Do Life insurance companies have access to health records during the application process?

Question

I am a recovering alcoholic. I suppose my medical records will reveal that I was in a hospital 9 years ago. At the time I was not an alcoholic but my family thought I was. No DUI's and perfect health now.

Answer 1

When you apply; among the signatures is a release of medical records.

So, guess they'll know and excuse to charge you more!

Answer 2

Life insurance companies don't have access to anyone's health records until the insured actually gives them written and signed permission.  They can, however, refuse to pay a claim if they later find out that you lied on your application. There usually is a clause in the policy that says if you have a pre-existing condition, like cancer for instance, then they will not pay the death benefits but that they will return the full amt. of the premiums paid.  If your talking about a normal life insurance policy, and NOT a health insurance policy, then I wouldn't worry about what happened 9 years ago.

Answer 3

Sort of - you do sign a release on the application, and they may or may not do a quick hit on MIB's records to show dates of services.

Answer 4

Depending on your age, you may be required to get a medical exam. It is usually pretty brief and only verifies some basic answers. Our application only specifies 5 years on alcohol related. You may end up with a standard instead of preferred rating, but I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Answer 5

Yes. They have access to determine previously existing medical conditions for the purposes of determining their risk in underwriting your policy.