Life insurance with PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common hormonal conditions in the UK, affecting up to 1 in 10 women. For insurance purposes, PCOS itself is not a significant concern. What insurers focus on are the associated conditions that sometimes accompany PCOS, particularly BMI and insulin resistance.
The short answer
PCOS alone, with no complications, attracts standard life insurance rates. Insurers are not concerned about PCOS itself - they are concerned about associated conditions. If your BMI is in the normal range, you have no insulin resistance or diabetes, and your mental health is stable, PCOS will have zero impact on your premiums. If you do have associated conditions, each is assessed on its own merits.
What insurers actually care about with PCOS
When you declare PCOS on a life insurance application, insurers are primarily screening for associated conditions rather than assessing PCOS itself.
What is your current BMI?
PCOS is associated with weight gain and difficulty losing weight. If your BMI is in the normal or overweight range (under 30), this is not a concern. If your BMI is above 30, the BMI itself may attract a loading independently of PCOS. See our high BMI guide for specific detail on how BMI affects premiums.
Do you have insulin resistance or Type 2 diabetes?
PCOS increases the risk of insulin resistance and, over time, Type 2 diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with either, this is assessed as a separate condition. Insulin resistance alone (without diabetes) is generally viewed mildly. Type 2 diabetes has a more significant impact depending on HbA1c and medication.
What medication are you taking?
The combined pill for PCOS symptom management is viewed neutrally. Metformin for insulin resistance is noted but has minimal impact. Spironolactone for acne or hirsutism is also viewed neutrally. None of these medications alone should increase your premiums.
Any associated mental health conditions?
PCOS can affect body image, confidence, and mental health. If you are being treated for depression or anxiety alongside PCOS, the mental health component is assessed on its own merits. Mild mental health conditions on stable treatment have minimal impact.
When associated conditions affect premiums
PCOS alone does not increase premiums. The associated conditions are what may have an impact. Here is how the most common associations are assessed.
PCOS with a high BMI
If your BMI is the only associated factor, the loading (if any) will be based on your BMI range rather than the PCOS. BMI 30-35 typically attracts standard to minor loading. BMI 35+ may see a moderate loading. For detailed information, see our high BMI guide.
PCOS with insulin resistance
Insulin resistance without diabetes is generally viewed mildly. If you are taking metformin for insulin resistance and your blood sugar levels are normal, most insurers will offer standard or near-standard rates. The metformin is seen as proactive management.
PCOS with Type 2 diabetes
If PCOS has progressed to Type 2 diabetes, the diabetes becomes the primary underwriting factor. Your HbA1c, medication, and complications are what determine your premiums. For detailed information, see our Type 2 diabetes guide.
PCOS with mental health conditions
Depression or anxiety associated with PCOS is assessed based on severity, treatment, and stability. Mild depression on stable SSRI medication has minimal impact. More significant mental health conditions are assessed separately from the PCOS.
PCOS? This is usually straightforward.
Tell us about your PCOS and any associated conditions. Our specialist brokers will confirm your options quickly.
Get QuoteThe honest answer
PCOS is genuinely not a concern for life insurance in most cases. If you have PCOS with no significant associated conditions, you should get standard rates without difficulty. The condition itself carries no increased mortality risk that concerns underwriters. If you have associated conditions such as a high BMI, insulin resistance, or Type 2 diabetes, these are assessed on their own merits. PCOS is essentially transparent to insurance underwriting - it is the wider health picture that matters.
Critical illness and income protection
Critical illness cover is generally available at standard terms for people with PCOS, since PCOS itself does not significantly increase the risk of listed critical illness conditions. Any associated conditions (BMI, diabetes) are assessed separately.
Income protection is similarly straightforward unless PCOS has caused significant time off work. In most cases, PCOS does not result in income protection exclusions.
Put your policy in trust
Every life insurance policy should be written in trust. This ensures the payout goes directly to your beneficiaries outside your estate, avoiding 40% inheritance tax and probate delays. It is free and takes about 2 minutes. Our partner brokers set this up on every policy.
Read our full guide to trusts and estate planning
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to declare PCOS on a life insurance application?
Yes, you should declare all diagnosed conditions. However, PCOS alone is unlikely to affect your premiums. Declaring it ensures your policy is valid and protects you at claim time. It is always better to over-disclose than under-disclose.
I take metformin for PCOS. Will this affect my premiums?
Metformin taken for insulin resistance associated with PCOS is unlikely to increase your premiums, provided your blood sugar levels are normal and you do not have a diabetes diagnosis. Insurers view metformin for insulin resistance as proactive management.
Does PCOS affect fertility insurance or IVF coverage?
Life insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection do not cover fertility treatment. Fertility is not an underwriting factor. If you are undergoing IVF, this is disclosed as part of your medical history but does not affect life insurance premiums.
I have polycystic ovaries on a scan but no symptoms. Do I have PCOS?
Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound without symptoms is common and does not constitute a PCOS diagnosis. PCOS requires additional criteria (irregular periods, elevated androgens). If you only have the scan finding with no symptoms and no treatment, this has no insurance relevance whatsoever.
Get your PCOS life insurance sorted
PCOS is usually straightforward to insure. Call us with your details and our specialist brokers will confirm your options in minutes.
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