Part of our guide: Impaired Risk Life Insurance Underwriting by Condition →
A decline isn’t always the final word. Sometimes the carrier simply didn’t have the full picture, and the difference between a lost case and a placed one is an underwriting team willing to go back and ask.
Key takeaways
- Declines often happen because records are incomplete or out of date, not because the risk is unacceptable.
- Asking the carrier for reconsideration with updated information can reverse a decision.
- In this case, a declined LTC rider on a $1 million UL policy was approved after interim details were provided.
The LTC rider was declined. We went back with updated details — and it was approved. The case was placed.
The case
A 60-year-old applied for $1 million of universal life with a long-term care rider. His medical records showed inflammatory arthritis, and the carrier declined the LTC rider.
- August 2016: joint pain in hands and feet, first treated as presumed gout without relief
- Normal rheumatoid factor and uric acid tests
- Rheumatology diagnosed inflammatory arthritis and prescribed meloxicam; pain improved within three months
- Last visit October 2018: no joint pain, no medication
What we did
The records stopped in 2018, so the underwriter had no information on his current condition. We went back to the carrier and arranged to provide interim details. They showed no further joint pain and no medication since 2016. After reviewing the update, the carrier approved the LTC rider and the case was placed.
Why reconsideration works
Underwriters decide based on what’s in the file. If the file has gaps, they assume the worst. Filling those gaps with current, documented information often changes the answer. We take the same approach on every difficult case, including one that was declined by three carriers before a Standard offer.
Bring us your difficult cases
If you have a decline, a postponement, or an offer that doesn’t match your client’s health, contact our Underwriting Team. We’ll review the file and look for a path to a better outcome.
Frequently asked questions
Can a life insurance decline be reversed?
Sometimes. If the decline was based on incomplete or outdated records, a carrier may reconsider when given current, documented information.
What is an underwriting reconsideration?
A request for the carrier to review a decision again, usually with new information such as a doctor’s statement or updated test results.
How does an IMO/BGA underwriting team help?
We know each carrier’s guidelines, can pre-screen cases, and advocate with carrier underwriters to get the best possible decision.
Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-25
Tim Fuller
President, SRS Inc.
Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.
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