What is underwriting in protection insurance?
Underwriting is how an insurer assesses the risk of covering you. It uses your answers about health, lifestyle, occupation and family history, and sometimes medical reports or tests, to decide whether to offer cover and on what terms. The result might be standard terms, a higher premium, an exclusion or, occasionally, a decline.
Medical evidence
The insurer may ask your GP for a report, with your consent, or arrange a short medical.
Honesty is essential
Answer every question fully. Mistakes or omissions can affect a claim.
Different insurers, different views
Underwriting varies, so another insurer may offer different terms.
This article is general information about UK protection insurance, not personalised financial advice. Policy terms vary between insurers and products, so always check your own policy documents.
Last updated 27 October 2026