Underwriting plays a central role in determining your eligibility for a policy and the rates you pay for your life insurance coverage. Getting to know all the steps in the life insurance underwriting process can make applying for coverage much simpler.
In this article, we’ll go through what life insurance underwriting is all about. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be ready to tackle this part of getting life insurance easily. Learning what underwriters do and what affects your risk classification will help you find the right coverage.
Ready to make sense of life insurance underwriting and get a handle on your financial plans? Let’s get started.
Understanding Life Insurance Underwriting
Life insurance underwriting determines if you can get a policy and how much you’ll need to pay for your coverage if approved.
Underwriting begins when you send an official application to the insurance company requesting coverage. Along with the application, you may be required to complete a medical exam and provide consent to allow the insurance company to pull personal information on you to help aid in the underwriting of your application.
After the insurance company receives your application, it is assigned to an underwriter. This individual has several responsibilities, including:
- Judging the overall risk of your application
- Deciding if you can get life insurance and how much it will cost
- Considering things like your health, how you’re doing financially, and the choices you make in your lifestyle
Now, let’s go into more detail about what underwriters do and the main factors they look at.
The Role of Underwriters
Underwriters are responsible for evaluating the risk associated with insuring individuals and determining whether to approve or deny their applications. To make this assessment, they carefully review your application, health history, medical exam results, and any other pertinent information about your health, lifestyle, and financial situation.
Utilizing their expertise, underwriters analyze all the variables that could influence your life expectancy and the likelihood of there being a death claim having to be paid out. This in-depth evaluation assists the insurance company in establishing an overall risk classification, which will result in the premium you’ll pay for your policy.
Their role is pivotal in ensuring the insurance company effectively manages its risks and maintains financial stability. This comprehensive assessment safeguards the interests of both the insurer and the insured, guaranteeing that you receive the appropriate coverage for your needs.
Key Factors in Underwriting
When your life insurance application undergoes underwriting, the underwriter closely examines various factors to assess the risk associated with insuring you. While the specific underwriting methods may vary depending on the insurance company and the policy type, here is a detailed list of common factors that are considered:
Age: Age is significant as it helps determine your life expectancy and potential health risks. Younger applicants are likely to receive favorable rates as they are statistically less likely to pass away during the policy term or shortly after the policy has been issued.
Gender: Your gender can influence your life expectancy and susceptibility to specific health conditions, affecting underwriting decisions. Generally, female applicants receive lower rates than males due to statistical evidence indicating a longer life expectancy.
Health History: Medical records are often reviewed when there is an admitted history of past illnesses, surgeries, or chronic conditions. This includes assessing the presence of diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, etc.
Family Medical History: Family medical history can be a factor when an immediate family member (parents and siblings) dies young due to a health condition. This is to identify hereditary health conditions.
Smoking: Smoking habits are a concern with all life insurance companies. It’s common for smokers to face higher premiums due to associated health risks. Current smokers will have a risk classification of preferred or standard tobacco. If you have recently stopped smoking, you must have at least 12 months tobacco-free before qualifying for non-smoker rates.
Alcohol Consumption: Regular alcohol consumption can be a factor during underwriting as there is a question about the amount of drink consumed daily. Excessive use or rehab for alcohol consumption might result in higher premiums or even policy denial.
Drug Use: Using recreational or prescribed drugs can significantly influence underwriting decisions. It’s assessed case-by-case, considering factors such as frequency and the nature of the drug used. Many life insurance companies have become much more lenient on recreational marijuana use, but beware that you may qualify for smoker rates depending on the frequency.
Risky Hobbies: Participation in high-risk hobbies like extreme sports or hazardous occupations dramatically influences the outcome of underwriting. These activities may lead to increased premiums or policy exclusions. Risky hobbies include racing, skydiving, parachuting, and extreme scuba diving. While participating in these activities will not necessarily decline you for coverage, you may experience a higher premium.
Criminal History: Any criminal offenses may be considered during the underwriting stage. Most life insurance companies will deny coverage if you are incarcerated or on probation.
Height and Weight: Obesity or being severely underweight can increase the risk of various health issues. According to a specific chart, insurance companies use, placement in a risk category is determined based on height and weight at the time of the application.
Occupation: The nature of your work is evaluated to determine the level of risk associated with your job. Riskier trades like mining or construction may impact underwriting decisions.
Military Service: If you currently serve in the military, especially if you are scheduled to deploy to a dangerous area or have a high-risk occupation, such as a Navy Seal or Army Ranger, you may not be eligible for private life insurance.
