Question by : Any reason not to sign an Authorization for Release of Personal Health info when applying for life insurance?
I am mid-50′s, good health, in good condition, etc. I had a cancer scare a few years ago, but turned out I didn’t have it. I’m thinking of applying for a new whole life policy that will replace another one I already have. They are asking me to sign this form that will tell all my doctors to release all my records. Is this normal and required in all cases? What’s the downside? How do I know the agent won’t disclose the info inappropriately?
Best answer:
Answer by Margarita D
In order to underwrite (review and decide whether to issue a policy or decline) your application, the insurance company needs to review your medical records. The form you are referencing legally allows doctors, hospital, etc. to release those records to the insurance company. This is totally normal. Your agent would not normally have access to seeing your records nor can he or she legally disclose the information to anyone. So if you want to obtain a new policy, you will need to sign the form.
That said I would be very leery about replacing your existing policy. If you purchased it a few years ago your rate was based on the age you were when you applied for the policy. Obtaining new insurance at this age would be issued at the rate for the age you are now–probably a significantly higher rate. In addition if you were to die during the first two years after the new policy is issued the insurance company can review your records again and based on the cause of death can possibly deny the claim and void the policy. After two years the policy (like your current policy now) becomes incontestable. Bottom line in my humble opinion there are many cons to replacing an older policy and very few pros.
If you still decide that it is to your advantage to replace the policy, please make certain that the new policy is issued and in your hands before canceling your current policy.
I hope this helps. Good Luck!
Add your own answer in the comments!