How To Answer Questions On A Life Insurance Application Form

How To Answer Questions On A Life Insurance Application Form

Filling out a life insurance application feels like sitting an exam you didn't study for. The questions seem designed to catch you out, and there's always that nagging doubt: "Should I mention that time I...?"

This anxiety is understandable. Life insurance forms ask deeply personal questions about your health, lifestyle, and family history. Answer incorrectly—even innocently—and you risk your family's claim being refused when they need it most.

The good news? Answering these questions correctly is straightforward once you understand what insurers want to know and why. This guide explains how to complete your life insurance application honestly and accurately.

Why Honesty Is Absolutely Non-Negotiable

Irish insurers pay approximately 95% of all valid life insurance claims. However, when claims are reduced or refused, non-disclosure is often a factor—though the consequences depend on the severity and relevance of what wasn't disclosed.

Here's how insurers typically handle non-disclosure discovered during a claim:

If the policy would never have been offered - For example, you failed to disclose active cancer treatment when applying. The insurer will likely void the policy entirely and refuse the claim.

If the policy would have been offered at a higher premium - This is the most common scenario. Perhaps you didn't disclose well-controlled high blood pressure or an old injury. The insurer will typically pay the claim but reduce it proportionally by the additional premiums that should have been paid. If you paid €50 monthly but should have paid €75, your claim gets reduced by that difference over the policy term.

If the non-disclosure is completely unrelated to the cause of death - Insurers are generally reasonable here. If you failed to mention a minor knee surgery but died in a car accident, most insurers will still pay the full claim, provided the non-disclosure wasn't deliberate or reckless.

The Consumer Insurance Contract Act (updated 2021) codified this proportionate approach, protecting consumers from having entire claims refused for innocent, minor non-disclosures. However, deliberately concealing information—like lying about smoking status—can still result in claim refusal even if the death is unrelated, as this constitutes fraud.

The key takeaway? Honest mistakes rarely result in total claim refusal, but deliberate concealment can. When in doubt, disclose.

Understanding What Insurers Want To Know

Life insurance applications typically cover five key areas:

Personal and Lifestyle Information

Basic details significantly impact your premium and eligibility for life insurance:

Smoking Status: To qualify as a non-smoker, you must be smoke-free for 12 months, including vaping and nicotine replacement. If you quit nine months ago, wait three more months before applying.

Height and Weight: Provide actual measurements, not aspirational figures. BMI impacts premiums, but lying creates bigger problems.

Occupation: Certain jobs carry higher risks. Insurers need accurate information to assess your risk correctly.

Alcohol Consumption: Be honest about weekly intake. The insurer defines "excessive"—not you.

Current Health and Medical History

Current Medications: List everything, including over-the-counter products. When unsure, include it.

Recent GP Visits: Detail consultations or treatments in the past five years, even routine check-ups that led to investigation.

Pending Investigations: Disclose if awaiting test results. Trying to secure cover before bad news is fraudulent concealment.

Previous Illnesses: Disclose everything. Cancer diagnoses may be disregarded under the Cancer Survivors Code if treatment ended 7+ years ago, but you must disclose initially.

Mental Health and Chronic Conditions: Depression, anxiety, diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure—whatever you're managing, disclose it. Well-managed conditions often attract minimal premium loading.

Family History and Lifestyle

Insurers assess risk through immediate family health history—heart disease before 60, cancer, genetic conditions. This is statistical risk assessment, not privacy invasion.

Activities: Regular high-risk hobbies (climbing, diving, sky diving) affect premiums. Frequent travel to certain countries or serious criminal convictions may require disclosure.

Common Questions That Trip People Up

"Have you consulted a doctor in the last five years?" - That routine blood pressure check counts. Any GP visit should be disclosed.

"Have you ever been prescribed medication?" - "Ever" means ever. That antidepressant from a decade ago? Disclose it and explain when you stopped.

"Have you been declined for insurance previously?" - This is crucial. Previous refusals or significant loadings must be disclosed. Working with a broker who knows which insurer suits your profile helps avoid initial declines.

How To Handle Uncertain Situations

Don't Remember Exact Details: Provide your best estimate and note it's approximate. "Approximately 2018" beats leaving it blank.

Unsure If Something Qualifies: Disclose it with a note: "Saw GP for persistent headaches in 2022—no underlying cause found." Let the insurer decide relevance.

Don't Know Your Diagnosis: Contact your GP surgery and request your medical records. You're entitled to this information.

Changed GPs: Provide details of all GPs who treated you in the relevant period.

What Happens After You Submit

Instant Decisions: Healthy applicants under 50 often receive immediate approval.

Medical Questionnaires: If you disclosed conditions, the insurer may send specific questionnaires.

GP Reports: For complex health situations, insurers request a Private Medical Attendant Report from your GP. This adds 4-6 weeks to the application timeline.

Medical Examinations: Rare, usually only for large cover amounts or complex histories. The insurer covers the cost.

The Smart Way To Complete Your Application

Gather Information First: Collect medication names, GP visit dates, and health details before starting.

Use Your Broker: Independent brokers know which insurers view certain conditions favorably and can guide you on how much cover you need.

Read Carefully: "Have you ever" differs from "Have you in the past five years."

Review Before Submitting: Check for consistency throughout.

What If You Made A Mistake?

Forgot to mention something? Contact your broker or insurer immediately and provide the additional information. Voluntary disclosure demonstrates honesty and protects your future claim.

Conclusion

Completing a life insurance application honestly and accurately isn't about memorizing medical terminology. It's about answering every question truthfully to the best of your knowledge.

Full disclosure might mean slightly higher premiums or additional underwriting time. But the alternative—risking your family's claim being refused—isn't worth it. When in doubt, disclose. Provide too much information rather than too little.

Ready to start your life insurance application? Our team guides you through the process, ensuring every question is answered correctly. Get a free life insurance quote today, or call our experts on 01 539 44 50.

Northstar Financial Planning Limited trading as QuoteLeader is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland, registration number 190060.