How insurers see PCOS
PCOS is a common hormone condition that can cause irregular periods, extra hair growth, acne and difficulty getting pregnant. Underwriters understand that it is widespread and usually managed day to day, so the label alone seldom moves the price.
What they look at is the wider picture. PCOS is linked with insulin resistance and weight gain, which can raise the long-term chance of type 2 diabetes and heart problems. The insurer checks whether any of those are present now, rather than pricing for something that has not happened.
This means two people with PCOS can get quite different results, and the difference usually has little to do with the PCOS itself. A healthy weight, normal blood sugar and normal blood pressure put you in a strong position. Raised readings are priced for what they are, whatever the cause.
The linked measures that matter
Your height and weight will be asked in every application, and a higher body mass index can lead to a loading whatever the cause. Blood sugar results, blood pressure readings and cholesterol levels also feed into the decision, so it helps to know your most recent figures.
If you take metformin for PCOS, say what it is for. Metformin is often used for diabetes, so a clear note that you take it for insulin resistance linked to PCOS stops the underwriter assuming something else and sending you a diabetes questionnaire you do not need.
- Height and weight
- Any blood sugar or HbA1c results
- Blood pressure and cholesterol
- Medication and the reason for it
The terms you might see
With PCOS and healthy readings, standard terms are the usual result. If your weight, blood sugar or blood pressure is raised, the insurer prices for those measures, which could mean a loading. If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, that becomes the main condition they assess.
Income protection and critical illness cover follow the same logic. PCOS rarely causes an exclusion by itself, though related conditions may be considered. A history of low mood linked to PCOS symptoms is assessed as a mental health question in its own right.
Fertility treatment and pregnancy
Some applications ask whether you are pregnant or having fertility treatment. These questions are usually straightforward, and answering yes does not normally stop you getting life cover. Insurers mainly want to know about any complications so far.
If you are planning a family, it can make sense to arrange cover before or during pregnancy. Life insurance taken out now stays on the same terms whatever happens to your health later, as long as you keep paying the premiums.
How Hi Tomorrow helps with PCOS
We look at your PCOS alongside your weight, blood results and medication so we can tell you honestly what to expect. If metformin or a raised reading might confuse an underwriter, we make sure the context is clear in the application from the start.
We compare insurers on our panel and recommend cover that suits your plans, including any family plans. If you are thinking about a mortgage or a baby in the next few years, we can build that into the amount and length of cover.