What if I Lie on my Life Insurance Application?
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.
⚠️ Start Here:
If you lie on your application, your claim can be refused.
Always tell the truth — your broker can work with it.
Lying on your life insurance policy = no payout.
Why lying backfires
Insurers assess risk using the info you provide. If key facts are missing or untrue, they can reject a claim.
That means no payout when your family needs it most.
“But if I tell the truth, I won’t get a policy!”
Automatic declines do happen but they’re the exception.
Postponements are more common.
But most people who disclose health issues on their application still get cover — usually with a rating (higher premium).
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.
“The bank refused a waiver — I’m tempted to ‘massage’ the form.”
I get it.
You want the house.
But a “creative” application can leave your family up shit creek if you die.
Your claim will be rejected and the mortgage will have to be paid; missed repayments can still lead to repossession.
Don’t risk it.
A “tiny” lie about weight — what’s the harm?
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.
Real-world claims data (Ireland)
Irish Life paid 99% of death claims during 2024. This metric has been consistently high for years — which should give you confidence in Irish protection policies.
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 in force) 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.
“But Barry the Broker said it’s grand.”
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 to protect you and your family.
We’ve helped plenty of people replace dodgy policies with solid ones — the relief is massive once the worry is gone.
Can’t get cover right now?
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/investing — with proper advice from a qualified financial planner. (We focus on protection; investing isn’t our bag.)
Worried about something on your form?
Tell us the truth — off the bat. We’ll figure out the best route (right insurer, right product, right timing).
Book a quick callback with Nick: Schedule here.
FAQs: Non-Disclosure & Irish Life Insurance
Will insurers really check my medical records?
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.
Is an honest mistake the same as lying?
No. Insurers look at material non-disclosure — information that would have changed the decision (accept/decline/ratings). If you’re unsure whether something is relevant, disclose it and let your broker/insurer decide.
Can I still get cover after a refusal?
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.
What products should I consider if health is complicated?
Start with the essential need (e.g. mortgage protection or life insurance). Depending on goals/budget, review income protection and serious illness cover. Each has different underwriting and benefits.
What if I already lied on an old policy?
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 should pay out.
Over to you…
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.
