Part of our guide: Impaired Risk Life Insurance Underwriting by Condition →
“I’ve got a guy with a heart thing” isn’t much for an underwriter to work with. Every detail you provide turns a vague question into a firm answer, faster.
Key takeaways
- Underwriters want the who, what, when, how, and why of each health issue.
- Condition-specific details matter, such as cancer stage and grade or diabetes type and A1C.
- Height, weight, tobacco use, and family history round out the picture.
Every detail you add turns “it depends” into a real answer, and shortens the turnaround.
The core questions for any condition
- What is the condition or underlying cause?
- When was it diagnosed?
- Was it mild, moderate, or severe?
- How is it treated?
- Are symptoms well controlled? Any complications?
- Fully recovered?
- When was the last doctor visit, and what was the outcome?
- What’s the current condition?
Condition-specific details
- Cancer: type, location, stage and grade, PSA readings if applicable, any recurrence or spread.
- Diabetes: Type 1 or 2, most recent A1C, treatment. See why A1C matters.
- Heart conditions: procedures, test results, and current symptoms.
Also include
- Height and weight
- Any tobacco or nicotine use: cigarettes, cigars, chew, vaping
- Family history of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer
More on this in field underwriting and answering the underwriter’s questions first.
Frequently asked questions
What information do underwriters need about a medical condition?
Diagnosis, date, severity, treatment, control, complications, recovery, last doctor visit, and current status.
How can I get a faster informal underwriting answer?
Provide complete details up front, including condition-specific information like cancer staging or A1C.
Does height and weight matter for an informal inquiry?
Yes. Build affects nearly every rating, so always include it.
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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