Underwriters can acquire information from all of the following sources except

• A. Medical records
• B. Applications and health history questionnaires
• C. Credit history
• D. Genetic testing

Answer: (D)

Underwriters gather information to assess risk and set premiums from sources that reflect an applicant’s health status and financial responsibility. Medical records are reviewed with consent to verify health conditions and treatment history. The application and health history questionnaire provide the applicant’s self-reported health details and medical history. Credit history is used in some cases to gauge financial reliability and the ability to pay premiums over time.

Genetic testing, however, is not a typical information source underwriters rely on in the standard underwriting process. The results reveal predispositions to future diseases and are highly sensitive, raising privacy and discrimination concerns. Because of these protections and restrictions, genetic testing information isn’t ordinarily acquired or used by underwriters in determining insurability.