Income: Insurance companies will look at your annual income and net worth to ensure that the coverage you seek aligns with your financial situation. The amount of insurance you purchase should roughly correspond to the financial loss your family might experience if you pass away.
Existing Insurance Coverage: Any existing life insurance policies you hold and the total coverage you seek are considered. An underwriter will check to see if you are overinsuring yourself based on a multiple of your annual income. If you replace existing coverage, the replacement amount will not be held against you.
Medical Examinations: Most life insurance applications require a medical exam, which includes measurements like blood pressure and cholesterol levels and may involve blood and urine tests. These tests provide insights into your overall health and, with elevated results, can determine final rates and approval.
Medications: The prescription medications you are currently taking are reviewed, as certain medications might indicate underlying health conditions. Underwriters can pull a prescription check to verify any prescribed medications and when those medications were initially prescribed and last refilled.
Driving Record: Your driving history, including any traffic violations or accidents, may be considered as it reflects your risk-taking behavior. The insurance company will request a copy of your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR).
Financial History: Your credit history may be reviewed to assess your financial stability and responsibility. Insurers don’t pull your credit score, but they look at bankruptcy, substantial debt, and a history of missing multiple debt payments.
Personal Habits: Consideration may be given to personal habits like travel frequency and other activities that could potentially pose risks to your health and safety. For example, foreign travel to countries of concern can lead to increased rates or uninsurability.
Previous Applications: Underwriters will review your Medical Information Bureau (MIB) report to check if you’ve recently applied for life insurance coverage with other providers. Multiple applications, primarily if they resulted in coverage denials, can be a concern during underwriting, especially if they weren’t admitted on the application, as that will be a question you will need to answer. Not being transparent about recent applications can raise red flags with your current application.
Underwriting Guidelines: Each insurance company has its underwriting guidelines, which may vary based on risk appetite, policies, and industry trends.
Not all factors hold equal weight, and insurance companies evaluate and analyze these factors collectively to make an informed decision on your insurability and premium rates.
The objective of assessing these factors is to identify any potential health risks or other reasons you might be a higher risk. By understanding these criteria, you can see how your choices and circumstances impact your risk classification and, ultimately, your premium rates.
The Life Insurance Application Process
When applying for life insurance, you must complete an application requiring you to provide detailed personal and medical information about yourself. This is a primary step in helping the insurance company assess your overall risk and final risk classification.
While several life insurance companies offer non-medical underwriting options, it is often the standard process when applying for life insurance to undergo a medical exam consisting of a blood draw, urinalysis sample, blood pressure readings, and height and weight check.
The insurance company will also use third-party resources to verify the application and medical questionnaire responses, assisting in making a final decision.
While the underwriting process can take as little as 24 hours, most insurance companies provide an estimated timeline of 4 to 6 weeks for approval. However, the timeline can be extended beyond six weeks if you have a comprehensive medical history.
Before submitting your life insurance application, take a moment to review it carefully to check for any potential inaccuracies. Any discrepancies or omissions could delay the underwriting process or deny coverage. Taking your time to make sure the application is spot-on is a smart move for a smoother underwriting experience.
Completing the Application
Completing your life insurance application is pivotal in securing financial protection for your loved ones. Keep the following in mind during this process:
- Agent Assistance: Working with a life insurance agent can be beneficial in guiding you through the application, ensuring all necessary and accurate information is included. This personalized support streamlines the process and minimizes errors.
- Accurate Personal Information: Verify that your name, date of birth, and contact details are correct. Inaccuracies can lead to delays in the underwriting process.
- Transparent Medical History: Provide a comprehensive account of your medical history, including any pre-existing conditions or past surgeries. Honesty is paramount, as insurers will review your medical records.
- Truthful Lifestyle Responses: Insurance companies may inquire about habits such as smoking or participation in risky activities. Truthfully disclosing this information is imperative to prevent potential claims issues. Remember, all life insurance policies have a two-year contestability period in which the insurance company can investigate a death claim within the first two policy years.
Completing the life insurance application allows you to work closely with your agent, ensuring accuracy and a smooth underwriting process. This collaborative approach enhances your chances of securing the coverage you require.
Medical Exam
Scheduling and completing the needed medical exam is a primary step in the life insurance application process. The good news is that the insurance company covers the cost of these assessments, making it convenient for you.
A licensed nurse will contact you within 24-48 hours after the insurance company receives your application to arrange an appointment based on your availability. Most exams are conducted in the comfort of your home, ensuring a hassle-free experience. However, if you prefer, you can also visit a physical office for the examination.
