What questions will I be asked on a life insurance application?

A fully underwritten life insurance application is detailed and thorough. Expect questions across several categories: personal and financial information, health history, family health history, occupation, and lifestyle.

Health questions cover every significant medical condition diagnosed or treated in the past 5–10 years, hospitalizations, surgeries, and current medications. Family history questions focus on parents and siblings—particularly whether any died from heart disease, cancer, or diabetes at an early age (typically before 60 or 65).

Financial questions establish insurable interest and prevent over-insurance. You'll be asked about current annual income, net worth, existing life insurance coverage, and the purpose of the coverage requested. Carriers want to ensure the coverage amount is reasonable relative to your financial profile.

Lifestyle questions cover tobacco and drug use, alcohol consumption, hazardous occupations and hobbies, international travel to high-risk regions, and driving record (DUIs significantly impact rates). Aviation questions apply if you have a pilot's license or fly privately.

Answering every question honestly is critical. Misrepresentation on an application can result in claim denial during the contestability period (typically the first two years) or even after—if fraud is established.