Declaration of Health (DOH)
On occasion applications will be in the ‘pipeline’ for a longer period than anticipated. A Declaration of Health is used to provide us with up to date information on which to base our underwriting assessment.
The DOH provides the client with an opportunity to disclose any changes to their health or other relevant circumstances since the application was submitted
When is a Declaration of Health generally required?
- Once the underwriting decision or application validity has expired (see validity dates below)
- When the requested policy start date is beyond the validity date
- When the direct debit is not collected within 60 days of the policy start date
| Benefit Type | Current Sum Assured | Valid to Date (From date of application or medical examination) |
|---|---|---|
| Life | £500,000 or below | 6 months |
| Over £500,000 | 3 months | |
| Critical Illness Cover (CIC) | £350,000 or below | 6 months |
| Over £350,000 | 3 months | |
| Income Protection Benefit (IPB) and Mortgage Payment Insurance (MPI) | All | 6 months |
| An application itself is valid for 12 months after which a new application is required in order to proceed with the underwriting process | ||
| A Declaration of Health is only valid for a two-month period from the date of the client’s signature | ||
Alterations to the application
A DOH will also be required if the client requests a significant change to their cover;
- Policy term extended by more than five years
- Life and CIC – sum assured increases greater than 10% of original sum assured. However all increases over £30K require a DOH. Note: all increases less than £10K do not require a DOH irrespective of the percentage increase
- IPB and MPI – sum assured increases greater than 10% of original benefit
- Deferment periods of MPI/IPB reduced; e.g. 26 week deferment period changed to 13 week deferment period
- Addition of any optional benefits; e.g. waiver of premium
