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A key component of life insurance policies is medical underwriting. It serves as an initial assessment of your health status. Many Lansing, IA, customers reach out to us with questions about medical underwriting and its impact on their policy.
What Is Medical Underwriting?
Medical underwriting is a process in life insurance where your health is evaluated to determine eligibility and premium rates. After submitting your application, you will undergo a medical exam conducted by a doctor. During this exam, the doctor will ask questions about your lifestyle, medications, family history, medical history, and current health status. The doctor then provides this information to our team at Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency. Our underwriter reviews the documents to verify the details provided.
How Does Medical Underwriting Affect Your Life Insurance Policy?
Medical underwriting plays a crucial role in determining your life insurance eligibility and monthly premium amount. The results are used to classify policyholders based on their risk level. Individuals considered high-risk—such as those with pre-existing conditions, smokers, drinkers, or those with risky lifestyles—may face higher premiums and fewer carrier options. Conversely, healthy individuals typically have access to more policy options and lower premiums due to their lower risk.
The results of your medical underwriting are valid for two years. After this period, you will need to undergo another exam to update your policy. Changes in your health—whether improvements or declines—can lead to adjustments in your coverage. Additionally, if you provide false information on your application, your coverage may be denied.
At Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency, we encourage our customers to maintain a healthy, low-risk lifestyle to access a wider range of policy options. However, we also partner with life insurance providers that offer coverage for individuals who may not meet these criteria. For more information on life insurance, call or visit our office in Lansing, IA.
