Medical Underwriting in Life Insurance

The underwriter will review your application form, check the details with you orally, and cross-verify them by reviewing relevant documents. If you’ve been accurate with filling out your application form, this process doesn't take much time. In case any detail is amiss, it will be corrected after the underwriter fact-checks with you.

You will be asked to undergo a series of medical exams. The suggested tests are based on the following factors.

• Age
• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Details you’ve submitted in your application form
• The policy you plan on buying
• The coverage you aim to buy
• The rules of the insurance company

Generally the following medical tests are suggested.

• Blood Examination: This is done in order to check for smoking habits, diabetes,  heart diseases, bone diseases etc.

• Urine Test: Apart from basic details, a urine test is also used to check for drug usage - alcohol and other drugs.

• Basic Measurements: Height and weight checks are done to determine your Body Mass Index (BMI), which is used to assess your overall health.

• Blood Pressure: Your blood pressure is also checked during the process to understand the risks related to your heart.

Usually, the following documents are requested at this stage:

• Proof of age
• Residential proof
• Proposal form
• Income proof and related documents
• Medical history

In some cases, the underwriter can ask for a Motor Vehicle Report from the Department of Motor Vehicles to check your driving history and determine whether you are a risky driver and pose a risk of an accident. 

This is the final step where all the records and test results are considered to evaluate your application. You’ll be surprised to know that some basic parameters have a major role to play in deciding your premium cost. Parameters considered while rating your Life Insurance undertaking and the role they have to play.

• Age
• BMI (Body Mass Index)
• Lifestyle: Habits such as smoking, and drug and alcohol consumption make you susceptible to health concerns and risks, including cancer. 
• Existing health conditions: Health conditions expose you to increased risk. It is a major deciding factor for whether your application gets rejected (in case of a major condition) or if you have to pay a higher premium. 

Underwriting is a process that can take as little as one week or as long as eight weeks, depending on how quickly the required information and test results can be delivered.

No, simply provide the information requested and pursue the necessary medical tests as soon as possible. This will speed up the insurance underwriting process.

Yes, You can buy Life Insurance without medical underwriting, but it typically depends on your policy type. 

If you don't qualify for a certain class of Life Insurance, you may be entitled to simple issue or guaranteed issue Life Insurance. 

Yes, Your medical examination findings will affect the premium. Typically, a greater number of health risks exposed during the medical underwriting process increases the premium.

In insurance, an underwriter is a professional who evaluates and assesses the risks associated with insuring people, businesses, or assets.