What happens after I send my application? Underwriting step by step
From the questionnaire to the decision: what the insurer checks, why it asks for tests or a report from your doctor, what a loading, exclusion, postponement and decline mean, whether you are covered while you wait, and what you can ask or refuse. With what Cyprus law forbids.
In short
The insurer reads the application and health declaration and, if they are not enough, asks for more, such as a doctor’s report or tests; that does not necessarily mean something is wrong. The decision can be standard terms, a loading or exclusion, postponement or decline.
- Before applying, write down diagnoses, dates, medicines and doctors.
- Answer every question fully; when in doubt, declare it. Keep a copy.
- Do not cancel your old cover before the new one starts in writing.
- If you get a counter-offer, ask in writing for the reason and whether it is temporary; you can also refuse it.
From the series “The questions you are afraid to ask”: how what you sign actually works, in plain words.
At a glance
- The application and health declaration are the insurer’s main source. If they are not enough, it asks for more: a questionnaire, a doctor’s report, tests.
- The outcomes: standard terms, a loading or exclusion (a counter-offer), postponement, or decline. You can refuse a counter-offer.
- In Cyprus genetic data and pricing by sex are forbidden; for cancer there is a “right to be forgotten” in life insurance, on conditions.
- While you wait for the decision, do not cancel your old cover. Ask in writing whether there is any interim cover.
“They asked me for tests. Does it mean something is wrong?”
Not necessarily. Very often tests are asked for because of age or the amount of cover, not because the insurer suspects anything. The waiting is stressful, though, and words like “loading” or “postponement” sound like a refusal. Here we explain what happens behind the door, step by step, so that you know what to expect and what you are entitled to ask.
The steps, as they usually happen
- The application and health declaration This is the main source. You answer what it asks, fully and honestly, and keep a copy.
- More information, if needed A specific questionnaire (for example asthma, diving, motorcycling), a report from your doctor with your consent, a medical exam or tests by the insurer’s doctor, or a telephone interview.
- The assessment The underwriter judges each cover separately, based on age, height and weight, history, family history, occupation, hobbies and amount.
- The decision Standard terms; a loading or exclusion (a counter-offer); postponement (for example before an operation); or decline.
- Your decision You accept or not. For an individual life policy you also have 30 calendar days to withdraw after the contract is concluded, with the exceptions of Article 228.
This is general practice, as industry guides abroad describe it; each insurer has its own process. A larger amount usually means more checks, and for very large amounts financial information may be asked for too, so that the cover matches a real need.
What may count, and what may not
In Cyprus Law 125(I)/2018 (Article 9) prohibits processing genetic and biometric data for life and health insurance, so an insurer cannot use genetic test results. Family history (for example a parent’s heart disease) is a different thing and may be taken into account, as may the state of your health. Since 2012 premiums do not differ by sex (Law 89(I)/2013). And for cancer survivors, Law 124(I)/2023 says that in life insurance up to €300,000 the insurer does not take a past cancer into account 10 years after the end of treatment, or 5 years if it was diagnosed before 21.
Honesty protects the claim
An insurance contract is a contract of “utmost good faith”. In a Supreme Court case, as reported by the Cyprus Mail, an applicant for a family health plan did not disclose her husband’s diabetes; the insurer refused payment and ended his cover, and the courts upheld it, whether or not the omission was a mistake. So when in doubt, declare it. If you realise later that you forgot something, tell the insurer in writing at once.
Am I covered while I wait?
Cover usually starts when the insurer accepts the application and the first premium is paid, as the policy sets out. Some insurers give interim cover in between, often only for accidents and up to an amount; others do not. Ask in writing what applies, and do not cancel your old cover before the new one starts.
Your questions, one by one
What happens after I send my application — what are the underwriting steps?
The insurer reads the application and health declaration, asks for more information if needed, judges the risk for each cover and decides. Then you decide whether to accept. Ask roughly how long it will take and who will keep you informed.
What does the insurer’s doctor check at a medical exam?
Usually basic measures such as height, weight, blood pressure and pulse, and whatever tests the insurer asks for, for example blood or urine, depending on age and amount. Ask beforehand what will happen and whether you need to fast. You can ask for a copy of the results.
What is an “attending physician’s report”, and can the insurer contact my doctor?
It is a report from the doctor who treats you, about a condition you declared. The insurer asks for it with your consent, usually given by signing a specific form. Ask what exactly will be requested, and know that under the GDPR you have a right of access to your data.
What is a condition-specific questionnaire (asthma, diving, motorcycling) and why did I get one?
It is a few extra questions about something you declared, so that the insurer understands how serious or frequent it is. It does not mean a refusal; it often helps you get better terms. Answer in detail and keep a copy.
What are the possible outcomes of underwriting — standard, loading, exclusion, postponement, decline?
Standard terms means acceptance without changes. A loading is an extra premium, and an exclusion is something that will not be covered; together they are called a counter-offer. Postponement means “not now, ask again later”, and a decline is “no” for this application.
What does “postponed” mean, and when can I apply again?
It means the insurer cannot judge the risk now, for example before an operation or while tests are ongoing. Ask in writing for how long and what information it will want next time. When that time has passed, you can apply again.
Can I refuse a counter-offer with a loading or exclusion and keep shopping elsewhere?
Yes, you are not obliged to accept it. Another insurer may judge differently. On a new application, though, you will often be asked whether you have had a counter-offer or a decline, and you must answer honestly.
Am I covered in the time between sending my application and the insurer’s decision?
