Understanding Life Insurance
Life insurance (or life assurance) is a contract between a policyholder and an insurer. In exchange for regular payments called premiums, the insurer agrees to pay a lump sum — called a benefit — to a nominated beneficiary if the insured person passes away or suffers a covered condition like disability or terminal illness.
Depending on the policy, cover may include:
Depending on the policy, cover may include:
- Death
- Permanent disability
- Terminal or chronic illness
What Is a Chronic Illness?
A chronic condition is a long-term health issue that typically can't be cured by medication or prevented by vaccines. Examples include:
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Stroke
Such illnesses become more common with age and may be linked to lifestyle factors like smoking, poor diet, or lack of exercise.
Getting Life Insurance: How It Works
When applying for life insurance, insurers may:
- Ask for your medical history and lifestyle information
- Require a medical examination to assess your health status
- Use this information to calculate your premium
People with chronic illnesses may face:
- Higher premiums (called premium loading)
- Or may be denied cover due to the higher risk
However, some insurers offer specialized life insurance policies designed for people with chronic illnesses.
Terminal Illness Benefit
Many life policies include a Terminal Illness Benefit, which pays out the full insured amount if you're diagnosed with a terminal illness.
⚠️ If this benefit isn’t included in your policy, claims related to a chronic illness may not be honored, especially if the illness is diagnosed after the policy starts.
Important Tips for Policyholders
- Review your policy to ensure it covers chronic and terminal illnesses.
- Disclose all health conditions honestly when applying.
- Inform your insurer immediately if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness after your policy begins.
Life insurance provides financial security in difficult times — but only if you understand what’s covered. Always read the fine print, ask about chronic illness benefits, and keep your insurer informed about your health.