Unlocking Evidence of Insurability: Key Factors Revealed
Insurance eligibility is influenced by several key factors that insurers consider when evaluating individuals for life insurance coverage. When you begin the application process, you may be asked to fill out an application, an Evidence of Insurability form or provide a statement of good health. The purpose of the EOI form is so the insurance company can gather information about your health and other relevant factors that will help them perform a risk assessment. If you fall within the level of risk for that insurance product, you will be offered a policy quote. If not, you may be offered alternate life insurance products that are a better fit.
This guide will break down exactly what types of information you need to supply on a life insurance evidence of insurability form, why it’s important to fill it out the EOI form accurately, and how the various components of insurance eligibility can impact your approval, the premium you will pay, and level of coverage you are offered.
What is an evidence of insurability form?
An Evidence of Insurability form, or EOI form, is the document or questionnaire that an insurance company may require you to complete when seeking coverage for certain types of insurance policies. Because the insurance providers want to assess the level of risk associated with insuring an individual, the EOI form will ask about factors including age, health status, driving history, and occupation. These components help determine your risk profile.
In addition to being required for new applicants, evidence of insurability forms may also be required when an individual wants to make changes to their insurance coverage, such as increasing the coverage amount or adding additional benefits. This helps the insurer determine whether the increased coverage aligns with the individual's current health status.
What’s included on life insurance evidence of insurability forms?
Life insurance is designed to provide financial protection to beneficiaries in the event of the policyholder's death. As such, life insurance providers try to assess your risk profile, or how likely you are to put in a claim. The key factors that comprise your risk profile include age, health status, lifestyle, and occupation. Here’s a closer look at the major factors and how they are determined via the life insurance evidence of insurability form.
Age
On the EOI form, one of the first pieces of information you will be asked for is your date of birth. Age is a significant factor in determining life insurance premiums and eligibility because it is closely linked to mortality risk. As you age, there is an increased likelihood of health issues and medical conditions. That’s why the older you are, the higher your life insurance premiums will likely be.
Health Information
Health status is a crucial factor in the life insurance underwriting process because it directly impacts an individual's mortality risk. The EOI form typically includes a number of questions about your current health status, medical history, and any pre-existing conditions. It may also ask questions about the health history of parents to gauge any potential genetic risks.
If you’re applying for life insurance, you may be asked to list previous surgeries, treatments, and prescription medications you are taking. The questions may get into further detail, asking about when such conditions developed or resolved. You will also have to disclose any preexisting conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer.
Lifestyle Factors
In addition to health-related questions, the EOI form may inquire about lifestyle factors that could impact insurance risk. One of the most important questions in this section is about tobacco use. In fact, insurers differentiate between smokers and non-smokers during the underwriting process, offering much lower premiums to non-smokers.
Tobacco use is included on Evidence of Insurability forms for life insurance because it significantly influences an individual's m and overall health. Smoking and the use of tobacco products are associated with a higher risk of mortality. Smokers are more likely to develop serious health conditions such as heart disease, respiratory diseases, and various cancers, leading to an increased likelihood of premature death. As life insurance is fundamentally based on mortality risk, tobacco use is a crucial factor in assessing that risk.
Engaging in hazardous activities can also have an impact on life insurance eligibility, premium rates, and coverage terms. That’s why the EOI form may include questions about risky activities that could increase the potential for accidents or injuries, leading to a higher risk profile. Here are some hazardous activities that may be asked about on an evidence of insurability form:
If you play any extreme sports: Activities such as skydiving, base jumping, rock climbing, and certain types of extreme sports pose a higher risk of injury or death. Insurers often consider participation in these activities when underwriting a life insurance policy.
If you take part in any aviation activities: Piloting private planes, engaging in stunt flying, or participating in other high-risk aviation activities can affect life insurance eligibility. The level of risk depends on the type of aviation involvement and your role (e.g., pilot, passenger).
If you go scuba diving: Deep-sea or cave diving, particularly at significant depths or in challenging environments, is considered a hazardous activity. The risk of underwater accidents, decompression sickness, and other diving-related incidents may impact life insurance underwriting.
If you enjoy racing and motorsports: Participation in professional racing, including activities such as car racing, motorcycle racing, or other high-speed competitions, is viewed as high-risk.
If you go mountaineering or engage in other alpine activities: Climbing high-altitude peaks, alpine mountaineering, and other similar activities involve significant physical risks.
Travel to high-risk countries: Travel to certain regions with high levels of political instability, civil unrest, or health risks may be taken into consideration during life insurance underwriting.
Occupation
Certain occupations are considered riskier than others, which is why EOI forms may ask about the work that you do. For example, if you have the type of job that has a higher likelihood of accidents or health issues, it may result in higher premiums. Some of these occupations include
Demolition or explosives work: Individuals involved in professions such as demolition, explosives handling, or bomb disposal may face higher life insurance premiums due to the inherent dangers associated with these occupations.
Professional diving: Commercial divers working in deep-sea exploration, underwater welding, or other high-risk diving occupations may experience increased scrutiny from life insurance underwriters.
Firefighting: While firefighting is a noble profession, it involves exposure to significant risks. Insurers may take into account the potential for injuries, smoke inhalation, or other health hazards associated with firefighting.
Military deployment in high-risk areas: Individuals deployed in military operations in high-risk or combat zones may be considered for higher-risk premiums due to the increased likelihood of injury or death in these environments.
Location
Though not as impactful as other factors, some insurers may take geographical factors into consideration including your area's crime rate, weather conditions, and prevalence of natural disasters. On the form, you may not be asked any specific questions about your location other than your home address.
How to navigate the evidence of insurability form
Above all else, it’s important to be truthful and accurate when providing information to insurers on an EOI form. Inaccuracies can lead to coverage issues or claims denial. Especially with your medical history, don’t intentionally leave anything out.
Here are key reasons why it's important to be truthful on a life insurance application:
- Fair risk assessment: Accurate information about your health, lifestyle, and activities helps insurers conduct a fair risk assessment. Misrepresentation can lead to an inaccurate evaluation of risk, potentially affecting coverage terms and premiums.
- Claims validity: In the event of a claim, the insurance company will investigate the circumstances leading to the claim. If it is discovered that the insured provided false or misleading information on the application, the claim may be denied. Truthfulness ensures that your beneficiaries are more likely to receive the benefits you intended.
- Policy approval and terms: Insurers determine whether to approve an application and set the terms and conditions of coverage based on the information provided. Providing inaccurate details can result in the denial of coverage or the imposition of exclusions and limitations that may not align with your needs.
- Legal obligation: Falsifying information on an insurance application is considered insurance fraud and is illegal. Fraudulent activity can lead to serious consequences, including the voiding of the policy, legal actions, and potential criminal charges.
Other EOI Form Tips
Though you might feel a sense of apprehension when you sit down to fill out the evidence of insurability form, try not to stress. Even if you are not approved the first time around, there are many life insurance options available to suit a variety or needs.
Start by getting educated about the different types of life insurance and what you can expect from the process. Remember that each insurance type may have specific criteria, and it's essential to tailor your approach based on the type of coverage you are seeking.
To help you get started, reach out to an insurance broker or agent who can provide guidance and help you find the most suitable coverage.
