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Retirement
Your health could be the
key to a larger pension
Maximise your pension by sharing your health story
Many UK adults approaching retirement may be missing out on
thousands of pounds due to misunderstandings about how their health
affects their pension options. Research shows that two in five adults over
50 are unaware that common medical conditions could significantly increase
their retirement income[1]. Despite the potential for higher guaranteed income
through enhanced annuities, 40% of those over 50 do not understand how
health disclosures affect their final rate.
T
competitive rates. Many feel uncomfortable sharing
everyday health issues. For example,
sensitive medical data by phone with advisers.
over 40% of people in this age group are
To address this, some providers now offer online
unsure whether conditions such as high
health declarations, which provide a private and
blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or smoking habits
straightforward way to ensure all details are
affect their annuity income. Surprisingly, only 17%
accurately recorded.
believe smoking could increase their income, and
Enhanced annuities are tailored to your
even fewer associate high blood pressure (13%) or
circumstances, ensuring your retirement
type 2 diabetes (12%) with higher payouts.
income aligns with your health and lifestyle. Total
transparency ensures you receive the best financial
arrangement for your situation.
Contrary to common assumptions, poor health
or lifestyle choices can work in your favour when
Take control of your retirement income
it comes to annuities. These financial products
Understanding how your health affects your pension
provide guaranteed lifetime income, and providers
options is crucial. By being open about your medical
use your medical history to calculate payouts. If a
history and seeking professional advice, you could
health condition or lifestyle factor reduces your life
secure a higher guaranteed income and make the
expectancy, you may receive a higher annual income
most of your retirement. Don’t let misunderstandings
as compensation.
or discomfort hold you back; explore enhanced
Being fully transparent about your medical history
is the most effective way to maximise your retirement
If you are approaching retirement and want to
understand how your medical history could
affect your guaranteed income, speak to us.
We’ll explore your options and help you secure
his confusion often centres on
Closing the gap on enhanced annuities
Want to discover whether
you could increase the
income you receive for
the rest of your life?
annuities to ensure your financial future meets your
individual needs. t
income. Omitting seemingly minor health details
could cost you significantly over time. Although 57%
of UK adults report being honest with professionals
about their health, only 48% of annuities purchased in
2024/25 were enhanced, highlighting a gap between
eligibility and uptake.
Seeking the right support and guidance
Reluctance to discuss health in a financial context
often prevents people from securing the most
Published by Goldmine Media Limited
Goldmine Media Limited, 124 City Road, London EC1V 2NX.
Articles are copyright protected by Goldmine Media Limited 2026. Unauthorised duplication or distribution is strictly forbidden.
the maximum retirement income you deserve.
Source data:
[1] Research conducted by Opinium with a nationally
representative sample of 2,000 UK adults aged 50 and
over, carried out between 27 August and 1 September
2025.
This article does not constitute tax, legal or financial
advice and should not be relied upon as such. For guidance,
seek professional advice. A pension is a long-term
investment not normally accessible until age 55 (57 from
April 2028, unless the plan has a protected pension age).
