Why Underwriting Takes So Long
Medical records required by the life
insurance companies can be hard
to get on a timely basis.
Many people get frustrated with the life insurance application process because it can take awhile. Life insurance is not like most products that you can buy on the spot and take home with you that day.
Life insurance companies require completed applications and medical information in order to complete the underwriting process—which process determines your exact price for life insurance. If your application has missing information or missing signatures, this will delay the process. Likewise, if there are any forms or authorizations missing, the life insurance company will require that these things be completed before they can conclude their underwriting and issue your policy.
The most common holdup in the application process occurs when trying to obtain your medical records and medical information. Information provided by the medical exam and application will allow the insurance underwriters to determine which, if any, medical records are needed to fully evaluate your application.
Once the life insurance companies see that they need medical records, the waiting usually begins.
Medical facilities and doctors' offices can take a long time to return requested medical records to the life insurance company. Some facilities can take a month or more to respond to a request for medical records. The sooner these records are requested the sooner the policy can be issued. That's why it is important to complete your application fully and take your medical exam as soon as possible. This way, any additional records needed by the insurance company can be requested and received on a timelier basis.
