What is an example of a health-related underwriting factor?

A health-related underwriting factor refers to specific information about an individual's health that insurers use to assess the risk of insuring that person and determining premiums. Family medical history is a significant health-related factor because it provides insight into the hereditary conditions that could affect the individual's future health. For example, if many family members have had chronic illnesses, it can indicate a higher risk of similar health issues for the individual, influencing the underwriting decision.

In contrast, while financial status, occupation, and credit score can play roles in the overall underwriting process, they are not specifically related to health. Financial status may indicate the ability to pay premiums, occupation can influence risk based on job-related hazards, and credit scores often reflect financial responsibility, but none of these directly provide insight into health conditions that may impact life insurance coverage. Thus, family medical history stands out as a direct indicator of potential health risks.