Is a medical absolutely necessary?

No. Most people do not require a medical. Normally an insurer will only ask for a medical if you have existing health issues that cannot be resolved by a report from your GP or if you have applied for an especially high sum of insurance.

STEP 1 of 2
Type of cover
Life Insurance       Mortgage Life Insurance
 
Cover Level (£)

Number of years
Do you want:  
Critical illness cover
Family income benefit
 

Hot Topics

Is it better to have a Guaranteed or a Reviewable premium?
In the medium to longer term we believe that a Reviewable policy will cost you more than a Guaranteed policy. On the other hand Reviewable policies do have the advantage of a lower premium at the outset and this appeals to many people, especially if budgets are tight.
Will your medical history affect your premium?
Yes, your medical history is a very important factor.
Why is insurance more expensive for smokers?
On average, the premium for a smoker is around 65% higher than a non-smoker. The reason is quite simple – non-smokers are generally healthier and live longer.
Will you need a medical?
The answer really depends upon your medical history.
Is a medical absolutely necessary?
No. Most people do not require a medical. Normally an insurer will only ask for a medical if you have existing health issues that cannot be resolved by a report from your GP or if you have applied for an especially high sum of insurance.
In most cases the insurer is happy to make a final decision based on the information you supplied on your Application Form. However, they may decide that they need further information to be able to make a proper assessment of the risks involved in providing you with insurance. In that case, they have three alternative courses of action:

  • The Insurance Company can contact your GP and ask for further information having first asked for your permission. This is the most likely course of action the Insurance Company will take.
  • Alternatively the Insurance Company may send a medical representative to see you at home to ask some questions and make an assessment of your health.
  • The remaining option is to ask you to go your GP or another Doctor for a medical.

Whichever of these routes is followed, the Insurer always picks up all the costs involved.

The problem is that if further medical information is required it inevitably slows down your application. But if you need cover quickly, for example to finalise a mortgage, there are things they can do to speed up the process.

Please remember that it’s vitally import that you tell the truth when you complete your application form. If you don’t disclose something, or you don’t tell the whole truth, any claim could be invalidated by your insurer.

Frequently Asked Questions related to the above topic.
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