding in the brain.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms can be short lived e.g. the symptoms that occur with a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) resolve within 24 hours however the effects of a stroke can also be catastrophic. Following a stroke some people require prolonged and intense rehabilitation and even then recovery maybe incomplete.

What would help on the application form?

  • Date first experienced symptoms
  • Nature of symptoms
  • Investigations carried out, including date(s) and results
  • Exact diagnosis
  • Details of any treatment
  • Follow up and whether this is with GP or at hospital
  • Details of any ongoing or residual symptoms

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation in the colon and rectum. Small sores called ulcers can develop in the lining of the colon.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms include diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, rectal bleeding, loss of body fluids and nutrients.

What would help on the application form?

  • Date of diagnosis
  • Frequency and severity of symptoms
  • Details of any treatment including any hospital admissions and/or surgery
  • Any associated health problems
  • Date of last major attack or flare up of symptoms
  • Has there been any time off work?