Will I need to provide information about my health and/or undergo a medical?

When you request a life insurance quotation, it is always assumed that you are in reasonable health for your age (these are called 'Standard Terms'.) If you decide that you want to go ahead base on the quote provided, then you will then be required to complete a full application form. This form will ask for detailed information about your health, and using this information they will then assess your application.

If you have a history of illness in your family, the life insurance company will probably want to run a health check before accepting you on their Standard Terms. They will do this by either sending a letter to your Doctor for confirmation of your health, or by asking you to attend a medical. The will cover the cost of a medical.

If they think you represent an above average risk, they will 'Rate' you. This means that your quote based on your full health details is more than the original quote. They could even decline your application if they think you’re too high a risk.

However in the vast majority of cases, you will not need a medical to get life insurance.

Even if the life insurance company does request a medical, it doesn't mean you'll definitely have to pay higher premiums. It also doesn't mean that they are concerned about your health. A common reason for a medical request is because you have a very high sum insured - so if you are insuring for a large sum, you can expect to undergo a medical and have your background checked out.