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In a previous life I dealt with medical info for health assurance and life policys.
if you have not started the process, choose a few company's and policies that suit you and get quotes from them. Some companies underwrite a little more leniently than others, so some may be more or less generous with a loading. Also the more benefits/cover they provide the more detailed medical information will be required. if you provide them with all the info such as full Dr's and consultant address' and copies of any reports, this will help them spead the process up. So if the risk to them is small and you and in good health they may not need to ask you to go for a medical examination.
if you request a quote for a plan that has two levels and you elect for the cheapest with less benefits the underwriting will be based on this. if you then decide to go ahead with a more comprehensive policy this may result in more medical information or examinations or speecial questions. So if there is a possibilty of proceeding with the hihg level of benefits it may be worth you requesting this first to avoid delays. There are normally set requirements for (standard cases) they can always reduce the cover with no further delays. Check this with your agent. Save time!
Complete the form IN FULL this causes delays and may not be able to start the underwriting procees until this is completed!..
Do not forget your weight, check all the ticked boxes and answer every one, sign and date it, failure will mean a signed statement from you - again delays.
Call the company ask if they will accept a fax or emailed application to get the ball rolling followed by the original in the post. Get a contact name and if possible a direct telephone number.
Read the small print, the ones that do not need a medical form completed will give a speedy decision but usually means that if you have a condition or symptoms already they will not cover you any way. When you do may a claim this is were you will find the problem.
I disclosed everything backed up by a statement about recent press coverage declining cover as they had failed to report an unrelated condtion, In view of this I asked them to seek copies of all my medical records just in case I had forgotten something. Not sure if it works but I have tried to cover my self.
I stated a start date 'to be advised' if you give a start date and complete the Direct debit they may start the plan as soon as a decision is given. Not providing a completed Direct debit with your application may hold up the issue of the start of the plan. A method of payment is usually required before they start the plan!
When an underwriting decision has been given, and if there has been a delay with your application, some company's may ask for a declaration of good health before starting the plan - again more delays.
This is a business which operates on a commission basis, targets and turnovers and bonus's. To reach these targets they would want as much business to start asap. Although the E106's plans will not start until 2008 they still want plans issued. If you are being pressed to give the go ahead with your plan ask who is pushing and why. Ask about the last date before a declaration of good health is required ( this will incude the company receiving the DDI)
Keep your top up company informed at all times. Any refund due will be easier and quicker - hope fully.
Sorry but I have to go as I have run out of time.
Hope this may be useful to some people.
Sunshine
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