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A GUIDE TO CRITICAL ILLNESS INSURANCE 19 Underwriting is the process that insurers conduct when they assess your medical history and other risk factors to determine your eligibility for insurance. Mostly, underwriting is involved in individual policy applications, but it can also be part of some group plans, depending on the amount of coverage requested. For most individual critical illness policies requiring more complex underwriting, an agent will provide you with an insurer's application form to complete with you and will assist you with this process. The underwriter at the insurance company will review that form to assess your health and habits, ability to pay premiums, and the risk of you experiencing an illness or injury in the future. On the application, information about your medical history, family history, smoking habits, driving record and substance use are also considered. Younger applicants or persons applying for smaller amounts of critical illness insurance may need to submit fewer documents, while older applicants or persons with multiple health issues might be required to provide additional information and medical test results. The information needed to assess your application may differ from insurer to insurer. Here are some examples of what to expect: The company's underwriters will review all the information that has been submitted. Every insurer will have a different underwriting review process. Underwriting a critical illness insurance application can be complex, and it can take time to make a decision. 8 An attending physician statement: This is a confidential summary of your medical history provided by your doctor. Vitals: A measure of your current height, weight, blood pressure and pulse, taken by a nurse. In certain circumstances, blood and urine tests might also be required. A paramedical exam: A nurse will be sent to complete a medical questionnaire and take your vitals. • • • WHAT IS CRITICAL ILLNESS UNDERWRITING?