The Life Insurance Application Process: Step-by-Step

Applying for life insurance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Utah Avenue Insurance, we believe better coverage starts here, and that means helping you navigate every step of the application process with ease. From filling out the application to accepting your coverage, here’s what you can expect. Most life insurance applications take 2-6 weeks, depending on how quickly you complete the health questionnaire and schedule your paramedical exam.

Step 1: The Initial Application

The application is the starting point of your life insurance journey. This form gathers essential information about you, such as:

Basic personal details (name, address, date of birth, etc.)
Employment and financial information
Lifestyle habits (smoking, drinking, etc.)
Amount of death benefit you're applying for
Choice of plan either term or permanent policy

The goal of this step is to provide insurers with a general idea of your profile and risk level. You won’t know the exact cost of your life insurance policy until the insurer assigns you a rating (we’ll explain this later). To start, apply for the maximum coverage you think you might need—you can always decrease those benefits afterward based on your budget and the final offer.

Step 2: The Health Questionnaire

As part of the application, you’ll complete a health questionnaire that covers:

Current medical conditions
Previous surgeries or hospitalizations
Family medical history
Medications you’re currently taking

This information is critical for determining your eligibility and estimating your premiums. Depending on your answers, you may not have to complete any bloodwork.

Step 3: Pulling Your Medical Data

With your permission, the insurer will access additional medical information from third-party sources, such as:

Medical Information Bureau (MIB)
Pharmacy records
Previous insurance applications
Driving record
Credit score

This step allows insurers to verify the accuracy of your medical history and assess any potential risks. If you are low risk, you can avoid taking a paramedical exam and get a great rating quickly.

Step 4: Paramedical Exam (if required)

Depending on the coverage amount and policy type, some applications require a paramedical exam. Don’t worry—we’ll guide you through the process.

The exam typically includes:

Height, weight, and blood pressure measurements
Blood and/or urine samples
A basic physical assessment

The paramedical exam helps insurers get a clear picture of your overall health.

Step 5: Underwriting and Risk Rating

After gathering all necessary information, the underwriting process begins. The underwriter reviews your application, medical history, and paramedical exam results (if applicable) to assign a risk rating. This rating affects your premium—the healthier you are, the lower your rates will be.

Our agents at Utah Avenue Insurance are here to help ensure you get the best possible rating by providing advice throughout the process.

Step 6: Offer and Acceptance

Once underwriting is complete, you’ll receive an offer detailing:

The coverage amount. This is either the death benefit you applied for or a lower amount that the life insurance company is willing to offer you.
Premiums. This is the cost of your life insurance. You can choose to pay this amount monthly, quarterly or annually. Some companies will give you a small discount for paying your premiums annually.
Any conditions or exclusions. If you are too risky, they may exclude paying the benefit for certain conditions.

You can choose to accept the offer as is or adjust coverage based on your budget or needs. We’re here to help you review the offer and answer any questions. You may choose to lower the death benefit or lower the term length after you receive your rating. If you want to go higher, you usually need to go through the application process from the beginning.

Why Working with Utah Avenue Insurance Makes a Difference

At Utah Avenue Insurance, our goal is to make the life insurance process as smooth as possible. Here’s how we help:

Personalized guidance: We assist you through every step, from the application to accepting your policy.
Flexible communication: Prefer to apply via text, email, or online? We can tailor the process to your preferences.
Expert advice: We help you understand your options and secure the best possible coverage.

Ready to Get Started?

Let us simplify the process for you. Better coverage starts here when you work with our local agents who are dedicated to protecting your future.

📲 Contact us today to begin your life insurance application!