Typically, the medical exam is relatively quick, lasting around 20-30 minutes, and is designed to be as non-invasive as possible. Depending on your age, medical history, and the amount of coverage being applied for, the exam may include the following:
Health Questionnaire: If your life insurance application did not include health questions, you will be asked to complete a health questionnaire about your medical history, lifestyle, and any pre-existing conditions with the examiner.
Height and Weight Measurement: You will be measured for your height and weight, matching the insurance company’s build chart.
Blood Pressure Check: The examiner will use a cuff around your arm to measure your blood pressure. This test helps evaluate your cardiovascular health and the risk of developing heart-related conditions.
Blood Sample: A small blood sample is taken to perform various tests. This can include checking cholesterol levels, glucose levels (indicative of diabetes risk), and liver/kidney function, among others.
Urine Sample: You will be asked to provide a urine sample. This helps assess kidney function, detect potential underlying medical conditions, and evaluate overall health. The urine sample can also disclose any recent drug use.
EKG (Electrocardiogram): In some cases, an EKG may be performed to record the electrical activity of your heart. This test helps identify any abnormalities or potential heart conditions. An EKG is not a typical requirement when applying for life insurance. It is generally requested for coverage amounts of considerable value, often ranging in the several million dollars.
Additional Tests: Depending on your age, medical history, and policy value, the insurer may request additional tests such as a chest X-ray, stress test, or specific screenings for certain diseases.
The best part is that you won’t have to wait long for the results. A copy of the lab results is usually available within a few days of completion. These results help the insurance company assess your health and determine the associated risk.
Remember, honesty and accuracy during these assessments are paramount to prevent future complications or claims issues.
Third-Party Record Checks
Before you go through the underwriting process, you can review the insurer’s privacy policy to understand how your data is collected, managed, and protected. Knowing where the information comes from and how it’s handled can provide peace of mind throughout the underwriting process.
These checks involve gathering information from various sources, including:
Medical Information Bureau (MIB): MIB is a specialized database that stores medical information on individuals. Insurance companies use MIB reports to identify undisclosed medical conditions or past insurance applications.
LexisNexis: LexisNexis provides a range of data services to insurance companies, including identity verification, public records searches, and risk assessment reports.
Motor Vehicle Records (MVR): Insurance companies often request an applicant’s MVR from the Department of Motor Vehicles to assess their driving history and determine their risk level.
Prescription Drug Database: Insurance companies utilize a prescription drug database to check an applicant’s prescription history and identify potential health risks or undisclosed medications.
Credit Reports: While not directly related to underwriting an application, some insurance companies may use credit reports to assess an applicant’s financial stability and determine premiums.
Financial/Income Verification: Insurance companies may request financial or income information from third-party sources to verify an applicant’s financial status and determine policy eligibility.
The specific third-party record checks used in underwriting a life insurance application can vary between insurance companies. They may depend on factors such as the type of policy, coverage amount, and applicant’s age and health.
Risk Classifications and Premiums
Risk classifications are used to categorize you based on your risk level, directly impacting your premium cost. These classifications are determined by factors like age, health, and lifestyle, and they help calculate the rate for your life insurance policy.
In this section, we’ll take a closer look at common risk classes and how they influence premium rates, allowing you to identify potential areas for improvement in your risk profile.
For instance, making positive changes like quitting smoking or maintaining a healthy weight can enhance your risk classification, potentially leading to lower premiums. Let’s explore how these factors come into play when securing life insurance coverage.
Common Risk Classifications
| Risk Classification | Description | Typical Premium Range |
|---|---|---|
| Preferred Plus | Low-risk individuals with excellent health | Lowest premiums |
| Preferred | Low-risk individuals with favorable health | Low premiums |
| Standard Plus | Moderate risk with some health considerations | Moderate premiums |
| Standard | Moderate risk | Standard premiums |
| Substandard | High-risk individuals with significant issues | Higher premiums |
| Declined | Coverage denied due to extreme risk factors | Not applicable |
Preferred Plus/Preferred: This classification is often reserved for individuals with very low-risk profiles. Typically, these are people in excellent health, with favorable lifestyles and minimal risk factors. They may enjoy the lowest premium rates.
Standard Plus/Standard: The standard risk class includes those with moderate risk levels. You might have some health considerations or lifestyle factors that don’t fall into the preferred category but aren’t high-risk either. Premium rates for this group are generally reasonable.
Substandard: Substandard risk class is for those with higher risk factors. This might include significant health conditions or a history of high-risk behaviors. While coverage is still available, premiums may be higher due to the elevated level of risk.
