Medical Underwriting

"Medical Underwriting" is a meticulous process undertaken by insurance companies to assess the health status of applicants before issuing or determining the pricing for life, health, and disability insurance policies. This evaluation involves a thorough review of an individual's medical history, present health conditions, lifestyle habits, and other pertinent factors to gauge the risk level of providing insurance coverage. The outcome of this assessment influences the insurer's decision on policy issuance, premium setting, and the stipulation of any coverage exclusions or limitations.

Key aspects of medical underwriting are as follows:

1. Collection of Health Information: Applicants are typically required to disclose comprehensive details about their medical history, including any past illnesses, surgical procedures, ongoing treatments, and familial health history. This disclosure may necessitate completing detailed health questionnaires and undergoing medical examinations.
2. Risk Evaluation: Utilizing the health information provided, underwriters assess the probability of the applicant making future claims. This risk evaluation takes into account the likelihood of health issues arising, based on the applicant's current health and medical background.
3. Determining Premiums: The risk assessment results guide insurers in setting premium rates for the applicant. Individuals deemed higher risk might face increased premiums or receive offers for limited coverage, whereas those assessed as lower risk could be eligible for more favorable premium rates.
4. Policy Terms and Conditions: The medical underwriting process aids insurers in formulating the policy's terms and conditions, which may include specific exclusions for pre-existing conditions or identified health risks.
5. Regulatory Considerations: The extent and methodology of medical underwriting can vary depending on local regulations and laws, which may restrict the use of certain information in underwriting decisions or prohibit discrimination based on health factors. For example in Canadian law, specifically the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act, prohibits insurers from requesting or using genetic test results for underwriting purposes.

Medical underwriting is an essential function within the insurance industry, enabling insurers to effectively manage risk and maintain the viability of their insurance offerings. By setting premiums that accurately reflect the risk associated with insuring different individuals the process ensures fairness and sustainability in the provision of insurance coverage.