Glossary

Medical examination

Also called medicals, health check.

Tests an insurer arranges before issuing cover, where the case calls for it.

Whether a medical examination is needed depends on age, the amount of cover and what has been disclosed. Where one is required, the insurer arranges it and bears the cost.

It is a routine part of underwriting larger cases, not a signal that something is wrong.

Related terms

  • Non-medical limit The most cover an insurer will issue on a declaration alone, without a medical examination.
  • Underwriting The insurer's assessment of the risk you present, which decides the terms and the price.

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