But here’s the important part: Most underwriting delays are predictable and preventable. Understanding why insurers postpone or reject applications helps you avoid pitfalls and secure a smoother, faster approval.
Relevant reading for deeper insight: • How Life Insurance Underwriting Really Works: Inside the 2026 Process • How Medical Exams Affect Your Term Life Insurance Rates
The Top Reasons Life Insurance Applications Get Delayed or Denied Insurers evaluate risk with incredible detail — and even small discrepancies can slow the process down. Here’s what underwriters flag most often.
1. Missing or Inaccurate Information on the Application This is the #1 cause of delays. Common issues: • Leaving fields blank • Forgetting to list medications • Underreporting past conditions • Incorrect dates for surgeries or diagnoses • Misreported income or policy beneficiary details Insurers always verify your answers with medical exam results, prescription databases, and physician records. If anything doesn’t match, your case is automatically paused.
2. Medical Exam Results That Need Additional Review Your paramed exam may reveal: • High blood pressure • Elevated cholesterol • Abnormal liver or kidney markers • High glucose or A1C levels • Irregular EKG results • High BMI Even slight abnormalities can require additional review or trigger a request for your doctor’s medical records (APS), causing 2–4 week delays.
3. Attending Physician Statement (APS) Requests If your medical history is unclear or complex, insurers request your doctor’s records. APS delays happen when: • Doctor’s offices respond slowly • Your records are incomplete • Multiple specialists must be contacted • Records contain conflicting information APS requests are the single biggest contributor to underwriting delays.
4. Prescription History Conflicts Insurers review your Rx records before final approval. If your recorded prescriptions don’t match your application — especially for conditions like: • Hypertension • Cholesterol • Depression or anxiety • Diabetes • Asthma — underwriting pauses the file until clarification is provided. Even short-term medications from years ago can prompt questions.
5. High-Risk Lifestyle Factors Insurers may delay or deny applications because of: • Tobacco or vaping use • Heavy alcohol use • Dangerous hobbies (scuba diving, aviation, rock climbing) • Excessive speeding tickets or DUIs • Non-compliance with medical treatment These factors raise mortality risk and require extra documentation or rating assessments.
6. Past or Undisclosed Medical Conditions Conditions that may trigger delays or denials include: • Cancer history • Heart disease • Stroke • Autoimmune disorders • Complicated pregnancies • Mental health hospitalizations • Sleep apnea (particularly untreated) If details are missing or unclear in your records, insurers may postpone their decision.
7. Abnormal Doctor Notes in Your APS Underwriters read everything, including physician observations that applicants don’t realize are recorded. Risk-raising notes include: • “Patient non-compliant with medication” • “Missed follow-up appointment” • “Possible alcohol misuse” • “Symptoms worsening” • “Patient advised to seek specialist evaluation” These require clarification and slow the process significantly.
8. Unstable Weight or BMI Fluctuations Rapid weight gain or loss can indicate medical conditions insurers want to investigate. Obesity can also trigger additional requirements, like a stress test or cardiac follow-up.
9. Suspicious or Incomplete Financial Information Large coverage amounts may require financial justification. Delays occur when applicants cannot clearly explain: • Income • Net worth • Purpose of coverage • Business financial documents (for key-person policies) Insurers must ensure the coverage amount aligns with insurable interest.
10. Inconclusive or Inconsistent Medical History If underwriters see conflicting information — between your exam, your APS, and prescription records — your application is automatically moved to “pending review.” This is one of the most common pathways to a denial.
11. High-Risk Occupations Jobs that statistically reduce life expectancy may require additional underwriting. Examples: • Firefighting • Law enforcement • Commercial aviation • Oil rig workers • Logging Sometimes these applications are postponed until additional employer or safety documents are submitted.
12. International Travel to High-Risk Regions If you plan to travel (or recently traveled) to areas with: • Political instability • High disease risk • Dangerous environments — insurers may delay approval or add exclusions.
How to Avoid Delays & Denials (Practical Tips)
1. Be 100% accurate and honest on your application Inaccurate information is the fastest path to slowdowns.
2. Prepare for your medical exam Hydrate + avoid alcohol + sleep well + avoid salty foods for 48 hours.
3. Request your medical records beforehand Correct errors before insurers see them.
4. Maintain medication consistency Gaps in treatment raise underwriting concerns.
5. Disclose lifestyle and hobbies fully It’s better to be upfront than corrected by your APS.
6. Use a clean, readable identification and paperwork Technical issues cause avoidable delays.
7. Choose the right amount and type of coverage Misaligned financial justification causes extra review.
When Denials Happen — What You Can Do Next If your application is denied, insurers must tell you why (not always in detail). You can then: • Apply with a different company • Choose a simplified-issue or no-exam policy • Improve your medical profile and reapply • Request clarification through your agent or broker • Correct errors in your medical records A denial is not permanent — and often reversible within months.
Final Thoughts: Understanding the Process Helps You Avoid Delays Life insurance underwriting may seem slow, but it’s designed to ensure accurate risk assessment. Most delays are triggered by fixable issues — and preparing early gives you the best chance at fast approval. With the right expectations and clear information, you can avoid setbacks and get the coverage your family needs quickly.
Recommended Next Reads • How Medical Exams Affect Your Term Life Insurance Rates • The Difference Between Preferred, Standard, and Substandard Rates