Table of Contents
Editor’s note: First published February 2016 | Refreshed October 2025 with updated Irish claims data and underwriting guidance.
10-second summary:
Lying (or even “forgetting” something) on a life insurance or mortgage protection form can void your claim.
Always disclose health conditions honestly — a rated premium is far better than a refused payout.
Misinformation, white lies, little porkies, telling fibs, being economical with the truth… whatever you call it, lying is lying — and you shouldn’t do it on a life insurance or mortgage protection application.
Insurers assess risk using the info you provide. If key facts are missing or untrue, they can reject a claim — meaning no payout when your family needs it most.
Automatic declines do happen, but they’re the exception. Postponements are more common.
Most people who disclose health issues still get cover — usually with a slightly higher premium (a “rating”).
If you genuinely can’t get mortgage protection, speak to your lender about a waiver. It’s not guaranteed, but it exists for exactly these cases.
I get it. You want the house. But a “creative” application can leave your family in deep trouble if you die.
Your claim will be rejected, and the mortgage will still have to be paid. Missed repayments can lead to repossession. Don’t risk it.
Say you shave a few kilos off your weight to improve your BMI and get standard terms.
A decade later there’s a claim. The insurer reviews past medical notes (they can request GP reports).
If they find your actual BMI at application was materially higher, they can decline the claim for non-disclosure.
That’s the difference between a paid-off mortgage and your family facing the bank alone.
Irish Life paid 99% of death claims in 2024.
The main reason death claims are not paid is material non-disclosure — telling lies on the application.
Example from 2024:
A plan less than two years old was issued based on clear answers.
At claim stage for a cardiac death, it emerged the person had been referred to a cardiologist at application time.
If disclosed, cover would not have been offered.
The claim (over €150,000 life cover) was declined for non-disclosure.
If someone tells you lying is “no big deal,” they’re not on your side.
Most brokers (us included) are protection nerds who want to arrange policies that actually pay out.
We’ve helped plenty of people replace dodgy policies with solid ones — the relief is massive once the worry is gone.
It happens. If you’re postponed or declined, talk to us about next steps.
Sometimes time, treatment, or presenting your case to a more suitable underwriter changes everything.
If cover truly isn’t possible, you can build a financial back-up via savings or investing — with proper advice from a qualified planner. (We focus on protection; investing isn’t our bag.)
Worried about something on your form?
Tell us the truth up front — we’ll find the best route (right insurer, right product, right timing).
Book a quick callback with Nick: Schedule here.
They can — and frequently do at claim stage. They may also request GP reports during underwriting.
If your records contradict your application, that’s grounds to void the policy for non-disclosure.
No. Insurers look at material non-disclosure — information that would have changed the decision (accept, decline, or rate).
If you’re unsure whether something is relevant, disclose it and let your broker decide.
Often yes. Different insurers have different appetites. Timing, treatment and better evidence can help.
For mortgages, a waiver request is a parallel option if protection isn’t possible right now.
Start with the essential need — mortgage protection or life insurance.
Depending on your budget and goals, review income protection and serious illness cover.
Each has different underwriting and benefits.
Act now. Don’t cancel anything until you’ve put proper cover in place.
We can review your situation and try to replace the policy with one that will pay out.
Tell the truth on your application. If something’s niggling at you, chat to us — it’s usually fixable, and if it’s not, we’ll be straight about your options.
Book a callback or complete this medical questionnaire and we’ll be in touch.
Thanks for reading,
Nick
Editor’s Note: First published 2016 | Refreshed October 2025
As Ireland's leading life insurance broker, we specialise in comparing the rates and policies from the top five Irish life insurance providers and offering the very best value quotes to suit the individual needs of our clients. Our expertise lies in finding a suitable insurance plan for those with specific needs, be it a particular illness, occupation or claim history, we've got you covered in every sense!
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