Life insurance application explained

Deciding to take out life insurance can feel like a big decision. It could have a large positive impact on your loved ones’ finances if you passed away. Once you’ve chosen your product, completing a life insurance application form should be straightforward.

Life insurance application questions

The questions providers ask can vary as insurers have different systems, called underwriting criteria, to decide how much your premiums will be. They generally cover your past and current health, occupation and lifestyle. But don’t worry – this personal information will only be used for your application and will not be shared. Take a look at some of the questions you may be asked:

Name
An insurance policy is a legal document, so you’ll need to provide your legal name (no nicknames). It means records all line up and helps claims get processed without any issues.

Date of birth
Your age is one of the primary factors used to help decide costs. The older you are, the more likely it is for your premiums to be higher. This is because you’ll be more prone to certain health conditions and people tend to be in better health when they are young.

Sex at birth
Life insurance companies will ask for your sex at birth as the life expectancies for men and women is different. Women on average live 3.7 years longer than men, so they can sometimes have cover over a longer period of time. This can also make it cheaper.

Length of time
Would you like cover for a specific term or a lifetime? This will impact the cost. Whole of life insurance doesn’t expire but it does tend to cost more.

Amount of cover
This is the amount paid out if you pass away. For example, if you have a large mortgage, you’ll want more cover. The more cover you want, the higher your premiums will be.

Height and weight
Your height and weight combined with your age reveal your BMI (body max index). BMI results can indicate if you are likely to develop weight-related health problems. A higher BMI could increase your insurance. But some insurers may ask for a medical examination or more information.

Lifestyle habits
Some lifestyle choices increase your risk of developing health conditions, like smoking and drinking alcohol. Insurers may charge more for cover if you smoke or drink a lot because it means you’re more likely to claim. But health habits can lower your premiums too, like regular exercise.

Occupation
Working in a high-risk occupation can mean having to pay more because they can risk an individual’s life. Insurers could charge more because of this.

Hobbies
If you have any dangerous hobbies like skydiving or bungee jumping, your quote may be higher than someone who doesn't.

Medical history
Insurers may ask about any medication you take and past surgeries. This is because pre-existing conditions are often exempt from cover. In some cases, insurers may even decline an application. This makes it very important to disclose the information. They can also ask about family medical conditions (some are hereditary).

Medical evaluation
Your insurer may request a medical evaluation if they have concerns about your medical history. In the exam, they would likely check your vitals and take samples, such as blood or urine.

What can I do if my life insurance application is declined?

It’s disappointing if your life insurance application is declined. But there are a few things you can do. The first is to double-check your application and look for any errors.

If everything looks okay, speak to the insurer and find out why they declined you. Life insurance applications are declined for specific reasons. For example, they may not cover people who’ve had particular illnesses in the past.

Some insurers will cover people who’ve had cancer in the past, but others may not. If you are declined, shop around and get in touch with different providers. If you’re struggling, try speaking to an independent financial adviser. They’ll be able to advise you on the best product for your circumstances.