You've recently had a serious diagnosis — cancer, heart, stroke, COPD — and you're worried funeral cover won't be available, or that the waiting period will outrun your life expectancy. Guaranteed-acceptance products exist for exactly this case, but read the fine print on waiting-period exclusions.
Who this scenario fits
- Recent serious diagnosis (cancer, heart, stroke, COPD, neurological)
- Concerned about underwriting decline or condition-specific exclusions
- Need to know what cover is realistically available
What to look for
- Guaranteed-acceptance products that pay for any-cause death after the waiting period
- Immediate accidental-cover provisions — usually pay from day one
- Waiting period length (typically 12–24 months for natural-cause death)
- Whether the Accelerated Funeral Benefit applies (lump sum paid on terminal-illness diagnosis with 12-month prognosis)
Watch out for
- Underwritten products are likely to decline or exclude the diagnosed condition
- Within the waiting period, only accidental death is covered — natural-cause death triggers a refund of premiums, not the sum insured
- Honest disclosure is required under the Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Act 2010 — non-disclosure voids the policy
Products to consider
Editorial selection based on product structure (not subjective ranking). Quote with each insurer for premiums applicable to your age and cover amount.
Related pages
Regulator + source references
Ready to compare?
Quote with each insurer for premiums and cover amounts applicable to your situation.
Editorial only — not personalised financial advice. Operated by Evolve Group Limited (FSP711891), a Financial Advice Provider licensed by the FMA.