Life insurance with sleep apnoea
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is one of the most common conditions our partner brokers help people with. The good news is that it is almost always insurable, and if you are using your CPAP properly, you will usually get good terms. The key factors are severity, treatment compliance, and whether you have any associated conditions - particularly a high BMI.
The short answer
Sleep apnoea is very common and usually insurable. Mild to moderate OSA treated with CPAP typically attracts standard rates or a minor loading. Severe OSA that is untreated or poorly managed may face a moderate to significant loading. CPAP compliance is the single most impactful thing you can do for your insurance terms. OSA frequently coexists with a high BMI, and when it does, insurers assess both together - resulting in a compound loading.
What insurers actually ask about sleep apnoea
When you apply for life insurance with sleep apnoea, insurers ask specific questions to assess the severity and how well it is being managed. Here is what they focus on.
What is your AHI score (severity)?
The Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index measures the number of breathing interruptions per hour during sleep. Mild (5-15), moderate (15-30), and severe (30+) carry different levels of risk. If you do not know your AHI score, your sleep clinic or GP can provide it.
Are you using CPAP?
Using a CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is the standard treatment for moderate to severe OSA. Insurers view CPAP compliance very positively - it demonstrates that you are actively managing the condition and significantly reduces associated health risks.
How compliant are you with CPAP?
Modern CPAP machines record usage data. Using your CPAP for 4+ hours per night on most nights is considered compliant. Insurers may ask about compliance levels. Good compliance dramatically improves your insurance terms.
What is your current BMI?
OSA and high BMI frequently coexist, and insurers assess them together. The combined risk results in a higher loading than either condition alone. If your BMI is in the normal range, your OSA is viewed more favourably.
Have you notified the DVLA about your sleep apnoea?
In the UK, you are legally required to notify the DVLA if you have excessive daytime sleepiness that affects your ability to drive safely. Some insurers ask about this as an indicator of symptom severity and compliance with regulations.
Is your OSA treated or untreated?
Untreated OSA is viewed far less favourably than treated OSA. If you have been diagnosed but are not using CPAP or other treatment, insurers will apply a higher loading. If treatment has been offered but declined, this raises additional concerns.
Know your AHI score and CPAP status
If you can tell us your AHI score, whether you use CPAP, and your BMI, our specialist brokers can give you an accurate picture of your options in minutes.
Get QuoteHow severity and treatment affect pricing
Your AHI score and whether you are using CPAP are the two factors that matter most. Here is how different scenarios are typically assessed.
Mild OSA (AHI 5-15), on CPAP
Standard to near-standard rates
Mild OSA managed with CPAP is viewed very favourably. Most mainstream insurers will offer standard or near-standard rates, particularly if your BMI is normal and you have no other associated conditions. Some insurers may not apply any loading at all.
Moderate OSA (AHI 15-30), on CPAP
Minor loading
Moderate OSA with good CPAP compliance typically attracts a minor loading of 25-50%. This is the most common scenario we see, and it is very manageable. Most mainstream insurers will offer terms.
Severe OSA (AHI 30+), on CPAP
Moderate loading
Severe OSA even with CPAP carries higher risk and typically attracts a moderate loading of 50-100%. However, good CPAP compliance significantly mitigates the loading. Without treatment, the loading would be substantially higher.
Moderate to severe OSA, untreated
Significant loading
Untreated moderate to severe OSA is viewed unfavourably. Loadings of 75-150% or more are typical, and some insurers may decline or postpone pending commencement of treatment. If you have been diagnosed but are not yet on CPAP, starting treatment before applying can materially improve your terms.
Sleep apnoea and high BMI: the compound effect
OSA and high BMI frequently go together, and insurers assess them as a combined risk. This means the total loading is typically greater than the sum of the individual loadings.
For example, moderate OSA on its own might attract a 25-50% loading. A BMI of 35 on its own might attract a 50% loading. But moderate OSA combined with a BMI of 35 might attract a 100-125% loading, because the two conditions together carry a higher combined health risk than either alone.
If you have both OSA and a high BMI, insurer selection becomes particularly important. Some insurers are more lenient on BMI while others are more lenient on OSA. A broker can identify which insurer treats your specific combination most favourably.
