Asked to have a medical for private health and death cover

london1990

I exchanged on an apartment in March.

I decided to take out life assurance to include death and critical illness cover from exchange as there is a long gap between exchange and completion and I wanted to cover off the risk of my estate being obligated to complete the sale with no mortgage funds being released in the event of my untimely death before completion. I know it seems far out but I'm quite obsessive with risk and it seems sensible.

I applied through my broker for a life insurance policy. We found one with reasonable monthly payments with Legal and General. I completed the health questionnaire and revealed that I self referred for bereavement counselling three years ago and that I smoke "occasionally" more a social thing which I'm trying to quit.

First of all, I was surprised at the level of questioning I received about the counselling. They seemed to assume I had depression which wasn't what I said on the application. Now they want to do blood and if urine tests and other physical tests on me at home.

I am otherwise an extremely fit and healthy 26 year old. I workout six times a week, I drink maybe once a month if that. I'd probably even go so far as to call myself an athlete as I workout so much.

This seems intrusive and excessive, is this normal is what I am asking?

dunstonh

We found one with reasonable monthly payments with Legal and General.

When anyone every mentions L&G and estate agent it nearly always turns out to be a tied agent of L&G. Not a great way to buy your insurances.

This seems intrusive and excessive, is this normal is what I am asking?

They go by how you answer the questions. They may well of contacted your GP and depending on how he/she answered, this may be why they are asking for more.

starrystarry

The medical may just be routine requirement due to the level of cover you've applied for. It's probably nothing to do with your smoking or counselling. Contact L&G and ask them why they need a medical.

Weighty1

All insurers have "non-medical limits". These limits trigger certain requirements based on a clients sum assured and age. The higher the level of cover the more likely it is that an applicant would need a medical examination and/or a doctors report. Don't be overly concerned with this request.

In regards to the bereavement counselling this is a line of questioning that most insurers would take. They are just ensuring that it was nothing more severe than bereavement counselling.

In regards to the choice of insurer. Legal & General have pretty much the LEAST comprehensive critical illness policy on the plan. Ask your mortgage broker why they recommended them. I'd be expecting that like Dunstonh suggests they are tied to L&G. Either that, or they simply don't know which providers offer the better critical illness policies.

london1990

Thanks for this reply, it is much appreciated.

Are you able to recommend a product yourself?

Weighty1

london1990 wrote: »

Thanks for this reply, it is much appreciated.

Are you able to recommend a product yourself?

Not on here I'm not. All regulated advisers are required to "know your client" before a recommendation can be made so unfortunately you'll never find an actual recommendation on these pages, just points of discussion.