Question
Do I have to put every single dr. visit on my health insurance application?
I could really use someone's advice here. A few days ago I filed an application for an individual policy with the help of an agent. When I went over my copy of the application the next day more closely, I found about 15 errors on it. Many things that I just didn't think of when I was going through the online application with the agent. (We were going through it pretty fast). I called the agent back, and told him I think we need to amend all those things or cancell the application. He said he's not concerned about all those things. Only one of them would he ammend. I expressed my concern that I'm worried the insurance company might rescind my policy later on if I'm not very accurate up front. He again said he's not concerned and that he's never seen one rescinded for that. I'm very confused, because I've been on several discussion forums, and most people tell me that an insurance company can rescind your application for 'anything' you omit (even if unintentional), and even if its totally unrelated to any of your active conditions. My insurance agent is downplaying this possibility, but is he right? Or should I be concerned? I'm just really torn as to what to do. I'm seriously thinking of cancelling the application and going it on my own. Am over over-thinking this?
2 months ago - 1 answers
Best Answer
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As a former life/health underwriter and a current multi-line agent, I can tell you the answers you provide should be whole and not partial. The application questions are pretty clear cut. If you are asked, "Have you seen a doctor, for any reason, in the last 5 years?" Then you should answer the question completely. If you went to the doctor for a cold or sniffle, you should state, "I went to Dr. Smith approximately 7 times in the last 5 years for colds and sniffles. I am 100% recovered and only took antibiotics and/or over-the-counter medication. I have not seen Dr. Smith in Boca Raton, Fl for any other reasons." You do not have to list each visit separately, but you do have to indicate you have seen the doctor. A very common red flag is if an underwriter receives an application on a female who hasn't been to the doctor in 5 years. That's sometimes grounds for denial because women SHOULD be getting, at the very least, their annual gyn check up. Now, if a male has not seen a doctor in 5 years, that's not unusual. But, if you leave off information, be ready for potential denial of claims later. If your agent is telling you not to worry about 15 errors, you need to find another agent. I wouldn't advise do-it-yourself insurance, just find a better agent or call the company directly.
by Ginger
2 months ago
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