You’ve completed and signed an application for life insurance; what happens next?
Depending on the amount of life insurance you apply for, you may be asked to provide medical information as part of the underwriting process or to submit to a medical exam. Underwriting for life insurance is often perceived as a daunting experience, but it doesn’t have to be.
Underwriting is the process the insurance company uses to gather your information, decide whether you qualify for coverage and determine the appropriate premium. You benefit by receiving insurance at a rate that corresponds to your risk factors.
The most common risk factor examined during underwriting is personal medical history. Less than perfect medical underwriting results do not necessarily disqualify you from purchasing life insurance, but they may affect the amount of premium you pay.
In addition to the information you provide on the application, a telephone interviewer may call you to obtain your medical history. The company may also request your insurance history from the Medical Information Bureau (MIB) and review medical history from your personal physician or other medical care providers.
Your agent will notify you if you need to get a physical examination, then a paramedical service will contact you to schedule a convenient date, time and place for the exam. You may choose to have the exam completed at your home or office.
Be prepared to respond to questions about your medical history, including whether or not you smoke. While you may be asked for a blood or urine test, or to undergo a non-invasive electrocardiogram, insurance medical exams are brief and do not usually require you to disrobe.
With minimal preparation, the life insurance exam is a simple, convenient procedure that supplies underwriters with valuable data needed to make an informed decision regarding your eligibility and the premium you will pay.
For policy service and additional information, speak to an independent agent representing The Cincinnati Life Insurance Company. For a complete statement of the coverages and exclusions, please see the policy contract. All applicants are subject to underwriting approval. Products and riders available in most states.