Realistic pricing examples
These are illustrative examples to give you a sense of what to expect. Actual premiums depend on your full medical history, age, BMI, and the specific insurer.
| Profile | Cover | Indicative monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| 35-year-old non-smoker, moderate OSA on CPAP, BMI 26, no other conditions | 200,000 level term, 25 years | 10-16/month |
| 42-year-old non-smoker, severe OSA on CPAP, BMI 33, controlled blood pressure | 200,000 level term, 20 years | 25-45/month |
| 50-year-old non-smoker, severe OSA on CPAP, BMI 38, Type 2 diabetes on metformin | 150,000 level term, 15 years | 55-100/month |
These are indicative figures based on typical market rates. They are not quotes. Actual premiums may be higher or lower depending on your full circumstances and the insurer selected.
The honest answer
Sleep apnoea on its own is one of the easier medical conditions to insure. If you are using your CPAP, your BMI is reasonable, and you have no other significant health issues, your premiums may barely differ from standard rates. Where it gets more complex is when OSA coexists with high BMI, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions - then the combined risk drives premiums up more substantially. The single most useful thing you can do for your insurance terms is use your CPAP consistently. If you are not using it, starting treatment before applying can make a meaningful difference to the terms you are offered.
Critical illness cover with sleep apnoea
Sleep apnoea is not a listed condition on critical illness policies (it would not trigger a payout in its own right). However, OSA increases the risk of several conditions that are listed, including heart attack and stroke. As a result, some insurers may apply a loading or decline critical illness cover for severe OSA.
For mild to moderate OSA on CPAP, critical illness cover is usually available, often with a minor loading or at standard rates. For severe untreated OSA with associated conditions, critical illness may be more difficult.
Income protection with sleep apnoea
Income protection is generally available with sleep apnoea. Some insurers may apply an exclusion for sleep-apnoea-related claims or a loading, but full cover without exclusions is achievable for well-managed OSA. The key is CPAP compliance and the absence of excessive daytime sleepiness that could affect your ability to work.
Need critical illness or income protection with OSA?
These products require more careful insurer selection when OSA is combined with other conditions. Our specialist brokers will find the best terms for your situation.
Get QuotePut your policy in trust
Whatever your health situation, every life insurance policy should be written in trust. Without a trust, the payout enters your estate and may face 40% inheritance tax and months of probate delays. Writing your policy in trust is free and takes 2 minutes. Our partner brokers set it up on every policy.
Read our full guide to trusts and estate planning
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to declare sleep apnoea on a life insurance application?
Yes. Sleep apnoea is a diagnosed medical condition and must be declared. Failing to disclose it could void your policy at claim time. With proper disclosure and a good broker, sleep apnoea usually results in very manageable terms - there is no reason to risk non-disclosure.
I have been diagnosed but I do not use my CPAP - how does that affect things?
Untreated or non-compliant OSA is viewed less favourably by insurers. You will face higher loadings than someone using CPAP consistently. If you have been prescribed CPAP but are not using it, starting treatment before applying can meaningfully improve your terms. Even 3-6 months of good compliance data makes a difference.
Does a mandibular advancement device (MAD) count as treatment?
Yes. If your OSA is mild to moderate and you are using a mandibular advancement device as recommended by your sleep specialist, insurers will view this as treated OSA. The key is that you are following the treatment plan prescribed for your level of severity.
I had surgery for sleep apnoea - how does that affect my application?
If surgery has resolved your OSA (confirmed by a follow-up sleep study showing a normal or near-normal AHI), this is a very positive outcome for insurance. You may be assessed at standard or near-standard rates. If the surgery was only partially successful and you still have residual OSA, you will be assessed based on your current AHI and treatment status.
Does the DVLA notification affect my insurance?
The DVLA notification itself does not directly affect your life insurance. However, if you have had your driving licence suspended or restricted due to excessive sleepiness from OSA, some insurers may view this as an indicator of severity or non-compliance with treatment. Successfully notifying the DVLA and retaining your licence is actually a positive indicator of controlled symptoms.
Will my premiums decrease if I lose weight and my OSA improves?
Existing premiums on a guaranteed policy cannot be changed. However, if you lose weight and your OSA improves (or resolves), you can apply for a new policy at your improved health status. If the new terms are better, you switch. If your OSA resolves entirely, you may qualify for standard rates on a new policy.
Get a sleep apnoea life insurance quote
Tell us your AHI score, whether you use CPAP, and your BMI. Our specialist brokers will find the insurer that offers the best terms for your situation in one free call.
Get QuoteFree. No obligation. Takes 2 minutes.