Understanding these risk classes can help you gauge where you might fall and how it impacts your life insurance coverage and costs.
How Risk Classification Affects Rates
Insurance companies use risk classifications in life insurance to assess the likelihood of your death and determine the premiums they need to charge to cover the associated risk. These classifications are typically based on various factors, including age, gender, health status, lifestyle habits, occupation, and family medical history.
Based on the underwriting assessment, you’re usually categorized into different risk classes, such as preferred plus, preferred, standard plus, standard, substandard, or declined.
People who are healthier and have a lower risk of premature death are generally placed in higher-risk classes, resulting in lower premiums. On the other hand, individuals with health issues, pre-existing medical conditions, or risky lifestyles are placed in lower-risk classes, leading to higher premiums.
The rationale behind this is that individuals with higher risks are more likely to make claims, and insurance companies charge higher premiums to compensate for the increased likelihood of payouts.
To provide an example, let’s consider two individuals applying for a 20-year term life insurance policy with a death benefit of $500,000:
Healthy You:
- Age: 30
- Non-smoker
- No significant health issues or medical conditions
- No family history of serious illnesses
- Engages in regular exercise and has a healthy lifestyle
Based on these factors, you, as a healthy individual, may be classified as “preferred plus” or “preferred” and could receive a lower premium. You might pay around $20 per month.
You with Health Issues:
- Age: 30
- Smoker
- Diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure
- Overweight
- Limited exercise and an unhealthy lifestyle
Given the higher risk associated with your health issues and lifestyle habits, you might be placed in a lower-risk class, such as “standard” or “substandard.” Consequently, you would face higher premiums due to the increased likelihood of filing a claim. You could pay around $50 per month or even higher.
It is important to note that the actual premiums will depend on various factors, including the insurer’s underwriting guidelines, the specific health conditions, and the severity of the risks involved. Additionally, some health issues or extreme risk factors might result in a decline in coverage altogether.
Types of Life Insurance Underwriting
When purchasing life insurance, it’s good to know the different underwriting methods available, as they are all not the same. Learning about your underwriting options can help you make the best choice that suits your needs. Let’s look at the three main types of underwriting:
| Type of Underwriting | Description | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Underwriting | Comprehensive evaluation of health and lifestyle | All applicants, especially those with health issues |
| Accelerated/Automated Underwriting | Uses data and technology for faster approval | Healthy applicants, minor health issues |
| Guaranteed Issue Underwriting | Simplified process, no health questions | Applicants with severe health issues, seniors |
Traditional Underwriting
Traditional underwriting is the most common method insurance companies use, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are applying for a large amount of coverage.
In the traditional underwriting method, companies look closely at many details, including your health, through medical tests and information from other sources to figure out how risky it is to insure you.
This thorough evaluation process can help ensure the insurer accurately assesses your risk and provides appropriate coverage and rates based on your unique situation.
For smaller policies or if you have an excellent health history, you may want to consider choosing a company that can offer a much simpler or faster underwriting method, such as accelerated or automated underwriting.
Accelerated and Automated Underwriting
In recent years, the insurance industry has seen the rise of accelerated and automated underwriting processes. These modern approaches rely on advanced technology, algorithms, and data analysis to speed up underwriting.
Instead of subjecting you to lengthy assessments, insurance companies use data from various sources like electronic health records and publicly available information to evaluate your risk quickly.
This means you can get approval faster, often instantly, and enjoy a smoother experience. Accelerated and automated underwriting is an excellent choice if you’re looking for swift coverage decisions. Plus, many companies can offer coverage up to $1,000,000 or more with the potential of an instant decision.
While accelerated and automated underwriting can provide fast coverage, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. These methods are typically most suitable if you have an excellent health history.
However, you may still meet the criteria if you have minor health issues like well-managed blood pressure or cholesterol levels. On the flip side, if you don’t meet the underwriting method’s guidelines, you might need to complete a medical exam for further evaluation.
Guaranteed Issue Underwriting
Guaranteed issue underwriting takes a different approach, offering you life insurance coverage without the need for extensive medical evaluations typically associated with traditional underwriting.
This option is particularly appealing if you have pre-existing health conditions or are concerned about qualifying for other types of coverage. Guaranteed issue policies usually feature simplified application processes and ask no health-related questions.
Keep in mind that while this option may be more accessible, premiums for guaranteed issue policies are often higher compared to traditional or accelerated underwriting due to the increased risk involved.
