How do underwriters typically assess an applicant's mental health history?

Underwriters assess an applicant's mental health history primarily by considering documented psychological conditions and their impact on the applicant's mortality risk. Mental health is a significant factor in life insurance underwriting since certain psychological conditions can influence an individual's health status and overall longevity.

This approach ensures that underwriters have a comprehensive understanding of any existing mental health disorders, the treatment history, and how these factors might correlate with the risk of premature death. Underwriters often look for evidence such as diagnosis records, treatment plans, and any related medical information to gauge the severity and implications of the mental health issues presented by the applicant.

In contrast, ignoring mental health issues would provide an incomplete risk assessment, and relying solely on self-reported information could lead to inaccuracies since applicants might not fully disclose their mental health conditions due to stigma or fear of repercussions. Conducting interviews with family members could offer additional insights but is not the standard procedure in underwriting and might not always be feasible or ethical. Thus, a thorough review of documented evidence surrounding mental health is crucial for accurate risk evaluation in life insurance underwriting.