What does "medical underwriting" evaluate?

Medical underwriting primarily focuses on assessing an individual's medical history to determine both their eligibility for coverage and the insurance premiums they will be charged. This process involves reviewing relevant health information, such as past illnesses, treatments, medications, and any ongoing medical conditions. The insurer uses this data to evaluate the risk that the individual poses based on their health profile.

If a person has a history of serious health issues, the insurer may adjust the premiums accordingly, as these factors can indicate a higher likelihood of future claims. This helps the insurer ensure they are pricing the policy accurately based on the risk associated with the applicant's health status.

In contrast, assessing income levels, previous health interventions, or geographical locations does not directly relate to determining insurability in the same manner as medical history does. These other factors may influence coverage options or availability but are not the primary focus of medical underwriting.