Guaranteed issue coverage is primarily designed for individuals who may not qualify for traditional underwriting. It’s commonly chosen by people over the age of 50 who want to ensure their funeral costs are covered, as the death benefit is typically limited to $25,000 or less.
However, these policies have restrictions to offset the risk of insuring those with significant health issues. For example, the death benefit is not payable if death occurs during the first two policy years. Instead, your beneficiary will receive all premiums paid up to the point of death plus interest.
Tips for a Smooth Underwriting Experience
To ensure a smooth underwriting experience, there are several steps you can take, such as preparing for medical exams, providing accurate information, and maintaining good health and lifestyle habits. By taking a proactive approach to the underwriting process, you can increase your chances of securing the best coverage and rates.
In the following subsections, we’ll offer pointers and advice for effectively and efficiently navigating the underwriting process, assisting you in achieving a successful outcome.
Preparing for Medical Exams
Preparing for the medical exam can help you have a smooth and accurate underwriting process. Here are some tips to consider:
Follow the Pre-Exam Instructions: Make sure to read any instructions from the insurance company. These might tell you to fast for a specific time before the test or not consume caffeine. It’s good to stick to these suggestions to get the right results.
Drink Water: Try to drink lots of water in the days leading up to the exam. This can help the person taking your blood do it more efficiently, making the experience more comfortable.
Sleep Well: Get plenty of sleep the night before the test.
Bring Your ID: Remember to bring an ID, like a driver’s license or passport, when you go to the test.
Know Your Health Background: Be ready to talk about your health history, such as the medicines you’re taking now or any recent surgeries or sicknesses.
Stay Relaxed: Feeling a little nervous is normal, but try to stay calm during the test. Taking deep breaths can help keep your blood pressure steady.
These tips can help you get ready for the medical exam and make the underwriting process work out well. Remember that the insurance company pays for this exam, which is a normal part of the underwriting process.
Providing Accurate Information
Being honest helps the underwriting process go smoothly. It’s good to give accurate information when you fill out your application. Even small mistakes can cause problems later. Here’s why being accurate is a good idea:
Prevent Delays: Giving wrong information can cause delays, as underwriters might need more details or documents to understand your situation. To make things faster, try to be very detailed in your answers.
Get the Right Coverage: Telling the truth helps you get the best coverage for your specific situation. Giving clear information about your health, job, and hobbies can help you get the policy that fits you best.
Reduce Problems: Leaving things out or giving different information can cause issues during the underwriting process. Underwriters use your details to determine how much risk there is to insure you. Mistakes can cause problems that slow everything down.
Avoid Being Turned Down: Sometimes, mistakes or wrong information can mean you don’t get coverage. Review your application before sending it to fix any errors to stop this from happening.
By being clear, honest, and giving all the details in your application, you can help make the underwriting process a success, helping you get the coverage and costs that are right for you.
Maintaining Good Health and Lifestyle Habits
Maintaining good health and lifestyle habits can significantly impact your risk classification and premium rates. By adopting healthy habits, such as eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding risky behaviors like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, you can demonstrate to insurers that you are a low-risk applicant.
Not only can these habits lead to more favorable rates and coverage options, but they can also improve your overall health and well-being. Taking control of your health and lifestyle choices can help you achieve the best possible coverage and rates while improving your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I’m declined for life insurance coverage?
If you are declined for life insurance coverage, alternative options are available. One option is guaranteed issue life insurance, which does not require a medical exam or health questions. Another option is accidental death insurance, which provides coverage specifically for accidental deaths. Additionally, you can make lifestyle changes to improve your insurability in the future.
How long does underwriting typically take?
The duration of the underwriting process can vary depending on several factors. Generally, it may take a few days to a few weeks. However, the complexity of the application, the need for additional medical exams, or the availability of relevant documents can impact the timeline.
Can I change my life insurance policy after underwriting?
Yes, changing a life insurance policy is generally possible after undergoing the underwriting process and prior to the coverage going . These changes can include increasing coverage or changing beneficiaries. However, specific details and requirements may vary between insurance companies and policies.
Do all life insurance companies use the same underwriting criteria?
No, life insurance companies do not all use the same underwriting criteria. Different insurers may have varying guidelines and standards. It is advisable to compare quotes from multiple insurers to find coverage and rates that align with your specific circumstances.
Can I appeal an underwriting decision?
Yes, you can appeal an underwriting decision if you believe you were unfairly rated or denied coverage. The appeals process typically involves submitting a written request for reconsideration to the insurance company. They will review your case and provide a response within a specified timeframe.
