Life insurance question.

[Muminthemiddle22]

I have a private life insurance policy for £500,000.
Unfortunately I also have been diagnosed with incurable and inoperable cancer, diagnosed in July 2024
At the time of diagnosis my doctor said the average life expectancy was 18 months. That was 6 months ago.
I have young children and a family. To be honest, if I could access the money now I’d spend the rest of my days giving them as many joyful opportunities as possible.

The clause of my life insurance plan states that if you have a life expectancy of less than 12 months they will pay out now

I’m interested to know if anyone has experience of claiming on a life insurance policy under the terminal illness clause or similar?

I’m also slightly wary of insurance companies and don’t want to do anything to jeopardise a payment! (either now or after I’ve died). For example, I haven’t declared my terminal illness to them and I don’t think I need to. But maybe I do? I’m worried they then look to cancel the policy. I’ve held the policy for 10 years and until recently have been in good health.

I’ve really no experience of dealing with life insurance claims so any info or experience at all would help. Thanks a lot!

Im so sorry this is happening. I have no advice at all but hopefully someone will come along soon with experience.

Oh thank you @DorothyStorm ! It's all a bit shit, that is true.

Sorry about your diagnosis.

I have no experience of claiming but is it possible to call up their claims line anonymously and ask for generic advice, such as whether you need a doctor's certification about the 12 month life expectancy before the insurer will pay out under the clause.

So sorry OP. You need to check your policy as often you do need to have declared things like this to them.

If you have the cover, you should be able to claim it. They might ask for a private medical report etc that they will arrange.

The FCA have recently reviewed terminal illness benefits within life insurance products, so there are clear guidelines for the companies to follow.

Don't be afraid to ask for help and guidance from cancer charities, Macmillan etc and if any problems claiming, read the ombudsman rules and contact them.

I recently used the ombudsman for an insurance complaint on a pension and they were excellent.

Hopefully, the insurance company will treat you well and sympathetically. I hope you get the money really quickly, OP and are able to make lots of lovely memories for your family.

XX

It's with vitality.
I've read their terms and conditions and can't see where it says it must be declared. But I'm no expert.

That's a good idea to call and make a generic enquiry. I'm gong to make sure I call from an unknown number though as my phone number is linked to my account!

That's a good idea about Macmillan and other services etc. I hadn't thought of that.

Any advice from anyone with experience dealing with a life insurance claim greatly received!

So sorry to hear you are going through this OP- all hugs to you
My understanding is that you need two doctors to sign a letter of life expectancy for it to be paid out.
I wouldn't worry about telling them - as long as you are paying the premiums they have to pay up.
When my Dear mother died my father said that the life insurance was the easiest call with trained people dealing with his case.
Go make memories xx

Vitality are good ime.
If you feel able, have your policy with you and call 0345 272 8802, lines open Mon to Fri, 9:00am to 5:00pm
Or you can email [email protected].as a first step.

sorry about your diagnosis Op

life insurance is typically paid out because someone has passed away. Do you mean critical illness cover?

that would typically pay out on diagnosis of a critical illness listen in the policy t&cs

@Runningoutofthyme Some life insurances pay out with a life expectancy of under 12 months. Depends on the terms

The op states quite clearly that its life assurance with a terminal illness clause

@Runningoutofthyme it's a life insurance policy with a terminal illness Clause. Definitely not critical illness.