The application provides the insurance company with necessary information regarding the insured’s age, address, health history, and other factors. This information  is important so that the insurance company can properly determine if the applicant meets their underwriting rules and can determine the proper premium.

The application must contain the same of the insurance company, the name of the soliciting agent, and the agent’s identification number as it appears on his license. This information may be printed, typed, stamped, or handwritten, if legible.

There is a series of questions on the application that provides information for underwriting the policy. These questions include name, address, age, height, weight, sex, occupation, earnings, beneficiary, insurance history, and medical history.

The policy is issued based on the statements and agreements contained in the application. The insured or a beneficiary may not have a valid claim unless the questions have been answered truthfully and correctly on the application.

No. The insurance company home office can make certain changes for administrative purposes. This must be done in such a manner that they are clearly not to be ascribed to the applicant.

The health history provides the insurance company the information needed to determine if the applicant is acceptable, to determine the proper premium, and for reinsurance purposes.

No. In this case, the agent should return it to the applicant and have a new application completed.

No. The application only becomes a part of the policy and subject to legal contest by the insurance company when it is attached to the policy.

Yes. The existence of a free-look must be disclosed. It provides that after the policyholder has received and read the policy, if the decision is made that it is not the coverage desired, the policy may be returned and a full refund of premiums received. Free-look periods vary according to policy type. Health and disability policies require a 10-day period, life and annuity policies require a 14-day period, and long-term care and Medicare policies require a 30-day period. This would not apply to short-term single premium policies. (e.g., aviation accident policies).

Yes. but in the case of Medicare supplements and long-term care policies the period is 30 days.

An Outline of Coverage must accompany every individual or family accident and health insurance policy when it is delivered to the applicant at the time application is taken. Certification must be given to the insurance company of the outline with the application for insurance.

An Outline of Coverage must contain the following information:

• A statement that identifies the applicable category of coverage afforded by the policy based on minimum basic standards

• A brief description of the principal benefits and coverages provided in the policy

• A summary statement of the principal exclusions and limitations or reductions contained in the policy, including, but not limited to, pre-existing conditions, probationary periods, elimination periods, deductibles, coinsurance, and any age limitations or reductions

• A summary statement of the renewal and cancellation provisions, including any reservation by the insurer of a right to change premiums

• A statement that the outline contains a summary only of the details of the policy as issued (or of the policy as applied for) and that the issued policy should be referred to for the actual contractual governing provisions.

• When home health care coverage is provided, a statement that such benefits are provided in the policy.

A person may not be required to purchase health insurance except as a condition of:

1. public employment;

2. voluntary participation in a state or local benefit;

3. operating a dangerous instrumentality;

4. undertaking an occupation having a risk of occupational injury or illness;

5. an order of child support; or

6. activity between private persons.