Simplified Issue

Simplified issue life insurance is a category of policies that use abbreviated medical underwriting — typically 5 to 20 health questions — without requiring a physical exam or laboratory tests. Carriers use answers to health questions, prescription databases, and MIB records to make underwriting decisions quickly. Simplified issue policies are issued faster than fully underwritten policies (often within days), but they typically offer lower maximum face amounts and charge higher premiums per dollar of coverage. They are most appropriate for applicants who want quick coverage, prefer not to undergo a medical exam, or have minor health issues that would not preclude standard underwriting.