What does an insurer want to know—and why?
The proposed insured is the person whose life would be covered. Underwriting is the insurer’s review of that person, the amount requested, and the policy’s requirements to decide whether to offer coverage and at what price.
It is a review, not a judgment of your worth.
Depending on the product, insurers may consider age, health history, medications, tobacco or nicotine use, family medical history, occupation, activities such as aviation, travel, and driving history. They may also review income, the reason for coverage, existing insurance, and pending applications to assess whether the amount is financially appropriate.
An initial quote is not necessarily the final offer. Underwriting can result in approval at the quoted rate, a different rate or amount, a request for information, postponement, or a decline. Requirements differ by carrier, age, coverage amount, and answers.
Insurer education: the underwriting process ↗Exams and information requests you may encounter
| Requirement | What it usually involves |
|---|---|
| Paramedical or “paramed” exam | A trained examiner reviews health history and records measurements such as height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse. Blood and urine collection may accompany the appointment. |
| Blood and urine tests | Laboratory information can help evaluate health and verify application answers. The tests ordered vary; ask what is being collected and how to obtain your results. |
| Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) | A recording of the heart’s electrical activity. It is not required for everyone and may be requested with other requirements. |
| Physician examination or additional testing | A more detailed examination or specific follow-up may be requested when the insurer needs clarification. Ask what is required and who arranges it. |
| Health interview | A telephone, online, or in-person review of medical history, treatment, and application details. It can occur even without an exam. |
| Attending physician statement (APS) or electronic records | Records from a treating clinician or another authorized source. An APS is an information request, not necessarily a new exam. |
ExamOne describes paramedical appointments at home, work, or an exam location. A basic appointment may take roughly 20–40 minutes; additional services can take longer. Your actual instructions control.
ExamOne: preparation and appointment information ↗What might the laboratory evaluate?
Depending on the order and applicable consent requirements, testing may include cholesterol, blood sugar, liver or kidney indicators, nicotine exposure, or other health markers. Some applications involve HIV testing with required consent. A lab result is interpreted with the rest of the application; it is not a diagnosis by this website.
The insurer’s assessment does not replace medical care. If a result concerns you, request a copy and discuss it with your clinician.
Prepare for an accurate picture, not a performance.
Have identification, your medication list and dosages, and relevant clinician and treatment details available. Follow the examiner’s specific instructions about food, water, timing, and activity. Ask before fasting, especially if you have diabetes or another condition that makes fasting difficult.
Do not stop prescribed medication or change treatment to influence an insurance exam. Ask your clinician and the exam provider if preparation instructions conflict with your care. Request accommodations or rescheduling when needed.
ExamOne: what a paramedical exam may include (PDF; older preparation handout) ↗No exam does not mean no review.
Accelerated underwriting can use application answers and electronic information to evaluate eligible applicants without an exam. Simplified issue often uses health questions and records. Guaranteed issue generally removes medical questions but has its own eligibility and benefit limits.
Motor vehicle report: why driving can matter
A motor vehicle report (MVR) supplies driving-record information, which may include violations, convictions, suspensions, and reported accidents, depending on the record. Insurers may consider patterns of risky driving, including DUI convictions, when evaluating mortality risk.
Not every ticket produces a decline or higher premium. The type, seriousness, recency, and carrier’s guidelines matter. Check questionable information with the source and ask how to correct errors.
Prescription checks, including Milliman IntelliScript
With the required authorization and permissible purpose, an insurer may obtain prescription-history information through a service such as Milliman IntelliScript. Such information can help verify treatment history or identify questions needing clarification. Some services also supply other medical information or analytics.
A prescription is not the whole story: a medicine may have more than one use, records may be incomplete, and errors can occur. Answer the application honestly and explain relevant context through the insurer’s appropriate process.
Milliman IntelliScript supplies information; it does not decide whether the insurer approves or declines you. You can request your available consumer report and dispute inaccurate information through its consumer process. If a consumer report contributes to an adverse insurance decision, review the notice for your rights and the reporting company’s details.
Does LI4W pull my prescription or driving records when I submit the questionnaire?
No. This site’s brief inquiry form does not order those reports. An insurer’s application and authorization process is separate.
Does the examiner decide whether I qualify?
No. The examiner collects information. The insurer makes the underwriting decision.
Can I ask what records were used?
Yes. Ask the insurer what additional information it needs and how to obtain relevant results or consumer reports. Report-dispute rights depend on the information and applicable law.
Should I leave out a medication if I think it is unimportant?
No. Answer the questions accurately and ask for clarification if needed. Context can be explained; omissions can create problems.
Not every carrier orders every test or report. This page describes possible requirements, not a promise about an application. Keep medical records, Social Security numbers, and detailed health information out of the website’s brief questionnaire and ordinary email. Reviewed October 2026.
Learn here. Ask questions when you’re ready.
You do not need to buy anything to use these guides. If a personal conversation would help, send Eric a brief questionnaire or call (708) 620-6560.