Usually not, unless the insurer gives interim cover, which is often for accidents only and up to an amount. Ask in writing what applies in your case. Do not cancel your old cover before the new one starts.
Why does a larger sum insured mean more medical checks?
Because the larger the amount, the more the insurer wants to know before taking it on. The thresholds for tests usually depend on age and amount. It is not personal suspicion; it is a rule for everyone.
Do insurers check my financial situation (financial underwriting) for large amounts?
For large amounts, often yes: they ask for income details or the reason for the cover, for example a loan or a business. The aim is for the cover to match a real need. Have the documents ready in advance so the application is not delayed.
What is the difference between full underwriting and a simplified or “no medical” application?
With full underwriting the insurer assesses your health in detail. A simplified application asks a few questions, and a “no medical” one almost none, but usually with smaller amounts, a higher premium or more restrictions. Even then, whatever is asked must be answered honestly.
Can an insurer ask about my family’s medical history even though genetic tests are banned?
Yes. The law forbids processing genetic data for life and health insurance, but family history, for example whether a parent had heart disease, may be taken into account. Answer what the application asks; you do not have to give genetic test results.
Does my height and weight (BMI) affect the offer?
It can, because body mass index is one of the things insurers look at. An index outside the insurer’s limits may bring a loading, especially together with other findings such as blood pressure or cholesterol. If it changes significantly later, ask whether it can be reviewed.
Can I ask the insurer to explain why I got a loading or exclusion?
Yes, ask in writing for the reason and which information was used. Some insurers send the medical details to your doctor. Under the GDPR you also have a right of access to your personal data.
What is a telephone underwriting interview and how should I prepare?
It is a call in which someone from the insurer asks you health and lifestyle questions, instead of or as well as the form. Have in front of you the dates of diagnoses, medicines and doctors’ names. If you do not remember something, say so and send it in writing afterwards.
Can a loading or exclusion be temporary, for example for a few years after an illness?
Yes, sometimes it is set for a number of years or reviewed if your health improves. Ask in writing whether yours is permanent or temporary, and when you can send new medical evidence for a review.
I had cancer years ago. Will they ask, and will it count?
For life insurance up to €300,000, Law 124(I)/2023 says the insurer does not take the cancer into account 10 years after the end of active treatment, or 5 years if it was diagnosed before 21. The law covers life insurance only, and it does not say whether the insurer may still ask. If you do not meet the conditions, declare it as usual.
Can the insurer see my GESY records?
We could not confirm whether insurers have access to GESY records. They normally rely on your declaration, your consent and medical reports. Read what the consent form you sign allows.
I made a mistake or forgot something on the application. What do I do?
Tell the insurer in writing at once, before the decision or as soon as possible after it. It is far better to correct it now than for it to come up in a claim. Keep a copy of your message.
Questions worth asking
- What information do you need from me, and roughly how long will the decision take?
- Is there interim cover until the decision, and what does it cover?
- If I get a counter-offer, can you explain the reason to me in writing?
- Is the loading or exclusion permanent? When can it be reviewed?
What you can do from today
- Before applying, write down diagnoses, dates, medicines and doctors on one sheet.
- Answer every question fully; when in doubt, declare it.
- Keep a copy of the application and of anything you sent afterwards.
- Do not cancel your old cover before the new one starts in writing.
- If you get a counter-offer, ask in writing for the reason and whether it is temporary.
What went wrong for others — and how to avoid it
- A spouse’s condition was not declared on a family health plan. In a Cyprus Supreme Court case, as reported by the Cyprus Mail, the insurer refused payment and ended the cover, and the courts upheld it, regardless of intent. Declare the health of every insured family member, not only your own.
- An old condition they had recovered from was “not disclosed”. In the UK (not Cyprus) it is the leading cause of travel insurance complaints: people do not declare conditions they have recovered from. Declare whatever the application asks, even if you have fully recovered, and keep a copy of your answers.
Every policy has its own terms. What we write here is general information, not advice; for your own case, what your policy says applies, and it is worth confirming it in writing with your insurer.
Much of what we describe about how things work is general practice, as public and consumer bodies in other countries explain it (not Cyprus). In Cyprus the terms of each policy are not approved in advance by the Superintendent of Insurance (Article 224 of Law 38(I)/2016), so what counts for you is your own policy and what the insurer confirms to you in writing.
Sources
- CyLaw — Law 125(I)/2018, Article 9 (genetic and biometric data)
- CyLaw — Law 89(I)/2013 (equal treatment of men and women in insurance)
- CyLaw — Law 124(I)/2023 (Article 247A, the “right to be forgotten” for life insurance)
- Cyprus Mail, 17 November 2025 — Duty of full disclosure in health insurance (Legal View)
- CyLaw — Law 38(I)/2016, Article 228 (right to withdraw from a life contract)
- CyLaw — Law 38(I)/2016, Article 227 (information before a life contract; language)
- Regulation (EU) 2016/679 — General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), EUR-Lex
- Insurance Distribution Directive (EU) 2016/97 — Article 20 (demands and needs)
- UK Financial Ombudsman Service — Travel insurance complaints (United Kingdom, not Cyprus)
- MoneyHelper (UK government-backed guidance) — What is critical illness cover (United Kingdom, not Cyprus)
Read also: Can I be insured, with my age and health? · What do I declare on the health form? · The health declaration: why honesty protects you · Who sees my medical data? · A chronic condition: can I be insured? · How is a premium worked out and paid? · Waiting periods, exclusions, pre-existing conditions · Beneficiaries in practice
If you would like a second look, book an appointment with an advisor and bring your policy and your questions. You will go through them together, with no obligation.
