Medical Evidence

Medical Conditions Questionnaire (MCQ)

This is a short questionnaire to be completed by the applicant, asking specific questions relating to a condition that has been disclosed.

A MCQ can be used to underwrite all types of policies and can eliminate the need to ask the applicant’s GP for a report.

Click here to link to all available MCQs

General Practitioner’s Report (GPR)

A report supplied by the applicant’s General Practitioner (GP), based on the applicant’s medical records.

The report is a standard industry format form which gives the following information:

• The current health of the applicant, including any treatment that has been prescribed, any outstanding investigations and any certified time off work
• Any relevant past medical history, including details of any investigations that were undertaken
• Details of any medical conditions that have occurred within the family

Targeted Reports

This is a short questionnaire sent to an applicant’s GP instead of a GPR. It asks specific questions relating to a condition that has been disclosed by the applicant and will reduce the occasions we have to write back to the GP for further information as relevant underwriting information is ascertained on the questionnaire

Targeted Reports can be used to underwrite Life Cover, Critical Illness Cover (CIC) and Mortgage Payment Insurance (MPI). The Association of British Insurers (ABI) and the British Medical Association (BMA) support Targeted Reports

A maximum of 2 Targeted Reports will be issued per applicant, above this a GPR will be requested. A GPR will always be requested over age sum assured limits irrespective of disclosed conditions

Targeted Reports are available for the following single and combined conditions:

Single Condition Reports					Combined Conditions Reports
Angina	Cancer (Prostate)	Gynaecological	Mole/Freckle		Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Arthritis	Cancer (Skin)	Heart Attack	Multiple Sclerosis		Diabetes and Blood Pressure
Asthma	Cancer (Testicular)	Heart Murmur	Palpitations		Diabetes and Cholesterol
Blood Pressure	Cancer (Other)	Heart Rhythm	Septal Defect		Diabetes, Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Breast Lump	Chest Pains	Heart Valve	Stroke
Cancer (Bladder)	Cholesterol	Hepatitis	Thyroid Disorders
Cancer (Breast)	Crohn’s Disease	Kidney Disease	Ulcerative Colitis
Cancer (Colorectal)	Diabetes	Lump
Cancer (Ovarian)	Genito-Urinary	Mental Illness

Nurse Screening Examination (NSE)

These reports were previously known as Paramedical Examination (PME).

These are screenings that are performed by a nurse at a convenient place for the applicant; e.g. at their place of work or at home.

Information obtained includes:

• Applicant’s medical and family history
• Drinking and smoking habits
• Height and weight
• Blood Pressure
• Urinalysis
• Peak flow reading

A telephone number must be supplied to enable the nurse to contact the applicant and arrange an appointment

Mini Screenings:

These are shorter screenings carried out by a nurse. The information obtained is:

• Height and weight
• Blood Pressure
• Urinalysis

Medical Examination Report (MER)

This is a medical examination completed by the applicant’s GP or an independent doctor. Independent examinations are arranged by a third party provider of medical services

Information obtained includes:

• The applicant’s medical history
• Medical details of the applicant’s immediate family
• Drinking and smoking habits
• Examination of heart and chest function
• Blood pressure
• Urinalysis

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Test

This test is normally performed using a saliva sample, however for larger sums assured, it will be performed using a blood sample. The test can be requested as part of a NSE or MER. The nurse or doctor will send the sample directly to the laboratory. The results of the test are sent directly to us.

In accordance with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) Statement of Best Practice for HIV and Insurance, we will request an HIV test through direct correspondence with the applicant, whenever possible we will not disclose to an advisor that their client is required to undergo an HIV test. Refer to the HIV Policy.

Cotinine Test

Cotinine is a chemical that is made by the body from nicotine and is an indicator that nicotine has been inhaled or otherwise introduced into the body.

The cotinine test is performed using a saliva sample and is used to determine whether an applicant has recently used tobacco products. The test is able to distinguish between passive and active smoking.

Electrocardiograph (ECG)

An ECG is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It is a valuable tool in detecting past and present problems relating to the heart.

The test can be performed at either rest (resting ECG) or during exercise using a treadmill or bicycle (exercise ECG). Legal & General only request exercise tests.

These are normally only requested for larger sums assured.

Blood Tests

These are usually requested for larger sums assured, but can be requested to assist underwriting of any case where the underwriter requires further clarification or to be able to offer the best possible terms.

• Fasting Blood Profile (FBP) – A blood profile which includes all the tests below, which improves efficiency and ensures that all risk data is collected so ensuring no unnecessary delays due to omitted tests.
• Liver Function Test (LFT) – used to analyse the functioning of the liver.
• Fasting Lipids – used to calculate the cholesterol level in the blood.
• Renal Function Test (RFT) – used to analyse the functioning of the kidneys.
• Full Blood Count (FBC) – analyses the constituents of the blood.
• Fasting Blood Sugar/Glucose (FBS/FBG) – measure the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood.