Story at-a-glance
- Your medical history plays a big role in disability insurance approval and pricing.
- Insurers look at past diagnoses, medications, and treatments.
- Some conditions may lead to exclusions or higher premiums.
- Stable or resolved issues often have fewer impacts.
- The younger and healthier you are when you apply, the better your chances.
What Is Underwriting?
Underwriting is the process insurance companies use to decide:
- If they’ll approve your application
- What your monthly premium will be
- Whether any conditions should be excluded from coverage
It’s like a health check for your income protection policy.
As a doctor or dentist, your medical history tells the insurer what kind of risk they’re taking. The goal is to give you coverage—but on terms that match your health profile.
What Do Insurers Look At?
When you apply, underwriters will request:
- Medical records from your doctors
- A prescription drug history
- Sometimes a short phone interview or a medical exam
They’re looking at:
- Past or current diagnoses
- Surgeries or physical therapy
- Mental health treatment
- Chronic conditions like asthma, back pain, high blood pressure, or migraines
- Medications you’re taking—or have taken in the past few years
Even something that seems minor to you, like a few therapy sessions or a chiropractor visit, can raise questions.
What If I Have a Condition?
Having a medical history doesn’t mean you can’t get coverage. Most doctors can still qualify, but there may be trade-offs:
- The insurer might exclude the condition from coverage (e.g., no benefits for back injuries if you’ve had back pain).
- Your premium might be slightly higher.
- The company may request additional records to understand your situation better.
The good news? Many exclusions are limited to that one issue—and everything else is still covered.
Conditions That Often Get Excluded
Some of the most common conditions that lead to exclusions include:
- Back or neck pain
- Anxiety or depression
- Migraines
- Joint or musculoskeletal issues
- Autoimmune disorders
These conditions are manageable, but from an insurer’s perspective, they carry a higher risk of claim.
The Best Time to Apply
Because underwriting gets stricter with age and new medical history, the best time to apply is:
- When you’re young
- Before new health issues pop up
- While you’re still in training or early in practice
If you’re a resident or fellow, you may qualify for no-medical-exam disability insurance through your training hospital, which bypasses underwriting entirely.
Final Thought
Your medical history does affect underwriting—but it doesn’t mean you can’t get coverage. Most physicians and dentists qualify for excellent policies, especially if they apply early and work with a disability insurance specialist.
Want to know what your options look like based on your health? Click the button below to request a free quote.
We’ll walk you through it privately and help you find the right plan.
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