The medical underwriting process

Step 1 — the questionnaire

You'll complete a health and lifestyle questionnaire (we have one right here in the portal). Answer as honestly and fully as you can — non-disclosure is the number one reason claims are declined.

Step 2 — the insurer's decision

Most applications are decided immediately. Where a condition needs a closer look, the insurer may:

• Request a targeted questionnaire (e.g. about a diagnosis or medication).
• Ask your GP for a report — you'll be asked to consent first.
• Arrange a nurse screening (blood pressure, height/weight, sometimes bloods).

Step 3 — the terms

An insurer can respond in several ways:

• Standard terms — full cover at the quoted premium.
• Rated terms — cover with a higher premium reflecting the risk.
• Exclusion — cover with a specific condition excluded.
• Postponed / declined — the insurer can't offer cover right now.

If terms come back less favourable than expected we'll shop the case with other insurers before you commit.

Getting the best outcome

• Have GP name and surgery to hand — it speeds things up.
• List medication names and dosages, not just conditions.
• Make a note of when medical conditions were first diagnosed and treated — approximate dates are better than none.
• Flag anything under investigation, even if there's no diagnosis yet.

The more information you can provide at application stage, the more likely you are to avoid unnecessary delays caused by insurers requesting further medical evidence — such as nurse screenings, GP reports and targeted questionnaires.

Related guidance

For a fuller picture of how long underwriting can take, the different possible outcomes, and why starting early can save you money, read our companion guide: Understanding life insurance underwriting timescales.